Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Historic Building in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Balon Greyjoy

The Saigon Central Post Office is one of the top sights in Ho Chi Minh City, celebrated for its elegant French-colonial design and vibrant atmosphere. Completed in 1891 using blueprints often misattributed to Gustave Eiffel, this grand structure features a striking yellow façade, arched windows, and an iconic central clock. Located across from Notre-Dame Cathedral, it is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City and remains one of the must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City for architecture lovers and history enthusiasts.

Inside, the building opens into a magnificent hall with a high vaulted ceiling, polished marble floors, and antique wooden counters. Visitors can admire historic maps, a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh, and beautifully preserved details that reflect its late 19th-century origins. Despite being a functioning post office, it feels like a living museum-lively, atmospheric, and full of stories.

History and Significance of the Saigon Central Post Office
Things to See and Do in the Saigon Central Post Office
How to Get to the Saigon Central Post Office
Practical Tips on Visiting the Saigon Central Post Office
Where to Stay close to the Saigon Central Post Office
Is the Saigon Central Post Office Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Saigon Central Post Office
Nearby Attractions to the Saigon Central Post Office

History and Significance of the Saigon Central Post Office

Built between 1886 and 1891, the Saigon Central Post Office was designed by French architect Alfred Foulhoux, though Eiffel's engineering work influenced aspects of the plan. The building stands as a testament to French colonial architecture, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and classical elements into one harmonious design.

It played a crucial role in communication during the colonial period, servicing a growing city connected to a wide postal network. Today, it continues to operate as a post office while functioning as one of the city’s most cherished heritage sites, attracting thousands of visitors daily. Its preserved interior gives a rare glimpse into Saigon’s past while remaining fully integrated into daily life.

Things to See and Do in the Saigon Central Post Office

Visitors can begin by exploring the grand interior, taking in its elegant arches and distinctive green metalwork. The large portrait of Ho Chi Minh at the far end of the hall offers a meaningful cultural touchpoint, while the antique maps of Saigon and the telegraph system reveal a fascinating slice of history.

Souvenir stalls line the hall, selling postcards, stamps, handcrafted goods, and traditional Vietnamese artwork. Many travellers enjoy writing postcards on-site and sending them home via the original wooden postal counters. The post office is also an excellent spot for photography, with soft natural light and beautiful architectural lines.

How to Get to the Saigon Central Post Office

Most international visitors arrive through Tan Son Nhat International Airport, located about 25-30 minutes from District 1. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on Booking.com.

Travellers arriving by rail at Saigon Railway Station can easily reach the post office by bus, taxi, or rideshare. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Driving or taking a taxi into the city centre is straightforward, with parking options available nearby on surrounding streets. The post office’s central location makes it accessible as part of a wider city walk.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Saigon Central Post Office

Suggested tips: Visit early for quieter photos, and bring cash for small souvenir purchases.
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for pleasant lighting and thinner crowds.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: Typically 7:00-19:00 daily.
Official website: Not available
How long to spend: 20-45 minutes.
Accessibility: Fully accessible at ground level with wide pathways.
Facilities: Souvenir shops, postal counters, nearby cafés and rest areas.
Photography tip: Capture the hall from the main entrance to highlight symmetry and depth.
Guided tours: Included in many city walking tours focused on colonial architecture.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and restaurants along nearby Dong Khoi and Nguyen Du streets.

Where to Stay close to the Saigon Central Post Office

For heritage charm and convenience, Hotel Continental Saigon is just a short walk away and ideal for exploring the area. Another excellent nearby option is InterContinental Saigon, offering modern comfort beside many major attractions.

Is the Saigon Central Post Office Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Saigon Central Post Office is absolutely worth visiting. Its beautiful architecture, living history, and central location make it one of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic landmarks. Whether you come to admire the building, send a postcard, or explore nearby attractions, it offers a memorable experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (4,986)

Saigon Central Post Office on Công trường Công xã Paris in District 1 is a striking colonial-era post office with a vaulted main hall, high arched ceilings and classic finishes that visitors say are worth admiring even if you're not mailing anything; it still functions as a post office where you can buy postcards, stamps and souvenirs, use writing tables (bring a pen), drop stamped cards in the small basket, try the photo booth or send parcels, and note that it can get crowded but staff are helpful and there are nearby spots to cool off across from the cathedral.

Claudine Chu

2 months ago

"Visited Saigon Central Post office as part of a tour, so we only made a quick stop. It was quite crowded when we arrived around 2:30 PM. Lots ofpostcards and cute souvenirs for sale inside and outside. There are tables and chairs where you can write your cards, just bring your own pen. Postcards sold inside are a slightly pricey (25k–40k VND each). The nearby Book Market also sells similar ones. If you have time, get postcards at Ben Thanh Market instead. I got 3 for 20k VND, same quality and beautiful designs. Postage costs around 22,500–33,500 VND depending on the destination. The staff are helpful and also sell stamps (mostly 4k, 8k, 15k denominations). Just leave your written and stamped postcards in the small basket near the counter. Tip: Pre-write your postcards if you can, since it’s hot and crowded inside. Leave space for the stamps. Price for a postcard and enveloped greeting card are not the same. There’s Highlands Coffee right outside if you need a place to cool down. Notre Dame Cathedral is just across the street too. Got my postcards after 6 weeks they arrived in great condition with a nice red “Par Avion” stamp...."

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Melanie E

a week ago

"A beautiful French colonial and Renaissance style building that still operates as a post office. It is located across the street from the Notre DameCathedral. There are a few shops selling souvenirs including old coins and stamps. Inside you will see old phone booths and two maps...."

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Ryan

a week ago

"Visited the Saigon Central Post Office today to send a postcard to my friends and ended up picking up a few magnets as well. I decided to maileverything together as a parcel, which cost around 500,000 VND including the postcard. It would be significantly cheaper if you’re just sending postcards on their own. Beyond the mailing experience, the architecture is beautiful and well worth a visit the grand hall, high ceilings, and classic details make it one of the most charming colonial buildings in the city. Even if you’re not sending anything, it’s still a great place to stop by and admire...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Saigon Central Post Office

Yes, it remains a working post office and serves both locals and visitors daily.

Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged, but be mindful of staff and visitors.

Yes, several stalls sell postcards, artwork, and handmade crafts inside the hall.

Nearby Attractions to the Saigon Central Post Office

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A stunning French-colonial church across the square.
Book Street (Nguyen Van Binh): A charming pedestrian lane filled with cafés and bookshops.
Independence Palace: A historic site central to modern Vietnamese history.
Saigon Opera House: A magnificent colonial theatre nearby.
Diamond Plaza: A shopping and entertainment centre steps away from the post office.

The Central Post Office appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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