Independence Palace (Reunification Palace),Vietnam

• Main Reception Halls — ornately preserved rooms used for official state functions and receptions.
• War Command Room (Basement Bunker) — the subterranean operations center with original maps, communication devices and briefing tables.
• Rooftop Helipad and Observation Areas — panoramic views of District 1 and the adjacent Saigon River area.
• Presidential Private Quarters — bedrooms and living spaces kept in period condition with 1960s furniture.
• Vintage Vehicles and Artifacts — presidential cars, tanks on the lawn, radio and telecommunication equipment.
• Gardens and Exterior Facade — the modernist, low-rise architecture with landscaped grounds and fountains.

• Modernist architecture by Ngô Viết Thụ combining Vietnamese motifs with 1960s international style.
• Original interior design and period furnishings giving an authentic sense of 1960s South Vietnamese government life.
• The palace grounds include the path and gate famously breached by a North Vietnamese tank on 30 April 1975.
• A preserved bunker complex and command rooms illustrating wartime planning and emergency systems.

• Guided and self-guided tours through reception rooms, private quarters, and the bunker.
• Photography of the architecture, period rooms, gardens and the tanks outside (respect photography rules).
• Listening to audio guides or reading the onsite placards that explain the palace's role in history.
• Visiting exhibitions of diplomatic gifts, documents, maps and preserved wartime equipment.
• Combining the visit with nearby central District 1 sights: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum.

Dry season (November to April) for lower humidity and less rain; early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and crowds.

Tropical climate — hot and humid most of the year. Expect temperatures from about 25°C to 35°C (77°F–95°F); sudden rain showers possible during the wet season (May–October).

Typical opening hours are 7:30–11:00 and 13:00–16:00 daily, but hours and ticket prices can change. Entry fees are modest (historically around VND 30,000–50,000 for adults); discounts may apply for students, seniors, or children. Purchase tickets at the official ticket office on site or check the palace's official page for current rates.

Located in District 1, central Ho Chi Minh City — within walking distance of many attractions. Nearest major transport hubs: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (about 7–8 km northwest) and central bus routes/stops around Le Duan and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia streets. The palace has stairs and some areas with limited wheelchair access; the basement bunker and certain historic rooms may not be fully accessible. Expect a security check at the entrance.

1–2 hours to see the main rooms and the basement; allow longer (2–3 hours) if joining a detailed guided tour or visiting nearby sites.

Light, breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather; comfortable walking shoes. Dress modestly when entering official rooms. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a small umbrella during rainy months.

Nearby eats: pho, banh mi, com tam (broken rice), and Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá). Souvenirs: lacquerware, miniature Ao Dai, traditional conical hats (nón lá), and historical postcards or guidebooks about the palace.