Vietnam Post tracking

What is Vietnam Post?

Vietnam Post, officially named Vietnam Post Corporation, known in Vietnamese as Tổng công ty Bưu điện Việt Nam, and commonly abbreviated as VNPost, is the national postal operator of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The company is wholly owned by the government and placed under the authority of the Ministry of Information and Communications. As the primary postal service in the country, Vietnam Post is responsible for universal postal coverage across the entire national territory, from the dense urban centers of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the most isolated rural communes in mountainous and island regions.

The origins of Vietnam Post trace back to August 15, 1945, when a Specialized Communications Committee was established to manage postal and telecommunications operations for the newly independent Vietnamese nation. For decades, postal and telecommunications functions were administered together as a unified state function. A major restructuring came in 1995 with the formal creation of the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Corporation, also known as VNPT, which brought both services under one corporate roof. Vietnam Post was separated from VNPT and formally constituted as a standalone entity on June 1, 2007, through Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's Decision No. 674/QD-TTg. A further governance change in November 2012 then transferred ownership representation of Vietnam Post directly to the Ministry of Information and Communications, ending its administrative link to VNPT entirely.

• Origins: August 15, 1945, with the establishment of a Specialized Communications Committee for the newly independent Vietnamese state
• Formal establishment: June 1, 2007, through Prime Minister Decision No. 674/QD-TTg, constituting VNPost as a standalone state-owned corporation
• Official name: Vietnam Post Corporation (Tổng công ty Bưu điện Việt Nam), abbreviated VNPost
• Headquarters: Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam
• Ownership: Wholly state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Information and Communications of Vietnam
• Network: Over 14,000 service points nationwide, with an average service radius of 2.67 kilometers per point and at least one service point per commune
• Workforce: Over 60,000 staff and collaborators
• International reach: Member of the Universal Postal Union, with coverage extending to 230 countries and territories

Vietnam Post's operations extend well beyond letter and parcel delivery. The company runs the second largest financial services network in Vietnam, providing savings accounts, money transfers, pension disbursements, utility bill payments, insurance, and credit services to populations across the country. This financial access function carries particular significance in rural and remote areas where traditional bank branches are absent or inaccessible. With a network averaging one service point for approximately every 6,259 people, VNPost achieves a coverage density that few other organizations in Vietnam can match.

As a Universal Postal Union member, Vietnam Post participates in the global postal cooperation network and exchanges mail with national postal services worldwide. Its Vietnam Post Logistics subsidiary extends its capabilities into cross-border e-commerce with dedicated products for business customers. The growth of online retail, both within Vietnam and among Vietnamese exporters shipping to international buyers, has led VNPost to develop dedicated offerings including the CN38 international shipping solution, targeted at small and medium-sized parcels destined for global markets.

Which countries does Vietnam Post deliver to?

Vietnam Post's domestic network covers the entire Vietnamese territory through 63 Provincial post offices, one for each of the country's provinces and municipalities, along with 17 Central post offices managing major hubs and national-level operations. This infrastructure is supplemented by over 14,000 service points distributed across the country, with a standing policy that every commune must have at least one active service location. Logistics centers and fulfillment warehouses are strategically positioned in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, the three primary economic hubs anchoring operations across northern, southern, and central Vietnam.

Internationally, Vietnam Post participates in the Universal Postal Union, which gives the carrier access to cooperative postal exchange arrangements with the national postal services of most countries worldwide. Through these agreements, VNPost covers 230 countries and territories. Its Vietnam Post Logistics subsidiary has developed particular depth on high-volume corridors to the United States, European Union countries, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Canada, and Taiwan. Within Southeast Asia, VNPost maintains active connections with ASEAN regional partner postal services.

