Vietnam — Bưu Điện Sài Gòn (Saigon Central Post Office), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

A classic colonial building

September 2015

Across the road from the Nhà Thờ Đức Bà Sài Gòn (Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica) was the Bưu Điện Sài Gòn (Saigon Central Post Office), which was an imposing looking building, And reminded me of the Nhà Hát Lớn Hà Nội (Hanoi Opera House), which I had visited earlier on my trip. (It’s interesting that in many former colonies, the post office building is often one of the biggest and grandest in a town. I guess it highlights the importance of communication in the management and maintenance of a colony.)

The interior of the Bưu Điện Sài Gòn (Saigon Central Post Office) oozed grandeur and power. And in my opinion, it was designed to intimidate visitors. A stunning building that was very well-maintained.

The building still seemed to be used as a post office.

With parcels being picked up and dropped off.

However, a couple of side corridors were clearly set up to sell souvenirs and trinkets to visiting tourists.

Bưu Điện Sài Gòn (Saigon Central Post Office) in Ho Chi Minh City is a spectacular sample of colonial architecture, and for that reason, it is worth a visit. It was great to see that it was still used as a post office, but the little corridors with stalls selling tourist “junk” detracted from the experience.

Foursquare: Bưu Điện Sài Gòn (Saigon Central Post Office)