Ho Chi Minh City Historic Sites

Historic Sites in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City Historic Sites

Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
Traveler rating
Good for
7 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travelers are saying

  • BrakiWorldTraveler
    Belgrade, Serbia17,760 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    From historical point of view this is a very important Palace, however not from the architectural. It's a must for any history buff, and I would rate it the second best attraction in HCMC, just after the War remnants museum.
    The present edifice dates back to last century 60's, when it was built under president Dinh Diem orders, by a famous Vietnamese architect in a Socialist style.
    It replaced the former French colonial government residence which was built in 1871 in French style and served for that purpose until Geneva peace talks in 1954. After that the old Palace was renamed to Independence Palace becoming the residence of Dinh Diem - first (puppet) President of Saigon.
    After his assassination several others took his function until 30 Apr 1975 when North Vietnamese captured the Palace entering with two tanks you can see in the courtyard, forcing the South to surrender and rising the national unification flag on top of the Palace.
    You can visit the entire Palace which will take around 1 hour. Rooms are not that opulent one might expect, rather ordinary and official. Don't forget to climb the rooftop where's the escape helicopter, as well the basement bunker.
    Written January 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shelley M
    Albany, New Zealand792 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful architecture and lit up at night is just stunning. A nice calm place with a lovely fountain nearby and Uncle Ho's statute with manicured garden area. Very clean. Shame you cant go inside. Nice to go when they close the traffic off and you can really enjoy this space. Lots of local families walking around here.
    Written April 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SwissF
    17 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unfortunately the former CIA building is no longer accessible - the security guard would not allow access under any circumstances!
    Written August 4, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marc C
    Tongeren, Belgium262 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Seen too much boeddhist pagodes
    You Can visit the quiet mosque without other visitors
    Nothing changed in the last ten years
    Written March 24, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Can Tho Bike Tours
    Can Tho, Vietnam18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The colour will tell evreything with a religion. Too special in Viet Nam. Presentation for ethnic in the country.
    Written November 1, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Heather M
    Brisbane, Australia32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not sure if we would have found this without our guide, but so glad we went. This building is a remarkable piece of history, and you can even climb down into the cellar and up into the attic. Surprised that our 13 year-old daughter really connected with this place.
    Written April 29, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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