Back when I was a teenager, I was, for a time, into this whole “pen pal” thing. It allowed me to interact and be friends with people on other parts of the globe. Some, to this day, I still keep in contact with, albeit sporadically. So a huge chunk of my schedules back then included trips to post offices. Then e-pals (pen pal, only this time, thru e-mail) happened. Who knew, years later, that I’d be spending a lot of time at a post office, and see it as a tourist attraction? Because that’s exactly what the Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh is.
To be fair, the Baguio City Post Office is also considered a tourist attraction, mainly because of its place in the history of the City. But aesthetically? Sadly, it’s quite a bit of a disappointment. But I’m probably one of the very few still hoping something will still be done by the powers that be to make it live up to its heritage.
I have to say, though, that the Central Post Office quite blew me away when I laid eyes on it.
Just across the street from the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is the Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon Central Post Office. These two ancient buildings are next to each other, pretty much having the same aesthetic, so it did not seem at all strange to have a cathedral and a post office side by side, with just a narrow street separating them.
Yep, this French colonial structure, dubbed as the “grandest post office in all of Southeast Asia” was built from 1886 to 1891, Get this: it was designed by famed French architect, Gustave Eiffel. Who is he, you ask?
Oh, no one special. Just the same guy who also designed the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. No biggie.
Arched windows. Wooden shutters. Detailed carving. Impeccable paint job.
And equally impeccable maintenance. Propz to everyone involved in maintaining this place. We should all learn a thing or two from them.
Once you go inside, you won’t be blamed for being instantly captivated by how massive the place is. The looping arches hinted at in the structure’s facade is mirrored inside, but in larger and greater detail.
Looking up, I really felt even smaller than I already am. But in a good way.
Many of the details were distinctly “ancient-looking”, although gleaming because of (presumably) topnotch care and maintenance. The floors were marble, and the intricate designs are enough to make you dizzy if you let yourself get sucked in.
But I went d’aaaaaaw when I saw these antique telephone boxes, with clocks featuring the time on other parts of the world above them. Know what these telephone boxes are for?
Yep, some of them are actually functioning as booths for ARM machines. I dunno, I just find that adorable and quirky at the same time.
Whovian tendencies aside, I like how they managed to still get some use out of it. Aside from, you know, being viewed by some tourists who are Dr. Who fans, as a potential TARDIS. Only colored red. XDDD
Oh, and this is not just a tourist attraction and cultural site, because it is actually a fully functioning and operational post office. In fact, it is the busiest post office in the entire country. There are counters open to anyone wanting to send anything (even a counter for sending fresh flowers!!!) and I think the post office employees were used to being part of the “tourist attraction” as visitors flock and walk around.
While walking around, you’d probably feel like you’re in a purely French environment. But that huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh at the far end of the building will undoubtedly remind you where you are exactly.
Those tables at the center features some souvenirs and gift items for those who want to buy something to remind them of their visit to the Saigon Central Post Office.
Erm, unfortunately, they ran out of the free postcards in here. Otherwise, we’d probably have sent one to our address in the Philippines. 🙂
Definitely, the Saigon Central Post Office deserved a quick peek, especially if you are already in the area. The fact that it is so close to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral means that you can easily hit two birds with one stone. In less than 30 minutes!
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