The Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office ranks among the 11 most beautiful post offices in the world, recognized for preserving its distinctive Western architectural style for over 130 years. Located at 2 Cong Xa Paris Street, District 1, the building was constructed by the French between 1886 and 1891 and has retained much of its original design. Recently, it was ranked second on the list of the world’s most beautiful post offices by the American architecture magazine Architectural Digest.
Designed by architect Villedieu with assistance from Foulhoux, the structure was originally named Saigon Central Telegraph Office and built to establish a communication system in the heart of the city. The building showcases a blend of Western European and Eastern influences.
Architectural Features
The post office features a symmetrical layout with two two-story side wings and a central three-story block, topped by a tiled sloping roof. Its façade is adorned with elegantly arched windows, and the building is painted in a warm yellow tone—its original color, restored during a renovation in 2015—which also symbolizes the postal service.
At the center of the building is a large clock, beneath which are inscribed the years of construction. Surrounding the clock are finely crafted white stucco reliefs, with the Greek messenger god Hermes prominently featured at the center.
Above the windows, you’ll find intricate borders, cornices, and symmetrical floral motifs. Decorative plaques feature the names of famous scientists who made significant contributions to the fields of electricity and telecommunications.
Inside, the architectural design draws inspiration from Western European churches, especially seen in the vaulted ceiling of the main hall. The ceiling’s grand arches are supported by four iron pillars, one at each corner of the central space.
Flanking the entrance are two large historical maps:
-
“Saigon et ses environs 1892” (Saigon and its surroundings, 1892)
-
“Lignes télégraphiques du Sud Vietnam et du Cambodge 1936” (Telegraph lines of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia, 1936)
Antique chandeliers hanging from the ceiling add to the building’s vintage charm.
A Harmony of East and West
Beyond its European roots, the post office also integrates Asian elements, most notably in the roof decorations inspired by Khmer temple art.
Two public phone booths stand on either side of the main hall, once essential for communication, now offering a nostalgic charm for visitors. Despite its age, the post office still functions as a working postal facility, serving the public’s mailing needs.
Moreover, it is a popular tourist destination, often bustling with both domestic and international visitors. Part of the main hall has been transformed into a souvenir shop to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
Note when visiting Sai Gon Central Post Office Ho Chi Minh City
To have an enjoyable experience when visiting Sai Gon Central Post Office Ho Chi Minh City, you can “pocket” some of the following notes:
- Opening hours: The post office is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. Please choose a suitable schedule for yourself to explore and experience freely.
- Do not bring food and drinks inside: You should leave food, drinks and garbage outside to avoid causing pollution, affecting hygiene, and keeping the surrounding space clean and beautiful.
- Security regulations: To ensure safety, you should comply with security regulations and should not bring items such as knives, swords, explosives, poisons, or items that are dangerous to others.
- Security regulations: To ensure safety, you should comply with security regulations and should not bring items such as knives, swords, explosives, poisons, or items that are dangerous to others.
