Things to Do at Saigon Central Post Office
Complete Guide to Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City
About Saigon Central Post Office
What to See & Do
Historic Map Murals
Two enormous hand-painted maps dominate the interior walls - one showing Saigon and surrounding areas from 1892, the other depicting telegraph and postal routes of southern Vietnam and Cambodia. They're fascinating glimpses into colonial-era infrastructure.
Eiffel's Architectural Details
The iron framework, arched windows, and intricate metalwork throughout showcase Eiffel's engineering prowess. The green and cream color scheme has been beautifully maintained, creating an elegant Belle Époque atmosphere.
Vintage Telephone Booths
A row of old-fashioned wooden phone booths lines one wall, though they're mostly decorative now. They add to the nostalgic charm and make for great photo opportunities.
Ho Chi Minh Portrait
A large portrait of Ho Chi Minh overlooks the main hall, reminding visitors that this French colonial building has been adapted to serve modern Vietnam. It's an interesting cultural juxtaposition.
Working Postal Counters
You can actually mail postcards and letters from here - the postal workers are surprisingly patient with tourists. There's something satisfying about sending mail from such a historic location.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Daily 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, though postal services might close earlier on weekends. Worth noting that it can get quite crowded during peak tourist hours (9 AM - 11 AM and 2 PM - 4 PM).
Tickets & Pricing
Free entry - it's a working post office, after all. You'll only pay if you're actually mailing something or buying souvenirs from the small shops inside.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (7:30-9:00 AM) or late afternoon (5:00-6:30 PM) tend to be less crowded. The lighting is also quite nice during these times for photography.
Suggested Duration
Plan for 30-45 minutes if you want to really appreciate the architecture and maybe write a postcard. You could easily see it in 15 minutes if you're just passing through.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Literally across the street - a striking red brick cathedral that pairs perfectly with the post office for a colonial architecture tour. Currently under renovation but still impressive from the outside.
About a 10-minute walk away, this is where South Vietnam's government operated until 1975. The preserved 1960s interiors and war rooms offer fascinating historical insights.
The post office sits at the beginning of Ho Chi Minh City's main shopping street, lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Perfect for a leisurely stroll after your visit.
A 15-minute walk toward the river, this elegant French colonial theater hosts performances and is beautifully lit up at night. The surrounding area has some excellent restaurants.
For a complete change of pace, head to this modern skyscraper's observation deck (about 10 minutes away) to see the post office and cathedral from above - the contrast between old and new Ho Chi Minh City is striking.