Saigon Central Post Office

Located right in the heart ofHo Chi Minh City, the Saigon Central Post Office is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. It was designed by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel, who was responsible for the building of the Tower Eiffel inParis, the construction of this Gothic architectural styled building began in 1886 and completed in 1891.

The front of the building was decorated in rectangle cases on which are the names, faces and some inscriptions of the inventors of telegram and electric professions. On the cases are the pictures of men and women wearing laurel wreaths. Over the main entrance, there is a huge clock, which has been with the building since its construction, still working.

It is said that the architect Gustave Eiffel was inspired by a train station for the design of this tourist spot. The post office has in its interior a spectacular dome of gilded capitals that rests on metal pillars painted green. When entering the building, you may get the feeling that you’re in an older train station rather than a post office. The main attractions inside are two large eighteenth century maps which are represented by tiles. One map features central Saigon and its surrounds, the other details the telegraphic lines that covered southernVietnamandCambodiain 1892. At the end of the corridor, on the wall is an extra-large portrait of Ho Chi Minh, the character who gave name to the city.

Besides being a fine example of French architecture, Saigon Central Post Office is still completely functional. You can send and receive mails, buy stamps and postcards, or use the phone bank to make international calls. Foreign money exchange is also available at this biggest and busiest post office inVietnam.