1. General Introduction to the Independence Palace
The site is also known by many other names such as the Unification Palace or the Governor's Palace. The palace was built on the blueprint of architect Ngo Viet Thu and used to be the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. This place has unique architecture and is considered the most beautiful villa in Asia.
In fact, the Unification Palace was first built during the French colonial period, in 1868, by South Ky Governor Lagrandi làmre. But in 1962, the main part of the left wing and Dinh gate were completely bombed. After that, Ngo Dinh Diem decided to level up and rebuild the mansion right on the old ground. The work is well preserved to this day.
The mansion consists of 3 main floors with floors, attic, 2 underground floors and rooftop for helicopters to land. There are more than 100 rooms decorated in different styles depending on the purpose of use. Among them are rooms such as the Cabinet meeting room, the inauguration room, the National Assembly presentation room, the canary room, the gallery, etc.
Independence Palace is located in the center of District 1, and is bounded by four main roads, which are:
– Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, the main street, to the northeast.
– Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, on the back, to the southwest.
– Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, to the left, to the northwest.
– Nguyen Du Street, to the right, to the southeast.
2. History of Independence Palace
Historically, the Independence Palace is not only an important historical witness but also symbolizes the territorial integrity of the country. Because this is where the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam was hoisted, marking the victory of the struggle for the liberation of the South - unification of the country. Because of that important historical significance, the relic has been recognized as one of the country's 10 special national monuments.
3. Unification Palace's unique architecture
One of the points that people constantly admire when learning about Independence Palace is its very distinctive architecture.
3.1. General Outside Saigon Independence Palace
Independence Palace is built on an area of 4,500 square meters and has a usable area of up to 20,000 square meters. Dinh has three main floors, two fireplaces, a terrace, two basement floors, and a heliport.
When designing the mansion, architect Ngo Viet Thu wanted to create a building with cultural significance. Therefore, from the interior, electricity bill, to the outside landscape, all have a strong Eastern culture, mixed with modern design style. In particular, the architecture of the building is modeled after Chinese words with good meanings such as the letter “CÁT” (meaning good) is the shape of the entire mansion or the eaves with horizontal lines forming the shape of the “TAM”, only people converge on 3 factors: Nhan, Minh, and Vo.
When entered the Palace gate, you'll see the green oval grass in the front yard. In addition, there is also a semicircular lake growing lotus flowers and guns, two symbolic flowers of our country.
The 2nd floor of Independence Palace is covered with stone flower curtains, reproducing the images of elegant architecture trees, adding to the artistry of architecture, and allowing sunlight to enter the interior space.
3.2. Interior Inside Saigon Independence Palace
More than 100 rooms in Independence Hall are decorated in different styles depending on the purpose of use. Architect Ngo Viet Thu also created the elegant and elegant beauty of Independence Palace through stone flower curtains shaped like structural stucco along the second-floor corridor. These curtains also have the effect of protecting the sun in the west, catching the sun in the north, blocking the wind, and shielding it.
In addition, the architectural outlines inside the Dinh are straight and flat, to remind of "open and straigtforward".
4. Explore the interior of the Independence Palace.
With a total campus area of up to 120,000 m2, this place is divided into 3 different divisions with its own unique features. So when you come here, you will be able to admire the beauty of architecture and visit historical exhibits.
4.1 Fixed area
The fixed area is a special place in the Independence Palace, consisting of 100 rooms, each with distinctive features, including the Cabinet Room, the Canary Room, the National Assembly Room, The president's office and his family's bedroom. Each room carries a story of the fierce battle our people have experienced. Visitors will be immersed in the historical space and feel the steadfast spirit of the Vietnamese people. When visitors visit this area, they will see historical relics vividly reproducing the fierce fighting of the Vietnamese people.
4.2. Special issue area
The theme park is where major exhibitions take place, helping visitors look back on the vivid historical moments of the past period. It displays many famous historical themes such as the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, the Paris Agreement, Ho Chi Minh Street,... To understand the historical facts and the deep meaning of those details, you should hire a tour guide to accompany you. Surely this interesting knowledge will be very hard to find in regular newspapers.
3. Additional area
The additional area at Independence Palace is a historical treasure trove of photographs, taking visitors back to the past and discovering valuable images kept by people from heroic resistance to the time when the country achieved independence. This collection has been carefully preserved and preserved to give posterity a true view of national history.
Each photo contains the story of our forefathers' steadfast and indomitable fighting spirit. Looking at these images, visitors can feel all the pride and gratitude for those who have sacrificed their blood and devoted their lives to building a peaceful life for us today.
5. Opening hours and fares
Independence Palace is open to visitors on all days of the week, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, with the time frame set as follows:
– Ticket sales time: 8:00 – 15:30
– Visiting hours: 7:30 – 11:30 and 13:00 – 17:00
– Main building: 8:00 – 16:30
– Gallery "From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966": 6:00 – 16:30
Tickets to the Main Building and Gallery "From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966":
– Adults: 65,000 VND/person
– Students: 45,000 VND/person
– Children: 15,000 VND/person
Tickets for the Main Building:
– Adults: 40,000 VND/person
– Students: 20,000 VND/person
– Children: 10,000 VND/person
Independence Palace is an important historical site and a popular tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, visiting Saigon Independence Palace will certainly be your memorable experience in Ho Chi Minh City.
