Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City Historic Sites
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Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
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Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
What travelers are saying
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia17,760 contributionsFrom 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Shelley MAlbany, New Zealand792 contributionsBeautiful 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, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SwissF17 contributionsUnfortunately the former CIA building is no longer accessible - the security guard would not allow access under any circumstances!Written August 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Marc CTongeren, Belgium262 contributionsSeen too much boeddhist pagodes
You Can visit the quiet mosque without other visitors
Nothing changed in the last ten yearsWritten March 24, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Can Tho Bike ToursCan Tho, Vietnam18 contributionsThe colour will tell evreything with a religion. Too special in Viet Nam. Presentation for ethnic in the country.Written November 1, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Heather MBrisbane, Australia32 contributionsNot 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, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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