SAIGON'S FRENCH INSPIRED CENTRAL POST OFFICE

Ho Chi Minh's Central Post Office  serves as a reminder  of France  to the Vietnamese. This building was constructed between 1886 and 1891  when the French colonized the country. It was designed was by no less than Gustave Eiffel, the same man behind the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty. 

 

This 19th century of mix Renaissance and french gothic architectural design have  a arched windows , vaulted ceilings with pillars in green and gold and wooden shutters. The interior features antique telephone boxes that dates back to the colonial period and marble floors. On its two wings are booths selling anything from postcards, lacquerware and all sort of souvenirs.  

the intricate interior design

 

 

  There are  two maps painted on the walls  these  are the region of Saigon in 1892 and the telegraph lines or postal routes from Vietnam to Cambodia. A picture hanging on the farther end is the picture   of Ho CHi Mihn , a political leader of Vietnam. 

 

Although it is oldest the building in  French colonial building in Saigon ,it is still used as post office,(of course!).  At times it  gets too busy  from its usual day to day  function  notwithstanding  the throng of tourists that come here to have a look at one of the most intricate post office of South East Asia.   

 

 

 

The central post office is located in District 1 a street away from the Notre Dame Cathedral, which incidentally is also a French inspired building. It is open from seven in the morning to eight in the evening.