Ghosts of the Vietnam War: visiting the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City

Much of the world we know today has been shaped by the actions of the 20th century, and this can be seen throughout Southeast Asia. A striking example of this era’s impact can be seen at Vietnam’s Independence Palace in Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City).

The palace represents the civil struggles between North and South Vietnam and paves the way for several spine-tingling stories. Whether you’re intrigued by the Cold War or want to explore the eerie past of Vietnam, spending some time at this six-story palace should be at the top of your list.

But when should you visit the Independence Palace, what can you expect to see, and what do you need to know before you visit? Fortunately, our guide covers all the finer details you’ll need to know to ensure your trip to Vietnam and the Independence Palace is perfect and smooth sailing.

Why does the Independence Palace have many different names?

Before we get into the finer details, it’s worth mentioning that the Independence Palace has several different names: Dinh Độc Lập is the Vietnamese translation for Independence Palace, but it’s also known as the Presidential Palace, the Reunification Palace, and the Norodom Palace.

These all refer to the same complex, and all names have been used throughout the years. Norodom Palace was its original name, dating as far back as 1858 when the French invaded Vietnam and built the palace.

It was known as Norodom Palace until 1954 when the French handed the building over to the then-Vietnamese Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem, who renamed it the Independence Palace. It was also known as the Presidential Palace, as the building served as the home of the South Vietnam president throughout the civil war.

From then on, Vietnam experienced 30 years of civil war, with the end of the war marking the first use of the landmark’s most recent name — the Reunification Palace.

History of the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City

Originally serving as the residence for the French governor-general during colonial occupation, the palace later became the home of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem. Diem was so unpopular that his own South Vietnamese Air Force bombed the palace in an (unsuccessful) attempt to kill him — after which it needed to be completely rebuilt. Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu was chosen to design and construct the building as we know it today.

Throughout the years of civil war, the Independence Palace was used as the base for the president of the Republic of South Vietnam, backed by the USA. As the North Vietnamese forces approached in April 1975, the last few American ‘advisers’ were evacuated from the rooftop of the palace in scenes broadcast worldwide. There’s a replica of the helicopter used, making it easy to imagine the panic and pandemonium that must have ensued as the North Vietnamese approached the gates of the palace.

On 30th April, tanks burst through the palace gates to find General Minh, the commander of the South Vietnamese forces. Surrendering, he told his opposite number, General Tin: “I have been waiting since early this morning to transfer power to you”. To which Tin curtly replied: “There is no question of your transferring power. Your power has crumbled. You cannot give up what you do not have”. Thus, the Vietnam War was over.

Today, the Palace of Reunification is a popular tourist attraction during visits to Ho Chi Minh City. Tours in English are conducted regularly and include a peek into the basement control and command rooms of the South Vietnamese Army.

An in-depth guide to the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City

Whether you’re spending 12 days in Vietnam or stopping in the city for a layover, here are all the details you need to know about experiencing Vietnam’s Independence Palace.

When is the best time to visit the Reunification Palace in Vietnam?

For the best time of year to explore Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll want to visit in the dry season from December to April. You’ll be able to enjoy warm weather with little rain, making it ideal for traveling across the city, even if it’s the peak tourist season.

As for the best time to visit the palace itself, you’ll want to avoid the peak visitor times between 9-11am and 2-4pm. The building opens at 8am and closes at 4.30pm. So, getting an early start to your day will be the best way to wander around the palace without being swamped by fellow tourists.

It’s also a good idea to mark out a couple of hours for your time at the palace. You’ll probably spend more time here than you think.

How to get to the Presidential Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

If you’re flying into Vietnam, Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the nearest airport to Ho Chi Minh City. From the airport, your best bet is to grab a cab to the Independence Palace, roughly 4.2 miles (6.8km) or 25 minutes away.

Only look to use reliable operators, such as Vinasun or Grab, to ensure safe cab rides throughout the city. Vietnam does not have Uber, with Grab being the Vietnamese equivalent. You can also use Ho Chi Minh City’s bus services, but these can be very difficult to follow if you’re not a local.

What to wear when visiting the Ho Chi Minh City’s Reunification Palace

The nice thing about the Reunification Palace is there is no special dress code. The city’s daytime temperatures rarely drop below 71 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) and are usually around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius), so you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible for your visit.

As such, here’s what we suggest you wear during your visit to the Reunification Palace:

• Comfortable shoes — tennis or walking shoes work great for a long day spent on your feet.
• Lightweight clothing — linen or cotton shorts, pants and dresses work well and offer breathability in muggy weather.
• Sunblock — you’ll need sun cream when you’re out exploring the garden.
• Day bag — be it a purse or a daypack, make sure you’re comfortable carrying all your belongings for long periods of time.

