A Quick Guide to Visit Saigon Central Post Office

If someone asks me to point out a destination that is similar to France. I would say it’s Saigon. Indeed, Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City now, is popularly known as the little of France where you can find out old memories of the country in the past through a variety of tourist attractions. Among them, Saigon Central Post Office would be an ideal place for those who love immersing themselves in European historical ambiance. Here are those things that you need to visit the Central Post Office at least once in your life.

The History

For the sake of communicating among remote areas, Saigon Central Post Office was constructed in 1886 and finished in 1891. It is a masterpiece of Gustave Eiffel, who is an architect of the world-acclaimed architectures such as the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, etc. After that, Marie-Alfred Foulhoux and his assistant were in charge of maintaining and conserving the building after wars.

Nowadays, when the peace is back to Vietnam, this area is not only used for its main function, it also becomes a big hit of tourists when people come to Ho Chi Minh City.

The Best Time to Visit

The opening hours are from 8 am to 6 pm every day. Nevertheless, personally, you should come to the destination in the morning so you can have a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon which is next to the building. Besides, visiting places of interest in the morning can bring you a ton of stunning pictures.

How to Get There

Saigon Central Post Office is situated on no. 2 Paris Commune street, district 1. Because it is right in the hub of the city, you can visit there by different means of transportation. Choices include bus no. Q1 060, taxi, or take a “xe om” via apps like Grab, Go Jek, or Be.

3 Things You Can’t Miss When Visiting Saigon Central Post Office

Say “Wow” at the Main Gate

From outside, the building is so gigantic that is separated into 3 blocks. Specifically, the blocks on the two sides have 16 looping windows for each. The middle block is higher than the others. It is decorated with a big clock and a man symbol right in the middle.

In addition, the whole building is covered in yellow color. A popular color we can see in French-style architectures. In front of the building, there is a huge yard where tourists can easily take a panoramic view of the house.

Blow Your Mind with the Aesthetic Beauty in the Inner Area

From the outside, we might think the building is separated into 3 floors. However, the inner roof is constructed as an arch. Hence, it gives visitors the feeling that this place is spacious and airy. In fact, the house is separated into 3 areas. To describe, the left side and the right one are used to sell souvenirs. Whereas, the main area is the place for people to send mails or goods. If you are lucky, you can meet the old man who is well-known as the last person who writes mails, postcards for those who aren’t able to write for themselves.

Also, there are 2 big maps hanging on each side of the building. One is named Saigon et ses environs 1892, which means Saigon and its surroundings. And the other is Lignes té lé graphenes du Sud VietNam et du Cambodge that means Telegraphic lines of southern Vietnam and Cambodia. Furthermore, right in the middle of the post office, there is an image of Uncle Ho, who led Vietnam to win the Vietnam War and established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Additionally, another great point you can easily see at Ho Chi Minh City Post Office is its antique marble floor.

Return to the Past at the Antique Telephone Post

To remember the old days of the telegraph industry, Saigon Central Post Office put a line of telephone bars at the entrance. Sitting inside those telephone bars, calling people by an old telephone would absolutely immerse your feeling into the antique scenes of the past. Is it interesting? So, let’s give it a try!

Nearby Places You Can Go To?

A morning is enough for you to spend time exploring and taking nice photos of Saigon Central Post Office. Just in case you haven’t decided where to go next, here are some of my suggestions for nearby places that you can consider.

Notre-dame Cathedral of Saigon

The oldest and most well-known cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City is just next by the post office, and it just takes you about 5 mins by walking.

Diamond Plaza

If you find that the hot weather in Ho Chi Minh City drives you crazy, a place for shopping or drinking coffee is a temporary saving way. Diamond Plaza was once a symbol of the city’s luxury. Many people come there to find international fashion brands with a proud in being a customer there. The plaza also has a food court and a nice coffee shop if you need a short rest.

From the post office’s main entrance, you just stick to Paris Community street, head to Le Duan. The Diamond Plaza is just right on this street.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

For people who have children and want to visit a green place right in the hub of the city, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is definitely a good choice. The zoo is at the end of Le Duan street. It takes you about 15 mins to get there.

Independence Palace

The no. 1 destination that you must visit when going to Ho Chi Minh City. The Independence Palace is a witness to many important events in the past, even the two stages of the city, Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City. The house is also near Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, which is at the start of Le Duan street.

Overall, like other historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Central Post Office is a great place for people who are curious about the city’s history from the past to now. Therefore, don’t forget to put this destination into your itinerary when visiting Ho Chi Minh City!

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