Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
Overview
The Independence Palace — known after 1975 as Reunification Palace — is one of the most significant historical sites in Vietnam. Frozen largely in its 1975 state, the building served as the presidential residence of South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates. Visitors can explore the war rooms, rooftop helipad, and underground bunker exactly as they were left.
Get There
Located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1 — a 5-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral. Easily reached by Grab from anywhere in the city centre.
Hotels
The surrounding District 1 area has the widest range of accommodation in HCMC, from budget guesthouses on Bui Vien to five-star hotels along Dong Khoi and Le Loi. Staying within District 1 puts you within walking distance of the palace.
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**Entry:** 40,000 VND adults; 20,000 VND children
**Hours:** 7:30 AM–11:00 AM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM daily (closed during state events)
**Time needed:** 1.5–2 hours
**Tips:** Visit early morning to beat tour groups. English-language audio guides are available at the entrance. The underground bunker with its vintage communications equipment is particularly striking. The rooftop helipad — from which the last helicopters left during the 1975 evacuation — offers views over the city.
**Nearby:** Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum are all within a short walk.
