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Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Attractions
The Independence Palace
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The Independence Palace

See all things to do
See all things to do
The Independence Palace
4
10,261 reviews
#16 of 276 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
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8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
“From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868-1966” explores the century-long history of the building that once served as the seat of the French colonial government in Cochinchina. In 1954, this building was renamed Independence Palace. It subsequently witnessed many dramatic episodes in the rise and decline of the government of Ngo Dinh Diem, the founding leader of the Republic of Vietnam
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
10,261 reviews
Excellent
3,134
Very good
4,270
Average
2,353
Poor
393
Terrible
111
Yvonne S
San Clemente, CA85 contributions
A sight to see in Saigon
Mar 2023 • Couples
We ended seeing this palace. Very large in scope and had many rooms to look at. We had a guide which helped explain the history behind it.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jaroslav Nečas
Brno, Czech Republic1,105 contributions
Interesting palace
Nov 2022
Big palace close to the War remnants museum. I suggest to visit both during the morning of afternoon. Palace is quite large with unexpected rooms like underground bunker, shooting range, heliport or big garage with German or American vehicles inside or tanks and combat planes outside. Place has a really interesting history connected to Vietnamese conflict.
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ULe
39 contributions
Good quick visit
Mar 2023 • Solo
Came here on the last day in Saigon. Worth the visit to just to see the architecture and to see how big this place was. Be aware there is no air conditioning but the windows are open on both sides where available which allows for a cross breeze.
Written 27 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ron b
London214 contributions
Palace tour
Mar 2023
Great place to look at the history of Vietnam, need a tour guild to explain the reason for the two tanks in front and other stories behind the Place.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mlstar
Fort Lee, NJ45 contributions
Great Architecture and History for fans of Mid Century Modern.
Feb 2023
We rented the audio guide in English. It was very good, helpful, and added to the experience. In addition to walking through the history of the building and how it was used during the war, the building itself is a beautiful time capsule. Not only does the architecture hold up, but it would still have value today in the way it used light, shade, and air. And the furniture was amazing.

We spent more time here than we intended based on our interest.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yann Renaud
Switzerland724 contributions
Worth visiting
Mar 2023 • Couples
A place full of history to visit. The building is very nice and you will find explanations near each room. At the end of the tour, you can enter a documentary room, where a film about the building and its links to the history of the country is shown.
In a nearby building, an exhibition about the building and Diem can be visited. I would recommend doing it.
Written 18 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ali07London
Enfield, UK444 contributions
Very interesting to see this modern building
Feb 2023
The palace is open for all to see. Again very reasonably priced at 40000 Dong. The palace has good views of Saigon as well as interesting rooms to look at. Definitely worth a visit to see it.
Written 16 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joe M
4 contributions
Pleasantly Surprised
Mar 2023
We did not plan to go here but decided to attend to fill in time. Didn't expect too much but was pleasantly surprised. Entry was cheap. There is nothing to experience except for viewing the rooms and history of the building, which I liked
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
maryyeo
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam2,244 contributions
Historically significant venue. Audio guide available.
Jan 2023 • Family
Historically significant because the Vietnam War is considered to have ended the day that the tanks crashed the gates of this palace. The actual tanks are still there. So are the F5E bombardier fighter aircraft that dropped two bombs on the palace's backyard (great that they didn't destroy the building!).

Without the audio guide or much interest in history, you might find this place boring. And even hot, because air-conditioning wasn't available throughout (except the documentary film room). Like just another old building with old furniture.

But if you realized that this was like the White House of the president (of the toppled South Vietnam), where the first family lived, where they made historically significant military decisions right there in the maze of a bunker, where they hosted political dignitories and kept some of the gifted antiques from all over the world... if those are your cup of tea, then you'll like this attraction.

Audio guide costed only about 5usd each. Available for rent from the booth on the front steps of the palace. A cafe and an old-school sandy kids' playground were also available at the side.
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travels travel
United Kingdom205 contributions
Interesting
Mar 2023 • Couples
Interesting historical facts and an insight to political building in Ho chi min.
Just a warning be careful of coconut water sellers on approach to the palace. The guy comes across as very sweet but charges excessive amounts once he has handed you the coconut. Such a shame there a con men everywhere.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh City

Frequently Asked Questions about The Independence Palace
The Independence Palace is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking The Independence Palace tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 158 The Independence Palace tours on Tripadvisor