SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE
Saigon Central Post Office. Saigon Central Post Office is a popular tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City. The building's distinctive architecture, influenced by Gothic, Renaissance, and French styles, entices both local and foreign tourists.
Saigon Central Post Office Information:
Address: 02 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The opening hours:
Weekdays: from 7 AM - 5 PM.
Saturday: from 7 AM - 6 PM.
Sunday: from 8 AM - 6 PM.
If you have a personal vehicle, there are parking lots near the post office. If you wish to ride the bus, you may choose numbers 03, 06, 19, or 45. They all make a stop on Cong Xa Paris Street, which is just a short walk from the Saigon Central Post Office.
The history of the Saigon Central Post Office:
This post office was constructed in the late nineteenth century when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. When the French took control of southern Vietnam, they built a telegraph system. The system was installed in the center of Ho Chi Minh City to promote communication in the area.
Gustave Eiffel, the renowned architect who designed the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, was commissioned in 1860 to create the initial iteration of the Saigon Central Post Office. The structure was officially inaugurated in 1863.
In addition, the post office released the first stamps with an image of a stork in 1864, allowing mail to be sent from there to anywhere in the world. However, as the number of individuals sending letters and commodities increased, the structure needed to be renovated. In 1886, French architect Villedieu and his associate Foulhous renovated the structure. As a consequence, the final remodeling created the appearance of the Saigon Post Office we know today.
The postal system's construction combines neoclassical European architecture with Asian ornamentation. It is a historic structure that has stood for almost a century and has witnessed several life-changing events. The designs of this French-style post office have drawn foreign tourists, including those from France.
The prevailing hue throughout the structure is light yellow. The postal system's exterior has a cubic form with arches above the doors. Before approaching the main entrance, visitors can observe a massive clock suspended above the gate with the years of construction "1886-1891" written below.
Between the ancient green windows, designers and constructors inserted the names of French innovators who worked in telegraphy and electricity. They include Alessandro Volta, Michael Faraday, Benjamin Franklin, British scientist Michael Faraday, French mathematician André-Marie Ampère, and so on. Furthermore, the outside walls feature intricately carved designs.
When guests enter the structure, they are stunned by the vast amount of space. The dome covers the whole length of the post office. The ceiling, which is big, sturdy, and symmetrical, reflects Western architectural style. The front dome is supported by four iron pillars located in the four corners.
On either side, there are rows of straight green iron columns and shining brown wooden seats. Constructors etched intricate and elegant architectural elements onto these columns. Based on the method, the entire structure appears to be taller, more expansive, and airy.
Two maps, painted shortly after the post office was erected, hang over the international telephone booths at the entrance. The two maps hang on opposing walls. On the left side of the structure, there is the first map labeled "Telegraphic lines of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia 1892". The second map is titled "Saigon and its surroundings 1892". Both maps serve as reminders of the past.
A photograph of President Ho Chi Minh, the nation's cherished leader, hangs on the wall at the end of the hallway. Visitors can see his portrait at numerous government buildings and even private homes. The souvenir stores on the building's left and right wings are accessible via two tiny staircases.
The best time to visit Saigon Central Post Office:
People used to interact and keep in touch by sending letters with various stamps. Letters and postcards are no longer written by hand; instead, individuals utilize the Internet, cell phones, and instant messaging apps. As a result, sending letters is unusual and time-consuming for the majority of people, particularly the younger generation, sometimes known as Generation Z.
It appears to be something of the past. Locals and visitors can write messages or postcards at the Saigon Central Post Office and send them to family or friends using the parcel mailing service. This is an intriguing method to recollect memories in the current day.
If you are not confident in your handwriting, Mr. Duong Van Ngo is happy to assist you in completing your letters. Mr. Ngo has worked as a public writer for the Post Office since 1990 and is the city's only professional public writer. The elderly guy, who speaks both English and French, continues to work conscientiously for clients. Hiring someone to write postcards or letters is a way to preserve memorable recollections from this location.
The majestic Saigon Central Post Office, Vietnam's largest post office and oldest colonial facility, is an important aspect of Ho Chi Minh City's colonial history, attracting visitors due to its aesthetic and historical significance. Despite being in service for nearly a century, the Saigon Central Post Office's timeless beauty has not faded with time. It has a unique blend of beautiful French architecture and creative Asian influences.
When visiting the Sai Gon Central Post Office, there are some vital things to consider. To begin, make sure you have enough time to arrange your visit. The number of visitors might grow dramatically around weekends and holidays, so preparing ahead of time helps to prevent crowds and long wait periods.
Visitors should also dress appropriately when exploring the post office. Respectful clothes are encouraged for this historic and educational facility, with an emphasis on avoiding extremely exposing or provocative ensembles.
If you have time after visiting the Sai Gon post office, you may visit some of the neighboring tourist attractions, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, and the Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City. These are historical sites with gorgeous architecture that offer tourists numerous intriguing and unique experiences.
To summarize, the Sai Gon Post Office is a wonderful architectural work with significant historical importance for Saigon city. Visitors may see the splendor of traditional French architecture while also learning about Vietnam's postal history. At the same time, the area surrounding the post office is a popular tourist site for everybody. Hopefully, this post has given you additional knowledge and useful information for planning your vacation.
Purchasing mementos is an essential activity on each vacation. There are several souvenir stores within and outside the central post office in Ho Chi Minh City. You may buy postcards printed with prominent buildings like Ben Thanh Market and Independence Palace and send them home. You will be immediately assisted by the 38 customer service counters accessible at the Saigon Central Post Office. Furthermore, various things like stamps, images, photos, caps, and so on are reasonably priced and acceptable for both locals and tourists to purchase as gifts.
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