Saigon Central Post Office: History, Highlights & Tips from Locals

The Saigon Central Post Office is more than just a place to send a postcard, it’s a living piece of Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial past. Located in the heart of District 1, this architectural gem is a must-see for history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone who enjoys discovering stories behind everyday places.

Designed by Alfred Foulhoux (often mistakenly credited to Gustave Eiffel), the building has served as the city’s central communication hub since the late 1800s and it’s still a fully functioning post office today. Inside, you’ll find vintage phone booths, hand-painted maps, and rows of souvenir stands offering beautiful keepsakes at fair prices.

It’s free to enter, doesn’t take long to explore, and is conveniently located right next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Book Street - making it the perfect stop on any Ho Chi Minh City walking itinerary.

Why Visit the Saigon Central Post Office?

1. A Piece of Living History

Built between 1886 and 1891 during French colonial rule, the Central Post Office is a rare example of 19th-century architecture still actively used for its original purpose. With its bright yellow exterior, arched windows, and elegant green shutters, the façade alone is worth a photo stop.

Step inside and you’ll be transported back in time. The building’s high vaulted ceilings, wrought-iron details, and vintage maps above the phone booths create an atmosphere that blends nostalgia with everyday function.

2. Send a Postcard from the Past

One of the most beloved traditions for visitors is buying a postcard and mailing it directly from the post office. There’s something charmingly old-school about writing a quick note, placing a stamp on it, and dropping it into a box - all under the watchful portrait of Ho Chi Minh at the far end of the hall.

Postcards typically cost 20,000–40,000 VND, and international postage is surprisingly affordable. It’s a thoughtful (and easy-to-pack) souvenir for friends and family.

3. Souvenir Shopping - Stress-Free

Unlike many tourist-heavy markets, the vendors inside the Saigon Central Post Office are relaxed, friendly, and non-pushy. Prices are clearly marked, and the experience is hassle-free - a rare treat in any major city.

Expect to find handmade goods, local crafts, conical hats, artwork, keychains, stamps, and more. It’s a particularly great spot to pick up small, lightweight souvenirs if you're short on luggage space.

Check out our best Full-day and Half-day Ho Chi Minh guided tours (with over 500 5-star reviews) by local experts which include The Saigon Central Post Office.

Essential Visitor Info of the Saigon Central Post Office

• Location: 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hours:
  • Monday–Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission: Free
• Getting There:
  • Walkable from most areas in District 1
  • Accessible via Grab, taxi, or motorbike from anywhere in the city
• Facilities:
  • Working postal counters
  • Clean public restrooms
  • Small convenience stall
  • Airy, naturally lit interior (not air-conditioned)

Plan to spend: 30–45 minutes, or longer if you're browsing souvenirs or sending mail.

Architectural Highlights of the Saigon Central Post Office

From the outside, the Central Post Office stands out with its mustard-yellow walls trimmed in white and green - a hallmark of French colonial style in Indochina. Above the entrance, you'll see a large clock, and along the façade are names of famous French inventors, including Volta and Ampère.

Inside, look up, the interior ceiling was designed with intricate ironwork that resembles a train station more than a post office. Sunlight pours in through large windows, illuminating marble floors and rows of original phone booths.

Don’t miss the two giant hand-painted maps from the 1890s, one showing the telegraph lines of southern Vietnam and Cambodia, the other depicting the greater Saigon area.

Combine Your Visit: What’s Nearby?

Thanks to its prime location in the heart of District 1, the Saigon Central Post Office makes an ideal anchor for exploring some of the most iconic and walkable sights in Ho Chi Minh City. Here’s how to turn a short visit into a half-day cultural loop - no taxis required.

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon (Right across the street)

Though currently under renovation (expected completion around 2027), this iconic red-brick cathedral remains one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Built between 1863–1880 with materials imported from France, it's still a popular photo stop - especially in the early morning when the square is quiet and beautifully lit.

Pro Tip: Step back across the street (toward the post office) for the best wide-angle shots. Even with scaffolding, the towers remain impressive.

2. Nguyen Van Binh Book Street (1-minute walk)

This shady, tree-lined pedestrian street is a hidden gem for book lovers and coffee drinkers alike. Dozens of independent bookstores, art publishers, and Vietnamese-language sellers operate out of modern open-air kiosks - all flanked by laid-back cafés and benches under tamarind trees.

What to do here:

• Pick up local literature or translated Vietnamese novels.
• Browse postcards and art books with local themes.
• Grab an iced coconut coffee and unwind.

