If you have the opportunity to travel to Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss the chance to explore the Independence Palace. This place preserves the proud milestones of the nation during the fierce war. Hopefully, you will have a memorable experience!
Independence Palace Location and significance
The Independence Palace is located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It is ranked as a special national monument. This place has witnessed many historical events and ups and downs of the country, especially the event of Liberation of the South and Reunification of the Country on April 30, 1975.
The Independence Palace is bordered by four main roads:
Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street (the main entrance) to the northeast
Nguyen Du Street to the southeast
Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street to the northwest
Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street to the southwest
Address:
135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
106 Nguyen Du Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily
Admission is 40,000 VND for adults and 20,000 VND for students.
Independence Palace Naming History
The Independence Palace, a unique architectural icon of Vietnam, has borne various names throughout history, reflecting the country’s significant historical periods.
Norodom Palace (1871): The first name bestowed upon the Independence Palace after its completion in 1871 honored Norodom, the reigning king of Cambodia at the time
Governor’s Palace of Cochinchina (1871 – 1887): Following the French conquest of Cochinchina (southern Vietnam), the palace’s name changed to the Governor’s Palace of Cochinchina, signifying its central role in the French colonial administration
Palace of the Governor-General (1887 – 1945): With the establishment of French Indochina, the palace received the name Palace of the Governor-General, reflecting its position as the seat of the French Governor-General of Indochina.
Independence Palace (1955 – present): After Vietnam gained independence, President Ngo Dinh Diem renamed the Palace of the Governor-General to Independence Palace, marking Vietnam’s sovereignty and self-determination.
Additionally, the Independence Palace is sometimes referred to as Reunification Palace: This name came into use after the reunification of the country in 1975, highlighting the palace’s significant historical role.
Independence Palace History
The construction of the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) began during the French colonial period. On February 23, 1868, the Governor of Cochinchina Lagrandière held the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Governor’s Palace in Saigon.
In 1962, a bombing destroyed the left wing and gate of the Independence Palace. Unable to restore it, Ngo Dinh Diem decided to level the ground and build a new palace on the old site.
The new palace is 26 meters high, located in a 12-hectare campus, with an area of about 4500m2. In which, the usable area is up to 20000m2 with 3 main floors, 2 mezzanines, a basement, 2 basements, and a rooftop for helicopter landing.
The design of the Independence Palace is unique. The whole palace has more than 100 rooms decorated in different styles to suit different purposes. To this day, it is still a work with a strong architectural mark, affirming the talent and ingenuity of the architect as well as the builders.
Independence Palace Architecture
The Design Concept of the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
Architect Ngo Viet Thu‘s design concept for the Reunification Palace subtly combines modern architecture with traditional Vietnamese cultural elements.
The palace is shaped like the Chinese character “CÁT” (meaning “good luck”).
The central location is the Credentials Presentation Room, and the upper floor is shaped like the character “KHẨU” (meaning “noble” and “consensus”).
The characters “TRUNG” (meaning “loyalty”) and “TAM” (meaning “fullness” and “completeness”) are used as a reminder of loyalty and the need for Nhân (benevolence), Minh (wisdom), and Võ (strength).
The characters “VƯƠNG” (meaning “king”) and “CHỦ” (meaning “master”) are combined to symbolize the country’s sovereignty.
The front of the building is shaped like the character “HƯNG” (meaning “prosperity”), representing the country’s prosperity and flourishing.
All of these elements come together to create an Independence Palace that is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a living symbol of Vietnamese unity and national spirit. With its unique architecture and meaning, the Independence Palace is a must-visit tourist destination in Saigon.
Independence Palace Interior
The palace is divided into 3 separate areas: the fixed area, the thematic area, and the supplementary area. Each zone has its own unique features, allowing visitors to explore freely.
Fixed area
The fixed area is the working and living place of the former government. The rooms in the Independence Palace include the reception room, the banquet hall, the inner rooms, the security council, the president’s office, and the government officials’ offices… In addition, there are also sleeping areas, living areas, and entertainment areas…
Coming here, you will witness the living relics. From there, you can understand a part of the harshness of war.
Thematic area
This is the area where exhibitions and large exhibitions are held. Visitors will be able to look back at the vivid photos of the previous period. Under the guidance and presentation of tour guides, you will also learn more about many historical details hidden inside. This is a very rare knowledge on books or other documents.
This place regularly holds exhibitions and historical displays.
Supplementary area
The supplementary area displays and preserves many photographs of historical value. They are painstakingly collected and preserved to help future generations understand a part of history. You will see the resilience and indomitability of the previous generations who fought and defeated the enemy to have the life we have today.
In addition to visiting the main areas, visitors can also visit the basement of the Independence Palace or take a walk outside the campus, where there are green lawns. From here, visitors can also admire the palace from all angles, discovering the harmonious and unique architectural features of the Independence Palace.
Exploring the Independence Palace: Different Experiences
The Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) offers visitors a variety of ways to explore and learn about its rich history and cultural significance. Here are some of the options available:
1. Explore the Palace Grounds by Electric Car (10 minutes)
A modern and eco-friendly electric car system is available at the entrance, allowing visitors to easily explore the entire 12-hectare campus of the Independence Palace. The car tour provides an overview of the palace grounds and its highlights, as well as historical information about the site through an automated audio guide system.
This option is ideal for groups or families, and it provides a safe and enjoyable way to discover the city’s historical and cultural heritage.
2. Self-Guided Exploration
Visitors can also explore the palace at their own pace using the system of signs and room labels that are displayed by international standards. This option is suitable for individuals, couples, or small groups who want to explore at their own pace and focus on specific areas of interest.
3. Guided Tour
For a more in-depth and personalized experience, visitors can book a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide. The guide will provide detailed information about the palace’s history, architecture, and significant events that took place there. Tours are available in multiple languages and can be booked at the information counter.
4. Audio Guide
The Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) also offers an audio guide system in 10 languages: English, French, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, German, Spanish, Russian, Thai, and Vietnamese. This option is ideal for visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace but still want to learn about the palace’s history and significance. The audio guides can be rented at the information counter.
5. Documentary Film
After exploring the palace, visitors can watch a 30-minute documentary film titled “The History of the Independence Palace” in four languages: English, French, Japanese, and Chinese. The film provides a comprehensive overview of the palace’s history and its role in Vietnamese history.
Conclusion
The Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and culture. It is a place where you can learn about the country’s past and present, and gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese people.