Ho Chi Minh City is one of the biggest tourist centers in Vietnam. It is where the heroic resistance against the aggressor and the struggle for independence take place. Despite its relatively recent past, with more than 300 years of history, Ho Chi Minh nevertheless possesses numerous interesting buildings, displaying historical relics and architectural works. And the Independence Palace (Vietnamese: Dinh Độc Lập), is considered not only the symbol of Vietnam’s national independence but also a historical-cultural relic that you should not miss when visiting this city.
Table of Contents
Historical timeline
In 1867, after the French colonialists took over the Six Provinces of Southern Vietnam, they designed and built a large-scale mansion on Norodom Avenue at that time (now Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street). The mansion was built as a residence for the Governor of Cochinchina La Grandière, replacing the old palace located on Catinat street at that time (now Dong Khoi street).
In February 1868, construction officially began under the supervision of architect Achille Antoine Hermite. By 1871, the Palace was formally completed and named Norodom Palace after the King of Cambodia who ruled in the late 19th century.
In March 1945, Japan entered Vietnam and carried out a coup against France, monopolizing Indochina. Since then, the Norodom Palace has served as the residence and workplace of the Japanese government in Vietnam. By September 1945, following heavy defeat in World War II, Japan withdrew from Vietnam, and the Norodom Palace returned to the French government.
In May 1954, after France signed the Geneva Accords and withdrew its troops from Vietnam, the French government handed over the Norodom Palace to the Saigon government, then represented by Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem. In October 1955, Ngo Dinh Diem became President, deposed Head of State Bao Dai, officially established the Republic of Vietnam, and renamed the Norodom Palace to Independence Palace.
In February 1962, a coup took place by pilots of the Republic of Vietnam army, causing the entire main left wing of the Independence Palace to collapse due to bombs. The damage was so severe that it was impossible to rebuild or restore. So in July, President Ngo Dinh Diem razed the old palace and decided to build a new mansion according to the design of architect Ngo Viet Thu.
A picture of Independence Palace was taken during the Republic of Vietnam
In November 1963, when the Independence Palace was under construction, President Ngo Dinh Diem was assassinated. Therefore, the process of building the Palace was longer than expected; it was not officially inaugurated until October 1966. The person taking over this project is the Chairman of the National Leadership Committee of the Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Van Thieu.
From its inception to April 1975, the Independence Palace was the living and working place of the government apparatus of the Republic of Vietnam.
On April 30, 1975, after the Ho Chi Minh campaign completely won and unified the country, the Independence Palace became a historical and cultural relic and was opened to visitors.
The first of North Vietnamese Army tank broke through the gates of Independence Palace on April 30, 1975.
The new palace is 26m high, located on a 12ha campus, covering about 4,500 m². In particular, the usable area is up to 20,000m² with three main floors, two mezzanines, foundation floors, two basements, and one terrace for helicopter parking.
The unique Independence Palace design features more than 100 rooms, each decorated in various styles to suit its intended use. To date, this project still bears a strong architectural mark, affirming the talent and ingenuity of the architect and the builders.
Other names of Independence Palace
Many names are also used for Independence Palace. Let’s learn about milestone events such as:
- In 1871, after construction was completed, the Palace was named Norodom Palace.
- From 1871 to 1887, it was called the Governor’s Palace of Cochinchina.
- From 1887 to 1945, this place was renamed the Governor General’s Palace.
- Around 1955, Ngo Dinh Diem, President of the Republic of Vietnam, renamed the Governor General’s Palace to Independence Palace, and the name has been used to this day.
What can we see at the Independence Palace?
From the main gate of the Independence Palace, everyone can see an oval lawn in front of the yard and the “signature” fountain. However, there is still a place to relax within the Palace grounds that many people may not have noticed. That is a narrow path under the green canopy leading to the octagonal house on the Independence Palace campus.
In the direction of the left campus of the Palace at the corner of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, visitors will see an octagonal house with a diameter of 4 meters, built on a high mound of land, surrounded by no walls of the same class, the ancient curved tile roof suitable for a place to cool off and relax.
The octagonal house in Independence Palace
Sitting on a windy octagonal hill, in the middle of a lush green garden, you will feel the stillness and peace as you immerse yourself in nature, blending into it with a familiar, close, rustic, yet delicate feeling.
The exhibit “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868-1966,”
The exhibition is held in a two-storey house built during the French period, located within the grounds of the Independence Palace historical site (gate 106 Nguyen Du, Ben Thanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City).
With rich sources of documents from the national archives of Vietnam, the US, and France, “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868-1966” is an impressive display from design ideas to presentation and transmission of content to visitors using modern technology, including topics:
- Construction of the Saigon urban area during the colonial period
- Norodom Palace
- Faces of Saigon
- Saigon is dynamic
- Family rule
- The battle for power in Saigon
- Saigon life
- 1962 coup bombing
- Crisis of 1963
- Construction of the new Independence Palace.
At each display theme, visitors can see beautiful photography angles from the context of the old Saigon story. In addition to vivid interpretation, a multi-dimensional view of historical events, stories, and contexts, visitors can watch, listen, and interact to explore history and experience for themselves, which helps bring interesting and attractive to those who love history and those who want to take beautiful photos in this fascinating and valuable space.
