The Independence Palace (also known as Reunification Palace) is a historic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It holds great significance in Vietnam’s modern history, particularly related to the fall of Saigon in 1975, which marked the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of North and South Vietnam.
Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Architectural Style: 1960s modernist design, blending traditional Vietnamese elements.
Architect: Ngo Viet Thu (the first Vietnamese architect to win the prestigious Grand Prix de Rome).
Original Name: Norodom Palace (built by the French colonial government in 1871).
Current Structure: Rebuilt in 1962 after the original was damaged in a bombing.
1954: After the Geneva Accords, Vietnam was divided into North and South. The palace became the residence and workplace of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem.
1963: Diem was assassinated in a coup, and subsequent leaders used the palace.
April 30, 1975: A North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates, symbolizing the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. This moment was famously captured in photographs.
Post-1975: The palace was preserved as a museum and renamed Reunification Palace.
War Rooms: Underground bunkers and communication centers.
Presidential Offices & Living Quarters: Preserved as they were in the 1960s–70s.
The Tank 843: A replica of the tank that broke through the gates in 1975.
Banquet Hall & Reception Rooms: Showcasing mid-century Vietnamese design.
Lush Gardens & Helicopter Pad: On the rooftop, where the last South Vietnamese president fled.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (daily).
Entrance Fee: ~40,000 VND (~$1.70 USD).
Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages.
The Independence Palace is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s
The Independence Palace (also known as Reunification Palace) is a historic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Here’s how to get there depending on your starting point:
Taxi/Grab:
Distance: ~8 km (~20–30 mins depending on traffic)
Cost: ~120,000–200,000 VND (taxi) or slightly cheaper with Grab (ride-hailing app).
Recommended Taxis: Mai Linh, Vinasun (reputable companies).
Public Bus (Cheapest Option):
Bus 109 (Airport Bus):
Fare: 20,000 VND
Route: Airport → City Center (stops near Notre-Dame Cathedral, then walk ~10 mins to Independence Palace).
Bus 152 (Local Bus):
Fare: 6,000–8,000 VND
Route: Airport → Ben Thanh Market → Transfer to Bus 04 or walk (~15 mins).
Walking:
Distance: ~1.5 km (~15–20 mins walk).
Route: Head southwest on Le Loi Blvd → Turn left onto Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St → Palace is at the end.
Taxi/Grab:
Cost: ~30,000–50,000 VND (~5 mins ride).
Cyclo/Xe Om (Motorbike Taxi):
Cost: ~30,000–50,000 VND (negotiate price first).
Taxi/Grab:
Distance: ~10 km (~25–40 mins, depending on traffic).
Cost: ~150,000–250,000 VND.
Public Bus:
Bus 36 or 50: Transfer to Bus 04 near Tran Hung Dao St.
Walking: ~25–30 mins (2 km).
Taxi/Grab: ~40,000–60,000 VND (~10 mins).
Motorbike Rental: ~100,000–150,000 VND/day (parking at palace: ~10,000 VND).
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Daily).
Entrance Fee: ~40,000 VND (adults), ~20,000 VND (students).
Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM & 4:30–6:30 PM) for faster travel.
Dress modestly (no shorts/tank tops if entering historical areas).
Nearby attractions: War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office.
Independence Palace (also known as Reunification Palace) in Ho Chi Minh City is a historic landmark and a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnam’s history and architecture. Here’s what you can do when visiting:
Learn about its role in the Vietnam War, especially the moment on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates, marking the end of the war.
See the War Command Room with old communication equipment and maps.
Visit the Presidential Office and Reception Rooms, preserved as they were in the 1960s–70s.
The palace is a prime example of 1960s modernist architecture, designed by Ngô Viết Thụ, Vietnam’s first registered architect.
Look for feng shui elements in its design, including the Chinese character “Jí” (吉, meaning “luck”) in the layout.
Walk through the open-air courtyards and lush gardens.
The Presidential Living Quarters – See the private rooms of South Vietnam’s last president, Nguyễn Văn Thiệu.
The Banquet Hall – A grand room used for official receptions.
The Basement War Rooms – Underground tunnels with old telecommunications equipment.
The Rooftop Helipad – Used for evacuations during the war.
A short historical film (available in multiple languages) is shown in one of the rooms, detailing the palace’s history and the fall of Saigon.
The palace is surrounded by well-maintained lawns, trees, and a lotus pond.
Look for vintage cars and tanks displayed on the grounds, including the replica of Tank 843 that broke through the gates in 1975.
The palace’s mid-century design, grand staircases, and retro interiors make for great photography.
Don’t miss the exterior facade and the iconic front gate.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (under renovation as of 2024)
Saigon Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel)
War Remnants Museum (for deeper war history)
Location: 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, District 1, HCMC
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Closed for lunch)
Entrance Fee: ~40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD)
Guided Tours: Available in English, Vietnamese, and other languages.
The Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit historical landmark, symbolizing the end of the Vietnam War. Here are some useful tips for your visit:
Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)
Ticket Price: ~40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD) for adults, discounts for students & children.
Free guided tours (in English & Vietnamese) are available—check at the entrance.
Early morning (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM) to avoid crowds and heat.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
War Room & Basement Bunker – Preserved military communication rooms.
Presidential Office & Living Quarters – 1960s-era decor.
Rooftop Helipad – Where the last helicopter evacuated in 1975.
Lush Gardens & Antique Cars – Great photo spots.
Modest clothing (no shorts or sleeveless tops, though enforcement is relaxed).
No smoking, food, or loud noises inside.
War Remnants Museum (10-min walk)
Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office (15-min walk)
Tao Dan Park (across the street)
Grab/Taxi: Convenient from District 1.
Walking: Easy if staying in the city center.
Parking: Available for motorbikes (~5,000 VND).
Bring water & sunscreen—limited shade in the courtyard.
Photography is allowed (no tripods without permission).
Read up on Vietnam War history beforehand for deeper context.
The Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) in Ho Chi Minh City is a fascinating historical landmark, and the best time to visit depends on weather, crowds, and your personal preferences.
Dry Season (December to April):
Cooler and less humid, with minimal rain.
Best months: December to February (pleasant temperatures, around 25–32°C).
March to April can be hotter but still manageable.
Avoid Rainy Season (May to November):
Frequent heavy showers, especially June to September.
High humidity may make exploring less comfortable.
Early Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM):
Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
The palace opens at 8:00 AM, so arriving early helps avoid tour groups.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM):
The sun is less intense, and the lighting is great for photos.
Last entry is at 4:00 PM (closes at 4:30 PM).
More crowded with local tourists.
Weekdays (Monday–Friday) are ideal for a quieter visit.
Guided tours (available in multiple languages) provide deeper insights.
Dress code: Modest clothing is recommended (no sleeveless tops or short shorts).
Entrance fee: ~ 40,000–65,000 VND (about 2–3 USD).