1. Where Is The Independence Palace?
The Independence Palace is located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is about 800 m west of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and about 7 km southeast of Tan Son Nhat International Airport. There are four roads in four directions are surrounding this palace:
- Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, the main facade, in the Northeast.
- Princess Huyen Tran Street, back, in the Southwest.
- Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, left, in the Northwest.
- Nguyen Du Street, right, in the Southeast.
2. How Is Independence Palace Unique?
The Independence Palace is one of the most unique and famous architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City, having existed for more than 150 years. The construction was started by Mr. La Grandière, the French Governor in Southern Vietnam, in 1868 and completed in 1871.
Moreover, it is also one of the important historical symbols of Vietnam. With a large area of 120,000m² (300m x 400m), creating a large campus. With its central location and large area, the Independence Palace is not only a historical attraction. But also an important part of the cultural and architectural image of Ho Chi Minh City.
In addition, with the special values of the Independence Palace, this work was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1976. This place has witnessed many historical events, ups and downs of Vietnam. Especially the event of the Liberation of the South and the reunification of the country on April 30, 1975. After many name changes, people now called this relic site is the Independence Palace. The meaning of the Independence Palace is national pride, about a heroic period of fighting against colonial invaders.
3. Different Names Through Each Historical Period OfThe Independence Palace
The Independence Palace, a unique architectural symbol of Vietnam, has existed and had many different names over time:
- In 1871, after completing construction. The palace was named Norodom Palace, because in front of the palace there is Norodom Avenue – the name of a King of Cambodia at that time.
- From 1871 to 1887, the palace was known as the Governor’s Palace of Cochinchina, reflecting its role as the governor’s headquarters to rule Southern Vietnam.
- During the period from 1887 to 1945, this place was called the Governor’s Palace, reflecting the comprehensive power that the palace represented during the colonial period.
- Around 1955, after deposing the Chief of State Bao Dai, President Ngo Dinh Diem changed the name of the Governor’s Palace to the Independence Palace and this name has been used to this day.
By 2009, they ranked the Independence Palace as one of the first ten special national monuments of Vietnam. Currently, the Independence Palace is open to the public, tourists, and has also welcomed many heads of state as well as high-ranking officials of other countries to visit and admire.
4. How To Get To Independence Palace?
Independence Palace is located in a prime location in Ho Chi Minh City, so it is very easy to find. You just need to open the Google map app or map and follow the directions or you can ask the locals. You can get here by personal or public transport.
- By taxi: Just go down to the hotel lobby, you can catch a taxi to get to the Palace in a moment. When choosing to travel by taxi, don’t forget to find a reputable and safe taxi company to have the best experience.
- By car: If you travel by car, you will park your car at Tao Dan park or on Huyen Tran Cong Chua street right next to the Palace.
- By bus: This is a very popular means of transport, suitable for tourists who are not familiar with the road. If you travel by public transport, you can choose one of the following bus routes:
- 001 route: Ben Thanh bus station – ChoLon bus station.
- 002 route: Ben Thanh bus station – Mien Tay bus station.
- 003 route: Ben Thanh bus station – Thanh Loc.
- 004 route: Ben Thanh bus station – Cong Hoa – An Suong bus station.
- 005 route: Ben Thanh bus station – Bien Hoa.
- By motorbike: This is a popular means of transportation for locals or neighboring provinces when coming to Dinh. However, the roads in Ho Chi Minh City are extremely crowded, if you are not familiar with the roads, it will take a lot of time for visitors.
5. Opening Hours And Entrance Fees To The Independence Palace
5.1 Opening hours of the Independence Palace:
- Ticket sales hours: 08:00 – 15:30
- Visiting hours: 08:00 – 16:30 for the Main Building and from 08:30 – 16:30 for the exhibition house “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966”.
5.2 Reference entrance fees to the Independence Palace:
- Adults: 65,000 VND/person/time.
- Children: 15,000 VND/person/time.
6. History Of Formation And Historical Value Of Independence Palace
6.1 History of formation of Independence Palace
Independence Palace is a historical witness, accompanying the Vietnamese people through heroic pages of history:
- 1867: In 1867, the French army occupied the six provinces of Cochinchina, opening the way for the conquest and occupation of regions in South Vietnam. The occupied provinces included Bien Hoa, Gia Dinh, Dinh Tuong, Vinh Long, An Giang, and Ha Tien.
- 1868: Norodom Palace was built starting in 1868, a symbol of French power and control in Cochinchina. Norodom Palace was built in the center of Saigon city to serve as the residence and office for the Governor of Cochinchina.
- 1940s: Japan staged a coup against France, Norodom Palace became the headquarters of the Japanese government, demonstrating the transfer of power and influence between the invading countries.
- September 1945: After the war, France reoccupied South Vietnam. Norodom Palace continued to serve as the center of power and work for the French government in the region.
