Saigon Central Post Office: Discover an Iconic attraction in the center of Ho Chi Minh City
Among all the iconic attractions, Ho Chi Minh City has several excellent museums & sights featuring everything from harrowing images of the war and revolution to tribal and traditional costume. The Saigon Post Office is a Neo-classic European building represents located in the city center.
Saigon Central Post Office stands right across the way from the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City’s striking French style post office is a period classic, designed by Gustave Eiffel and built between 1886 and 1891. Painted on the walls of its grand concourse are fascinating historic maps of South Vietnam, Saigon and Cholon, while a mosaic of Ho Chi Minh takes pride of place at the end of its barrel-vaulted hall.
Note the magnificent tiled floor of the interior post office of Saigon and the copious green-painted wrought iron. Check out Luxury Vietnam Tours
Location: 2 Cong Xa Paris – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Opening hours: 7am-9.30pm
Saigon Central Post Office – A comprehensive guide
Saigon Central Post Office stands as one of the most iconic tourist sights in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing charming colonial architecture featuring Asian characters. It also serves as a beautiful remnant of Vietnam’s past. If you want to send a postcard or admire the architecture of an old era during your trip to Vietnam, this is definitely the place to check out.
History of Central Post Office
The history of the Central Post Office in Saigon commenced during Vietnam as part of French Indochina at the end of the 19th century. On January 13, 1863, the post office opened to the residents of Saigon and issued its first stamp, known as the “stork” stamp. Gustave Eiffel designed the initial version between 1886 and 1891, French architect Villedieu, assisted by Foulhoux, undertook a reconstruction of the building, resulting in the Saigon Post Office that we see today.
The Architecture Features: Exterior & Facade
The Saigon Central Post Office features both European & Asian architecture on its exterior and facade work. The green windows display engravings of key figures from the late 19th century and the inventors who advanced telegraphy and electricity, such as Benjamin Franklin, Alessandro Volta, Michael Faraday, André-Marie Ampère, Gay-Lussac, and Foucault.
Gustave Eiffel designed both the glass marquee and the metal framework. The post office features a distinctive bright yellow exterior framed with white trim. As visitors enter this impressive three-storey building, they are immediately attracted by the elegantly curved windows, green shutters, the prominent clock above the main entrance, and the national flag of Vietnam on background.
Interior layout
The interior layout & architectural designs also features a different style of work. While walking inside the main hall, look at the large metal arches on the ceiling and the wooden counters on the sides. Original wall frescoes are impressive, old telephone booths, the original glue pots for stamps, and designated spaces for mail-writing services contribute to the transportation from Saigon to Europe in early 20th.
In addition, there are two large painted maps on the entrance from 18th century illustrate Saigon and its surroundings in 1892 and the telegraph lines of South Vietnam & Cambodia in 1936.
The portrait of president Ho Chi Minh is another impressive work together with the 38 counters at the interior hall of the Saigon Central Post Office that still here to address all postal and telephone needs. Numerous stands selling souvenirs and postcards, you can get one and send it back to your home-country as well.
Saigon central Post Office → Visiting Tips & Highlights
Without a doubt, the Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see attraction that dominates the city center alongside the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral. Therefore, take advantage of its unique architecture and immerse yourself in the history during your visit.
The Saigon Central Post Office opens from Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 5 PM -Saturday: 7 AM – 6 PM & on Sundays from 8 AM – 6 PM.
Visitors can witness the daily activity going on in the post office, with staff handling letters and parcels throughout the day. Take the opportunity to send a letter or postcard to your family or friends while you’re visiting Vietnam.
Unfortunately, Duong Van Ngo passed away in 2023, he was an employee of the Saigon Central Post Office. In a career spanning over 70 years, he penned thousands of letters sent all over the world. He is also known as the last handwritten letter writer in Vietnam.
Easiest ways to get there
To get to the central post office, take a taxi, or a 10 minutes walk from nearby Bui Vien street & Ben Thanh Market. Here are easier ways to get you there:
By Bus: To visit Saigon Central Post Office by bus, take the buses number 03, 120, 19, 30, 93
Taxi: Probably the most-straightforward way, take a taxi to Saigon Central Post Office. It costs around 50-60K VND for a 10 minutes drive from the Ho Chi Minh City center.
Walking: Alternatively, take a leisurely walk to the Central Post Office and plan to visit the other tourist sights. You can expect a 3-4 hour to visit all the nearby attractions.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
There are few nearby attractions you can combine while visiting the Saigon Central Post Office. Walk across the street stands the Saigon Cathedral, a notable French colonial building is the first thing you notice. Next, Nguyen Hue walking Street to visit People’s Committee building & the attractive Opera House, located within walking distance towards the Saigon River. In addition, the Independence Palace and the famous War Remnants Museum are in the opposite direction. All these landmarks are conveniently located within a 15-minute leisurely walk.
Things to do at Saigon Center Post Office
Send postcards
When visiting the central post office, first buy postcards of Ho Chi Minh City’s sights, such as Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral, from the gift shop. Then, use the mailing service to send them home.
Send gifts using telegrams & parcels mailing service
With 38 counters and English signs, the central post office makes it easy to send gifts and items using old-school mailing services. Additionally, tourists often buy postcards, gifts, and other items at the counters to send back home.