As a notable tourist attraction, the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office is the largest post office in the country. It was built when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. This is one of the few remaining colonial officials who made their mark on the urban fabric of Ho Chi Minh City.
History of Ho Chi Minh City Post Office
The history of the City Post Office, also called Saigon Central Post Office, began around the end of the 19th century. At that time, Vietnam was part of the French colony in Indochina. In 1863, after France successfully conquered Saigon, the government apparatus wanted to build a very modern communication system. Therefore, the Saigon Telegraph Department was born; this was the forerunner of the later Saigon Central Post Office.
The architect responsible for designing this project was Gustave Eiffel. He was the designer of many world-famous buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower (Paris) and the Statue of Liberty (New York). In Vietnam, in addition to the City Post Office, Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi was also designed by Gustave Eiffel.
On January 13, 1863, the Saigon Telegraph Department was officially inaugurated and put into operation. However, as people’s postal needs increased, the telegraph department at that time was often overloaded. In 1886, this work was rebuilt, still based on a portion of the original work of architect Gustave Eiffel.
The people in charge of building the City Post Office at this time were Villedieu and his partner, Foulhoux. It took 5 years to build, and the new project was officially completed and put into operation. The European, luxurious, and classic architecture has made the Post Office a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. Until now, the building has been periodically maintained to preserve its architecture and postal functions.
Unique architecture of the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office
Ho Chi Minh City Post Office is one of Vietnam’s most famous architectural works. Unlike the above-mentioned French architectural works, the Post Office has many characteristics of European and Asian architectural styles. The overall structure has a yellow tone, which is the original color of the building and the color of the postal industry.
The outlook of the post office
There is a giant clock hanging above the main entrance. Above the clock is a figure of a person wearing a laurel wreath and the words “Post Office of Ho Chi Minh City”. The year of construction and inauguration of the post office was “1886 – 1891”. Surrounded by delicate white embossed reliefs, in the middle is the messenger god Hermes in Greek mythology.
Outside the post office is a giant clock with a classic decorative style
Stretching the front of the post office is decorated with rectangular boxes. Many names of inventors in the telegraph and electricity industries are included here. Among the names engraved on the rectangular plots are the President of the United States, Mr. Benjamin Franklin; the Italian inventor, Mr. Alessandro Volta; the English scientist, Mr. Michael Faraday; and the French mathematicians André-Marie Ampère, Gay Lussac, Oersted, Ohm, Arago, Galvani, Foucault, and Laplace.
Stepping inside the office, there are two painted maps. The first one, located on the left side of the building, is a map of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia titled Lignes telegraphiques du Sud-Vietnam et Cambodge 1892, which translates to “Telegraphic lines of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia 1892”. The second map of Greater Saigon is titled Saigon et ses environs 1892, which translates as “Saigon and its surroundings 1892”.
The “Telegraphic lines of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia 1892”
The “Saigon and its surroundings”.
The most impressive features of the building are the large, round arches at the entrance, and the ceiling. The connection points between the pillar and the iron truss are elaborately designed and carved with beautiful patterns. At the end of the central hall, there is a portrait of former President Ho Chi Minh.
Besides European culture, the architecture of Ho Chi Minh City Post Office is also mixed with Asian features, shown through decorative motifs on the roof inspired by Khmer temple art.
Also, the Post Office still preserves 14 phone booths, divided into two sides of the main hall, to serve residents and visitors who wish to communicate and reminisce.
What to do in Saigon post office?
Admire the unique architecture
City Post Office is one of the very few buildings that still retain its architectural structures from hundreds of years ago. The harmonious combination turns this place into an ancient beauty and the breath of modern life.
Writing letters and postcards
There is a unique service here: hire a public writer. One of the last professional public writers in the city is Mr. Duong Van Ngo. He was born in 1930 and has been working in the office since he was 17, writing letters for those who cannot write for themselves or are confident in their handwriting skills.
In spite of his age, the old man is still diligently working for customers, serving in both English and French. It’s a really interesting way to store past memories in these modern times.
Buying souvenirs
Inside the post office, there are many souvenir stalls selling stamps, pictures, and postcards featuring iconic buildings of Ho Chi Minh City, such as Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, and Cholon Market. At a low price, these gifts are always suitable for both locals and foreign visitors to buy as presents.
Reminisce about the past
For many people, sending postcards from Ho Chi Minh City Post Office to relatives and friends is an interesting way to keep memories in the midst of modern times.
You can also rest on wooden benches polished and varnished, whose lifespan is easily hundreds of years. Entering the post office, you will feel like time is passing much slowly because at any corner, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the old Saigon.
After over a hundred years, the building remains a beautiful and impressive architectural work. It goes hand in hand with Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. Forming an interactive architectural cluster, both of them have been creating a unique highlight for the city.
Useful information
- Location: 2 Cong Xa Paris St, Sai Gon Ward.
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00
- Other tourist spots nearby: Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Bến Thành Market, Landmark 81, Bitexco Financial Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, Nguyễn Huệ Walking Area, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden…
Source: collected by An
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