Top Exciting Experiences When Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon is not only a prominent architectural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City but also an attractive destination for those who want to explore the city's sacred atmosphere and history. From attending mass to various interesting activities nearby, this place offers many memorable experiences for visitors. Let’s explore the must-try activities when visiting this iconic landmark.

1. Attend the mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral

When visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, you can participate in the daily mass services held here. This is a special experience that allows you to not only admire the beauty of the architecture but also feel the sacred and tranquil atmosphere of the cathedral.

Masses at the cathedral are held at fixed times throughout the day, and if you arrive at the right time, you can join the faithful community in the religious service. Specifically:

• Monday to Saturday: Mass begins at 5:30 AM and 5:30 PM.

• Sunday: The mass times are 5:30 AM, 6:45 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM (mass in English), 4:00 PM, 5:15 PM, and 6:30 PM.

If you're an international visitor, don't miss the 9:30 AM mass on Sunday, conducted in English, which makes it easier for you to participate and experience the solemn atmosphere. Joining the mass is a wonderful opportunity to learn about religious culture while experiencing the historic space and beauty of the cathedral.

2. Check in at the Notre-Dame Cathedral

When visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, one of the must-do activities is to take a check-in photo. The cathedral, with its distinctive Gothic architecture, is one of the ideal spots for capturing photos and preserving memorable moments.

Whether you are standing close to or far from the cathedral, shooting from the front or from the side, each angle will give you a stunning photo. A panoramic shot of the Notre-Dame Cathedral not only captures the timeless beauty of the architectural structure but also showcases the grandeur and prominence of the cathedral amidst the bustling urban space of Saigon.

With its high vaulted arches, sturdy bell towers, and intricate decorative details, each photo will evoke a different feeling, from majestic and imposing to peaceful and serene. Additionally, if you visit in the early morning or evening, the gentle light will add a mystical and romantic touch to your photos.

Here are some great check-in spots when visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon:

• Front view (Directly facing the cathedral): This is the most popular check-in spot, allowing you to capture the full grandeur of the cathedral with its tall vaulted arches and two prominent bell towers. You can stand at the cathedral's gate or in the spacious front courtyard for the best panoramic shot.

• Close to the statues around the cathedral: The cathedral is surrounded by several statues of saints. You can choose an angle near these statues to highlight them and add more meaning to your photo.

• Photo with pigeons: The area around the cathedral often has many pigeons. You can capture moments of playing with the pigeons or take photos with the birds flying around, creating lively and interesting photos.

3. Enjoy street-style coffee

One of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities when visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon is to enjoy street-style coffee. This is a unique cultural experience in Saigon that tourists should not miss.

This style coffee is an outdoor coffee-drinking style where you can sit on the sidewalk, grassy areas, or under the shade of trees, sipping a rich cup of coffee while enjoying the fresh air and the lively atmosphere of the city. In the area around Notre-Dame Cathedral, there are many coffee shops that serve this style of coffee, creating a perfect space for you to relax and admire the historic cathedral.

You can choose a comfortable spot to sit and savor a cup of iced coffee, iced milk coffee, or even a famous egg coffee from Saigon. In the early mornings or evenings, when the light is gentle and the air is cool.

4. Feed the pigeons

One of the must-do activities when visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon is feeding and playing with the pigeons. The pigeons here are very friendly and approachable, often flying around you and coming close when they see food.

Tourists can buy birdseed or pigeon food from nearby stalls and enjoy the fun experience of feeding these cute birds. This activity not only brings joy but also offers a great opportunity to take beautiful photos with the pigeons surrounding you, creating a lively and interesting scene.

5. Try street food near the cathedral

Near Notre-Dame Cathedral in Saigon, you can easily enjoy many typical Vietnamese street snacks. The surrounding stalls offer delicious dishes such as “Bánh mì”, crab soup, and various types of sweet desserts.

These dishes are not only flavorful but also provide a unique culinary experience of Saigon, allowing you to explore the local street food culture.

Above are the top exciting experiences when visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral. When visiting this place, visitors can not only admire its ancient architectural beauty but also experience the serene atmosphere and enjoy many exciting activities nearby. This is an ideal destination to explore the blend of religious culture and the vibrant life of the city