In the heart of bustling District 1, just across from the red-bricked Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, stands one of the most elegant and historically significant buildings in Ho Chi Minh City — the Bưu Điện Trung Tâm Sài Gòn or Saigon Central Post Office 📮. This architectural masterpiece is not only a functional post office but also a symbol of the city’s vibrant history, colonial past, and cultural heritage 🇻🇳. For visitors traveling through Saigon, it’s an unmissable stop that combines classic beauty, history, and a touch of nostalgia, making it one of the most visited landmarks in the city.
Constructed between 1886 and 1891 during the French colonial era, the building was designed by Alfred Foulhoux — though many often mistakenly attribute it to the famous Gustave Eiffel. The Saigon Central Post Office blends Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial styles, featuring intricate ironwork, green-painted arched windows, and soaring ceilings. As you step inside, the sense of stepping back in time is immediate. The wide hall is lined with old-fashioned phone booths, hand-painted maps of Saigon and Indochina, and beautifully tiled floors that echo with the footsteps of both locals and travelers 📸.
🏛️ Why Visit Bưu Điện Trung Tâm Sài Gòn?
Here’s why this destination is worth more than just a quick photo stop:
🔹 1. Architectural Elegance
The exterior is decorated with classical Roman arches and French decorative touches. The grand entrance features a massive iron clock and curved windows. Inside, the high arched ceiling supported by wrought iron pillars gives the impression of an old European train station 🚂 — a nod to the influence of 19th-century French design.
🔹 2. Historical Significance
This isn’t just a beautiful building — it has served as the central post hub of the city for more than a century. During the colonial period and wartime, the post office played a crucial role in communication between Vietnam and the rest of the world 🌍. Even today, it’s a fully functional post office where you can send postcards, buy stamps, and even use a telegram service 📫.
🔹 3. Portrait of Ho Chi Minh
As you walk inside, your eyes will be drawn to the large portrait of President Hồ Chí Minh at the far end of the hall, watching over the activities of the post office. It’s a powerful symbol that blends colonial architecture with post-independence pride 🇻🇳.
🔹 4. Artisan Shops & Souvenirs
The inner hall also includes souvenir stands and old-school letter writing desks, where local artists sell postcards, stamps, hand-painted bookmarks, and Vietnamese calligraphy. It’s a great place to pick up thoughtful, non-touristy gifts 🛍️.
🕰️ What You Can Do Inside
Though it functions as a post office, the building offers much more than mailing a letter. Here are some activities you can enjoy:
- 💌 Send a Postcard – Choose a vintage Saigon card and send it to your family from the actual historic site.
- 📖 Explore the Maps – Two large hand-painted maps (one of Southern Vietnam and another of Saigon in the early 1900s) adorn the walls.
- 📷 Take Iconic Photos – With natural light flooding in through high windows, this is one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
- ✍️ Write from the Desk of Mr. Duong Van Ngo – An old gentleman who used to sit at the post office helping people write letters in French and English. Though now retired, his legacy lives on.
- 🛍️ Buy Souvenirs – Handicrafts, old stamps, and beautifully designed notebooks are sold inside.
📌 Interesting Facts About Saigon Central Post Office
- 🕰️ It was built during the time of French Indochina, a period that deeply influenced Vietnam’s culture and architecture.
- 🛫 The building used to serve as an international hub for telegram and radio communication during the colonial period.
- 📐 Its design is a fusion of European style and local functionality, adapted for Saigon’s tropical climate.
- 🧭 It stands next to another historic site, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, making the area one of the most photographed in the city.
- 📮 It is still a working post office — meaning it’s not just for tourists but still serves Saigon’s residents today.
🧭 How to Get There
Bưu Điện Trung Tâm Sài Gòn is located in District 1, just a few steps from other major attractions like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, and Book Street.
🗺️ Address:
2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
🚶 How to Get There:
- Walk: If you’re in District 1, it’s walkable from most tourist areas.
- Taxi/Grab: Just type “Bưu Điện Trung Tâm Sài Gòn” or “Saigon Central Post Office.”
- Bus: Many city buses stop nearby (Routes 03, 19, 45).
Book Me Bus go now 😉👇
🕙 Opening Hours:
- Daily: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free!
🗺️ Google Map
🧡 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history lover, or a traveler seeking authentic local experiences, Bưu Điện Trung Tâm Sài Gòn offers a peaceful and beautiful escape from the busy streets outside. Its towering ceilings, vintage charm, and living history make it more than just a building — it’s a cultural treasure. You can send a postcard, admire French colonial artistry, shop for souvenirs, or just sit quietly and imagine the letters, memories, and stories that have passed through this place over the last century ✉️📬.
So if you’re in Saigon, don’t miss this timeless gem. It’s a perfect blend of old-world charm and living heritage — and it’s completely free to visit.
Anna KH 
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