Saigon Central Post Office
A functional piece of living history.
π₯ Recommended
4.4 β (4.7K)
Introduction
Saigon Central Post Office (BΖ°u Δiα»n Trung tΓ’m SΓ i GΓ²n) is an active postal facility and a preserved architectural treasure in the center of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. Constructed in the late 19th century, it stands as one of the city's most prominent examples of French colonial architecture. It serves the dual purpose of being a functioning post office for locals and a point of interest for visitors exploring the city's history.
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The Grand Facade
The building's bright yellow exterior is defined by its elegant arched windows, green shutters, and a large clock. The names of French inventors associated with telecommunications and electricity are inscribed on the facade, grounding the building in the history of technology.
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The Main Hall & Arched Ceiling
Step inside to see the expansive main hall, topped by a grand, vaulted ceiling supported by a green wrought-iron framework. The original patterned tile floors, rows of wooden benches, and the portrait of Ho Chi Minh at the far end create a sense of historical grandeur.
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Historic Hand-Painted Maps
Flanking the main entrance on either side are two large, preserved maps. The first, on the right, depicts the telegraph lines of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia in 1892. The map on the left charts the Saigon area in 1936, offering a fascinating look at the region's past geography.
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Vintage Telephone Booths
Lining the main hall are the original polished wood telephone booths. While the phones are gone and some booths now house ATMs, they remain a popular spot for photographs and serve as a tangible link to the building's 130-year history.
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Functioning Postal Counters
Unlike many historical buildings, the post office is fully operational. You can approach the counters to purchase stamps, send letters, or mail postcards to anywhere in the world, making for a practical and memorable travel experience.
Getting there
From Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 (e.g., Ben Thanh Market area) to Saigon Central Post Office (approx. 1.5 km):
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π Taxi: 5-10 mins | 30,000 - 50,000 VND ~ $1.20 - $2.00 USD
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π Ride-Hailing App (Grab/XanhΒ SM): 5-10 mins | 25,000 - 45,000 VND ~ $1.00 - $1.80 USD
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π Public Bus: 10-15 mins | 5,000 - 7,000 VND ~ $0.20 - $0.30 USD. Key routes: 03, 19, 45.
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πΆ Walking: 15-20 mins. The walk is flat, safe, and takes you past several other points of interest.
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β οΈ Walking is highly recommended as it allows you to appreciate the city's central architecture. The post office is located in a very busy area, so allow for some traffic delays if traveling by car during peak hours.
Hours & Admission
π Opening hours:
- Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Notes: Hours can be shorter on public holidays.
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π« Ticket prices:
- Admission is free for all visitors.
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πΆ Best time to visit:
- Visit early in the morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) on a weekday to experience the hall with fewer crowds and better light for photos. The dry season, from December to April, offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the surrounding area.
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β Recommended duration:
- Allow 30 to 45 minutes for your visit. This provides enough time to admire the architecture, view the maps, take photos, and perhaps mail a postcard.
Tips from locals
Local tips
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βοΈ You can buy stamps and mail postcards directly from the functioning postal counters. It's a unique and authentic souvenir. Use the counters in the middle of the hall for better service than the souvenir shops at the sides.
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πΈ For the best photograph of the entire building facade, stand across the street in the plaza in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. This vantage point allows you to capture the full scale and symmetry of the architecture without street-level obstructions.
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πΆ Your visit can easily be combined with a trip to the Notre Dame Cathedral (directly opposite), the Ho Chi Minh City Book Street (adjacent to the post office), and the Reunification Palace (a five-minute walk away). Plan to see them all together.
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π‘ Take a moment to look at the vintage wooden phone booths. Though now converted, they evoke the history of communication and the central role this building once played in connecting people across the country and the world.
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Be aware
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ποΈ The souvenir stalls located inside the main hall are convenient but are known to be significantly more expensive than shops elsewhere in Ho Chi Minh City. It is best to browse here but purchase souvenirs at local markets.
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π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ The post office is a major tourist stop and can become extremely crowded and noisy, particularly from mid-morning to late afternoon. Be prepared for crowds and keep a close watch on your personal belongings.
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βοΈ While the building is covered, the main hall is not fully air-conditioned and can get quite warm, especially on hot days. It's wise to carry a bottle of water and wear light, comfortable clothing.
FAQs
Is there an entrance fee for the Saigon Central Post Office?
No, entry into the post office is completely free for everyone.
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Can you actually mail letters and postcards from here?
Yes, it is a fully functioning post office. You can purchase stamps and use the postal services at the main counters.
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What are the opening hours?
It is generally open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and has slightly shorter hours on weekends.
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Who was the architect of the Saigon Central Post Office?
The building was designed by the French architect Alfred Foulhoux and was completed in 1891. It is often mistakenly attributed to Gustave Eiffel.
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Is there a dress code to enter?
There is no official dress code. However, as it is a public building, respectful attire is appreciated.
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How much time should I spend at the post office?
A visit of 30 to 45 minutes is usually sufficient to see the architecture, take photos, and experience the atmosphere.
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What is located near the Saigon Central Post Office?
It is directly across from the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and next to the Ho Chi Minh City Book Street. The Reunification Palace is a short walk away.
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Is the building air-conditioned?
The building is not fully air-conditioned. While large fans operate, the main hall can become warm during the hottest parts of the day.
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Are the historic maps inside original?
Yes, the two large, hand-painted maps of the region's historical telegraphic lines and local geography are original features of the building.
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Is it worth buying souvenirs inside the post office?
While convenient, the souvenir stalls inside are generally more expensive than other markets and shops in the city.
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