Top highlights in Vietnam’s Independence Palace

1. War room

Possibly the most interesting section of the museum is its war room. Here, you’ll be able to see where strategic planning and key decisions were made during the Vietnam War.

Maps, South Vietnamese furnishings, and communication equipment can be observed throughout the room. It’s not often you get to step inside a room where history was quite literally made. When visiting this space, take time to carefully browse the maps, as these often hold interesting details that most tourists glance over.

The president’s formal office, and the map room connected to his office, offer even more insight into the decision-making process seen in the war room.

2. Conference rooms

The conference and reception rooms are possibly some of the grandest parts of the building. This is where official events and diplomatic meetings regularly took place. These meeting rooms were used as a way to showcase power and opulence, and were often adorned with massive carpets, golden curtains, impressive chandeliers, and well-crafted furniture.

Today, such period-specific decor can still be found within these grand rooms, giving you a genuine and immersive taste of the political atmosphere within South Vietnam at the time.

3. President’s living quarters

Step into the president’s living quarters to discover how the political leaders of South Vietnam lived between the 60s and 70s. Red and gold were popular color choices throughout the building, and this continued into the living spaces.

As you go from the American-inspired games room to the spacious, Art Deco-inspired bedrooms, it becomes apparent that the leaders of South Vietnam lived in luxury. You’ll even find an impressive theater within one part of the residential space.

4. Communication center

For a closer look into how the state was run, you’ll want to visit the communication center, where you can marvel at old communication equipment and see where many fateful decisions were sent off to the front lines.

This was without doubt one of the most important spaces during the Vietnam War, where windowless rooms with sparse furniture create an eerie and unforgettable atmosphere.

5. Helipad

The helipad is yet another essential part of the history of the palace. This was where the last helicopter carrying American delegates departed from during the fall of Saigon.

You can now find a replica Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter out on the helipad, standing as a firm reminder of one of the most historic days in Vietnamese history.

6. Grounds and gardens

The Independence Palace is far more than just a building; it also has stunning gardens for its visitors to roam in quiet reflection. Take a tour of the spectacular fountain surrounded by a circular lawn at the front of the building, and stroll down forested walkways to the rear.

You’ll also find a replica of the tank T-59, number 390, out in the garden. This is the iconic tank that crashed through the gates of the palace, and it now serves as a symbol of independence and reunification for Vietnam. If there’s anything you should look to take a photo of during your visit, make sure it is this piece of local history.

Where to eat on the palace grounds

While a Vietnamese food tour may take you to some of the top spots in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s highly unlikely you’ll visit the Independence Palace’s on-site restaurant. Quaintly known as the April 30th Café Restaurant, it offers a wide selection of tasty Vietnamese dishes.

The restaurant offers a breakfast and lunch menu, spanning culinary delights such as pho (noodle soup) and bun cha (grilled pork and noodles). It is slightly more expensive than the street food you’ll find nearby, but you’ll be paying for a delicious meal that is still reasonably priced.

FAQs about visiting Vietnam’s Reunification Palace

Before you begin planning your Vietnamese adventure, read through our answers to commonly asked questions below. For more information about visiting the Reunification Palace, our local experts are of course well placed to help, so be sure to reach out to them.

What is special about Vietnam’s Independence Palace?

The Independence Palace is a stark reminder of Vietnam’s tragic history and its journey towards independence and reunification. It is also a museum and a recognized National Cultural and Historical Relic, making it extremely important to the Vietnamese people.

Who was the president during the fall of Saigon?

Gerald R. Ford was the American president during the fall of Saigon. The South Vietnam president during this time was Nguyen Van Thieu, and the North Vietnam president was Le Duan.

After winning the war, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (under President Le Duan) renamed the city of Saigon Ho Chi Minh City, after the former president of North Vietnam.

What happened to the presidential palace in South Vietnam?

A lot has happened to the building, including two South Vietnamese pilots, Nguyen Van Cu and Pham Phu Quoc, bombing the Independence Palace in 1962. The palace was then rebuilt and used as a base for South Vietnam during the civil war. It was then breached in 1975 and was the final piece to fall, ending the 30-year war.

How big is the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City?

The building is approximately 120,000 square meters and is bound by four main streets: Nam Ky Khoi along the front of the palace, Huyen Tran Cong Chua at the palace’s rear, Nguyen Du to its right, and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai to its left.

Is the Independence Palace free to visit?

An admission fee applies when visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s Independence Palace: general tickets (including palace entry) are 65,000 VND ($2.55 USD) per adult and 15,000 VND ($0.59 USD) per child, while palace-only tickets are 40,000 VND ($1.57 USD) per adult and 10,000 VND ($0.39 USD) per child.

Make it happen

Check out our Vietnam destination page for more inspiration and ideas of things to do and see during your trip. All of our itineraries are private and can be personalized to your requirements and dates – simply reach out to one of our local experts to get the ball rolling.