It is worthy visiting the Independence Palace
- May 7, 1954: After the Geneva Accords, Norodom Palace was transferred to the Saigon government. Renamed Independence Palace, it became a symbol of relative independence and acceptance by the Southern government.
- February 27, 1962: Norodom Palace was attacked and destroyed by the coup. Ngo Dinh Diem decided to build a new Independence Palace on the old site, with a new design by Architect Ngo Viet Thu.
- October 31, 1966: Reunification Palace was officially inaugurated and became the official workplace of the President of South Vietnam from 1967 to 1975, especially of President Nguyen Van Thieu.
- April 30, 1975: In the historic turning point of April 30, 1975, a convoy of tanks entered the Independence Palace, especially tank number 843 from Company 4, Battalion 1, Tank Brigade 203, Corps 2, and crashed into the side gate of the Independence Palace. At 11:30 a.m. the same day, Lieutenant Bui Quang Than was the one who planted the flag on the Independence Palace, raising the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam.
6.2 Historical value of the Independence Palace
The Independence Palace, with its unparalleled historical value, is a living museum of the Vietnam War and the process of national reunification. The vestiges on the roof of the Palace, such as the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, are symbols of courage and national unity, and also mark the efforts for independence and freedom. The Prime Minister also recognized its special value by deciding to rank it as a Special National Monument on August 12, 2009.
7. Unique Architecture Of Independence Palace
7.1 Design concept of Reunification Palace
Architect Ngo Viet Thu’s design concept of Reunification Palace is a subtle combination of modern architecture and traditional Vietnamese culture. The Palace is shaped like the letter CAT, meaning luck. The central location is the room for presenting credentials, the upper floor is shaped like the letter KHAU, representing nobility and consensus.
The letters TRUNG and TAM remind of the regiment and are complete in Nhan, Minh, Vo. Combined into the letters VUONG and CHU, symbolizing the country’s sovereignty. The front part is shaped like the letter HUNG, representing the prosperity and prosperity of the country. All of these create an Independence Palace that is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a living symbol of the solidarity and spirit of the Vietnamese people.
7.2 Area outside the Palace
The area surrounding Reunification Palace is not only a cool and airy green space. It is also an important part in honoring the beauty and historical spirit of this place. The front yard of the Palace is decorated with an oval lawn with a diameter of 102m, creating a green and pleasant scene. Every step through the gate is a relaxing experience from the first sight.
Along the width of the main hall, the semicircular lake creates a highlight with blooming lotus and water lilies. It blends into the peaceful space and is filled with traditional Vietnamese features. On the left corner of the Palace, near Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, there is a small octagonal house with a classic curved tiled roof, an ideal place to relax.
Around the Palace, green lawns, ancient tree gardens and tennis courts behind the main house are rich spaces. It creates conditions for visitors to enjoy, relax and participate in recreational activities.
7.3 Inside the Independence Palace
Step inside the Independence Palace, you will encounter a solemn and quiet space, a blend of traditional architecture and modernity. The corridors, large halls and functional rooms are all designed with straight lines. It creates a sense of solemnity and the first impression of the historical space here.
The T-shaped main building is the center of the Palace, which used to be the residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. With 03 floors, 02 mezzanines, 01 terrace and 01 ground floor, this main building is an architectural masterpiece with a total usable area of up to 20,000m² and 95 different functional rooms. Each room is decorated with special respect, reflecting its purpose and meaning in the historical process.
Currently, most of the rooms in the Independence Palace are open to visitors. Each exhibition room tells a story, from the President’s offices to the large meeting rooms. It brings visitors a journey of profound contemplation into the historical and cultural past of Vietnam.
8. Activities And Experiences When Visiting The Independence Palace
8.1 Visiting the exhibition areas
8.1.1. Permanent area
The permanent area at the Palace is home to more than 100 key rooms, each with a special function and meaning. Rooms such as the reception room, the cabinet room, the combat staff room, etc. all represent important events and activities in Vietnam’s history.
They decorated and arranged these rooms to clearly reflect the function and historical value of each space. This is where visitors have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the life and work of the President. And also the cabinet of the Republic of Vietnam during an important period in the nation’s history.
8.1.2. Thematic Area
Thematic Area at the Reunification Palace is a space for in-depth exhibitions on important historical topics and themes. This is where special exhibitions such as “From the Paris Agreement to the Ho Chi Minh Campaign through Archived Documents” and “The Ho Chi Minh Trail through Documents of the Saigon Government” or “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966” are introduced.
These exhibitions help visitors gain a deeper insight into important events, from the course of the war to decisive diplomatic efforts. Thematic Area is a valuable source of information, an opportunity for history lovers to gain additional knowledge not found in books and newspapers.
8.1.3. Additional Area
The additional area in the Independence Palace exhibition house is not only a place to display photos preserving historical values but also a valuable source of information about the lives and resistance of the Vietnamese people.
