✨ รีวิว Independence Palace – Ho Chi Minh City ✨

#VisitHoChiMinh

Strolling down a large alley in District 1 at 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, the Independence Palace's striking architecture, blending modern architecture with old Vietnamese influences, is immediately captivating. The crisp white building contrasts with the lush gardens and ponds/lotus ponds in front of the building, creating a sense of coolness and tranquility even before entering.

Once inside, you'll find meticulously decorated rooms, including the guest rooms, the presidential office, the banquet hall, and even secret rooms/basements/bunkers used during the war. This is where the heart flutters. Walking through the hallways, you'll find maps, photographs, and antique items telling stories from decades past. Tablecloths, wooden furniture, picture frames, old radios, and antique telephones—everything looks like something out of a historical movie.

Outside, there's a spacious garden in front of the palace, a large, curved lawn, a semicircular pond, and a balcony on the upper floor offering a panoramic view of the city. If you visit in the morning or late afternoon, the natural light is excellent, making for beautiful photos. There's even a view of a model tank at the entrance, a historical reminder of the end of the Vietnam War.

Overall Atmosphere: Peaceful but not too quiet. There are tourists strolling around and people listening to the guides. Or listen to the audio guide. There are explanatory signs at every point. The basement area can be a bit humid, but the air conditioning in the exhibition area works well, providing a nice respite from the heat.

⏱️ Hours & Prices
• Open daily, approximately 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (or 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
• The main entrance fee is 40,000 VND for adults.
• There may be an additional charge for special exhibits (“From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868–1966”).

🚶 How to get there
• Located in District 1, it's easy to get to. If your hotel is centrally located, it's within walking distance.
• If you're far away, take a Grab or taxi. Take a bus to 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street.
• There are several bus lines passing through or nearby.

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🔍 Impressions & Recommendations

I really like that you can freely explore the rooms at your own pace, not just following a tour. The basement or bunkers offer a view unlike anything you'd find in the beautiful tour photos—a real sense of history.

I'd like to see some improvements: There should be more English signage in some areas. The basement may be poorly lit, and some people may need to use their phone's power to read.

If you go, don't rush. Walk into every room. Explore the exterior of the building, including the gardens and tanks in front. If you're allowed to go, head upstairs—the view from the upper floors offers a peaceful view of the old city.

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