Saigon Central Post Office

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Location & History

Saigon Central Post Office, which lies in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and is next to the Notre Dame Cathedral, is a must-visit destination for any traveller on their first trip to this city. Built around 1886 – 1891, the post office is both one of the oldest and yet most iconic buildings in the city.
Photo by @NhanNguyen

A Typical Colonial French Building

Saigon Central Post Office is way beyond being a post office as it is also a historic building that has witnessed many life-changing events in the past and played an important role in the connection between Vietnam and the remaining two countries in Indochina, Cambodia and Laos, under the French colonialism.

The construction work of this tourist attraction began in 1886 and completed in 1891 in accordance with the design of architect Foulhoux. Its design is oftentimes falsely credited as being a work of Eiffel or Vildieu. The attraction has yet to stop being praised by foreign travellers, even those from France, the motherland of Saigon Central Post Office’s architecture. This post office is considered a perfect blend of neo-classical European architecture and Asian decorations. The artistic facade of this building encompasses many European elements, including palmette ornaments, Roman arches and windows, as well as beautifully made reliefs.
Photo by @ayafukumott

Postal Services

At the present, Saigon Central Post Office still functions as the central post office of Ho Chi Minh City, with thousands of parcels and letters received and delivered on a daily basis. Thus, if you happen to visit this landmark, don’t forget to send a handwritten letter or a postcard to your beloved families and friends back home.

How To Get There

Saigon Central Post Office is deemed as the centre of the city thanks to its important role back in the colonial period. Its central location allows easy access from anywhere in the city. You can take a local bus to the Central Post Office bus stop from Ben Thanh bus station or hop on a taxi ride, which may cost as much as VND 40,000 (~ USD 2).