On Post Office Square, just steps from Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh's central post office sits at the heart of the former French administrative quarter. Its yellow façade and neoclassical architecture make it one of the best-preserved testaments to the French protectorate era in Cambodia (1863-1953).

Why visit Phnom Penh Post Office

The building holds three key appeals: it was the protectorate's first administrative structure built in the capital, it remains the country's largest post office, and it overlooks a square housing several colonial remnants (former Banque de l'Indochine, old Police Commissariat, former Grand Hotel). A one-hour walk around the square takes you through a century of Cambodian urban history.

History

The building was constructed in 1890 according to plans by French architect Daniel Fabre. Originally named the "Hôtel des Postes et Télégraphe" (Hotel of Posts and Telegraph), it was the protectorate's first administrative building erected in Phnom Penh. Enlarged and restored multiple times over the decades, it underwent its most recent renovation in 2004.

Since its opening, the Post Office has always provided comprehensive postal services: domestic and international mail, telecommunications, philately, and postal box rentals. More recently, it diversified into transport services branded "Vans VIP" linking Phnom Penh to Cambodia's major towns, utilizing vehicles normally used to distribute mail pouches across the country.

What to see on site

The Post Office building

The structure rises across two stories, flanked by lateral wings, and is recognizable by its yellow façade. The ground floor houses public service counters and administrative offices; the upper floors contain offices and storage areas. The façade exemplifies the neoclassical vocabulary prevalent in French colonial architecture of the late 19th century: balconies and balustrades, stucco-carved pediments, Corinthian-capital columns, and arched windows. The interior shows its age but retains period character.

Post Office Square and its colonial buildings

Under the protectorate, the square concentrated several institutions. Four landmarks merit attention:

• South side: the former Banque de l'Indochine, which held the privilege of issuing currency in the colonies, now houses the "Van's" restaurant.
• North side, at the corner of Street 98: the imposing dilapidated building is the former Police Commissariat, headquarters of protectorate law enforcement.
• Facing the Post Office: the former Grand Hotel, which became the Manolis Hotel in 1920 after a change in ownership, was long the city's only hotel.
• Literary note: writer André Malraux and his wife Clara were placed under house arrest at this hotel after stealing bas-reliefs from Banteay Srey temple at Angkor.

Practical information

• Address: Post Office Square, at the corner of Street 102, near Wat Phnom (Street 13).
• Public services: Monday to Friday, morning and afternoon (the building closes between services). Best to avoid midday.
• Visit duration: allow 30 minutes for the building, 1 hour if you tour the square.
• Admission: free.

How to get there

The post office is approximately 10 minutes' walk from Central Market and just south of Wat Phnom. From central Phnom Penh, several options:

• On foot: from the Mekong waterfront or Royal Palace, allow 15 to 20 minutes of walking.
• By tuk-tuk: the most practical option, a short ride from anywhere downtown.
• By taxi or rideshare: apps like PassApp or Grab, moderate rates.

Nearby attractions

Post Office Square is an excellent departure point for exploring historic Phnom Penh. In the immediate vicinity:

• Wat Phnom: the hilltop temple that gave the capital its name, 5 minutes' walk north.
• The French Quarter: Streets 92, 98, and 102, lined with villas and colonial buildings.
• Central Market (Phsar Thmei): 15 minutes' walk south, beneath its 1937 Art Deco dome.
• The Tonlé Sap waterfront: 10 minutes' walk away, perfect for ending your day.

To extend your Cambodia discovery, you can then head to the Terrace of the Elephants at Angkor or the Kep crab market on the southern coast.

Frequently asked questions

Including the post office in your trip

This building integrates naturally into a day exploring colonial Phnom Penh, between Wat Phnom, Central Market, and the riverfront. To build a complete itinerary including the capital, Angkor, and the coast, consult our tailor-made Cambodia journeys.