Notre Dame Cathedral of Sai Gon with exquisite French architecture is considered one of the most beautiful, most important and almost ancient churches here. Almost 140 years have passed since its inauguration and though it has gone through many impacts.
The Notre Dame Cathedral is still intact, becoming a work not only of religious significance but also a symbol of the city, a tourist destination that any visitor to Saigon will not forget to visit.
How Notre Dame Cathedral of Sai Gon is unique?
Notre Dame Cathedral of Sai Gon has a total length of 91 meters, a width of 35.5 meters, the main dome 21 meters high and two bell towers on both sides nearly 57 meters high. The main material is cement, but the exterior is built of greenstone and ceiling bricks. The most unique feature that attracts tourists is the ancient architecture of the interior that is not available anywhere else.
All construction materials from screws, cement and bricks were imported from France by sea. The work was built with a special brick, not plastered, not covered with moss and still remains bright pink.
It is worth a visit Notre Dame Cathedral of Sai Gon
The entire church has 56 stained-glass windows imported entirely from France. These stained- glasses door opening describes characters or events in the Bible. The stained glass panels have a variety of subtle colours that create a very magnificent image.
The church has six bells with six tones, this set of bells was made from France and brought to Ho Chi Minh City in 1879. On the faces of the bells are engraved with very sophisticated patterns. The total weight of the bell set weighs about 27 tons and is electrically controlled below.
Top things to do in Notre Dame Cathedral of Sai Gon
Visiting the interior of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
It seems that every corner of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is very sophisticated and beautiful, has a medieval European style. The walls are red and pink without dust, brilliant glass panels in the sun and many more impressive points that you will be admired if your Ho Chi Minh City tour come here. Take a walk around to discover the secrets inside.
Check-in with Notre Dame Cathedral background
Not only Saigon youth, but almost always tourists love and choose this is as a “virtual living” place. That’s why everyone who has not gone wants to come here once. Whether it’s in front of the church, on the side or from afar, just put the camera on and you get gorgeous pictures.
Feed the pigeons in front of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
If you intend to visit the church, Saigon travel experience advises you to have little breadcrumbs or seeds ready to be able to access the extremely lovely pigeons here. They will be ready to greet and jump in your arms and play with you if you share the food. This will be one of the very fun experiences.
When is the best time to visit Notre Dame Cathedral?
Visitors can come to Notre Dame Cathedral at any time of the day, even at night, still crowded. However, if you want to get inside, you must arrive from 5:30 – 17:00. If you do not attend the ceremony, you also need about 90 minutes to 2 hours to visit, take pictures, drink coffee and eat here.
How to get there?
The location of Notre Dame Cathedral is considered quite crowded, but moving here is not difficult. You can choose from many ways, many vehicles such as bus, car, motorbike or cyclo (if you want to have a fascinating experience while watching the whole street).
If travelling by private vehicle, follow the directions on the road map and drop off at Hoa Binh School, Thong Nhat Hall or Thanh Nien Cultural House.
When travelling by bus, choose one of the following routes:
- Route No. 18: Ben Thanh – Hiep Thanh Market
- Route number 19: Ben Thanh – National University Area
- Route No. 36: Ben Thanh – Thoi An
- Route D1: September 23 Park – Botanical Garden
- Route 49: Tan Son Nhat Airport – District 1
Recommended accommodation
- Orchids Saigon Hotel
- Sophia Hotel
- Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers
- Renaissance Riverside Hotel
- Rex Hotel
- Le Méridien Saigon
You are planning to come to Saigon, to the most impressive city. Take the time to visit the ancient architectural works, to find the ancient and majestic beauty from hundreds of years ago. Saigon is waiting for you with many interesting things waiting ahead.
