January
26.9°C ~ 80°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office
Two French colonial landmarks facing each other: a red-brick cathedral and the grand arched post office with a working counter.
- Location
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Time needed
- 45 minutes – 1…
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Dec – Apr
Overview
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office stand facing each other on Cong Xa Paris Square. Both were built by the French in the late 19th century and remain two of the best-known buildings in the city.
The red-brick cathedral has two bell towers that are easy to spot from many parts of District 1. The post office next door is still a working post office, with a high arched roof, wooden phone booths and a large map of old Saigon on the wall.
Highlights
- Step inside the post office to see the arched ceiling and old maps
- Send a postcard from a working counter
- Photograph the cathedral’s twin bell towers from the square
- Walk on to the Opera House and Dong Khoi street
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Post office: daily, about 7:00 – 19:00 Cathedral: exterior only while the interior is being restored |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
| Best time of day | Early morning or late afternoon |
| Good for | First-timers, architecture fans, photographers |
| Accessibility | Flat square; post office has a ramp at the main door |
| Facilities | Toilets and souvenir stalls inside the post office, cafes around the square |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City by month.
February
27.6°C ~ 82°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
28.6°C ~ 83°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
29.3°C ~ 85°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
28.8°C ~ 84°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
27.7°C ~ 82°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.9°C ~ 80°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
26.7°C ~ 80°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
26.8°C ~ 80°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
26.5°C ~ 80°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Ho Chi Minh City centre
Both buildings are in the middle of District 1, a 10 to 15 minute walk from Ben Thanh Market or a short Grab ride. They sit on the same square, so you can see them together in under an hour.
- Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office
Tips before you go
- The cathedral has been under restoration for years, so you may see scaffolding and only the exterior
- Early morning is the best time for photos without crowds
- Buy postcards and stamps at the counter inside
- Dress modestly if the cathedral is open for services
Location
Cong Xa Paris Square, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
More attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs
Can I go inside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Saigon?
The interior has been closed to visitors during a long restoration. You can still see the exterior from the square. Check recent reports before you go, as the work schedule changes.
Is the Central Post Office free to enter?
Yes. You can walk in freely during opening hours, and you can buy stamps and postcards at the counters.
How long does a visit take?
About 45 minutes to an hour for both, including time to take photos and look inside the post office.