Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: School-age kids can count spires, feed pigeons, and pop into the vintage post office next door, yet must stay quiet during services and will find no play zone or restroom inside the church.
Positives:
- Free entry: No admission fee lets the family visit the cathedral and square at no cost.
- Central location: Nearby cafes, parks and the post office add variety in one easy walk.
Challenges:
- No on-site restrooms: The cathedral grounds lack toilets or changing tables—use Diamond Plaza nearby.
- Midday crowds: The square can get busy between 10 AM and 2 PM, which may overwhelm young children.
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 kids?
- Count the twin spires and hunt stained-glass designs.
- Feed pigeons and let kids run safely in the open square.
- Step into the vintage post office for maps and old phone booths.
- Sample bánh mì, fruit or ice-cream from nearby street vendors.
- Catch a 45-min water-puppet show for a cultural treat.
Recommended visit duration: 0.5–1 hour
Why 0.5–1 hour visit duration is ideal for with kids: An hour lets kids count the twin spires, feed pigeons, and explore the nearby post office without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Spire-spotting walk:
Have the kids count the 58 m bell towers and find the French-made stained-glass windows.
Tip: Bring a simple checklist or draw the windows on paper to keep them engaged.
Feed pigeons in Paris Commune Square:
Let children feed the pigeons with small seeds or breadcrumbs in the open plaza.
Tip: Buy seeds from a street vendor or bring your own to avoid long waits.
Explore Saigon Central Post Office:
Step into the vintage post office next door to see old maps and historic phone booths.
Tip: Point out the colorful tile floor and ask kids to find the year engraved above the door.
Street-food snack break:
Try bánh mì, fresh fruit or local sweets from nearby stalls for a quick energy boost.
Tip: Share one snack between two children to sample more flavors at low cost.
Golden Dragon water-puppet show:
Enjoy a 45-minute, child-friendly performance of traditional music and puppets.
Tip: Book tickets in advance and choose front-row seats for the best view.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
- Visit early: Arrive before 9 AM to enjoy the square in cooler, quieter conditions.
- Combine nearby stops: Pair the cathedral with the post office and Book Street on Nguyễn Văn Bình for a fun loop.
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)?
During the wet season (May–Oct), visit in the morning before afternoon showers. In the dry season (Nov–Apr), go early to avoid midday heat and bring sunscreen.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Street-food snacks | VND 100,000 |
| Ice-cream for kids | VND 40,000 |
| Water-puppet show tickets (4) | VND 1,200,000 |
| Taxi round-trip | VND 60,000 |
| Total Estimated | VND 1,360,000 |
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
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