Hanoi Post Office
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Hanoi Post Office

3.6
·310 reviews·, Vietnam

A stunning French colonial landmark where you can send postcards and soak in Hanoi's historic charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, smoother service

CrowdLow
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Hanoi Post Office

Hanoi Post Office

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, smoother service

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning French colonial landmark where you can send postcards and soak in Hanoi's historic charm.

3.6
(310 reviews)

"Sending a postcard from this historic Hanoi Post Office is a must-do travel ritual!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Stamp Prices

Be aware that prices for stamps and postcards can vary. Confirm the cost before purchasing to avoid overcharging. :moneybag:

Use Official Postboxes

For sending mail, consider using the official yellow postboxes outside the main entrance for a straightforward process. :mailbox:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Architecture

Grand Architecture

Main Hall

Admire the stunning French colonial architecture, a beautiful backdrop for sending mail or just soaking in history.

Postcard Ritual

Postcard Ritual

Postcard & Stamp Counters

Send a piece of Hanoi home! Choose from a variety of postcards and stamps to share your journey with loved ones.

Historic Stamp Shop

Historic Stamp Shop

6 P. Hàng Quạt, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm

Discover unique custom wooden stamps with countless designs, perfect for personalizing your mail or souvenirs.

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Planning Your Visit

Postcard Perfection

Sending postcards from Hanoi's historic Post Office is a classic travel ritual. While many find it a charming experience, be aware that some travelers report inconsistent pricing for stamps and postcards, especially from vendors near the entrance. It's wise to confirm prices and consider using the official postboxes outside for sending your mail.

Navigating the Mail

If you're planning to send mail or packages from Hanoi, ensure you have the recipient's address and phone number clearly written. Some travelers have found the process smooth with helpful staff, while others suggest being prepared with translations or written notes. Delivery times can vary significantly, so don't rely on it for urgent items.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, smoother service
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Experience the local buzz
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

He will get it in 2 weeks 💌🥰 #postcard #tradition #grandpa #vietnam #postoffice #hanoi #asia #europe
@dessytravels
156 likes • 7.4K views

Confirm Stamp Prices

Be aware that prices for stamps and postcards can vary. Confirm the cost before purchasing to avoid overcharging. :moneybag:

Use Official Postboxes

For sending mail, consider using the official yellow postboxes outside the main entrance for a straightforward process. :mailbox:

Post Office Is Friendly Professuonal Clean ! #postalservice #vietnameseculture #oscarwright
@viva.vietnam
92 likes • 2.7K views
Starbucks Hanoi Post Office #starbucks #hanoi #vietnam #mahtraveljournal
@mah.travel.journal
1 likes • 201 views

Address Details Crucial

Have recipient addresses and phone numbers clearly written before you go. Google Translate can be helpful. :iphone:

Send a Postcard Home

It's a classic travel tradition! Pick out a unique postcard and send it to friends or family. :postcard:

Ritual tiap explore yaitu selalu kirim postcard ke keluarga di UK 🇬🇧 #fyp #abigailnchel #abimorris #hanoi #kantorpos #postoffice #vietnam #travel #jalanjalan #liburan #postcard #minivlog #adiml #CapCut
@abigailmchel
10.8K likes • 193.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Stamp Prices

Be aware that prices for stamps and postcards can vary. Confirm the cost before purchasing to avoid overcharging. :moneybag:

Use Official Postboxes

For sending mail, consider using the official yellow postboxes outside the main entrance for a straightforward process. :mailbox:

Address Details Crucial

Have recipient addresses and phone numbers clearly written before you go. Google Translate can be helpful. :iphone:

Send a Postcard Home

It's a classic travel tradition! Pick out a unique postcard and send it to friends or family. :postcard:

Admire the Architecture

Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful French colonial design of the building. :camera:

What Travellers Say

3.6
(310 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Many visitors find the Hanoi Post Office a charming and architecturally impressive place to send postcards, appreciating the historic ambiance and the ritual of mailing a piece of their travels home. However, some travelers have expressed disappointment with inconsistent pricing from certain vendors and concerns about mail delivery reliability.

"Totally disappointed that none of the 10 postcards that I mailed over two months ago never reached any of their destinations. I could not have been more polite, been more grateful for their assistance, and complemented them every step of the way even saying Thank You in Vietnamese before I left to everyone (including the lady that was sweeping the floor near the front door). Spent a lot of money on the watercolor postcards, spend a lot of money on the postage, and was completely let down. Very upsetting."

David Walker

"I think one of the most solid places to send a post card from Hanoi. A post card and stamps to Poland were 55000 VND, I hope it will arrive 🤞😜"

Artur Pytel

"The elderly people to the right of the entrance who sell postcards and stamps keep changing the prices every time — the same stamps for the same destinations suddenly cost different amounts. When you catch them lying, they start making excuses about some “tax,” which is also random and changes each time.
A 12-minute walk north of the lake there’s another office where the prices for stamps and postcards are always clear and correct, with no fake “tax” added"

Nastja Ts

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Historic atmosphere
Postcard ritual

What People Dislike

Inconsistent pricing
Mail delivery issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hanoi Post Office is centrally located in Hoan Kiem District, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. You can easily reach it by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or by walking if you're exploring the Old Quarter. Many visitors find it a convenient stop while sightseeing in the area. TikTok

Yes, it's very close to many popular Hanoi landmarks, including Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Old Quarter. It's often visited in conjunction with the nearby Note Cafe or the famous Starbucks located within the building. TikTok

