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SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE- THE POINT OF SAIGON’S LOVE

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Address: No.2 Paris Commune Square, District 1, HCMC

As a famous place more than 100 years old, Saigon Central Post Office has become one of the symbols of Saigon. This is an architectural work of historical significance and marked in the development of Saigon. Saigon Central Post Office is a typical representative of urban architecture and has become an attractive tourist attraction. More than just architecture, Saigon Central Post Office is a place to keep beautiful memories and great love of Saigonese. You will still find a vibrant and modern Saigon, a liberal and full of love Saigon at the Saigon Central Post Office.

Characteristic light yellow color of the Saigon City Post Office 

(Source: therehegoesagain.com)

History of the Saigon Central Post Office

On 11/11/1860, France rushed to start the construction of a communication system. France chose a location next to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica in the Paris Commune square. Talented architect Gustave Eiffel is the designer to create this work. He is known for world famous works such as the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Trang Tien Bridge, etc. The name of this place is now called "Saigon Steel Wire Department".

The Saigon Steel Wire Department was officially inaugurated on January 13, 1863. By 1864, the first stamps of Saigonese were issued and Saigonese began to send letters through this system. The first director of the City Post was Mr. Pham Van Trung.

Saigon Central Post Office in 19th century (Source: dulich3mien.vn)

According to the design of architect Auguste Vildieu and his assistant Foulhoux, in 1886, Ho Chi Minh City Central Post began to be rebuilt and repainted on a larger scale. In 1891, the new headquarters of Ho Chi Minh City Central Post was officially inaugurated. On March 22, 1888, the 2000km Saigon- Quy Nhon- Da Nang- Hue- Vinh- Hanoi steel line was officially completed. In 1889, the department opened a telegraph communication line between Saigon and Bangkok to serve business and trade. On July 1, 1894, Saigon started using a telephone system and this system was the most modern system at that time.

Beautiful classical architecture

Up to now, Saigon Central Post Office is a valuable architecture. It's one of the places that make up the beauty of Saigon. The building has classical European architectural style combined with Asian decoration.

The building has a layout for two 2 floors at side blocks, 3 floors at middle block with tiled roof. Saigon Central Post Office has many rolling doors with elaborately decorated arches. The entrance is a large arch with an iron roof, a round clock on the side and a sign stating the year of construction: 1886-1891. Between the ground floor windows, there are rectangular decorative boxes. The original color of the building is pale earthy yellow, combined with white lines and green. The color and architecture of the building harmonize with the surrounding landscape to form a highlight in the city space.

Front view of the Saigon City Post Office  (Source: therehegoesagain.com)

Two historical maps are also kept here, Saigon et ses environs, 1892 (Saigon and its vicinity, 1892) and Lignes télégraphiques du Sud Vietnam et du Cambodge, 1936 (Map of the telegraph lines of South Vietnam and Cambodia, 1936). The interior of Ho Chi Minh City Central Post building's transaction space is impressive with elaborately decorated steel columns. The dome system creates light windows at the top of the wall above and from the roof. At the City Post, there is also an antique telephone booth with clocks showing the time of countries around the world. When you come here, it will be like stepping into the world of solemnity, classic to splendid.

Gorgeous space inside the Saigon City Post Office (Taken by: Danis Desgarcon)

City rendezvous location of love

Around there are famous architectural works such as the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, Nguyen Van Binh book street, Diamond Plaza, April 30 park. All make up a cultural space for Saigon.

Mr. Duong Van Ngo, 90 years old, who has more than 70 years of experience with the postal industry. He is a letter writer and translator at Ho Chi Minh City Central Post. His clients are the illiterate poor, those who need to write letters to foreigners, or those who do not know foreign languages. Thousands of letters she wrote have spread around the world with many touching stories about human love over the past 30 years. His presence at the Saigon Central Post Office evokes a resemblance to the ancient character of the building but contrasts with modern urban life and the postal technology has come a long way. With his handwriting, he has connected so many people around the world.

Souvenirs corner of Saigon Central Post Office (Source: @yingyi_cheah)

Besides, Saigon Central Post Office is also a place to take wedding photos for many couples. They said this is a great space to capture their happiest moments. Or those who love Saigon come to Saigon Central Post Office to collect beautiful souvenirs or stamps. Saigon Central Post Office is always a place full of meaning and affection.

Beautiful Saigon City Post Office 

(Source: @tenyongsian)

Saigon Central Post Office not only has beauty but the meanings it brings really impress us. The perfectly laid tiles, the beautiful marble floors do not surprise you with the connection between people for the past 130 years. The letters and goods sent and received have created a special meaning for Saigon Central Post Office. The space is extremely bustling with busy activities every day. Moreover, the people who work here or come here all come from love and then stay because of love for Saigon.

Saigon Central Post Office is the intersection of History- Culture- Art. This place creates a connection of love. The value brought by the Saigon Central Post Office creates a map of historical and cultural discovery right in the heart of the city. Then you will see that there is still a classic and modern Saigon, a charming Saigon with great interference. The beauty of Saigon Central Post Office makes Saigon. And the value of Saigon Central Post Office adorns Saigon.Saigon Central Post Office is the pride of Saigonese in particular and Vietnamese  in general.

Have you been to Saigon Central Post Office? Please share your memories with us!

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