The Reunification Palace: Top Saigon’s Attraction

Reunification Palace is one of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. Let Deluxe Group Tours plan your trip to Reunification Palace. Explore everything, from dining options to nearby tourist spots. Let Deluxe Group Tours make your trip meaningful and enjoyable.

About The Reunification Palace

The historical site of Reunification Palace is located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, and is also known by various other names such as Norodom Palace, Independence Palace, etc. The Reunification Palace was built based on the design by architect Ngo Viet Thu and used to be the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam regime. It features unique architecture and is considered the most beautiful mansion in East Asia.

Reunification Palace was initially built during the French colonial period in 1868, with the Governor of Cochinchina, Lagrandière, officiating the groundbreaking ceremony. However, in 1962, the main left wing and the gate of the palace were destroyed by bombs. Subsequently, President Ngo Dinh Diem decided to demolish and reconstruct the mansion right on the old foundation.

From when it began operating until April 1975, the Reunification Palace was the home and workplace of the officials of the Republic of Vietnam government. On April 30, 1975, after the Ho Chi Minh Campaign achieved complete victory and the country had unified, the Reunification Palace became a historical and cultural relic open to the public, welcoming citizens and hosting numerous heads of state and high-ranking officials from various countries for visits and admiration.

Due to its significant values, the Reunification Palace was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument in 1976. In 2009, it was ranked as one of Vietnam’s first 10 Special National Monuments.

The Reunification Palace Highlights

This palace covers 120,000 m2 and is split into three zones, each with unique features. It has beautiful architecture and exhibition areas showcasing historical artifacts.

1. Reunification Palace Fixed Zone

The Fixed Zone comprises 100 rooms, each decorated in a unique style, including the presidential office, the grand reception hall, the state banquet room, the working office, the presidential family’s bedrooms, war command room, meeting rooms, etc. This was the workplace and living quarters of the former Republic of Vietnam government. When you visit this area, you will witness historical relics vividly depicting the fierce struggles of our nation’s past.

2. Reunification Palace Specialized Zone

The Specialized Zone is where major exhibitions take place, allowing you to relive vivid historical moments from bygone eras. This place showcases famous historical events. These include the Ho Chi Minh Campaign and the Paris Peace Accords. The Ho Chi Minh Trail also features.

If you want to fully understand historical events and their importance, consider hiring a tour guide for a comprehensive experience. This type of intriguing insight is hardly available in ordinary newspapers or books.

3. Reunification Palace Supplementary Zone

In the Supplementary Zone, there are many important photos saved by locals, showing resistance and independence moments in history. This collection is meticulously maintained to allow future generations to truly grasp Vietnam’s historical events.

These photos show the strong determination of Vietnamese soldiers and citizens who sacrificed for peace. They demonstrate resilience and bravery in the face of challenges.

4. Historically valuable artifacts

In addition to the three zones introduced above, inside the Reunification Palace, you will find numerous artifacts of historical significance on display. Among them are two bombs thrown into the Palace by pilot Nguyen Thanh Trung, the UH-1 helicopter of President Nguyen Van Thieu, and the jeeps used to transport President Duong Van Minh, along with many other tanks and combat aircraft. Furthermore, there are outstanding artworks such as the painting “Sisters Thuy Kieu” and Ngo Viet Thu’s oil painting depicting the Vietnamese countryside.

Opening hours and Entrance fee

The Reunification Palace is open every day from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Ticket sales close at 3:30 PM.

Ticket prices vary depending on the attraction:

How to get to Reunification Palace

Located in the city center, getting to the Reunification Palace in Saigon is very convenient. You can walk, drive a car, or ride a motorcycle, depending on your time and location. From the city center, go down Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street for 600 meters to get to Reunification Palace.

Additionally, you can take various bus lines to reach Reunification Palace. These include:

• Route 001: Travels between Ben Thanh and Cho Lon Bus Station.
• Route 002: Connects Ben Thanh and Western Bus Station.
• Route 003: Runs from Ben Thanh to Thai Loc.
• Route 004: Goes from Ben Thanh to An Suong Bus Station via Cong Hoa.
• Route 005: Operates between Cho Lon Bus Station and Bien Hoa.

What to eat near Reunification Palace

Ben Nghe Street Food Market, located opposite Independence Palace, is a paradise of thousands of delicious dishes for you to explore and refill your energy after visiting Reunification Palace. Each stall offers a unique dish, with no two stalls serving the same food. You can find everything from desserts to hearty meals, from Vietnamese dishes to Thai, Indian, and Mexican cuisines, making it a culinary paradise for you while visiting Independence Palace. Here are some Vietnamese dishes you can enjoy here:

• Banh Cuon (steamed rolled rice pancake): a simple yet flavorful dish with a soft and fragrant texture, carrying the taste of the Vietnamese homeland. The banh cuon here is thinly rolled and chewy, served with sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a distinctive and impressive flavor. Particularly, it’s a refreshing dish suitable for hot days. After a stroll around Reunification Palace, enjoying these soft, cool banh cuon is truly wonderful.
• Banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancake): If you are planning to travel to Saigon and need to eat dishes from the Central region, only coming to this place will be the best decision you can make. The crispy banh xeo has a delicious taste with a mix of aromatic fillings, a crispy shell, and a tasty dipping sauce. The sauce contains peanut sauce, soy sauce, and liver broth, which makes it unique compared to other dipping sauces.
• Pha Lau (Vietnamese stew with organ meats): Saigon is renowned for the Pha Lau dish, so when in Saigon, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to try this delicious dish. The unique combination of tender chunks of liver, ribs, and distinctive spices creates a rich and nutritious flavor. Pha Lau will help you awaken after visiting Independence Palace.

Essential Tips For Visiting The Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace is a national historical monument, preserving the glorious historical images of the nation, so you should adhere to the regulations of the monument area, including:

• Choose appropriate attire, avoiding clothing that is too short, revealing, or inappropriate.
• Follow the guidance of staff and security personnel at the Palace.
• Do not bring food or drinks into Independence Palace.
• Do not touch paintings, artifacts, or exhibits. Visitors will be held fully responsible for any damage caused to the monument.
• Do not carry any weapons or explosive substances.

Recommend nearby attractions

• War Remnants Museum: Explore the traces of war, the extreme hardships, and the indomitable spirit and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
• Ben Thanh Market: Discover the ancient symbol and longstanding icon of Saigon, delving into the daily lives of local people.
• Cu Chi Tunnels: Uncover the lives of local people during wartime and explore how they fought against foreign invaders.