• Vietnam (domestic): All 63 provinces and municipalities, covered through 63 Provincial post offices, 17 Central post offices, and over 14,000 service points including remote rural, mountainous, and island areas
• Southeast Asia: Thailand Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and other ASEAN member countries
• East Asia: Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
• North America: United States and Canada
• Europe: All European Union member states, United Kingdom, Switzerland and other European countries
• Other destinations: Over 230 countries and territories in total through the Universal Postal Union network

International shipments follow the standard postal exchange model used by Universal Postal Union members worldwide. A parcel dispatched from Vietnam is handled by VNPost until it exits the country, then transferred to the postal service of the destination country for final delivery. A shipment addressed to the United States will be handed to USPS for last-mile distribution. A parcel headed to Germany will be transferred to Deutsche Post, while one going to the United Kingdom will be handled by Royal Mail. This handoff model is the operational basis for the entire international postal cooperation system.

Vietnam Post processes international shipments through exchange centers located near major air hubs, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City serving as the primary international gateways. Air cargo routing is used for EMS express shipments and for the CN38 cross-border e-commerce product, with parcels consolidated and transported by air to overseas destinations before being handed to the receiving country's delivery network. Standard international postal shipments may travel by surface transport on certain routes, which contributes to the longer transit times associated with that service tier.

What are the Vietnam Post services and delivery times?

Vietnam Post operates a broad range of shipping services, from basic letter mail to express parcel delivery and specialized e-commerce logistics. The carrier's domestic services cover standard parcel post, a small parcel tier for lightweight e-commerce packages, and EMS express delivery targeting next-business-day arrival to major cities. For international shipments, VNPost offers standard postal services, EMS international express, and the CN38 product through its Vietnam Post Logistics subsidiary, each suited to different delivery speed requirements and budget levels.

The standard domestic parcel service handles packages up to 30 kg, with transit times of 1 to 7 days depending on origin and destination provinces. Deliveries between major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City typically fall at the shorter end of this range. For time-sensitive domestic shipments, the EMS express service targets next-business-day delivery to major provincial capitals and urban areas, with same-day dispatch for parcels accepted before the daily cutoff. Remote provinces may require 2 to 3 business days even under EMS. The VP2 small parcel service caters to packages up to 5 kg, with a package-rate pricing structure designed for smaller e-commerce consignments.

• Ordinary Mail: Standard letter mail for domestic and international delivery of documents and correspondence, in both registered and unregistered formats
• Domestic Parcel Post: Standard parcel service for packages up to 30 kg, with delivery in 1 to 7 days depending on origin and destination
• VP2 Small Parcel: Economy parcel service for items up to 5 kg with a maximum single dimension of 50 cm, designed for small e-commerce packages
• Domestic EMS: Express service targeting next-business-day delivery to major cities and provincial capitals, with same-day dispatch for parcels accepted before the daily cutoff
• International EMS: Express international service covering 100 countries and territories, accepting shipments up to 31 kg, with transit times of 5 to 15 business days depending on destination
• CN38: Vietnam Post Logistics' dedicated international e-commerce shipping product, targeting a 3 to 8 working day transit window to primary destination markets
• Vietnam Post Logistics: Business-oriented logistics including domestic freight, international shipping, cross-border e-commerce fulfillment, warehousing in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, and customs clearance
• Financial services: Savings, insurance, money transfers, pension disbursements, utility bill payments, and credit services, particularly for underserved rural populations
• Press distribution: Nationwide newspaper and periodical delivery through the National Press Distribution Company

For international shipments, Vietnam Post operates two main speed tiers. The EMS international express service uses air cargo routing to reach 100 countries and territories, with typical transit times of 5 to 15 business days depending on destination and the time required for customs clearance at the receiving end. Standard international postal shipments generally take 7 to 21 days. The CN38 product from Vietnam Post Logistics targets the fastest available window, with a 3 to 8 working day delivery target to primary markets including the United States, EU countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Canada.

Vietnam Post Logistics, the company's dedicated logistics subsidiary, provides services that go beyond standard postal offerings. Its product range covers domestic end-to-end freight solutions, international logistics, cross-border e-commerce fulfillment, warehousing at facilities across three major cities, and import-export support including customs clearance. For business clients shipping in volume, contract pricing arrangements are available. The CN38 product holds FMC certification for US-bound shipments, reflecting formal compliance with the requirements of that shipping corridor.

