Reunification Palace (Dinh Độc Lập)

The iconic governmental building where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975, symbolizing the nation’s reunification.

Key Information about the Palace

1. Historical Significance

The Reunification Palace is a major historical landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as the Independence Palace. It served as the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Its significance stems from the event on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates, marking the fall of Saigon and the reunification of Vietnam.

2. Architecture and Design

The current structure, completed in 1966, reflects a distinctive blend of traditional Oriental philosophy and modern architecture. It was designed by Vietnamese architect Ngô Viết Thụ. The palace’s design incorporates geometric shapes and specific measurements that hold symbolic meaning related to harmony, prosperity, and Vietnamese culture.

3. What to See Inside

Visitors can explore the opulent state rooms, the President’s living quarters, and the intricate underground bunker network. The bunker served as the war command center and remains preserved with original telecommunications equipment and maps, offering a glimpse into the nerve center of the former regime during the war.

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4.5

Based on 42500 reviews

07:13 26 Sep 25

06:03 26 Sep 25

04:08 26 Sep 25

03:05 26 Sep 25

02:41 26 Sep 25

Very Good 👍👍👍👍👍

Duy khanh N.

16:31 25 Sep 25

김형찬 (바람의 기.

15:08 25 Sep 25

Mentioned and studied as an important part of Vietnamese history books, this is a must-see for Vietnamese citizens traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, where the president's private residence once stood. It's not necessary to visit on a particularly short trip. Fees apply.

Vân P.

15:05 25 Sep 25

Le K.

13:25 25 Sep 25

Very meaningful

Tú T.

12:24 25 Sep 25

SJnMD

09:06 13 Sep 25

The Independence Palace is worth a quick visit for its history and architecture, but honestly I don’t think the audio guide is worth buying. There are already plenty of signs and information around, so you can still understand the place without it.

It’s definitely a spot filled with history, and you get a sense of the important events that happened here. A good stop if you’re exploring District 1, but I’d recommend just walking around on your own.

Peter E.

14:27 03 Sep 25

Entry fee was 80,000, so not expensive
Tour the Historic Rooms: Explore the president's office, state rooms, and war command room.
View Artifacts and Exhibits: See historical objects and photographs from the Vietnam War era.
Walk Through the Gardens: Enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding the palace.

A must-see for anyone curious about Vietnam's modern history.

Pedrito F.

23:07 18 Aug 25

Visited the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City and it was such a fascinating experience! 🇻🇳✨ The place is full of history and gives you a real sense of the country’s past. Everything is very clean and well preserved, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout the visit.

It’s not just educational but also really impressive to walk through the different rooms and halls. Definitely a must-see when you’re in Ho Chi Minh City! 🌟

Hassan

05:02 03 Aug 25

The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is a must-visit landmark in Ho Chi Minh City for anyone interested in modern Vietnamese history and architecture. The building itself is an architectural marvel, a stunning example of 1960s tropical modernism. Its striking, symmetrical design and lush, manicured grounds stand as a stark and fascinating contrast to the bustling city that surrounds it.
Stepping inside is like stepping back in time. The palace has been remarkably preserved, with its grand reception rooms, presidential chambers, and command bunkers all left almost exactly as they were in 1975. You can wander through the various floors and rooms at your own pace, getting a tangible sense of the political and military operations that took place here during the Vietnam War.
A highlight for many visitors is the basement bunker, a labyrinth of tunnels and war rooms filled with vintage communications equipment and maps. It offers a chilling and immersive glimpse into the high-stakes decisions that were made within these walls. The rooftop, complete with a helicopter pad, also provides a great vantage point for a unique perspective on the city.
The historical significance of the palace is undeniable—it was here, on April 30, 1975, that a North Vietnamese tank famously crashed through the gates, marking the end of the war and the reunification of Vietnam. A visit here is more than just a tour of a building; it's a powerful journey through a pivotal moment in the country's history.

Shrey G.

08:25 15 Jul 25

I recently visited Independence Palace, and I must say, the experience was quite memorable. The palace is absolutely huge much bigger than I had expected. It felt like I was walking through a never ending maze of grand halls, historic rooms, and long corridors. After a while, I actually started to feel tired from all the walking! If you’re planning to explore the entire palace, definitely wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to spend a good few hours there.

One thing I noticed and something that did affect the experience was that many parts of the palace didn’t have air conditioning. Given how hot and humid the weather was during my visit, it got quite uncomfortable in several sections. Some rooms were noticeably stuffy, and at times I found myself rushing through just to get back to cooler areas.

That said, the architecture and historical significance of the palace are undeniable. The design is both elegant and symbolic, and each room seems to hold a story of its own. I especially enjoyed the presidential meeting rooms and the war command center in the basement both were fascinating glimpses into Vietnam’s past.

Overall, while the lack of AC in many areas made the visit a bit exhausting, the sheer scale, historical richness, and grandeur of the Independence Palace still made it worth the trip. I’d recommend it, but maybe plan your visit during cooler parts of the day.

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