Independence Palace: A testament to the history of Saigon

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The Independence Palace attracts both locals and foreigners to come explore its profound significance (Source: Collected)

Independence Palace Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see attraction in any itinerary of Vietnam travel. As a symbol of national pride, it encapsulates Vietnam’s tumultuous history, making it an essential stop for those seeking to understand Vietnam’s journey toward independence and unity.

1. Overview of the Independence Palace in Vietnam

1.1. Location of the Independence Palace

• Address: No. 135, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The Independence Palace – one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, stands solemnly in the heart of the city, serving as a testament to Vietnam’s glorious history. It has witnessed significant events that shaped the nation’s history. This is where the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam was raised, marking the victory of the struggle and the reunification of the nation. Due to its historical significance, the site has been recognized as one of Vietnam’s ten special national monuments.

Not only a historical witness, it is also an architectural masterpiece of its time. Its majestic beauty seamlessly combines the tradition of the East with the modernity of the West. The palace’s splendor, combined with its historical significance, continue to intrigue architects and historians to this day.

Saigon Independence Palace is an essential attraction for history enthusiasts (Source: Collected)

1.2. Opening hours & entrance fee

Saigon Independence Palace opening hours:

• Ticketing hours: From 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• Visiting hours:
  • For the palace: From 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
  • The exhibition ‘From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966’: From 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Saigon Independence Palace entrance fee:

• For the palace: 
  • Adults: 40,000 VND
  • Children: 10,000 VND
• For the palace and the exhibition: 
  • Adults: 65,000 VND
  • Children: 15,000 VND

1.3. Transportation to the Independence Palace

Visitors can easily travel to the Palace by taxis, buses, or private vehicles (Source: Collected)

There are many ways for visitors to reach Independence Palace Ho Chi Minh City. The most popular options are:

• By taxi: Taxis offer a safe and comfortable way to travel, especially for families and small groups. One popular choice is Xanh SM Taxi, a company operating entirely with VinFast electric cars. Xanh SM provides an eco-friendly transportation option that is available 24/7 for tourists. The rate is also reasonable, from only 12,500 VND per kilometer.

• By bus: This cost-effective option is ideal for those who want to save money and enjoy the scenic views along the way like a local. Some bus routes that pass by the palace are 01, 02, 03, 04, and 05.

• By motorbike/car: This is a common means of transportation for locals or tourists who prefer to have more control over their time. You can park your vehicles at Tao Dan Park or on Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street.

1.4. Map of the palace

The Independence Palace is located within a 12-hectare compound, covering an area of approximately 4,500 square meters with about 100 exhibition rooms, basements, and courtyards. Therefore, having a map of the palace is essential for easy navigation of all its interesting corners. Keep the map below handy and get ready for an exciting journey!

The map of Saigon Independence Palace allows you to discover all of its corners (Source: Collected)

More on: Ho Chi Minh City map: A compass for first-time tourists

2. History of the Independence Palace in Vietnam

Before becoming a prominent tourist attraction in the city, Ho Chi Minh Independence Palace was a historical witness of many notable milestones:

• 1858: French naval forces initiated the invasion of Vietnam by attacking Da Nang.
• 1868: French authorities chose a location in the center of Saigon to build a residence for the Governor-General of Indochina known as Norodom Palace.
• 1868 – 1871: Construction of the palace took place, which then served as the Governor-General’s residence in Indochina until 1887.
• 1887 – 1945: The palace served as both a residence and a workplace for many French Governors-General.
• March 9, 1945: Japanese forces seized control of Indochina, making Norodom Palace their headquarters in Vietnam.
• September 1945: With Japan’s defeat in World War II, the French returned to southern Vietnam, reclaiming Norodom Palace as their headquarters.
• May 7, 1954: After the defeat of the French at Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam was divided into the North and South, with the palace becoming the symbol of the South.
• September 7, 1954: Norodom Palace was handed over to the Saigonese regime and renamed Independence Palace by Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem.
• October 26, 1955: Diem established the Republic of Vietnam and transformed the palace into his family residence.
• February 27, 1962: The palace was bombed during a coup attempt, leading to its reconstruction under architect Ngo Viet Thu.
• July 1962 – October 1966: Reconstruction of the new palace took place. South Vietnamese President Thieu used it as his residence and workplace until 1975.
• April 30, 1975: The Independence Palace was the final target of the Vietnamese Liberation Army during the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. Tank 843 and Tank 390 advanced on the palace, marking the end of thirty years of war and the reunification of North and South Vietnam.

Saigon Independence Palace witnessed many historical events (Source: Collected)

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3. What to explore in the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City?

