Ho Chi Minh City Tours: Notre Dame Cathedral Mass Times & Tips 2025

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Mass Schedule 2025 (With English Mass Highlight)

Lying at Cong Xa Paris, District 1Ho Chi Minh, the cathedral regularly offers daily services without any breaks, yes, even when it was renovated! In 2025, the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Mass Schedule continues to be lively and well attended, hosting both locals and tourists under its famously high spires and the approving eyes of the redolent statue of Our Lady.

Below is the official 2025 Mass schedule:

Highlight: The 9:30 AM Mass on Sunday in English is a tourist favorite! It’s under the great stained glass windows in the main hall, where the sun dances on stone centuries old and tells stories of devotion. Arrive a little early, this is a popular time slot, especially among other nguoi ham mo of sacred architecture and history.

Pro Tip: Not Catholic? No problem! Coming to a mass time here is a lovely cultural experience. Just sit still and take it, let the moment take you along, and be moved. That’s why it’s one of the best Ho Chi Minh things to see, along with Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Opera House, and the nearby Saigon Central Post Office.

Architecture Highlights That You Can Still Admire

Timeless Red Bricks from Marseille

What is the first thing that hits you? Those sun-baked red bricks from Marseille. Brought over from France in the 1880s, they were laid without plaster, and yet, over 140 years later, they are still smooth, clean, and beautifully jazzy. No moss, no decay. No high-tech equipment or expensive materials aided their journey, just natural human stamina and French craftsmanship blossoming under Saigon’s tropical sun.

Red Bricks from Marseille (Source: scootersaigontour)

Bell Towers That Touch the Sky

Look up and gape at the twin bell towers, which are 57 meters high. In the towers dwell six cast-bronze bells, which were made in France and brought to Saïgon in 1879. On regular days, you might catch one. But on certain special days like Christmas Eve, these bells chime together with a full ringing that can be heard in one clear voice up to 10 kilometers through the city streets! It’s not just sound; it’s a party in the air.

These towers were not part of the original church. Added in 1895 under Architect Gardes, they raised not only the cathedral’s structure but its stature as well.

Bell Towers (Source: saigonlocaltour)

A Swiss Clock That Defies Time

Tucked between the bell towers is one of Saigon’s most venerable pieces of machinery, a 1-ton Swiss-made clock installed in 1887. More than 100 years later, it still keeps perfect time. But it’s hardly surprising that locals regard the place as a soothing than tuong of reliability in the ever-pulsing heart of their city.

A Swiss Clock (Source: newstuoitre)

The Iconic Statue of Our Lady

Now you can go outside and focus on the centre of the Paris Commune Square. There you’ll find the statue of Our Lady, installed in 1959 by Joseph Pham Van Thien, carved from Italian white granite. She stands tall, 4.6 meters high, holding a globe topped with a cross, her eyes lifted in prayer for world peace.

This statue of Our Lady is more than just beautiful artwork, it’s a symbol of hope. Thousands streamed into the square in 2005 after rumors circulated that she had shed a tear. Whether miracle or myth, the moment made this a personal pilgrimage site for many nguoi ham mo of the sacred and the secret.

The Iconic Statue (Source: acnoshotel)

Visiting Hours & Rules (Updated 2025)

 General Opening Hours (Mon-Sat)

• 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

These are the hours when the church’s exterior and Paris Commune Square are most accessible for sightseeing and photos. Admittance inside the cathedral, however, is restricted to official Mass times.

And now, let’s get to something that every traveler should take note of – the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Mass Schedule! You will need it not only to go to Mass, but to gain entry to the interior of the cathedral itself. If you’re not entering to pray, security will politely ask you to wait outside.

Entry During Mass Only

Want to go inside? Be sure to time your visit around one of the following mass times from the official Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Mass Schedule. From the weekday 5:30 AM Mass or the very popular 9:30 AM English gathering on Sundays, attending during these times is the only time you can step inside this landmark house of prayer. Tourists who visit for photos only or to sightsee will not be allowed inside during off-Mass hours.

