Sending Postcards From Haiphong Post Office Tips
Sending a postcard from the Haiphong Post Office is a small ritual that many travellers love. The main city post office is a handsome French colonial building in the old centre, and posting a card from its counters feels far more special than sending a message from your phone. The process is simple: buy a postcard, write your message and address clearly, buy the right stamps at the counter, stick them on and hand the card over or drop it in the post box.
This guide from the Haiphong Adventure team covers everything you need to know: where the post office is, where to find postcards, how to address international mail, what to expect at the counter, how long delivery might take and how to make the visit part of a relaxed walk through the city. Postal prices, opening hours and delivery times can change, so check the details locally (updated October 2026).
Why Send A Postcard From Haiphong
In a world of instant messages, a postcard still feels personal. It takes time to choose, write and post, and it arrives as a small physical souvenir of your trip. Sending one from Haiphong adds another layer of meaning.
- A historic setting. The main post office is one of the city’s classic colonial buildings.
- A unique postmark. Your card carries a Vietnamese stamp and postmark from a city few tourists visit.
- A slow travel moment. Writing a card gives you time to reflect on your journey.
- A gift for collectors. Friends and family who collect stamps or postcards will love it.
Where Is The Haiphong Post Office
The main Haiphong Post Office stands in Hong Bang District, the historic heart of the city. It is close to many other landmarks, including the Opera House, the Haiphong Museum and Tam Bac Lake, so it is easy to include in a walking tour of the old centre.
The building is instantly recognisable. It is a large French colonial structure from the early twentieth century, painted in warm yellow with white details, tall windows and an elegant facade. Even if you do not plan to send anything, it is worth stopping for a photo.
Getting there
- On foot. If you are staying in the old centre, it is usually a short walk.
- By Grab or taxi. Search for “Buu dien Hai Phong” in the app.
- On a city tour. Many guided routes pass the building, so ask your guide to stop.
Smaller neighbourhood post offices also exist across the city, but the main post office offers the best atmosphere and the widest range of services.
For more ideas in the same area, read about a Haiphong city tour with cultural insights, which connects the post office with other colonial landmarks.
Where To Buy Postcards In Haiphong
Finding postcards in Haiphong is not always as easy as in Hanoi or Hoi An, because the city sees fewer tourists. With a little planning, though, you will find some.
- At the post office. Larger post offices sometimes sell postcards and souvenir stamps at the counter. Ask staff if they have any.
- Bookshops and stationery shops. Some carry postcards of Haiphong and other Vietnamese landmarks.
- Hotels. Some hotels keep postcards at reception or in the lobby shop.
- Souvenir shops in Hanoi or Cat Ba. If you pass through tourist areas first, you can buy cards there and post them in Haiphong.
- Make your own. Print a favourite travel photo at a photo shop and write on the back.
If you cannot find a picture postcard, a simple card or envelope works too. The fun is in the message and the stamp.
>>> Cultural Things To Do In Haiphong You Must Try
How To Write And Address An International Postcard
Clear addressing is the most important part of making sure your postcard arrives. Postal workers may need to read the address quickly, so neat handwriting helps a lot.
Simple addressing checklist
- Write the recipient’s name on the first line.
- Add the street address and apartment number.
- Write the city, region and postal code in the order used in the destination country.
- Write the destination country in capital letters on the last line, ideally in English, for example USA, GERMANY or AUSTRALIA.
- Leave the top-right corner empty for stamps.
Writing tips
- Use a ballpoint pen. Gel ink can smudge in humid weather.
- Keep the address area clear of drawings and stickers.
- Write the date and the city at the top of your message so friends know where it came from.
- Add “Par Avion” or “Air Mail” if you like, although staff will usually handle this.
Recommended tour
The Haiphong Street Food and City Tour
Stop at the colonial post office, the Opera House and hidden food stalls on a guided tour of old Haiphong with a friendly local.
From $85 per person
What To Expect At The Counter
The inside of the post office is usually calm and orderly. Local residents come to send parcels, pay bills and use other services, so you may need to wait a few minutes.
Step by step
- Take a queue number if there is a machine, or join the line for the relevant counter.
- Show your postcards and say the destination country.
- Buy stamps. Staff will tell you the price, which depends on the destination and type of mail.
