Saigon Central Post Office: A Historic Landmark
Saigon Central Post Office is located in the bustling heart of the city, featuring an outstanding architectural design and a spacious interior. It has become a fascinating destination for most visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. This structure is also regarded as a cultural, historical, and architectural symbol of the city today.
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Overview of Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office, also known as Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, was built between 1886 and 1891 by the renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel. Situated in the heart of the city, it is one of the most prominent historical and cultural landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.
The post office stands out with its signature yellow facade, large vaulted ceiling, and arched windows that stretch along the roof, creating a spacious and airy interior. At the center of the building is a large clock adorned with elegant decorative details. The floor is paved with polished cream-colored tiles, exuding a sense of sophistication, while two intricately illustrated historical maps of old Saigon on either side of the walls reflect the passage of time. Rows of green cast-iron columns and neatly arranged wooden benches along the hallway give visitors the impression of waiting at an old train station. At the central position, a portrait of the great President Ho Chi Minh adds a solemn touch to the space. Along the corridors, souvenir stalls display postcards featuring Vietnam’s landscapes and people, particularly Saigon, thoughtfully arranged for visitors.
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Today, Saigon Central Post Office continues to provide essential services such as mail and parcel delivery, money transfers, express shipping, phone card sales, and stamp collections. Additionally, it has become a popular tourist attraction where visitors can explore and take photos free of charge.
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What Makes the Clock at Saigon Central Post Office Special?
The public clock at the front of Saigon Central Post Office is designed in a classic style. Made from high-quality materials, it has remained durable and functional for decades. Beyond its practical purpose of displaying time, the clock serves as a striking architectural highlight of the building.
One of its most remarkable features is its large size, with meticulously crafted numbers and clock hands that are clearly visible from a distance. Regular maintenance ensures the clock’s precision and continuous operation. Each chime of the clock can be seen as a reminder of Ho Chi Minh City’s rich history and its continuous development.
Over 130 Years of History at Saigon Central Post Office
The history and development of Saigon Central Post Office are closely tied to the transformation of Ho Chi Minh City over different periods.
- 1860: The French initiated the construction of Saigon Post Office shortly after occupying Gia Dinh. At the time, the Saigon Telegraph Department was established to enhance communication between regions.
- 1863: The official inauguration of the post office marked the first major milestone in Vietnam’s postal service in the southern region.
- 1864: From its early days, the post office played a crucial role in connecting people. In 1864, the first letter with a “stork” stamp was sent, signifying the beginning of a widespread postal service in the community.
- 1886: The post office was reconstructed under the design of architect Auguste Henri Vildeu, with the goal of creating a larger and more elegant building to accommodate the growing demands of the city.
- 1888: As the post office expanded, so did Vietnam’s telecommunications network. In 1888, the 2,000 km Saigon–Hanoi telegraph line was completed, and Vietnam’s first telephone system was introduced, marking a major breakthrough in communication.
- 1889: The Saigon–Bangkok telegraph line was established to facilitate commercial exchanges.
- 1891: The newly designed post office was officially inaugurated, showcasing an impressive and grand structure.
- 1894: The first advanced telephone system was introduced in Saigon.
- 2014: Saigon Central Post Office underwent a major renovation, restoring its original beauty and architectural integrity.
- Present Day: The post office continues to function as a postal service hub while serving as a must-visit destination for those eager to learn about Ho Chi Minh City’s history and culture.
How to Get to Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office is located at No. 2, Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Its central location makes it very convenient for visitors to explore. You can reach the post office using various means of transportation, including motorbikes, cars, taxis, or public transport.
Additionally, several famous attractions are nearby, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Independence Palace, Saigon Opera House, and Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
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Opening Hours & Entrance Fee
- Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 07:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Recommended Visit Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Exploring the Architectural Beauty of Saigon Central Post Office
Exterior Architecture
The impressive blend of elegant French architecture and Asian artistic elements gives this building a distinctive charm. The post office’s grand facade features a yellow-painted exterior, arched windows, and intricate bas-relief decorations, all reflecting strong French influences. The symmetrical design of the building is highlighted by a large central clock, which has been operating continuously for over 150 years, witnessing the many historical transformations of Ho Chi Minh City.
Above the clock, the names and faces of historical figures and renowned scientists are engraved. Some notable names include Benjamin Franklin (U.S. President), Alessandro Volta (Italian inventor), Michael Faraday (British physicist), André-Marie Ampère (French mathematician), Gay Lussac, Oerstedt, Ohm, Arago, Galvani, Foucault, and Laplace.
Interior Architecture
Stepping inside Saigon Central Post Office feels like traveling back in time. The interior resembles a 19th-century European railway station rather than a traditional Asian postal facility. Many international visitors are surprised by the stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, which they may not expect to find in Vietnam.
The first thing you’ll notice inside the post office are two large historical maps displayed on either side of the entrance:
- On the left: Lignes télégraphiques du Sud Vietnam et Cambodge 1892 (Telegraph Lines of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia, 1892).
- On the right: Saigon et ses environs 1892 (Saigon and its Surroundings, 1892).
The arched ceiling, supported by two rows of steel columns, adds to the grandeur of the space. From the entrance, you’ll see a large portrait of President Ho Chi Minh at the center of the hall. The postal service counters are still fully operational, handling letter and parcel deliveries as part of Vietnam’s postal network.
Additionally, the post office houses a souvenir shop selling stamps, books, and decorative items inspired by Vietnamese culture. It also offers currency exchange services for international visitors. The staff here are friendly, fluent in English, and always ready to assist tourists, making it an enjoyable and welcoming experience.
Nearby Attractions to Saigon Central Post Office
Several of Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous landmarks are located within a short distance of the Saigon Central Post Office, making it easy to explore multiple attractions in one trip.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Built in 1877, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most renowned architectural landmarks in the city. With its distinctive Gothic architecture and towering twin bell towers, the cathedral attracts many visitors who come to admire its beauty and take photos.
- Address: No. 1, Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Distance from Saigon Central Post Office: 350m
Independence Palace
This historic palace once served as the residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam until the reunification of the country on April 30, 1975. Today, it is recognized as a National Special Relic and remains a significant historical site in Vietnam.
- Address: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Distance from Saigon Central Post Office: 650m
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market offers a wide variety of goods, ranging from clothing and handicrafts to local specialties. It is considered an unofficial symbol of Saigon, where visitors can shop for souvenirs and savor authentic Saigonese street food.
- Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Distance from Saigon Central Post Office: 1.3km
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
With its open space, lush greenery, and frequent cultural performances, Nguyen Hue Walking Street has become a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists. If you want to experience the vibrant nightlife of Saigon, this is the perfect destination.
- Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Distance from Saigon Central Post Office: 1.6km
Ho Chi Minh city Opera House
This magnificent French colonial building showcases the classic architecture of the late 19th century. The venue is well-equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and acoustics, ensuring a world-class experience for its audience during cultural and artistic performances.
- Address: No. 7, Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Distance from Saigon Central Post Office: 900m
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In conclusion, Saigon Central Post Office is a must-visit destination when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City. Beyond its role as a functional postal service center, it stands as a historical landmark and an iconic architectural masterpiece in Vietnam’s largest city.
Ho Chi Minh City is also featured in most of our tour packages. Please contact SVietnam Travel’s consultants to plan your trip to Vietnam and receive expert advice along with special discounts for early bookings.
