Explore the Independence Palace: A symbol of peace and territorial integrity

As a work built by the French very early, Saigon Independence Palace has a unique architecture and was once considered the most beautiful villa in Asia. This place is considered a symbol of peace and the territorial integrity of Vietnam after the victory in 1975, Liberation of the South – reunification of the country.

With important historical significance, Independence Palace Historic Site is one of 10 special national monuments according to Decision No. 1272/QD-TTg.

The following article will introduce you to the history and attractions at Saigon Independence Palace .

General introduction about Independence Palace

Where is the Independence Palace?

Also known by many names such as: Reunification Palace, Governor’s Palace, Governor’s Palace, Reunification Hall, Norodom Palace, Independence Palace designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu. This used to be the residence and working place of the President of the Republic of Vietnam regime.

Independence Palace is located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, HCMC. The back of the Independence Palace is Huyen Tran Cong Chua street, the left side is Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street and the right side is Nguyen Du street.

• See more: Ho Chi Minh Car Rental

Moving Guide

Located in the center of Saigon, moving to the Independence Palace you will have many options: Personal vehicles such as cars, motorbikes or buses (001, 002, 03, 04, 05).

Opening time of the Independence Palace

The Palace is open to visitors on all days of the week, including holidays and Tet (except for important occasions). Visiting hours in the morning from 1:30 am to 11:30 am, in the afternoon from 1 pm to 5 pm. If you intend to visit, please arrange a reasonable time.

Is the Independence Palace currently open?

Due to the complicated developments of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Palace will temporarily stop welcoming guests from May 28, 2021. Time to reopen, you can refer to the website: https://dinhdoclap.gov.vn/

Ticket price to visit the Independence Palace

Ho Chi Minh City’s Independence Palace has an entrance fee through the form of ticket sales, the ticketing time is from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (morning) and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (afternoon). Specifically:

History of Independence Palace

In 1867 – 1868, after occupying 6 provinces of Cochinchina, Governor Lagrandiere laid the first stone to start the construction of the Cochinchine Governor’s Palace in Saigon according to the project sketched by the architect Hermite. and named the palace Norodom.

In the period 1871 – 1887, the palace was for the Governor of Cochinchina, so it was called the Governor’s Palace. From 1887 to 1945, high-ranking French colonial officials used this place to work and took the name Governor’s Palace.

In March 1945, Japan overthrew France, the Palace became the residence and working place of the Japanese government, but in September 1945 Japan failed, the Palace was owned by the French. After that, the French returned the Palace to Ngo Dinh Diem’s ​​government.

In 1955, the Palace was renamed the Independence Palace. Since then, it became the residence of the President of the former regime – the Republic of Vietnam.

In 1962, the Palace was destroyed by bombs and could not be restored, so Ngo Dinh Diem decided to build a completely new one designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu and inaugurated in 1966.

In April 1975, the Independence Palace once again became the witness of the spring 1975 attack and uprising. And when the flag of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam fluttered on the roof of the Palace, it was also the time when Vietnam was completely reunified, ending more than 20 years of dividing the North and South, marking the complete collapse of the puppet regime established by the US imperialists.

In 1976, Independence Palace was recognized as a national historical relic, and was honored as one of the 10 special national monuments of Vietnam (in 2009).

Attractions when coming to the Independence Palace

Fixed area

The fixed area of ​​the Independence Palace has more than 100 rooms decorated in different styles, including the offices of the President – Vice President, the cabinet room, the great saddle room, the reception room, the committee room. office, the room to present the credentials, the communication room, the bedroom of the President’s family… Highlights include:

• Khanh Tiet Room can accommodate up to 500 people – where meetings and receptions take place;

• Cabinet Room – where important meetings take place

• Operational staff room – reception room for military information from 4 regions.
• The residence of the President’s family: The person with the longest life is Nguyen Van Thieu (from October 1967 to April 21, 1975).

• Library in the Independence Palace: This place includes many bookcases containing many books and research materials of the Presidents of the former Republic of Vietnam regime.
• Operational Staff Room: This is the reception room for military information from 4 tactical zones.
• Basement: The basement is full of communication rooms, printing rooms … to ensure the issuance of the President’s orders to the outside.

Thematic area

This venue exhibits topics such as: Paris Agreement, Ho Chi Minh campaign through reserve documents; Ho Chi Minh Road through documents of the Saigon government; Photo exhibitions…

When you visit, you will not only see vivid pictures of the past, but also learn more about the hidden history that is not available in books.

In particular, the exhibition area “from Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966” is also a place to simulate the process of formation, construction and important milestones taking place in the Palace.

Additional area

A gallery of photographs found and later collected, the Additional Area contains photographs kept by residents from the resistance wars to independence.

Valuable historical artifacts

Many historical artifacts are “evidence” for the periods kept at the Independence Palace. On the roof of the Palace is a UH-1 helicopter belonging to Nguyen Van Thieu, next to it are two bombs dropped by pilot Nguyen Thanh Trung.

Along with that is a Mercedes Benz 200 W110 with a German license plate VN-13-78, a Jeep M152A2 used to carry the last President of the Republic of Vietnam – Duong Van Minh to the exclusive Saigon radio station. declaration of surrender (April 30, 1975) and other artifacts such as 390 tanks, 843 tanks, F5E fighters… The UH-1 helicopter of President Nguyen Van Thieu.

Besides, visiting the Independence Palace, visitors can admire works of art such as: An oil painting depicting a Vietnamese village scene by Ngo Viet Thu, a painting of sisters Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van meeting. Kim Trong on the Qingming New Year’s Day,…

Attractions Near the Independence Palace

It is estimated that exploring the Independence Palace will take around 2 hours. Therefore, you can combine your visit with other nearby attractions, such as:

• Ben Thanh Market (750m)
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (400m)
• Bitexco Financial Tower (1.5km)
• Tao Dan Park (950m)
• 23/9 Park (1.6km)
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street (1.1km)
• Ho Chi Minh City Museum (350m)
• War Remnants Museum (650m)

Some Notes When Visiting the Independence Palace in Saigon

As the Independence Palace holds significant historical importance for the nation, when visiting, you are required to follow certain rules, including:

• Do not bring large luggage, food, or drinks into the visitor area.
• Do not carry weapons or materials that could easily cause fire or explosions.
• Dress modestly; avoid wearing clothing that is too short or revealing.
• Follow the instructions of security personnel and obey signs during your visit.
• Visitors will be held fully responsible for any damage caused to the monument.

Conclusion

The above are the guidelines for visiting the Independence Palace in Saigon provided by VnCarRentals.com. We hope this article has provided you with useful information to help you fully explore the Independence Palace. It can be said that the Independence Palace is not only a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City but also a source of pride for the Vietnamese people in general. Therefore, visiting the Independence Palace will surely be an unforgettable experience for any visitor.