Services Available At Haiphong Post Office Info
The Haiphong post office is one of those everyday places that quietly tells you a lot about a city. It is a working postal hub where locals send parcels and pay bills, and it is also a handsome French colonial building that many visitors photograph before they ever walk inside. This guide explains which services you can expect, what to prepare before you go, and how to turn a simple errand into a small cultural stop. At Haiphong Adventure we pass the building on many of our Haiphong tours, so the tips below come from real days on the road.
Why the Haiphong post office is worth knowing
Haiphong grew up around its port, and the postal service grew with it. Letters, goods and news once arrived by ship, so a grand post office was a statement of importance. Today the building still sits in the old center, surrounded by wide streets, shade trees and cafes, and it makes an easy anchor for a walking route.
For travelers the practical value is just as real. Whether you want to mail a postcard home, ship a few souvenirs or simply find a reliable counter with staff in uniform, a central post office is a calm, predictable place in a busy city. Prices, hours and procedures change over time, so treat the details below as a guide and confirm them on the day.
A short note on the architecture
Look for the pale facade, tall arched windows and the symmetrical layout that marks French-era public buildings across Vietnam. Inside, high ceilings and tiled floors keep the hall cooler than the street. Photograph the exterior freely, and ask a staff member before taking pictures at the counters, since people are working.
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Services you can expect at the Haiphong post office
Vietnam Post is the national postal operator, and its main city offices follow a similar pattern. Counter lineups can differ from branch to branch, so ask which window handles your request. In general, travelers use the following services.
Letters and postcards
Sending a postcard is the simplest use. Buy the card, write the address in clear block letters in Latin script, add the country name in English and ask the clerk to weigh and stamp it. International mail takes a variable amount of time, so do not promise a friend it will arrive before your birthday.
Parcels and souvenirs
If you have collected tea, coffee, handicrafts or clothing and do not want to carry them on, the counter can often package and ship them. Bring the items unwrapped so staff can inspect them, and expect to fill in a customs declaration form that lists what is inside. Some goods, such as liquids, batteries and certain foods, have restrictions, so ask before you pack.
Express mail
Express mail services such as EMS exist for faster delivery of documents and small packages. They cost more than standard post, so decide whether speed matters. For important papers, many travelers find the tracking number alone worth the extra fee.
Other counter services
Vietnam Post branches may also handle bill payments, money transfers and similar services, but availability varies by counter. If you need something beyond mail, ask politely and be ready to show identification such as your passport.
What to bring before you go
A little preparation saves time at the counter. Staff may speak limited English, so a clear plan helps both sides.
- The full destination address, written out and checked, ideally on your phone as well as on paper.
- Your passport or a photo of it, in case identification is requested.
- Cash in small Vietnamese dong notes, because card acceptance at post office counters is not guaranteed.
- A pen, tape and a small marker, though many counters sell basic packing supplies.
- Your phone with a translation app, useful for terms such as customs, weight and tracking.
Packing tips for parcels
Wrap fragile items in clothing or bubble wrap, and use a sturdy box with tape on every seam. Keep receipts for expensive items, since they help when you complete the customs form. If you are unsure whether something may be shipped, ask the clerk before you spend money on a box.
Opening hours, queues and the best time to visit
Government post offices usually open on weekdays, and many open for part of Saturday, but hours vary by branch and season. Check the opening times on a map app or ask your hotel to confirm. Public holidays and the Lunar New Year period can close counters for several days, so do not leave urgent mail until the last moment.
Mid-morning on a weekday is often calm. Lunchtime and the end of the working day tend to bring queues of local customers paying bills and sending packages. Take a ticket if there is a machine, and wait for your number to appear on the board.
Etiquette at the counter
Good manners go a long way in Vietnam. A smile and a quiet greeting such as xin chao set a friendly tone. Wait your turn, avoid raising your voice and hand over documents with both hands if you can. If a clerk shakes their head, ask what would work instead, because there is often another option.
Dealing with language gaps
Write numbers and addresses down rather than saying them, because spelling is easier to read than to hear. Point to the item you want shipped and use a translation app for anything complicated. Most clerks are patient when you are polite and prepared.
If you want help from someone who knows the system, our team can point you to the right counter and explain forms. Our Haiphong city tour cultural guide also shows how a stop like this fits into a full day.
Recommended tour
A guided motorbike journey through the old streets, architecture and markets, with hotel pickup by the motorbike team as described on the tour page.
From $79 per person (reference price, updated October 2026, please confirm on the tour page)
Make the visit part of a walking route
The post office sits in the part of the city where the French-era street plan is easiest to read. Combine it with a stroll to the Opera House square, a coffee on a shaded corner and a slow look at the surrounding villas. The whole loop can take one to two hours, depending on how long you spend at the counter.
A simple one-hour plan
| Step | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Photograph the post office facade | Best in soft morning or late afternoon light |
| 2 | Handle your mail or parcel | Do errands first, while counters are quieter |
| 3 | Walk to the Opera House square | Another clear example of the colonial layer |
| 4 | Stop for coffee nearby | Rest and write your postcards if you have not already |
Budget travelers will like that most of this route costs nothing but the postage. For more ideas that do not need a ticket, see our list of free things to do in Haiphong.
>>> My Favorite Things To Do In Haiphong On Weekend
Common mistakes to avoid
A few small errors cause most of the delays that travelers report.
- Arriving close to closing time without checking the hours first.
- Writing the address in a way that is hard to read or leaving out the country name.
- Packing restricted items in a parcel and having to repack at the counter.
- Expecting every counter to accept foreign cards.
- Assuming delivery times are guaranteed. International post can be slow, and tracked services are the better choice for anything valuable.
If something goes wrong
Keep your receipt and tracking number, and photograph the address label before sealing a parcel. If a package is delayed, return to the same counter with those details and ask politely for an update.
Frequently asked questions about the Haiphong post office
Can tourists use the Haiphong post office?
Yes. Travelers can usually buy stamps, send postcards and ship parcels, although you may need to show a passport for some services.
Do the staff speak English?
Some do, but many do not. Write down the address and use a translation app to keep things simple.
How long does international mail take?
It varies by destination and service, so ask the clerk for an estimate and choose express mail if time matters.
Can I pay by card?
Not always. Carry some Vietnamese dong in cash as a backup.
Is the building worth visiting if I have nothing to send?
Yes. The French colonial architecture makes it a pleasant photo stop on a walk through the old center.
Plan a Haiphong day that includes the post office
If you would like a local to show you the old center, the post office and the best nearby cafes, message us and we will shape a route around your interests. Browse all our Haiphong tours, then contact us with your dates.
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