Things to Do at Independence Palace
Complete Guide to Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City
About Independence Palace
What to See & Do
Presidential Office and Reception Rooms
The preserved office where President Nguyen Van Thieu worked, complete with original 1960s furnishings and that slightly surreal feeling of stepping back in time. The reception rooms are equally impressive, with their bold carpets and period furniture.
War Command Room and Bunkers
The underground bunkers and communication center give you a real sense of the tension and urgency of wartime operations. The maps, radio equipment, and strategic planning rooms are surprisingly well-preserved.
Rooftop Helipad
Where the famous helicopter evacuations took place, offering both historical significance and decent views over the city. It's one of those spots where you can actually visualize the dramatic events that unfolded here.
Tank Display
The actual tanks (or replicas of them) that broke through the palace gates in 1975 are displayed on the grounds. It's a powerful reminder of how the war ended and Vietnam was reunified.
Banquet Hall and Living Quarters
The grand banquet hall and private living spaces show how the South Vietnamese leadership lived, with surprisingly opulent furnishings that contrast sharply with the wartime context.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Daily 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM. Worth noting they might close for special events or maintenance, so checking ahead isn't a bad idea.
Tickets & Pricing
Around 65,000 VND for adults (roughly $2.50-3 USD). You can buy tickets at the entrance - no need to book ahead unless you're part of a large group.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8:00-10:00 AM) tends to be less crowded, and the lighting is actually quite nice for photos. Late afternoon can get pretty busy with tour groups.
Suggested Duration
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours if you want to see everything properly. You could rush through in an hour, but you'd miss a lot of the interesting details.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Classic French colonial architecture about a 10-minute walk away. The cathedral is currently under renovation, but the post office is worth seeing for its beautiful interior and you can still send postcards from there.
A more comprehensive (and more intense) look at the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. It's about 15 minutes away on foot and provides important context for what you'll see at the palace.
The city's most famous market, good for souvenirs, street food, and getting a feel for local commerce. It's touristy but genuinely bustling, and the night market that sets up around it after dark is worth experiencing.
A pedestrian boulevard that's particularly lively in the evenings, with street performances, food vendors, and a good place to people-watch. Nice for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.