Hotels near Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Central Post Office

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Central Post Office face each other across one small square, which is why they share a single entry here. The cathedral was built between 1877 and 1880 using bricks shipped from Marseille, and its twin bell towers reach 58 metres. A major restoration began in 2017 and has run well past its original schedule, so scaffolding still covers much of the exterior and access to the interior is restricted.

The Central Post Office opposite is fully open and still operates as a working post office. Its barrel-vaulted hall dates from the 1890s, with wrought-iron arches, original wooden telephone booths along the side walls and two painted maps of Saigon and southern Vietnam from 1892. Entry is free. You can post a letter at the counters at the far end, and the stamp desk sells current Vietnamese issues at face value.

Pro Tip: Come between 7:00 and 8:30. The square is small, the light is better before the sun clears the post office roof, and the coaches that park along Cong xa Paris start arriving around 9:00. Check the notice board at the west gate first - the cathedral restoration means the interior may be shut on the day you turn up.