Local Insight: Book Street often hosts small exhibitions, weekend events, or book signings - check the schedule if you’re curious.

3. Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) – 10-minute walk

A key site in modern Vietnamese history, this striking 1960s-era building was the former presidential palace of South Vietnam. On April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank famously crashed through its gates, marking the fall of Saigon. Today, it’s a museum preserved almost exactly as it was that day.

What you’ll see:

• Original war command rooms, maps, and communication gear.
• Lavish presidential meeting halls and private quarters.
• A rooftop helipad with a downed helicopter left as-is.

Tickets: 40,000 VND for adults. Plan for 1–1.5 hours if visiting inside.

4. 30/4 Park (Công viên 30 Tháng 4) – between the landmarks

Named for the date of reunification, this small urban park sits between the post office and the palace. It’s a popular spot for students, tourists, and vendors alike.

Tip: It’s a perfect place to take a breather, eat a banh mi from a street vendor, or people-watch under the shade of century-old trees.

5. Hidden Gems & Cafés Nearby

• The Workshop Coffee (inside a colonial building, great ambiance and specialty brews)
• Cong Caphe (war-era themed, with vintage décor and strong coconut coffee)
• Propaganda Bistro (colorful murals, upscale Vietnamese dishes)

Cultural Tip: Street-side coffee culture is huge in Saigon, don’t hesitate to sit on a tiny plastic stool with locals and enjoy cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) for under 25,000 VND and soak in the atmosphere, this part of the city is perfect for slowing down and people-watching.

Tips from Local Experts for the Best Experience There

1. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon

The post office opens at 7:30 AM - arriving before 9 AM means cooler temperatures, better lighting for photos, and fewer tourist crowds. Late afternoon (after 4 PM) is also quieter and cooler, especially if you’re pairing the visit with sunset at nearby Notre Dame Cathedral.

2. Don’t rush – slow down and soak in the details

This isn’t just a photo stop. Look closely at the hand-painted maps, the arched ceilings, the historic phone booths, and the French tiles underfoot. It’s a rare place where you can see colonial-era design still serving a modern-day function.

3. Dress light but respectfully

There’s no dress code, but this is a public institution and cultural site. Sleeveless tops and shorts are fine, but avoid overly revealing or flashy outfits - especially if you’re visiting the neighboring Notre Dame Cathedral.

4. Stay alert in the surrounding area in the Saigon Central Post Office

Inside the post office is safe and well-patrolled, but outside can be busy. Keep your bag zipped and your phone in hand only when needed, especially when crossing streets or standing near street vendors.

5. Mailing a postcard? Bring your address list ready

Buying and sending a postcard is a charming experience here. Have your friends' and family’s mailing addresses saved or written down beforehand to make the process quick and smooth.

6. Great souvenir spot - fair pricing, no haggling

The vendors inside the post office are known for their polite, non-pushy attitude. Prices are fixed and generally better than Ben Thanh Market. Ideal for picking up handmade crafts, postcards, magnets, or bookmarks without the stress.

Final Thoughts: Is the Saigon Central Post Office Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. It may not be the flashiest attraction in Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s one of the most authentic. It combines history, architecture, and modern-day life in a way few places can. Whether you spend 20 minutes snapping photos or take your time to browse, shop, and mail a postcard, the Saigon Central Post Office delivers a rewarding and memorable experience.

If you plan to visit, come with an open heart and a thoughtful mind. And if you have questions before or after your visit, we’re always here to help.

Planning a cultural itinerary through Ho Chi Minh City?
Reach out to us 24/7 for personalized authentic tours, local guide recommendations, or half-day excursions that include the Saigon Central Post Office - tailored to your pace and interests. Let history speak and let us help you listen.

• Office 1: 429A Cua Dai St, Hoi An City, Viet Nam
• Office 2: 14 An Nhon 10, Da Nang City, Vietnam
• Whatsapp/Zalo/Viber: (+84) 905 775 088 (English)/ (+84) 964 056 190 (Chinese)
• Email: venustravelvietnam@gmail.com
• Instagram/Youtube/Tiktok/Facebook: venustravel_vietnam
• Website: www.venusvietnamtravel.com
• Travelers' Choice in 2024 on Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.vn/Attraction_Review-g298082-d12261731-Reviews-Venus_Travel-Hoi_An_Quang_Nam_Province.html
• Top Rated on GetYourGuide: www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=supplier:87597