In the first month of being in Saigon / Ho Chi Minh we started to explore, this meant a visit to the Saigon Post Office.
The post office is called many different names by the locals, visitors and also by all the websites have information on it.
Here are a few variations for you.
- Saigon Post Office
- Saigon Central Post Office
- Ho Chi Minh City Post Office
- Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office
- Central Post Office
But pretty much if you type into Google Maps any variation of the above while you are in Ho Chi Minh City you will get directions to the post office.
We walked to the Saigon Post Office for the first time after visiting The Independence Palace.
Walking from the palace you first spot the Saigon Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral and then around the corner from this is the Saigon Post Office.
This building is an important part of Ho Chi Minh’s history as it has been around since the late 1800’s.
Here is a bit of background history for you (and a few facts) behind the post office building before I write about what it is now.
Front View of the Saigon Post Office
Saigon Post Office History
The Saigon Post Office is one of the oldest buildings in the city and was constructed between 1886 and 1891.
The original temporary Saigon Post Office was across the square in the treasury building.
The buildings influences are a mix of French, Gothic and Renaissance and has recently just been painted.
There are mixed messages about who designed the Saigon Post Office.
What I have read so far (and what seems to be the truth) is the post office was designed by Alfred Foulhoux.
Although on many websites the design work gives credit to Gustave Eiffel and also another story is a collaboration between Alfred Foulhoux and Auguste Henri Vildieu.
There used to be a statue of the Greek messenger goddess Iris in the middle of the main entrance and this was removed in the 1950s to create more room.
The main back wall also had the Saigon City coat of arms hanging on it and this was replaced by the painting of President Ho Chi Minh which you see now after reunification.
There are two statues in the gardens outside and you will see these as you approach the building.
These were put there in 1998 to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of Saigon / Ho Chi Minh.
Other than the above it is hard to find out anymore facts about the Saigon Post Office.
I’m sure those old walls could tell a few stories though.
Inside the Saigon Post Office Building in Ho Chi Min
Inside the Saigon Post Office
When I first approached the building I thought this place is massive and that it wouldn’t look strange at all being located on the outskirts of the Arc de Triomphe Roundabout in Paris.
The big clock on the front face, yellow building with white, green and brown trimmings makes the old building look good for any photo or postcard to send back to friends and family.
Walking up the steps you get your first glimpse of inside the post office and realise how amazing this place is.
It’s like stepping back in time and definitely wouldn’t look out of place in any movie scene.
The high ceiling and the layout of the post office gives you a glimpse into what a real post office would’ve been like.
Painted Maps and Old Phone Booths ATMs
There are old phone booths that have been converted to ATM machines either side of the main entrance foyer.
Above these phone booths are two maps.
One is Saigon and its surrounding areas in 1892 and the other is the Telegraphic Routes through South Vietnam and Cambodia from 1936.
Stalls either side up a small set of stairs when you enter and also lots of other stalls where you can buy stuff in the centre of the building.
In the entrance area where the phone booths are there are chairs to have a rest, take in the grandeur and, of course, people watch.
While you sit you may be approached by local kids practicing their English skills, this has happened a few times now.
Don’t worry, their parents and the rest of their family are usually around too keeping an eye on things.
So be helpful if you can!
Front entrance side view of the Saigon Central Post Office
Is it still a Post Office?
Yes, it still runs as a post office so you can send your mail from there.
It’s amazing it is still running as a functioning post office even though there are tourists and locals everywhere inside.
Where is the Saigon Post Office?
You’re in luck, it’s easy to find and if you are visiting the other sites in Ho Chi Minh the Saigon Post Office is walking distance from most.
So the Saigon Post Office is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
A word of warning too for you.
In our last walk to the post office from the War Remnants Museum a family member had a gold necklace snatched from around their neck by a man on a motorbike.
When walking between the tourist attractions make sure to have all your belongings close to your body and keep your wits about you as people or motorbikes try come past.
The snatch happened with a motorbike going past on the sidewalk, one a diversion and the other the grabber.
So be wary and vigilant with your personal safety and also safety of your bags as it would be horrible to lose your passports and money in one go.
Here is the address and contact details for you, also a link to the Google Maps page if you just want to click through and find the post office.
Saigon Post Office
2 Paris Commune Street,
District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Google Maps Link for the Post Office
Phone 08 3827 1208
Opening Hours
7am to 6pm
Price
There is no Entry Fee for the Saigon Post Office, it’s free!
There you have it, it’s a nice little look back in history of this old city if you can make it to the Saigon Post Office.
And it doesn’t take you long to get there and have a look.
Keep checking back here for more things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh.
