Things to Do at Saigon Central Post Office

Complete Guide to Saigon Central Post Office in Hochiminh City

About Saigon Central Post Office

The Saigon Central Post Office, known locally as Bưu điện Thành phố, stands as one of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic architectural landmarks. Built between 1886 and 1891 during French colonial rule, this magnificent structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same architect behind the famous Eiffel Tower. The building showcases a perfect blend of French colonial architecture with Gothic, Renaissance, and Asian influences, featuring a striking steel frame construction that was revolutionary for its time. Today, the Central Post Office continues to function as an active postal service while serving as a major tourist attraction. The building's grandeur lies not only in its historical significance but also in its practical beauty - it remains one of the few colonial-era buildings in the city that maintains its original purpose. Visitors can mail postcards home while admiring the intricate architectural details, making it a unique destination where history, culture, and everyday life intersect seamlessly.

What to See & Do

Magnificent Interior Hall

Marvel at the soaring vaulted ceilings, ornate arches, and the spacious main hall with its beautiful tile floors and period furnishings that transport you back to colonial times

Historical Maps and Murals

Examine the large antique maps of Saigon and southern Vietnam displayed on the walls, along with historical murals depicting the region's postal and telegraph development

Ho Chi Minh Portrait

View the prominent portrait of Ho Chi Minh that hangs at the far end of the main hall, a significant addition made after reunification in 1975

Vintage Telephone Booths

Step inside the preserved wooden telephone booths that still function today, offering a nostalgic glimpse into early 20th-century communication

Architectural Details

Admire Eiffel's engineering prowess in the exposed iron framework, decorative clock, and the building's distinctive yellow facade with green shutters

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Monday to Friday), 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Weekends and holidays)

Tickets & Pricing

Free entry - it's a working post office. Only pay for postal services if you choose to mail items

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) to avoid crowds and harsh midday heat

Suggested Duration

30-45 minutes for sightseeing and photos, longer if sending mail or shopping for souvenirs

Getting There

The Saigon Central Post Office is located in District 1 at 2 Công xã Paris, directly adjacent to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. It's easily accessible by taxi, motorbike taxi (xe om), or ride-hailing apps like Grab. If using public transport, take bus routes 03, 06, 07, or 109 to the Notre-Dame Cathedral stop. The building is within walking distance of major hotels in District 1 and is a standard stop on most city walking tours. Look for the distinctive yellow colonial building with 'Bưu điện Thành phố' signage facing the cathedral square.

Things to Do Nearby

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
The iconic red-brick Catholic cathedral built by French colonists, located directly across the square from the post office
Reunification Palace
Historic presidential palace and museum showcasing Vietnam's political history, just a 5-minute walk away
Saigon Opera House
Elegant French colonial theater hosting cultural performances and events, located 10 minutes away on foot
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Pedestrian boulevard perfect for evening strolls, shopping, and dining, stretching toward the Saigon River
War Remnants Museum
Comprehensive museum documenting the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective, located about 1km away

Tips & Advice

Bring your passport if you plan to use postal services, as it may be required for international mail
The building is most photogenic in the late afternoon when the yellow facade glows in the golden hour light
Purchase unique Vietnamese stamps and postcards as affordable souvenirs - they make great gifts and memories
Visit early in the morning to experience the post office as locals use it for daily business rather than just as a tourist site

Tours & Activities at Saigon Central Post Office