3.1. Explore the unique architecture of the palace

The unique Independence Palace architecture, designed by celebrated architect Ngo Viet Thu – the first Vietnamese to win the prestigious Grand Prix de Rome, is a major draw for tourists. Some architectural highlights include:

• Exterior: The palace’s exterior features stone lattice work. This stylistic element is inspired by the gates found in the former capital of Hue, which add to the palace’s beauty. The oval-shaped front lawn is adorned with ancient trees and ornamental plants, creating a serene ambiance. A crescent-shaped pool filled with lotus and lily pads runs along the lobby, reminiscent of the ponds in traditional Vietnamese pagoda. 
• Interior: The layout of the palace forms the Chinese character for “fortunate”. The central terrace features a flag post representing the character for “fidelity,” emphasizing the importance of loyalty. The balconies on the second and third floors, combined with the main entrance, create the character “prosperity,”. The interior of the palace boasts straight, clean lines, allowing for abundant natural lighting in corridors, halls, and rooms.

The palace embodies key principles of Eastern philosophy (Source: Collected)

3.2. Admire historical artifacts

At the Independence Palace, visitors can admire many historical artifacts. On the terrace, a UH1 helicopter used in the war in 1962 is displayed, alongside a piece of the bomb wreckage from 1975. The two tanks stand in front of the palace. Inside, various rooms are tied to historical events, such as the Khanh Tiet room where the Political Negotiation Conference on the unification of North and South Vietnam took place in November 1975.

3.3. Feast your eyes on dozens of artworks

The Independence Palace also preserves many artistic masterpieces. The reception room houses a series of oil paintings painted by Ngo Viet Thu. The president’s living room features the largest elephant ivory in Vietnam, alongside lacquered cabinets adorned with traditional motifs crafted by decorator Nguyen Van Triem in 1966. The vice president’s living room displays two oil paintings by artist Thai Van Ngon, which date back to 1966.

The Trinh Quoc Thu room hosts an oil painting titled “Binh Ngo Dai Cao”, which illustrates the tranquil life of Vietnamese people in the 15th century. Moreover, the president’s office showcases a painting of Tri Thuy Bridge by artist Pham Co, accompanied by an embroidered depiction of cedar trees and cranes, symbols of longevity. Adding to its splendor, the palace houses a colossal dragon carpet crafted in Hong Kong, along with several ceramic vases.

The oil painting titled “Binh Ngo Dai Cao” at the Independence Palace (Source: Collected)

3.4. Watch an exhibition at the Independence Palace

Visitors can explore various exhibitions to gain a deeper understanding of the palace’s history. A standout here is the exhibition “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868-1966”. It delves into the palace’s century-long history as the headquarters of the French colonial government in Cochinchina. This Independence Palace exhibition combines familiar museum practices with modern technology, such as video projectors, digital audio, and interactive touchscreens, allowing visitors to interact with the exhibits and gain more insights into the key milestones of modern Vietnamese history. Additionally, depending on the timing, various exhibitions of the Independence Palace photos are displayed at the palace.

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4. What to note when visiting the Independence Palace?

• There are four ways to explore the palace. You can take an Independence Palace tour in an electric car, explore the palace with a guide; explore the palace with audio guide, or explore the palace all by yourself.
• Follow the Independence Palace dress code by dressing modestly, avoid wearing skirts or shorts.
• Follow the instructions of the staff and signage during your visit.
• Do not bring luggage, food, drinks, animals, weapons, explosives, or toxic chemicals into the monument.
• Take responsibility if any damage occurs to the monument during your visit.

Dress modestly to the Independence Palace (Source: Collected)

5. Other attractions near Independence Palace Ho Chi Minh City

After exploring the palace, visitors can spend time discovering other interesting attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, including:

• War Remnants Museum: Established in 1975, this museum features nine thematic exhibitions and various special collections. It is dedicated to collecting and displaying exhibits on war crimes and the consequences inflicted on Vietnamese people.
• Saigon Central Post Office: This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. It is known for classical architecture, featuring striking yellow and green tones, impressive arched ceilings, and picturesque photo opportunities.
• Ben Thanh Market: This is another symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, with a history dating back to the 17th century. It is not only a place to shop for local products but also offers an interesting cultural experience, where visitors can interact with the locals and learn about their life.
• Ho Chi Minh City Book Street: This street is home to thousands of books from various genres. It is also a venue for numerous cultural activities, where visitors can enjoy a coffee while reading, immersing themselves in the local lifestyle.

The War Remnants Museum is an unmissable attraction for history buffs (Source: Collected)

The Independence Palace in Vietnam stands as an enduring testament to the nation’s resilience and determination. Its historical significance and architectural grandeur make it a captivating attraction for visitors from around the globe. Exploring Independence Palace Ho Chi Minh City promises a profound insight into Vietnam’s heritage and the pivotal moments that have shaped its identity.

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