Reunification Palace Place guide

Originally built in 1871 as the palatial residence of French Indochina’s governor-general, this stately monument has survived hundreds of years, witnessing and partaking of Ho Chi Minh City’s history. 

History: Almost 100 later, after the departure of the French in the mid-1900s, Ngo Dinh Diem requisitioned the extravagant edifice as his presidential residence in 1954. However, after enduring substantial damage (a tank crashed through the gate – there is actually a replica of the same tank now parked on the lawn outside the palace!), the structure was torn down.

In 1966, the Reunification Palace was rebuilt and completed with its new name ‘Independence Palace’. It was renamed ‘Reunification Hall’ in 1975 when the South fell to the North. Today, this restored whitewashed concrete landmark is called ‘Reunification Palace’ by most tourists due to its majestic architectural design.

See: Once you enter this five-story building in Saigon towering majestically over the surrounds,  you will be transported to the 1960s and 1970s, as most of its interiors remained largely untouched from the day Saigon fell to the North. Be sure to check out the impressive kitschy recreation room, the eerie basement full of vintage 1960s phones, radios, and office equipment that were supposedly left exactly as they were found when the North took over. 

There is also a photo gallery and a propaganda film recounting how the South Vietnamese supporters and American imperialists succumbed to Ho Chi Minh’s indomitable revolutionary forces. The South Vietnamese supporters were shown as being forgiven, painting a jovial and carefree finish to the story.

You can purchase tickets at the main gate, which can be found on the east side of the palace gardens. There are also free guided tours available in English, French, Chinese and Japanese.

Amplify your experience with a half day scooter tour including the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace and more.

How to get there

• Being one of Ho Chi Minh’s main landmarks, most public transportation will know where and how to get you to the Reunification Palace. 
  
  
• You can take a cyclo, taxi, Grab (ride-sharing) or bus to the site. 
  
  
• If you’re staying in District 1, consider getting to the palace on foot, as most tourist areas are within walking distance.

Address: 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Operating hours: 7:30am to 11:00am and 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Entrance fee: VND 40,000 (US$2)