Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon?
What makes it 63% Baby-Friendly: A stroller fits the flat square and nave aisles, but there are no on-site toilets or changing tables, so caregivers must walk 3 minutes to Diamond Plaza or another mall for baby care.
Positives:
- Stroller-Friendly Routes: The square and park paths are flat and smooth, ideal for pushchairs.
- Free Entry: There is no admission fee for the cathedral, square, or park.
Challenges:
- No Onsite Changing Facilities: The cathedral grounds lack baby-change tables or nursing rooms.
- Crowds at Peak Hours: Midday and weekends can be crowded, making stroller navigation harder.
What is Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon?
- A Catholic cathedral built in the 1880s from red bricks imported from France, exemplifying Romanesque Revival architecture
- Twin bell towers soaring to 58 meters, topped by iron spires and housing large bronze bells
- A preserved French colonial landmark in District 1, featuring a cruciform plan, vaulted nave, and stained-glass windows
What is so special about Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon for with baby?
- Flat, stroller-friendly stroller stroll in Paris Commune Square
- Shaded benches in April 30 Park for feeding and naps
- Free entry to the cathedral and park
- Short Mass inside the cathedral offers a cultural break
- Nearby baby-care facilities at Diamond Plaza
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: A calm walk, short service, and park break fit well into 1–2 hours for a family with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Stroll Paris Commune Square:
Flat, stroller-friendly open area in front of the cathedral.
Tip: Go early (before 8 AM) for cooler conditions and fewer people.
Rest in April 30 Park:
Shaded benches behind the cathedral offer greenery and quiet.
Tip: Use this spot for feeding or a short baby nap under the trees.
Attend a short Mass:
Minimal walking inside the cathedral for a cultural pause.
Tip: Check the service schedule posted at the entrance to time your visit.
Use Diamond Plaza baby-care room:
Free changing tables and a small nursing corner at a 3-minute walk.
Tip: Diamond Plaza opens 9 AM–9 PM; ask the information desk for directions.
Grab coffee on Book Street:
Baby-friendly seating cafés on Nguyễn Văn Bình Street.
Tip: Try an iced coconut coffee (≈50 000 VND) while your baby rests.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
- Visit Early: Arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds and heat.
- Use Nearby Malls: Head to Diamond Plaza or Vincom Center for clean restrooms and baby rooms.
Reviews of Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
nn nhna
Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh – Currently Underwhelming Visited the Notre Dame Cathedral during my trip — unfortunately, it’s under renovation, so much of its charm is hidden behind scaffolding. In photos, it doesn’t quite capture the grandeur you’d expect. Right now, it feels like just another cathedral to tick off the list rather than a highlight. Still worth a quick stop if you're nearby,...
David Lowman
At this point, there’s no reason to go and try to see the cathedral at all. It’s completely covered with scaffolding to where you can’t even see the towers at all let alone get in.
Liam
The church is currently being renovated, so don’t your expectations up. From the side you should be able to see a bit of the style, but it’ll take some time before you can witness the impressive front side.
Richard A Francisco
My timing was a bit off when I visited Notre Dame in Ho Chi Minh. The famous basilica was undergoing a massive renovation and it was closed to the public. I just walked around it and took a pic of the lovely statue in front.
MTC
It’s a pity that it is currently under renovation. I hope that after completion it will continue to show its beautiful architectural appearance and continue to be one of the cultural landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.
When is the best time to visit Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)?
Ho Chi Minh City gets hot and humid year-round. Visit early morning to avoid heat. Bring a rain cover for the stroller during monsoon months (May–October).
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Two coffees at Book Street café | VND 100,000 |
| Street snack (bánh mì or ice cream) | VND 30,000 |
| Total Estimated | VND 130,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Address: 01 Công trường Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)?
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇻🇳 Vietnam, with baby
🇺🇸 United States, with baby
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with baby
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities