Visit Saigon Central Post Office: A Timeless French Colonial Gem

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Central Post Office is one of Southeast Asia’s oldest functioning post offices and a rare example of colonial-era architecture still in operation. More than a historic landmark, it preserves Vietnam’s postal and communication heritage. A visit offers a glimpse into the past while still allowing visitors to send postcards, bridging history with the present.

Saigon Central Post Office is one of Southeast Asia’s oldest functioning post offices (Source:Internet)

1. 10 Information You Must know Before Visit Saigon Central Post Office

Before immersing yourself into the timeless beauty of Saigon Central Post Office, take a moment to explore these 10 essential facts. From its historic architecture to its still-operating postal services, these details will enrich your experience.

2. Ways to Get to Saigon Central Post Office 

Saigon Central Post Office is located in the heart of District 1, making it easy to reach by various means of transportation. Whether you prefer convenience, affordability, or a scenic route, here’s how to get there.

2.1. By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Be)

Taking a taxi or booking a ride through apps like Grab or Be is the most comfortable and hassle-free way to reach Saigon Central Post Office Vietnam. Simply enter “Saigon Central Post Office” in the app, and your driver will take you directly to the entrance.

Estimated cost:

• From Tan Son Nhat Airport: 120,000 - 180,000 VND (USD 5 - USD 8).

• From Ben Thanh Market: 30,000 - 50,000 VND (USD 1.5 - USD 2.5).

Tourists can easily book a Grab ride to reach Saigon Central Post (Source: Internet)

2.2. By Motorbike or Scooter

If you enjoy the freedom of riding through the city streets, traveling to Saigon Central Post Office by motorbike or scooter is a great option. You can easily rent a motorbike, scooter  from some brands like: Moto Go, DC Motorbike, 13535 for a quick and affordable ride. Navigating Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike gives you the flexibility to explore nearby attractions by yourself. 

Estimated cost:

• Rental: USD 5 - USD 10 per day.

• Parking: Available at Notre Dame Cathedral or Book Street for 5,000 – 10,000 VND.

Tip: Be mindful of traffic, as the city’s roads can be chaotic, especially for first-time riders. And always wear a helmet. 

Tourists can travel Saigon Central Post Office by renting motorbikes or scooters (Source: Internet)

2.3. By Walking (Recommended for Nearby Travelers)

For those already exploring District 1, walking to Saigon Central Post Office is a convenient and enjoyable option. The area is pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to take in the city's colonial architecture and vibrant street life along the way.

Walking distance of several major landmarks:

• Notre Dame Cathedral: 1 minute walk.

• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: 10 minute walk.

• Ben Thanh Market: 15 minute walk.

Tip: The sidewalks in Ho Chi Minh City can be uneven or crowded, so wear comfortable shoes and stay aware of your surroundings.

If you're staying nearby, walking to Saigon Central Post Office is a great way to explore the city at a relaxed pace (Source: Internet)

2.4. By Public Bus

Taking a public bus is the most budget-friendly way to reach Saigon Central Post Office, but it may not be the most convenient for tourists due to unfamiliar routes and limited English signage.

The nearest bus stop, Cong Xa Paris Station, is located right in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, just a 1 minute walk from the post office. To find the right bus, you can either ask locals for guidance or use the BusMap app or Google map to check routes in real-time.

Bus routes to take:

• Bus 04, 06, 19, 30, 36 (from various districts in the city).

• Fare: 5,000 - 7,000 VND (USD 0.20 - USD 0.30) per ride.

Tip: If you travel from outside District 1 taking a Grab or taxi is often the easiest option for tourists.

Tourists can take a budget-friendly bus to Saigon Central Post Office (Source: Internet)

3. The Long-Established History of Saigon Central Post Office

The Saigon Post Office is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks, standing for over 130 years. Built during the French colonial era, it was more than a communication hub, remaining a striking symbol of the city's architectural and historical heritage.

Saigon Central Post Office in the Past (Source: Internet)

The post office issued the first stamps in 1864 (Source: Internet)

4. Architectural Highlights of Saigon Central Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office captivates visitors with its distinctive architectural charm, where elegant French design meets Vietnamese cultural influences. From its grand façade to intricate interior details, every element tells a story of history and artistry. Here are the most remarkable architectural features you shouldn’t miss:

4.1. French Colonial Design with European Influences

The Saigon Central Post Office stands as a remarkable testament to French colonial architecture, showcasing a harmonious blend of European influences. Designed in the Neo-Renaissance style, this 19th-century masterpiece draws inspiration from grand European train stations of its time. 

Middlesbrough Railway Station in 19th-century (Source: Internet)

Check–in infront of Saigon Central Post Office (Source: Internet)

Moreover, this place appeals to people because its vibrant yellow facade, accentuated by crisp white trimmings, creates a striking visual contrast, making it a true icon in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The intricate detailing on the vaulted ceilings and the symmetrical layout evoke a sense of timeless grandeur, transporting visitors to an era of architectural splendor.

The blue windows, paired with the yellow paint, create an impressive contrast (Source: Internet)

Another defining feature of the Saigon Central Post Office is its series of arched windows, a hallmark of classical French architecture. Its arched windows, delicate ironwork, and ornate moldings reflect the classical charm of French design, blending functionality with artistic finesse.

The names of French inventors pivotal in telegraphy and electricity are put between the old green windows (Source: Internet)

Name of Alessandro Volta – an Italian chemist and physicist who was a pioneer of electricity and power (Source: Internet) 

Floor tiles featuring distinctive border patterns, radiating a charming vintage style (Source: Internet) 

4.2. Grand Arched Entrance & Ornate Facade

The entrance of the Saigon Central Post Office makes a striking impression with its grand arched gateway, adorned with intricate floral carvings and artistic relief sculptures inspired by the Neo-Renaissance style. Every detail exudes the classic elegance of French architecture, blending grace and grandeur in perfect harmony. Stepping through its archway feels like entering a European palace, a timeless masterpiece nestled in the heart of Saigon.

Arched architecture commonly seen in French buildings (Source: Internet)

Perched above the grand archway, the large clock stands as a timeless emblem, bearing witness to the many historical shifts since the building’s inception. The Saigon Post Office is not just an aesthetic feature, it also embodies the connection between past and present, inviting every visitor to pause and feel the gentle passage of time.

The exterior facade of the post office is a harmonious fusion of French design principles and Vietnamese cultural adaptations (Source: Internet) 

The exterior facade of the post office is a harmonious fusion of French design principles and Vietnamese cultural adaptations. The balance of symmetry, color, and intricate ornamentation preserves the elegance of Western architecture while embracing local influences. This seamless blend makes the building not just a historical landmark but a cultural icon, capturing the unique essence of Ho Chi Minh City.

4.3. Stunning Interior with a Vaulted Ceiling

The Saigon Central Post Office boasts a stunning interior with a soaring vaulted ceiling, exuding timeless elegance. Its grand architecture blends French colonial style with intricate details, creating a sense of space and grandeur. The high, arched ceiling draws the eye upward, highlighting the building's impressive design. 

Visitors are immediately captivated by its high barrel-vaulted ceiling, elegantly supported by intricate ironwork columns (Source: Internet)

4.4. Historical Maps of Saigon from the 1800 on the Wall

Inside the Saigon Central Post Office Vietnam, two large antique maps are displayed on the walls, offering a rare historical perspective on the city’s development. These maps are not merely decorations – they serve as a visual record of Saigon’s postal and telecommunication network during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The first, “Saigon et ses environs 1892”, is a detailed map of Saigon and its surrounding areas, illustrating the city's layout under French colonial rule. The second, “Lignes télégraphiques du Sud Vietnam et Cambodge 1936”, traces the telegraph lines that connected Southern Vietnam and Cambodia, highlighting the region's early communication infrastructure.

The map “Saigon et ses environs 1892” reflects the Saigon layout during the colonial era (Source: Internet)

The map “Lignes télégraphiques du Sud Vietnam et Cambodge 1936” reflects the telegraph line connecting Southern Vietnam and Colombia (Source: Internet)

Both maps are located on either side of the grand hall, positioned just beneath the barrel-vaulted ceiling. Their presence emphasizes the post office’s role in Saigon’s history, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's past as a bustling communication hub.

4.5. Vintage Wooden Telephone Booths

Vintage wooden telephone booths have been well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the early days of Vietnam’s telecommunications system. Once used for long-distance calls in the early 20th century, these booths stood as a symbol of an era when telephones were a rare and luxurious means of communication.

The vintage wooden telephone booths at the Saigon Central Post Office offer a charming glimpse into the past (Source: Internet)

Though no longer in use, they have retained their original charm, making them one of the few remaining relics of the country’s early communication history. With their classic design and nostalgic significance, these wooden booths have become a popular photography spot, transporting visitors back to a time before the digital age.

One of the phone booths is used as a mailbox (Source: VN Express)

4.6. Iconic Portrait of Ho Chi Minh 

One of the most striking features inside the Saigon Central Post Office is the large portrait of President Ho Chi Minh, displayed prominently in the central hall above the main counter. This portrait serves as a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s transition from French colonial rule to independence, representing the country’s identity.

The large portrait of President Ho Chi Minh, displayed prominently in the central hall above the main counter (Source: Internet)

The placement of the portrait within a French-designed building creates a striking contrast, visually reflecting Vietnam’s complex historical journey – from being part of French Indochina to becoming a sovereign nation. The hall’s high vaulted ceiling and symmetrical design naturally draw visitors’ eyes upward, emphasizing the presence of Ho Chi Minh’s image as a focal point.

The “Old Father” is watching his "children" working in the Post Office (Source: Internet)

For many Vietnamese, the portrait is more than just a decoration – it is a symbol of national pride, independence, and resilience. Its position in one of Saigon’s most famous colonial-era landmarks highlights how history, architecture, and national identity intertwine within the city’s cultural landscape.

Mr. Ngo – the city's last professional public scribe, offering letter-writing services to tourists (Source: Internet)

In conclusion, Saigon Central Post Office is more than just a historic building - it embodies Vietnam’s complex historical journey, bearing witness to the country’s colonial past, struggles for independence, and modern transformation. This landmark is a harmonious blend of European architectural elegance and Vietnamese cultural identity, making it a captivating destination for those passionate about history and design

If you’re captivated by Vietnam’s rich heritage and the beauty of French colonial landmarks, why stop here? Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Hue, Hanoi, or Da Lat, and other beautiful land where more historical treasures await. Check flight schedules now!