People collected and preserved these images with the aim of educating and conveying cultural values, patriotism and indomitable spirit of the past. This is a space for generational exchange, where the younger generation can better understand the difficulties. Anh also feats and pride of the Vietnamese people in the journey to independence and freedom.
8.2 Admiring historical artifacts & valuable works of art
When entering the Reunification Palace, visitors will admire unique historical artifacts, such as the UH-1 helicopter, the Mercedes Benz 200 W110 of President Nguyen Van Thieu… These artifacts are not only physical evidence of important events, but also vivid emotions about Vietnam’s glorious past. Tanks, fighter planes and other artifacts bring visitors back to historical times and help them understand more deeply about the struggles and victories of the nation.
In addition, the Independence Palace also displays many unique works of art. Among them is the oil painting by architect Ngo Viet Thu, depicting the beauty of the Vietnamese countryside, a work recording traditional life. In addition, the painting “Binh Ngo Dai Cao” with 40 small pieces depicting the life of Vietnamese people in the 15th century is also a unique and meaningful masterpiece of painting.
9. Forms Of Visiting The Historical Site Of The Independence Palace
When visiting the Independence Palace, you will have many attractive options:
- Guide introduction: If you want to have a full and detailed tour experience, you can register for a tour guide at the information desk. This service has a fee according to the regulations of the Monument, with a maximum number of guests per group of 25 adults or 50 children (15 years old and under).
- Visiting by tram: The Independence Palace provides a modern, environmentally friendly tram service. You can see the entire large campus and at the same time learn about the Independence Palace through the automatic commentary system integrated on the tram.
- Free to experience: For those who want to explore freely, there are many modern signs and billboards for visitors to explore historical sites on their own.
- Use automatic commentary headphones: The Independence Palace supports an audio tour system, providing commentary information about the Independence Palace using electronic headphones. With 10 different languages, you can freely choose the appropriate language, from English, French, Japanese, Chinese to Thai and Vietnamese.
10. Specialties When Visiting The Independence Palace
When traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, you don’t have to worry about where to eat. Therefore, finding a good restaurant near the Independence Palace is also very easy. You can refer to some restaurants that diners highly rated them:
10.1. Khoai Restaurant: Nha Trang Delicacies
- Address: 16 Le Quy Don, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Reference price: from 50,000 VND/portion.
10.2. Quan Ngon 138: Vietnamese Cuisine
- Address: 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Reference price: from 45,000 VND/portion.
10.3. Motsunabe Rakutenchi: Japanese Beef Intestine Hot Pot
- Address: 8/16 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Reference price: from 50,000 VND/portion.
10.4. Au Parc: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Cuisine
- Address: 23 Han Thuyen, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Reference price: from 45,000 VND/portion.
10.5. Ruong Pub & Hub
- Address: 33D Nguyen Trung Truc, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Reference price: from 50,000 VND/portion.
11. Accommodation When Visiting The Independence Palace
Because the Independence Palace is located right in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, there are many places to stay around it for your reference:
- Sunrise Central Hotel. Address: 137 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Akoya Saigon Central Hotel. Address: 88 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- GK Central Hotel. Address: 92-94 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Silverland Yen Hotel. Address: 73-75 Thu Khoa Huan, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Central Palace Hotel Saigon. Address: 39-39A Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Fusion Suites Saigon. Address: 3-5 Suong Nguyet Anh, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
12. Some Other Famous Tourist Attractions Near The Independence Palace
There are many attractive tourist destinations near the Independence Palace, you should combine visits to make your trip more interesting and complete:
- Tao Dan Park: about 450m away.
- Notre Dame Cathedral: about 500m away.
- Ben Thanh Market: about 500m away.
- Ho Chi Minh City Theater: about 1km away.
- Thao Cam Vien: about 1.5km away.
13. Some Important Notes When Traveling To The Independence Palace
To make your visit to the Independence Palace a complete joy, you need to refer to some necessary notes below:
- Do not bring large or unnecessary luggage inside the monument.
- Limit food and drink, and make sure there is no litter in the area.
- Follow the instructions of security guards and signs during the tour.
- Do not bring weapons, explosives, or toxic chemicals into the monument.
- Be responsible for any loss or damage to the monument during the tour.
- You should wear polite and modest clothing, avoid wearing clothes that are too short or revealing.
- Do not bring pets or animals with you.
The Independence Palace is not only a historical site with impressive architecture. But also a symbol of Vietnam’s unity and independence. With diverse exhibition areas and valuable artifacts, the palace is a destination that you shouldn’t miss when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City.
Contact Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator, to have interesting schedules during your vacation in Vietnam. We also accompany you on the Saigon tour to explore the Independence Palace with the opportunity to understand more deeply about the golden history of the Vietnamese nation and feel the solidarity of the Vietnamese people.
