Stepping back in time when visiting Ho Chi Minh city’s Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace is a famous place with many historical values of Ho Chi Minh city. Whether domestic or foreign tourists, once coming to Ho Chi Minh city, they all want to visit Reunification Palace, to be immersed in the ancient space and as an opportunity to learn about the history of Vietnam.

About Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace is a long-standing work of great historical significance to Ho Chi Minh City’s people. This is a work built by the French, so the architecture of  Independence Palace is considered to be both bold Western and typical of Vietnamese architecture style from the 60s. Thanks to its unique architecture and historical significance, Reunification Palace is a familiar name always in the top attractions of tourists coming to Ho Chi Minh city. In addition, a number of large-scale, formal state-owned events will also be held here.

History of Independence Palace

The name history of Reunification Palace is quite long and varies greatly according to each period. This mansion is known with many different names, but the most prominent is still 3 names including Independence Palace, Thong Nhat Conference Hall, Norodom Palace. Previously, this mansion was the residence and working place of the President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam during the war. Although the mansion is over 100 years old, it still exudes ancient beauty and typical architecture is still the top reason to attract tourists.

Today’s Reunification Palace is located in the center of District 1 at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street. The location of Reunification Palace is very close to Ho Chi Minh city’s tourist attractions such as the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Nguyen Hue Walking Street. The distance between these destinations is really close, from the Reunification Palace, visitors can completely walk to visit those destinations. So, when arranging the schedule to Independence Palace, you should consider spending time visiting all attractions around there.

Independence Palace’s entrance fee and opening hours

Reunification Palace’s entrance fee is 65,000VND/adult and 15,000VND for children. This price includes visits to all rooms and galleries in the palace.

Regarding Reunification Palace's opening hours, you can completely rest assured because this mansion opens to welcome visitors all days of the week. Reunification Palace opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm daily. On a side note, Independence Palace will take a break from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, so when planning a schedule to visit this palace, be sure to avoid this time period.

Features of the Independence Palace

Unique architecture and interior inside Independence Palace

Considered as one of the most unique works in Ho Chi Minh city, Reunification Palace has been designed and built for a long time, but its architecture is still very delicate and exudes modernity. The Independence Palace structure consists of more than 100 rooms, each has its own architectural style to serve the main purpose of each room, but the overall harmony of the palace is still ensured. The Reunification Palace’s interior is still almost intact, each decorative detail exudes elegance but still very luxurious.  

The shaded with green trees campus

Another reason that makes visitors impressed when coming to Reunification Palace is shaded with green trees campus. There are many century-old trees with a variety of species on the Reunification Palace’s campus. In addition, at the front of Reunification Palace, there is a semicircular fountain, bringing to tourists the airiest and peaceful space during the visit. This fountain is also the most favorite check-in point of visitors when visiting Independence Palace.

Historical artifacts in Independence Palace

When you come to Independence Palace, you will be immersed in ancient times. It can be said that, because of the Reunification Palace’s interior, the decoration and the artifacts here are still intact. Reunification Palace also has a dedicated area to display those valuable historical artifacts. From wartime tanks and helicopters to old paintings and history books, all are carefully preserved to present.

Due to being put into the tourism service, the guide system inside the mansion is quite modern. Reunification Palace’s guide system is based on international standards, with the aim of giving visitors the best experience during the visit to this special mansion. Each area is full of signs and related documents are written in English. Coming to the documentary area, English-Vietnamese narration is also fully provided for convenience during the process of learning about interesting things here. Although each area has full English instruction materials, if you are traveling in a large group and need a guide, you can contact the staff of that area.

Corners cannot be missed when visiting Independence Palace

Le Café De Dinh

Ho Chi Minh City has a lot of cafes, from luxury restaurants and to sidewalk ones. Le Café De Dinh is not in the two categories mentioned above, but it is a garden cafe located in the middle of the Reunification Palace campus. Because it is a corner inside Reunification Palace’s campus, the architecture of this area is also ancient with the overall palace. This is also a favorite stop for tourists during their visit to the Reunification Palace.

Independence Palace’s souvenir shop

The highest floor is the Reunification Palace’s souvenir area. Here you will be able to find items bearing the image of the city as well as Vietnam. From cute little keychains to conical hats and traditional Ao Dai are on display in this area.

Reunification Palace is truly an ideal place for visitors who want to learn about history and step back to the old days. This place is not only a tourist attraction but also one of the relics of the city and the country. So, if you have a chance to travel to Ho Chi Minh city, remember to visit this special mansion once.