Interior of the Independence Palace
Inside the Palace, there are more than 100 meticulously decorated rooms. Some special rooms include: Ambassador’s Chamber, Vice President’s Office, President and Vice President’s bedroom, Cabinet Room, Library, Banquet Room, Entertainment Room, Movie Room…
The meeting room is the largest area in Independence Palace, located right on the ground floor, with a capacity of up to 500 people.
Red is the primary color associated with luck and power, adding solemnity to the whole space. This is where meetings and conferences, as well as the most important events of the Republic of Vietnam government at that time, took place.
This is the room where President Nguyen Van Thieu receives ambassadors from other countries to present their credentials.
Artist Nguyen Van Minh did the interior in Japanese style. The highlight is the lacquer painting named “Bình Ngô Đại Cáo”, literally: Great proclamation upon the pacification of the Wu, composed of 40 panels, depicting the peaceful life of the Vietnamese people in the 15th century.
The author of this painting is the artist Nguyen Van Minh
This is the largest painting in Vietnamese lacquer art, measuring up to 14m long and 9m high, assembled from 40 small lacquer paintings, each 0.8m x 1.2m. The details in the painting are dense; there are about 15 daily scenes. Among them is the majesty of the Le court, the spirit of the heroic victorious army on the way to the capital to attend festivals; and the jubilant look of the fields; mountains and rivers; of the farmers who had just escaped the yoke of the Ming invaders.
The cabinet room is where regular cabinet meetings take place between President Thieu and his cabinet members.
Green is the main color of the whole room. From the curtains to the carpet and upholstery, everything is green, creating a comfortable atmosphere.
Opposite the cabinet room is the banquet room. As its name suggests, this venue hosts luxurious banquets to entertain President Nguyen Van Thieu’s special guests.
According to Eastern concepts, the primary color is yellow. It signifies kingship and royalty, and it helps make the banquet room feel more luxurious.
The painting “Sơn Hà Cẩm Tú” was painted in 1966 by an architect. Ngo Viet Thu, in the banquet room.
Inside the Palace, the room and desk of President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu are the most visited places. The national document presentation room is beautifully decorated.
Behind the desk is an oil painting of artist Pham Co, depicting Tri Thuy Bridge in the coastal area of Ninh Chu, Phan Rang (now Khanh Hoa Province). This is Mr. Thieu’s hometown.
Below is the office and reception room of Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky, term 1967-1971.
Sleeping room of Mr.Nguyen Cao Ky
The 3rd floor includes an Entertainment Room, many games such as card games, a movie theater, an eating room… to help leaders relieve stress.
photo source: dantri
A great view of Le Duan Street from the Palace
On the rooftop, there is also a presidential UH-1 helicopter for transportation used on business trips. Also marked the location of 2 bombs dropped by the pilot and hit right on the roof.
Basement of Independence Palace
The secret bunker of the President of the Republic of Vietnam is 72.5m long and 0.8 to 22.5m wide. The rooms in the tunnel, linked by small paths, are cast concrete and have 5mm-thick armored walls that can withstand 500kg bombs. This was the residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam when it was attacked.
photo source: dantri
A series of maps is arranged around the room so that all combat plans can be monitored from tactical areas.
There was a backup radio system that could operate independently when the ground radios were damaged. It was also the place where the Republic of Vietnam government transmitted information to the US and allied countries during an emergency.
The Mercedes Benz 200 W110 produced in the 1960s was one of the cars that President Nguyen Van Thieu used. (photo source: dantri)
Useful information about Independence Palace
The main gate of the palace is located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward , right in the city’s center. Therefore, it is very easy to reach here by motorbike, taxi, or simply walking.
Independence Palace is open to visitors daily, including weekends and holidays (except on special occasions).
Entrance ticket and visiting hours
- Hours of ticket: From 8:00 am to 16:00 pm
- Visiting hours: From 8:00 am to 17:30 pm
Ticket price (Valid from January 25th, 2024)
There are two types of ticket prices to visit the Independence Palace:
1. Tickets to the Exhibition “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966.”
- Adults: 65.000 vnd/person
- Students: 45.000 vnd/person
- Children: 15.000 vnd/person
2. Tickets to visit the main building
- Adults: 40.000 VND/person
- Students: 20.000 VND/person
- Children: 10.000 VND/person
Notes when visiting the Independence Palace
As this is a historical place, so when visiting, visitors need to comply with the regulations of the relic site as follows:
- Wear formal clothes.
- Follow the instructions on signs and security guards throughout the tour.
- Please don’t bring luggage inside the monument.
- Please don’t bring food or drink into the monument.
- Please don’t bring animals with you.
- Do not bring weapons, toxic substances, or explosives.
- Visitors will be held fully responsible for any damage to the Palace.
- In addition, this area is very large, and you can buy a map of the Independence Palace to conveniently move and visit.
The historical value and originality of its architecture make the Independence Palace one of the most interesting sites in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietdream travel is running a daily tour, private tour to visit Independence Palace and other historical sites such as War Museum, General Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Vietnam History Museum, Ho Chi Minh City Museum, etc. Do not hesitate to contact us for your booking request or travel advice!
Source: collected by An
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