For getting around Hanoi, Grab is a popular and affordable option for both cars and motorbikes. Taxis are also readily available. Walking is excellent for exploring the Old Quarter, but be prepared for busy streets. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to enter the main hall of the Hanoi Post Office. You can freely walk in, admire the architecture, and purchase postcards or stamps. TikTok

The Hanoi Post Office generally operates during standard business hours, typically from around 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. However, it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal or holiday variations. Reddit

Absolutely! The post office is well-equipped for selling postcards and various types of stamps. You'll find vendors inside and sometimes outside the main entrance. TikTok

The cost can vary, but generally, sending a postcard internationally from Hanoi Post Office might range from 10,000 to 30,000 VND or more, depending on the destination and type of stamp. Some travelers have reported paying around 55,000 VND for a postcard and stamps to Poland. Reddit

Some visitors have reported that vendors near the entrance may try to charge extra or 'fake taxes.' It's advisable to confirm the price upfront or purchase directly from the official counters or use the external postboxes. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the beautiful French colonial architecture, send postcards and packages, buy unique stamps, and even grab a coffee at the Starbucks located inside. It's a great spot for a quick cultural immersion and a memorable travel ritual. TikTok+1

Yes, there is a Starbucks located within the historic Hanoi Post Office building, offering a unique spot to enjoy a coffee with a view of the grand architecture. TikTok+1

Yes, you can send packages from the Hanoi Post Office. Be prepared with the recipient's full address and phone number. Some travelers have had positive experiences with staff assisting in packaging and labeling. Reddit

For international mail, ensure you have the correct postage and address it clearly. While some postcards arrive within weeks, others have reported delays or non-arrival, so manage expectations. Reddit

Beyond postcards and stamps, you can find unique custom wooden stamps at a nearby shop (6 P. Hàng Quạt) that are perfect for personalizing your travel mementos. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the primary function is postal services, there is a Starbucks located inside the building, offering a place to grab a coffee or a light snack. For a wider variety of local food, the surrounding Old Quarter is brimming with options. TikTok

The area around the Hanoi Post Office is part of the vibrant Old Quarter, famous for its street food. Don't miss trying Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), and Egg Coffee. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! The grand French colonial architecture, both inside and out, makes it a fantastic spot for photography. The main hall with its high ceilings and elegant design is particularly photogenic. TikTok

Focus on the main hall, the grand staircase, and the intricate details of the building's facade. The Starbucks inside also offers a unique photo opportunity. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Hanoi Post Office. Be respectful of other patrons and staff, and avoid intrusive flash photography. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hanoi Post Office offers a brief but engaging stop for families. Kids can be fascinated by the grand architecture and the process of sending a postcard, making it a fun, educational moment. It's a good opportunity to teach them about mail systems and different cultures. The nearby Starbucks can be a welcome treat for younger travelers. Remember to keep the visit concise to maintain their attention.

💰 Budget Travelers

Visiting the Hanoi Post Office is a budget-friendly activity as entry is free. The main cost will be for postcards and stamps, which are generally inexpensive, especially if you confirm prices and avoid potential overcharging. Sending a postcard is a low-cost way to share your travels. You can also save money by walking or using Grab bikes for transport. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Hanoi Post Office is a photographer's delight. Its stunning French colonial architecture provides a beautiful backdrop for both exterior and interior shots. Capture the grandeur of the main hall, the intricate details of the facade, and the unique atmosphere of a working historic post office. The Starbucks inside also offers interesting visual opportunities. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Architecture

The Hanoi Post Office, officially the Central Post Office of Hanoi, is a striking example of French colonial architecture in Vietnam. Built between 1886 and 1891, its design reflects the grandeur of the era, with a spacious interior featuring high ceilings, elegant arches, and decorative elements. It stands as a testament to the city's colonial past and continues to serve its original purpose, making it a living piece of history.

Visitors often marvel at the building's imposing facade and the well-preserved interior. The main hall is a popular spot for photos, with its impressive scale and architectural details. It’s a place where you can simultaneously appreciate historical design and engage in a timeless travel activity: sending a postcard. The blend of the old and the functional creates a unique atmosphere that many travelers find captivating. TikTok

The Art of Sending Mail from Hanoi

Sending a postcard or package from the Hanoi Post Office is a cherished travel ritual for many. It’s a tangible way to connect with loved ones back home and share a piece of your journey. You can purchase postcards and stamps directly from vendors within the post office or from designated counters. Many travelers enjoy selecting unique Vietnamese-themed postcards to send.

However, it's important to be aware of potential inconsistencies. Some reviews mention that prices for stamps can fluctuate, especially from vendors near the entrance. To ensure a smooth experience, it's recommended to confirm prices clearly and consider using the official postboxes located outside the building for sending your mail. While delivery times can vary significantly, the act of sending mail from such an iconic location adds a special touch to any trip. TikTokReddit+1

Beyond the Post Office: Unique Finds

While the main attraction is the post office itself, the surrounding area offers more for the curious traveler. Just a short walk away, at 6 P. Hàng Quạt, you can discover a charming shop specializing in custom wooden stamps. These aren't your average stamps; they offer a vast array of designs, from cute cartoons to intricate patterns, allowing you to personalize your postcards, journals, or other travel souvenirs in a truly unique way.

This hidden gem provides an opportunity to engage with local artisans and find a memento that’s more personal than typical tourist trinkets. It’s a perfect complement to the experience of sending mail, adding another layer of creativity and local flavor to your Hanoi exploration. TikTok