Vietnam Post – VNPost, The Vietnamese Postal Service and Its Tracking

Vietnam Post (VNPost): Connecting a Dynamic Nation

 

Vietnam Post (Tổng công ty Bưu điện Việt Nam – VNPost) is the national postal service of Vietnam, providing essential mail, parcel, and financial services across the country. As a state-owned enterprise, VNPost holds the universal service obligation for postal delivery, ensuring connectivity from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to remote rural areas.

VNPost is a vital component of Vietnam’s rapidly developing economy, adapting to the surge in e-commerce and international trade while maintaining its foundational role in public communication and access to government services.

 

A History of Unifying Communications

 

The history of postal services in Vietnam is intertwined with the nation’s own complex history. The modern VNPost, as a national public service provider, has undergone significant reforms and modernization since Vietnam’s economic reforms (Doi Moi) began.

Key aspects of VNPost’s operations:

• Extensive Domestic Network: Operating thousands of post offices, postal points, and agent locations throughout Vietnam, ensuring broad reach.
• E-commerce Integration: VNPost has actively expanded its parcel delivery capabilities to support the booming domestic and cross-border e-commerce market in Vietnam. It is often a key last-mile delivery partner for international shipments entering the country.
• Universal Service: Committed to providing affordable and reliable postal services to all citizens, including those in underserved areas.
• Diversified Services: Beyond mail and parcels, VNPost offers a range of services including financial services (money transfers, bill payments), distribution, and e-government services.
• Modernization: Investing in new technologies, automated sorting, and improved logistics to enhance efficiency and service quality.

VNPost is crucial for both personal correspondence and for businesses operating within and trading with Vietnam.

 

Core Services Offered by Vietnam Post (VNPost)

 

VNPost offers a comprehensive suite of postal and related services:

• Mail Services (Domestic & International):
  • Standard Mail: For letters and postcards.
  • Registered Mail (Thư bảo đảm): For important documents requiring proof of sending and receipt.
  • Express Mail (EMS): For expedited domestic letter and document delivery.
• Parcel Services (Domestic):
  • Standard Parcel (Bưu kiện): For packages nationwide.
  • Express Parcel (Chuyển phát nhanh – CPN): Faster domestic parcel delivery.
  • COD (Cash on Delivery): A popular service for e-commerce, allowing recipients to pay upon delivery.
• International Mail and Parcels:
  • International EMS: Vietnam Post’s premium international express service for fast, trackable, and reliable delivery worldwide.
  • International Registered Mail/Small Packet: For trackable international letters and small packets, commonly used for e-commerce.
  • International Parcel: For sending parcels globally with various speed options (airmail, surface mail).
  • VNPost is a common last-mile delivery partner for inbound international e-commerce shipments to Vietnam.
• Financial Services: Money orders, bill payments, and banking services.
• Distribution Services: Logistics and distribution solutions for businesses.
• Public and Government Services: Facilitating various administrative tasks.

 

Monitoring Your Delivery: Mastering Vietnam Post (VNPost) Tracking

 

VNPost provides a reliable tracking system for its registered mail, parcels, and EMS services, offering good visibility into your shipment’s journey, especially for international items.

 

How to Track Your VNPost Package:

 

1. Locate Your VNPost Tracking Number:
   • Format: VNPost tracking numbers are typically 13 alphanumeric characters:
     • Registered Mail (International): Starts with R followed by a letter, then 9 digits, ending with “VN” (e.g., RA123456789VN).
     • EMS (International): Starts with E followed by a letter, then 9 digits, ending with “VN” (e.g., EE123456789VN).
     • International Parcels: Starts with C followed by a letter, then 9 digits, ending with “VN” (e.g., CP123456789VN).
     • Domestic (CPN/EMS): Can be numeric or alphanumeric and may vary (e.g., EN123456789VN for domestic EMS, or simply numeric).
   • Where to find it:
     • Your shipping receipt from a VNPost office.
     • The shipping confirmation email/SMS from the sender or online retailer.
     • The shipping label itself.
2. Use the Official VNPost Website:
   • Go to www.vnpost.vn/en-us/track-and-trace (the English version of their tracking page) or navigate to the “Tra cứu định vị” (Track & Trace) section from their main page, www.vnpost.vn.
   • Enter your tracking number into the designated field.
   • Click “Tra cứu” (Search). The website provides detailed updates on the current status and transit history.
3. Utilize Third-Party Universal Tracking Sites (Highly Recommended for International):
   • For international shipments, using universal tracking platforms is often highly effective. They can automatically detect the transition from an international carrier to VNPost (or vice-versa) and provide a more seamless view of your package’s entire journey.
   • Popular options include: 17TRACK, AfterShip, ParcelsApp, PKGE.net, etc.

 

Decoding Common VNPost Tracking Statuses:

 

VNPost provides tracking updates in Vietnamese, often with English translations available on their website or universal trackers.

• “Chấp nhận bưu gửi” (Accepted mail/parcel): The item has been accepted by VNPost from the sender.
• “Đã rời bưu cục khởi gửi” (Departed from origin post office): The item has left the initial post office.
• “Đã đến bưu cục trung chuyển” (Arrived at transit post office): The item has reached a sorting facility.
• “Đã rời bưu cục trung chuyển” (Departed from transit post office): The item has left a sorting facility.
• “Đã đến bưu cục phát” (Arrived at delivery post office): The item has reached the local post office responsible for final delivery.
• “Đang phát” (Out for delivery): The item is with the delivery person and is expected today.
• “Đã phát” (Delivered): The item has been successfully delivered. This often includes details of who signed for it.
• “Chưa phát được” (Undeliverable): Delivery was attempted but failed (e.g., recipient absent, incorrect address).
• “Chờ phát lại” (Awaiting redelivery): The item is waiting for a second delivery attempt or recipient contact.
• “Chờ người nhận đến lấy tại bưu cục” (Awaiting recipient pick up at post office): The item is ready for collection at the post office.
• “Xuất đi nước ngoài” (Despatched to overseas): For international outbound, the item has left Vietnam.
• “Đã đến Việt Nam” (Arrived in Vietnam): For international inbound, the item has arrived in Vietnam.
• “Đang làm thủ tục hải quan” (Customs clearance in progress): The item is undergoing customs processing.
• “Đã thông quan” (Cleared customs): The item has successfully cleared customs.

Important Considerations for VNPost Tracking:

• Customs Clearance: For international shipments entering Vietnam, customs procedures can sometimes cause delays.
• Language: While English is usually available, some specific nuances might be clearer if you can translate the Vietnamese terms.
• COD: Cash on Delivery is a very common payment method in Vietnamese e-commerce.

 

The Essential Link in Vietnam’s Growth

 

Vietnam Post (VNPost) is an indispensable national service that continues to modernize and expand its capabilities to support Vietnam’s rapid economic development and burgeoning e-commerce sector. Its extensive network, comprehensive service offerings, and reliable tracking system ensure that it remains a vital artery for communication and commerce, connecting individuals and businesses across the vibrant nation and with the wider world.