What are the Vietnam Post rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Vietnam Post calculates shipping rates based on two primary variables, weight and dimensions. Heavier and larger packages attract higher rates across all service tiers. The carrier provides an online cost calculator on its website, allowing customers to estimate shipping costs before visiting a post office. For international services, pricing is also structured by destination zone, with different rate levels applied depending on the region or country where the shipment is addressed.

• Rate basis: Weight and physical dimensions, with international rates additionally influenced by destination pricing zone
• VP2 small parcel maximum weight: 5 kg, with a maximum single dimension of 50 cm
• Standard domestic parcel maximum weight: 30 kg
• Standard domestic parcel size limit: The combined measurement of length and greatest perimeter must not exceed 3 meters
• EMS international maximum weight: 31 kg
• Business pricing: Volume-based and contract pricing available for high-volume customers through Vietnam Post Logistics

The VP2 small parcel service applies a package-rate pricing structure for eligible items, making it a lower-cost option for e-commerce sellers shipping small goods. Standard domestic parcel rates are calculated on a weight-and-dimension basis, with the size constraint measured by combining the length and the greatest perimeter of the package, a combined figure that must not exceed 3 meters. For shipments that fall outside standard postal size or weight limits, Vietnam Post Logistics offers freight-class solutions with dedicated pricing for heavier or bulkier commercial consignments.

For international EMS shipments, the pricing model accounts for both the weight of the parcel and its destination, with countries grouped into regional pricing zones. The maximum weight accepted for international EMS is 31 kg. The CN38 product from Vietnam Post Logistics also applies weight and destination-based pricing, at rates positioned to be competitive for the e-commerce market relative to full-rate express freight options.

What are the Vietnam Post delivery options?

Vietnam Post delivers to home and business addresses as the standard delivery method for both domestic and international parcels. In the event that a recipient is not present during a delivery attempt, the delivery agent will leave a notification at the address with instructions for collecting the item. Recipients can then pick up their parcel from the local post office or delivery center responsible for their area. For high-value or registered items, a signature is required from the recipient upon delivery.

• Home and business address delivery: Standard delivery to the recipient's address by Vietnam Post delivery agents
• Post office collection: Parcels not delivered on the first attempt can be collected at the local post office, with over 14,000 service points available as pickup locations nationwide
• Delivery notification: A notification card is left at the address when delivery is unsuccessful, providing instructions for collecting the item from the assigned delivery office
• Signature on delivery: Required for high-value and registered items upon receipt
• Rural and remote area collection: In areas without reliable address-based delivery, including mountainous and island regions, recipients collect items directly from their nearest Vietnam Post service point

Vietnam Post's network of over 14,000 service points functions both as a delivery infrastructure and as a collection network. In rural, remote, mountainous, and island areas where home delivery is not always practical, post offices serve as the primary reception point for incoming parcels. This reliance on post office collection in these areas reflects the practical reality of Vietnamese geography, where road access to some communes is limited and address-based delivery is not always a viable option for the final stage of a shipment's journey.

For urban recipients, the process follows the same model used by most national postal services worldwide. The delivery agent attempts delivery to the address and if the recipient is absent, a notification is left and the parcel is held at the local delivery office for a defined period. Recipients who prefer not to wait for home delivery can visit any Vietnam Post service point to collect their parcel, given that the density of the network makes access to a post office relatively convenient for most people living in towns and cities.

What should I do if my Vietnam Post parcel is lost or damaged?

Vietnam Post provides compensation for lost or damaged shipments. To initiate the claims process, the affected customer must visit a Vietnam Post office in person to file a formal complaint, accompanied by supporting documentation related to the shipment. Staff at any post office branch can also query the tracking system using the shipment's tracking number to investigate the current status or last known location of a missing item, which is often a practical first step before submitting a formal written claim.

