Discover Saigon Central Post Office: A 130-Year-Old Icon of the City

• Culture and History

When exploring the heart of Ho Chi Minh City with Saigon Taste Tours, one landmark that always captivates travelers is the Saigon Central Post Office. More than just a functioning post office, this 130-year-old building is a living testament to French colonial architecture, cultural fusion, and the enduring charm of Saigon.

History of Saigon Central Post Office

The Saigon Central Post Office was constructed between 1886 and 1891, designed by the French architect Marie-Alfred Foulhoux. This was his final major project before his passing in 1892. Foulhoux also left his mark on other colonial-era landmarks such as Dinh Thuong Tho, Dinh Gia Long, and the Court Building.

Although Foulhoux’s life ended shortly after the post office’s completion, his masterpiece continues to stand as one of the most iconic colonial buildings in Vietnam.

The Saigon Post Office beautifully combines neo-baroque European architecture with Asian decorative motifs. The façade is adorned with nameplates of world-famous scientists and inventors who contributed to telecommunications and energy—many of whom were still alive when the building was inaugurated.

Notably, the roofline incorporates Khmer-inspired motifs, adding an Eastern character to the otherwise European aesthetic. This cultural fusion makes the post office not just a building but a reflection of Vietnam’s layered history.

The Impressive Interior Architecture

Step inside and you’ll see why the Saigon Central Post Office was often mistaken for a European train station in old postcards. The building’s steel-framed vaulted roof, skylights, and rows of iron columns reflect the influence of late 19th-century European industrial architecture.

Key Architectural Highlights Inside:

1. Four large iron pillars at each corner anchor the central hall. Each pillar supports four iron rafters radiating outward, forming an intricate dome structure that resembles the vaulting of Western European churches.
2. Elaborate carvings decorate the connection points between rafters and pillars, showcasing the meticulous artistry of French colonial design.
3. Two historical maps adorn the semicircular ceiling: Saigon et ses environs, 1892 (Saigon and its vicinity, 1892) and Lignes télégraphiques du Sud Vietnam et du Cambodge, 1936 (Telegraph Lines of South Vietnam and Cambodia, 1936).

The interior balances grandeur and practicality. Skylights incorporated into the vaulted roof bring in natural light, illuminating the vast hall and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This detail reflects the forward-thinking engineering of the time.

While its structural design is rooted in neo-baroque and Gothic influences, subtle Asian details soften the architecture. Motifs inspired by Khmer temples are found in the roofline decorations, reminding visitors of Vietnam’s cultural context amid French colonial rule.

The long central hall creates an almost cathedral-like atmosphere. The wide arches, tiled flooring, and symmetrical layout emphasize order and balance, principles highly valued in European architecture. Yet, the post office’s functionality has never been compromised: the design allows smooth circulation of people, making it practical as a public building for more than a century.

Exterior Features Inspired by Europe

The building’s pale yellow walls, white moldings, and green louvered windows give it a timeless charm. Rows of arched and rectangular windows evoke similarities with the Colosseum in Rome and European train stations.

The main entrance features a grand arch, crowned by a large clock and relief sculpture. Above the doorway, visitors can spot the inscription “Ho Chi Minh City Post Office” along with the years 1886–1891, marking its construction period.

Standing beside the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, the Central Post Office forms part of the city’s most iconic architectural ensemble. Together, they symbolize both the colonial heritage and the timeless charm of Ho Chi Minh City.

A Living Landmark for Locals and Tourists

Today, the Saigon Central Post Office is still a working post office, where locals send letters and parcels daily. At the same time, it has become a top tourist destination, offering:

1. Souvenirs and handicrafts: from postcards and stamps to hand-painted artworks.
2. Cultural experiences: meeting local calligraphers and artists inside the hall.
3. Architectural photography: capturing the vaulted ceilings, grand arches, and elegant façade.

For travelers seeking to connect with history and culture, a visit to the Saigon Post Office is a must.

Travel Tips for Visiting Saigon Central Post Office

📍 Location & How to Get There

1. Address: No. 2 Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
2. From the city center: It’s right in the heart of District 1, just a 5–10 minute walk from Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
3. From Tan Son Nhat International Airport: A taxi or Grab ride takes around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

🕒 Opening Hours

1. The Post Office is open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
2. It’s best to visit in the morning to avoid large tourist crowds.

🎟️ Entrance Fee

1. Free entry for all visitors. You only pay if you buy souvenirs or send mail.

🛍️ What You Can Do Inside

1. Send a postcard from one of the oldest post offices in Southeast Asia.
2. Shop for postcards, stamps, and local souvenirs.
3. Admire the colonial architecture and take photos under the vaulted ceilings.
4. Meet local calligraphers and artists who often sit inside offering handwritten art.

💡 Travel Tips

1. Combine your visit with the nearby Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (just a few steps away).
2. Because this is a functioning post office, keep your voice down in working areas.
3. Morning light makes for the best photography, especially of the yellow façade and main arch.
4. Souvenir prices are usually fixed here, unlike Ben Thanh Market, so you won’t need to haggle.

✨ Explore Saigon’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems with Saigon Taste Tours—your trusted companion to uncovering the history, culture, and flavors of Ho Chi Minh City.