INDEPENDENCE PALACE VIETNAM. HO chi Minh city attractions

During the Vietnam War, the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) served as the residence and office of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. It was designated as a historical monument for having witnessed significant changes in Saigon's history and keeping the essence of Eastern culture.
The Independence Palace symbolizes Vietnam's victory, peace, and territorial integrity. This place has a glamorous design, hundreds of rooms equipped with luxurious furnishings and decorations, and an enormous and gorgeous exterior space. It is the perfect place for visitors to get away from the heat in Southern Vietnam, enjoy the fresh cool air, and explore one of the most remarkable structures in Ho Chi Minh City.
1. Where is Independence Palace Saigon?
The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. It represents the traditional philosophy, the oriental rituals, and the characteristics of the Vietnamese people in a harmonious combination with modern structures.
The Palace, a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, covers 120,000 square meters (300 meters x 400 meters). It is adjacent to four major streets: Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street to the northeast, Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street to the southwest, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street to the northwest, Nguyen Du Street to the southeast.
It is also adjacent to 30-4 Park at the front and to Tao Dan Cultural Park at the rear. The Palace campus has many ancient trees, many of which date back to the French period. For those who appreciate art and architecture, this palace is one of the most appealing attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.
Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
2. History of Independence Palace Vietnam
After the French conquered six provinces in South Vietnam (Cochinchine), they built Norodom Palace in 1868 as a residence for the Governor-General, which took three years to complete. The French Governor of Cochinchine used the palace from 1871 to 1887, known as the Governor's Palace. During the Indochina invasion, all Governors-General of French Indochina used the palace as their residence and working place from 1887 to 1945.
On March 9, 1945, Japanese forces overthrew the French and seized complete control of Indochina. Norodom Palace was designated as the Japanese headquarters in Vietnam. With the defeat of the Japanese in World War II, the French returned to occupy Southern Vietnam in September 1945. Norodom Palace was again designated as the French regime's headquarters in Vietnam.
The French were defeated at Dien Bien Phu in May 1954, forcing them to sign the Geneva Agreements and withdraw their troops from Vietnam. The United States entered the fray to occupy the South. As a result, Vietnam was temporarily divided into two regions: the north, led by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, and the south, led by the newly proclaimed Republic of Vietnam, led by Ngo Dinh Diem and funded by America. The Norodom Palace was also renamed Independence Palace and became Ngo Dinh Diem's office and residence.
A rebellious bombing in February 1962 irreparably damaged the palace, and as a result, Ngo Dinh Diem ordered that a new one be built. Construction began in 1962 according to the design of the Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu. But Ngo Dinh Diem did not have a chance to see it because he and his brother were assassinated in 1963 before the palace was completed in 1966. The new Independence Palace then served as Nguyen Van Thieu's home and workplace from 1967 to 1975.
On 30 April 1975, two North Vietnamese Army tanks crashed down the walls of the Independence Palace, resulting in the Republic's fall in Vietnam, the end of the Vietnam War, and the reunification of the entire country. Nowadays, this destination is still known by two names in Vietnam: the Independence Palace and the Reunification Palace.
3. Independence Palace architecture
The palace was built on a 12-hectare plot of land and includes a large mansion of 80-meter width. The palace is well-known not only for its historical significance but also for its unique architecture. It is a harmonious blend of modern Western and classical Eastern styles.
3.1. Exterior
In the Palace's front yard is an oval lawn with a diameter of 102 meters. As soon as visitors pass through the gate, they will see the green grass which creates a calming and refreshing feel. A semicircular lake runs the length of the yard. There are lotus and water lilies in the lake, making it resemble the peaceful lakes in Vietnam's ancient temples and pagodas.