- Stick the stamps in the top-right corner. Glue may be available at the counter.
- Hand the cards back to staff or post them in the box they point to.
Staff may not speak much English, but postcards are simple transactions. Writing the country names on a piece of paper or showing them on your phone works well.
Paying
Bring cash in Vietnamese dong. Some post offices may accept cards or QR payments, but cash is the safest option for small purchases like stamps.
If you want to know more about what else the building offers, the post office also handles parcels, registered mail and other everyday services for local residents.
Stamps, Prices And Delivery Times
International postcard rates in Vietnam depend on the destination region and can change over time. Staff will calculate the correct amount for you. In general, sending postcards is affordable, so it rarely affects a travel budget.
| Question | What to expect |
|---|---|
| How much is a stamp? | Depends on destination; ask at the counter for the current rate |
| How long does delivery take? | Often one to several weeks for international mail, sometimes longer |
| Can I track a postcard? | Standard postcards are not usually tracked; registered mail is an option for letters |
| Can I buy decorative stamps? | Sometimes; ask staff if collector stamps are available |
Delivery times are hard to predict. Holidays, weather and international routes all play a role. Many travellers enjoy the surprise when a card arrives home weeks after they return, like a message from their past self.
>>> 24-Hour DIY Haiphong Tour: The Ultimate Guide
Photographing The Post Office
The Haiphong Post Office is one of the most photogenic colonial buildings in the city. A few tips help you capture it well.
- Morning light is softer and makes the yellow walls glow.
- Shoot from across the street to fit the whole facade in your frame.
- Include street life. Motorbikes and cyclists add a sense of place.
- Look for details. Windows, doors and decorative mouldings make great close-ups.
- Be respectful inside. Ask before photographing staff or customers.
Make It Part Of A Walk Through Old Haiphong
Posting your cards is a perfect excuse to explore the old centre on foot. Here is a relaxed morning route:
- 8:00. Breakfast of banh da cua or banh mi nearby.
- 8:45. Visit the Haiphong Museum to learn about the city’s history.
- 9:45. Write your postcards over coffee at a colonial-era cafe.
- 10:30. Walk to the post office, buy stamps and send your cards.
- 11:00. Continue to the Opera House and stroll along Tam Bac Lake.
For more budget-friendly ideas, see our list of free things to do in Haiphong. If you are visiting at the end of the week, our guide to things to do in Haiphong on a weekend has more suggestions.
Many travellers include the post office on one of our haiphong tours, where a guide helps with stamps and explains the history of the colonial district. It is a simple, memorable stop on any haiphong adventure.
Extra Tips For Sending Mail From Vietnam
- Post early in your trip if you want the card to arrive before you get home.
- Write one for yourself. It makes a lovely souvenir when it arrives.
- Avoid inserting items such as coins or flat souvenirs into postcards or thin envelopes.
- Check holiday closures. Post offices may close or have shorter hours during Tet and other public holidays.
- Keep a list of addresses on your phone before you travel.
- Consider parcels carefully. For gifts, ask staff about packaging rules and customs forms.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Haiphong Post Office
Where is the main Haiphong Post Office?
It is in Hong Bang District, in the old city centre, close to the Opera House, the Haiphong Museum and Tam Bac Lake.
Can I buy postcards at the post office?
Sometimes. Availability varies, so it is a good idea to buy cards at bookshops, hotels or souvenir shops as a backup.
How much does it cost to send a postcard abroad?
The price depends on the destination and can change. Staff will tell you the current rate. It is generally affordable.
How long does a postcard take to arrive?
International postcards often take one to several weeks, depending on the destination and season.
Do post office staff speak English?
Some may speak basic English. Writing the destination country clearly or showing it on your phone makes the process easy.
Send A Piece Of Haiphong Home
Sending a postcard from the Haiphong Post Office is a small, charming experience that connects you with the city’s colonial past and your loved ones at home. Find a card, write a few lines over coffee, buy your stamps at the historic counter and let your message begin its journey.
If you would like a local guide to show you the post office and other highlights of old Haiphong, send the Haiphong Adventure team a message. We will help you plan a walk or ride that suits your pace.
WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat: +84(0)934.555.001
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