Memorable Visit to HCMC’s Central Post Office and its Neighborhood

Jul 4, 2024Ho Chi Minh City, Cities0 comments

During my 2018 journey to Ho Chi Minh City, I unexpectedly uncovered a hidden gem brimming with historical significance and architectural charm – the Central Post Office. Little did I know then, this modest journey would lead me to a renowned landmark that attracts global visitors. My voyage commenced at Thien Hai Hotel, guided by a kind suggestion that unveiled this concealed treasure.

In this blog post, I am excited to share my experiences at the Central Post Office, along with the captivating visuals captured in its vicinity, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Museum.

Equipped with a map from the hotel’s front desk, I set off towards the post office, holding my camera and carrying gifts for my friends in Korea and Japan.   As I entered the post-office building, I was completely taken aback by the grandeur of the Central Post Office and its stunning exterior, standing as a testament to the city’s rich history. This post office wasn’t just a regular  administrative building; it was a captivating piece of history.

Once inside, the beauty of the architecture left me in awe. The intricacies of the design were matched by the warmth of the Vietnamese staff in their colorful traditional dresses. Among the various counters and charming gift shops, a picture of Ho Chi Minh himself adorned a wall, providing a tangible link to the past. At the international shipping section, the staff efficiently packed and shipped my gifts, making my experience seamless and memorable.

After bidding farewell to the post office, I turned my attention to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, a captivating structure that graces the city’s skyline. I marveled at the grandeur of the cathedral and the serene statue of Mother Mary, who seemed even more beautiful with pigeons perched gracefully upon her.

In December 2022, I revisited the Central Post Office, this time during the Christmas season. The atmosphere was vibrant with school children exploring the premises, some dressed as Santa Claus. Although my plans to ship packages to Japan were thwarted by customs regulations, I took solace in observing the youthful exuberance around me. Classic cars and motorcycles added a touch of nostalgia to the scene, reminding me of the passage of time.

Stepping into the post office, I found myself immediately captivated by its breathtaking architecture. The intricate beauty of the building left an indelible impression on me. Inside, besides the various counters, there were also charming gift shops, all contributing to the overall allure of the place. One wall bore a prominently displayed picture of the revered leader, Ho Chi Minh. The vibrant and elegant Vietnamese traditional dresses worn by the female staff added to the ambiance.

Navigating to the international shipping counter, I sought assistance for dispatching my packages. However, I was met with disappointment when the staff informed me that the current customs regulations prevented this post office from shipping packages to Japan. Despite the setback, I decided to spend some time savoring the sight of schoolchildren visiting the post office. I was particularly taken by the sight of some kids dressed in Santa Claus uniforms, capturing pictures of the post office.

In this post, I’m excited to share my journey on foot from my hotel to the post office, along with the photographs I captured along the way.

During my 2018 trip to Ho Chi Minh City, I stumbled upon a hidden gem that holds both historical significance and architectural allure – the Central Post Office. Little did I know that this would be an iconic landmark that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. My adventure began at Thien Hai Hotel, where a friendly recommendation led me to this unexpected treasure.

Equipped with a map from the hotel’s front desk, I set off towards the post office, holding my camera and carrying gifts for my friends in Korea and Japan.   As I entered the post-office building, I was completely taken aback by the grandeur of the Central Post Office and its stunning exterior, standing as a testament to the city’s rich history. This post office wasn’t just a regular  administrative building; it was a captivating piece of history.

Once inside, the beauty of the architecture left me in awe. The intricacies of the design were matched by the warmth of the Vietnamese staff in their colorful traditional dresses. Among the various counters and charming gift shops, a picture of Ho Chi Minh himself adorned a wall, providing a tangible link to the past. At the international shipping section, the staff efficiently packed and shipped my gifts, making my experience seamless and memorable.

After bidding farewell to the post office, I turned my attention to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, a captivating structure that graces the city’s skyline. I marveled at the grandeur of the cathedral and the serene statue of Mother Mary, who seemed even more beautiful with pigeons perched gracefully upon her.

In December 2022, I revisited the Central Post Office, this time during the Christmas season. The atmosphere was vibrant with school children exploring the premises, some dressed as Santa Claus. Although my plans to ship packages to Japan were thwarted by customs regulations, I took solace in observing the youthful exuberance around me. Classic cars and motorcycles added a touch of nostalgia to the scene, reminding me of the passage of time.

While the cathedral’s towers were under construction during my 2022 visit, I was able to capture some great images from my 2018 trip that now grace my travel blog.   Looking back, I’m thrilled to have embarked on this unplanned journey, capturing the essence of Ho Chi Minh City’s history and culture. My encounter with the Central Post Office and the glimpses of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica left an indelible mark on my travel memories.

As I continue my travels, I look forward to exploring the cathedral itself and urge fellow travelers to embark on this dual adventure – a visit to the Central Post Office and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. The history, architecture, and unexpected surprises make this journey truly unforgettable.

Post office

church

While the cathedral’s towers were under construction during my 2022 visit, I was able to capture some great images from my 2018 trip that now grace my travel blog.   Looking back, I’m thrilled to have embarked on this unplanned journey, capturing the essence of Ho Chi Minh City’s history and culture. My encounter with the Central Post Office and the glimpses of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica left an indelible mark on my travel memories.

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum, also known as the Saigon Museum, is located in the Gia Long Palace, a historic building that dates back to the French colonial era. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, culture, and development of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) and the surrounding region

“I visited this museum in 2010 and took only a few pictures. Every time I walk by this building, I am drawn to the classic car parked as an exhibit. I love capturing photos of it, as well as the helicopter and tank.”

If anyone interested in seeing the pictures of the exhibits, please visit the blog http://en.nuqneh.com/blog/gia-long-palace-ho-chi-minh-city-museum#more-2632

Please note that the provided link directs you to an external website where you can view additional pictures of the exhibits at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum. While I strive to ensure the accuracy of the link, I cannot guarantee its availability or functionality. If you encounter any issues with the link, I recommend reaching out to the owner of the external website for assistance.

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