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Ho Chi Minh City Attraction: Independence Palace / Reunification Hall

Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Built on the site of Norodom Palace along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Reunification Hall in Ho Chi Minh City was previously known as Independence Palace.

 military tank
military tank
F5E fighter aircraft
F5E fighter aircraft

A major landmark in the city, it was designed by an award-winning Paris-trained Vietnamese architect by the name of Ngô Viết Thụ in the 1960s.

Cabinet Room
Cabinet Room

Beyond its grand facade and floor-to-ceiling windows with elegant bamboo sections for good feng shui (geomancy) and adequate ventilation, some of the most important decisions of Vietnam’s dramatic past were made here during the war when the 100-room majestic building served as the headquarters of the authority in the Republic of Vietnam.

State Banquet Hall
State Banquet Hall
Vice President's Reception Room
Vice President’s Reception Room
Conference Hall
Conference Hall

As the base of Vietnamese General Ngô Đình Diệm who survived an assassination attempt in 1962 when two rogue pilots dropped bombs on the building, Reunification Hall is best known as the point where Vietnam War was ended, as a military tank belonging to the North Vietnamese Communist Army crashed through its main gates on 30th April, 1975.

 Presidential Office with pink phone for girlfriends to call in
Presidential Office with pink phone for girlfriends to call in
maps document war in the south of Vietnam
maps document war in the south of Vietnam
National Security Council Chamber
National Security Council Chamber

Thus, it is the symbol of Vietnam national independence. In fact, two of the original tanks that were used to capture the palace are still parked at the grounds.

Ambassador's Chamber
Ambassador’s Chamber
dragon embroidered carpet
dragon embroidered carpet
bedroom
bedroom

The highlight of this building, which consists of three main floors, two mezzanines, and two basements, is possibly its bunker, equipped with state-of-the-art telecommunications technology of that era. Its war command room still has an original map hanging on the wall, almost frozen in time.

bedroom
bedroom
elephant's feet and other hunting trophies on display
elephant’s feet and other hunting trophies on display
 bamboo sections for ventilation and UH1 helicopter on the rooftop heliport
bamboo sections for ventilation and UH1 helicopter on the rooftop heliport

On the other hand, the two upper floors were for recreation. Besides a card room, grand piano and billiards table, there still exist a bar, private theatre, rooftop nightclub and also a casino.

telecommunications room
telecommunications room
one of the rooms in the telecommunications section
one of the rooms in the telecommunications section
war room
war room

Independence Palace / Reunification Hall is indeed a must-visit for new tourists to Ho Chi Minh City, and is open to visitors daily (7.30am – 11.30am & 1pm – 5pm), except during official receptions.

Vintage Mercedes Benz W110 200 made in Germany in the 1960s was used by President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu. The 1st Corps, 390th Division, 48th Regiment seized it at 9:10 AM on 30 April, 1975 from the Headquarters of the Republic of Vietnam.
Vintage Mercedes Benz W110 200 made in Germany in the 1960s was used by President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu. The 1st Corps, 390th Division, 48th Regiment seized it at 9:10 AM on 30 April, 1975 from the Headquarters of the Republic of Vietnam.
underground tunnel
underground tunnel
bar
bar

Entrance ticket is purchased from its east gate at VND 40,000 per person. Guided tours, as well as audio tours, are available in English, Japanese, French and Mandarin, among other foreign languages.

games room
games room
billiards table and grand piano
billiards table and grand piano
private theatre
private theatre

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With love

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