Photography & Dress Code

In deference to this sacred space and the people who gather to glorify God in prayer, taking photographs inside the cathedral is not permitted. But feel free to snap the lovely, lavishly stained glass windows, red brick facade, and the architecture in the neighborhood from the outside. The statue of Our Lady at the front square is a beautiful place to stop for snaps – even better at sunrise!

As for the dress code, we must wear modest clothes. No sleeveless shirts, no shorts, no sensational outfits. This is a house of prayer, not a fashion photo shoot. Proper attire is respectful and prevents disappointment at the door.

Security Notes

Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon has been under heightened security in recent years. Many have faced refusal of entry even during mass time if they appear to be looking around instead of coming for service. To avoid confusion:

• Let them see that ye are decent in appearance, modest in behavior.
• You are at a Mass if the security guard asks.
• Get there five minutes before mass starts.
• If you can sneak into that congregation, do, even if just for a few minutes of silence and some time to ponder.

Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon (Source: wikipedia)

Top Nearby Attractions for 2025 Sightseeing

Saigon Central Post Office – 1 minute walk (50 meters)

• Address: 2 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, TP. Ho Chi Minh

This grand yellow structure is located just across the square from the cathedral. Known for arched ceilings, French colonial touches, and mail services that still operate, the building is not just photogenic but also an emblem of Vietnam’s history of mail.

Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) – 5 minutes walk (400 meters)

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh, Quan 1, TP. Ho Chi Minh

This was the residence and workplace of the President of South Vietnam. Underground war bunkers, a helipad, and lavish 1970s furnishings are waiting inside. It’s a jarring juxtaposition to the spiritual tranquillity of the cathedral and is essential viewing for history buffs.

Nguyen Van Binh Book Street – 2 minutes walk (120 meters)

• Address: Nguyen Van Binh, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, TP. Ho Chi Minh

This picturesque pedestrian street with bookshops and a tree-shaded café has a sense of a reader’s retreat. It’s the ideal next step after morning mass time or gazing up at the statue of Our Lady in front of the church.

War Remnants Museum – 9 minutes walk (750 meters)

• Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Phuong 6, Quan 3, TP. Ho Chi Minh 

Among the most-visited museums in Vietnam, this is the palace where you’ll gain thorough (and often quite emotional) perspectives on the Vietnam War. With photo displays, American military assets on display, and the chilling tiger cages, it adds context to the resilience of today’s Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum – 7 minutes walk (600 meters)

• Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, TP. Ho Chi Minh

Housed in the former colonial palace, this museum tells the cultural and revolutionary story of the city, from the times of Kuaxilan to the Spanish invasion of the Mexica capital. From ancient artifacts to old documents, it’s a quiet gem that gets overlooked.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum (Source: tripadvisor)

Conclusion

Shrouded in scaffolding, Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon still stands as an iconic symbol of faith and heritage in District 1, Ho Chi Minh. And yet with the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Mass Schedule, you can still attend Mass, gleam with pride toward the statue of Our Lady, and find a place of spiritual serenity even in the hustle and bustle of the city. You cannot miss this hallowed stop, it’s really one of the Ho Chi Minh things to see in 2025.

FAQ about Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Mass Schedule

What time does the Notre Dame Cathedral open in Saigon?

Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon is usually open for tourists between 8.00 AM and 11.00 AM and 2.00 PM and 4.00 PM, from Monday to Saturday. Visitors are not able to enter inside, except during the time of Mass, and entry into the building is especially restricted due to the continuing restoration work, which should be finished in 2027.

Can I attend Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral?

Absolutely! Mass is open to the public. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Mass Schedule: there is Holy Mass at 5:30 AM and 5:30 PM during weekdays and several turnings during Sundays. On Sunday at 9:30 AM, there’s Mass in English – ideal for anyone from overseas hoping to get some spiritual refreshment.

What time is Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon on Saturday?

Mass schedules are Saturday at 5:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Even though it is done in Vietnamese, all sense of tranquility and holiness can be greatly felt.

Can you go inside Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon?

Currently, public access inside is limited to Mass times, following significant restoration works that will last until 2027. Whenever not in these periods, you can still enjoy the cathedral’s stunning architecture with the statue of the Madonna and its peace, despite the hustle and bustle in District 1 Ho Chi Minh.