Tip from Jin&Tonic
View the vaulted interior architecture and pick up stamps to mail postcards home.
Saigon Central Post Office
Landmark
Saved by 0 travelers
2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
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Overview
Saigon Central Post Office offers full postal services. This historic building sits on Công xã Paris Square. It is located in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The building stands opposite the Notre Dame Cathedral. Construction happened from 1886 to 1891. This was during the French colonial period. Its architecture blends Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial styles. It serves both locals and tourists. The post office functions as a tourist attraction.
The exterior displays a large clock. It sits prominently on the main facade. Bright yellow walls feature green-shuttered windows. The building’s front lists names of French inventors. These include Benjamin Franklin and Alessandro Volta. Many attribute the design to Gustave Eiffel. However, records also credit French architect Alfred Foulhoux. His associate Auguste-Henri Villedieu also contributed. The structure became French Indochina’s main communication hub.
Inside, the main hall features a high, vaulted ceiling. Exposed ironwork is visible. The structure evokes a 19th-century European railway station. Ornate, patterned tile floors cover the grand interior. Original wooden telephone booths remain. A large Ho Chi Minh portrait hangs at the hall’s end. Two large, hand-painted maps adorn the walls. One map shows Southern Vietnam and Cambodia’s 1936 telegraph lines. The other depicts Saigon and its 1892 surroundings.
The post office continues its role in city life. Service counters line the main hall. Staff handle mail and parcels there. Visitors buy stamps and send international postcards. The building also houses souvenir stalls. It provides areas for public services. Its central location makes it a focal point. Visitors explore the area’s historical landmarks from here.
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24 insider tips
Tip from Gimins Ng
Admire the architecture inside the post office, buy postcards, and mail them home.
Tip from 卡姐 becalouest
Admire the arched exterior and step onto the grand front stairs, a prime spot for street photography.
Tip from Patrick Fit
Admire the preserved colonial exterior and step inside the main hall. The interior lacks air conditioning, so bring a personal parasol or fan during hot hours.
Tip from R榮
Admire the yellow European exterior and arched central hall of this 1890 French colonial structure. The building functions as an active post office where visitors can stamp and mail postcards from the counter.
Tip from FluffRecords
Arrive early around 9 AM to pick up souvenir magnets and post letters.
Tip from Liann
Purchase a postcard for around 20,000 VND, write your address, and have the counter staff stamp and mail it directly. Note that the hall can get very warm inside.
Tip from Karen Explores
Walk inside beneath the arched barrel ceiling to purchase illustrated postcards, stamps, and small souvenirs at the central counters.
Tip from Wander Notes
Browse the postcard selection, pick out stamps at the main counter, and write messages at the central wooden desks. Souvenir postcards of the historic facade cost under a dollar.
Tip from Delton John
Step inside to observe the historic French-colonial architecture and vaulted arched ceilings.
Tip from Karla Saints
Step inside to see the arched vaulted ceilings, painted historic maps, and central souvenir tables.
Tip from RIVA
Purchase postcards at the counters to write and mail them directly from the hall.
Tip from Mr.Pin
This historic building offers a functioning postal service within an impressive setting on Công xã Paris Square in District 1. Its position directly opposite the Notre Dame Cathedral allows for viewing two iconic structures together. Note the building's architectural details from its construction period.
Tip from BuuGen
Step inside the functioning post office to view the 20-meter vaulted arched ceilings. Check the interior side walls to see two large hand-drawn colonial-era maps preserved in their original spots.
Tip from Kahlil Alcala
Explore the post office interior. Visitors can send postcards or browse for souvenirs. Note that other areas might offer cheaper souvenirs.
Tip from Travelling Checklist
Admire the French architectural style of this historic building. It functions as a post office and features souvenir shops. Look for Vietnam Post souvenirs inside.
Tip from NALBA TRAVELS
This building features distinctive French colonial architecture. It functions as a working post office. You can send postcards or observe its historical design.
Tip from Ishita Khanna
Visit this historic building, which still functions as a post office. Look for the souvenir shops and small coffee stalls near the entrance.
Tip from Leon and Kathy
Observe the historic interior of the post office. Visitors can still send mail from this location. Appreciate the colonial architecture.
Tip from love,rosie
Observe the French colonial architecture dating from the late 1800s. This landmark still operates as a functional post office. People send letters internationally from this historic site.
Tip from losterah
Step inside this beautiful building. You can send a postcard home or browse for jewelry and knick-knacks. The postcard will take about three weeks to arrive.
Tip from Trip Moito
Note the building's design by French architect Marie Alfred Foulhoux. Admire the high arch ceilings and Victorian-era wooden phone booths.
Tip from Mei Time
This French colonial building features various architectural influences. The high, airy dome provides a comfortable experience. You can send postcards or buy souvenirs.
Tip from Sol Life
This building remains a functioning post office. Purchase postcards and souvenirs here. You can mail items on the spot for a special memory.
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History
- Built
- 1891
Sources: Studocu ↗ · Buu Long ↗
Where it is
2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Questions & Answers
Where is Saigon Central Post Office located?
Saigon Central Post Office is located at 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, directly opposite the Notre Dame Cathedral.
What are the opening hours for Saigon Central Post Office?
Saigon Central Post Office is open daily from 07:00 to 19:00, providing services to both locals and tourists.
What is the architectural style of Saigon Central Post Office?
The architecture of Saigon Central Post Office blends Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial styles, reflecting its construction during the French colonial period.
What services does Saigon Central Post Office offer?
Saigon Central Post Office offers full postal services, including handling mail and parcels, selling stamps, and sending international postcards.
Who designed the Saigon Central Post Office building?
While many attribute the design to Gustave Eiffel, records also credit French architect Alfred Foulhoux and his associate Auguste-Henri Villedieu for the Saigon Central Post Office.
What historical features can be seen inside Saigon Central Post Office?
Inside Saigon Central Post Office, visitors can see a high, vaulted ceiling with exposed ironwork, ornate patterned tile floors, original wooden telephone booths, and large hand-painted maps depicting historical telegraph lines and the city's surroundings.
Can tourists send mail from Saigon Central Post Office?
Yes, tourists can send mail and international postcards from Saigon Central Post Office, as it functions as a working post office with service counters available.
Is Saigon Central Post Office a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes, Saigon Central Post Office is a significant landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, recognized for its historic architecture and ongoing role in city life.
What is the phone number for Saigon Central Post Office?
The phone number for Saigon Central Post Office is +842838221677, available for inquiries during its operating hours.
Are there souvenir stalls at Saigon Central Post Office?
Yes, Saigon Central Post Office houses souvenir stalls within its premises, catering to visitors looking for mementos.
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