• Filing a claim: Visit a Vietnam Post office in person to submit a formal complaint about a lost or damaged item, with relevant supporting documentation
• Documentation required: Proof of sending and any receipts, invoices, or other documents related to the shipment
• Tracking inquiry: Present the tracking number at any post office branch, where staff can query the system to investigate the status or last known location of the item
• Express service contact: The express service line can be reached by phone at (04) 3757 5577 for EMS and express shipment inquiries
• Customs authority contact: For international shipments involving customs disputes, the Vietnam Customs authority can be reached at (+844) 39440833
• VNPost Logistics inquiries: Business customers using Vietnam Post Logistics services have dedicated support channels available through that subsidiary

The compensation process for international shipments may require coordination with the postal service of the destination country, particularly when the item went missing during the final delivery stage abroad rather than within Vietnam's own postal network. Investigations into international losses require time to trace the shipment across multiple handoff points. Customers are advised to retain all shipment documentation and receipts until confirmed delivery is received, as this material will be required if a claim needs to be submitted at a later stage.

For customers dealing with EMS express parcel issues, the dedicated express service phone line provides a direct contact point for inquiries. Vietnam Post Logistics handles its own support process for business clients using its commercial services. In situations involving customs disputes on international shipments, the Vietnam Customs authority is the relevant body for resolution, operating separately from Vietnam Post's own complaint handling process.

Does Vietnam Post handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Vietnam Post handles both outbound and inbound international shipments through its Universal Postal Union membership and bilateral postal exchange agreements with national postal services worldwide. The company's international network covers 230 countries and territories. All international parcels sent through Vietnam Post require a completed CN23 customs declaration form, which must identify the contents, declared value, and nature of the goods. The form can be completed online before visiting the post office or filled out at the counter when handing over the shipment.

Vietnam Post has put in place e-Customs processes to digitize the customs documentation workflow for outbound international shipments, reducing manual handling for customers. Customs clearance at the destination is managed by the receiving country's postal service and customs authorities, with timelines and requirements varying considerably by country. Under standard postal convention, any import duties and taxes charged at the destination are borne by the recipient, not the sender. This arrangement, known as DDU or Delivered Duty Unpaid, means the recipient is responsible for any charges applied by their country's customs authorities before the parcel is released for final delivery.

Vietnam Post Logistics provides expanded customs clearance support for business customers engaged in cross-border trade, including customs declaration preparation and brokerage for both imports and exports. The CN38 international shipping product holds FMC certification for US-bound shipments, a formal compliance requirement for carriers operating on that corridor. For business clients managing significant volumes of cross-border shipments, these services reduce the burden of handling customs documentation on an individual shipment basis.

• Customs form: CN23 customs declaration required for all international parcels, declaring contents, declared value, and nature of goods
• Duties and taxes: Borne by the recipient under DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) terms, meaning the sender is not responsible for import charges applied by the destination country's customs authorities
• e-Customs: Vietnam Post has implemented digital customs processes to reduce manual documentation handling for outbound international shipments
• Prohibited items: Weapons, ammunition, explosives, military equipment, fireworks, sky lanterns, vehicle speedometer interference devices, used consumer goods, publications banned in Vietnam, unauthorized radio equipment, and used electronics without import licensing from the Ministry of Information and Communications
• Prohibited in registered letters: Coins, banknotes, bearer securities, travellers' cheques, precious metals, precious stones, and jewels

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a Vietnam Post parcel, different status messages appear as the shipment moves through the postal network. These updates reflect key handling stages within VNPost's domestic infrastructure, at customs checkpoints, and within the destination country's postal system for international shipments. Vietnam Post uses 13-character tracking numbers following the Universal Postal Union format, consisting of two uppercase letters, nine digits, and the two-letter country code VN, for example CP065505311VN or CC546258319VN. EMS express tracking numbers follow the same structure but begin with the letter E, such as EA118249235VN or EB008290581VN. The table below describes the main statuses and their meaning at each stage of a shipment's journey.