In the last days of April, the city center is brilliant with flowers on every street to welcome the great day of the whole nation on April 30 - the day of Liberation of the South, reunification of the country. On this happy day, we cannot help but mention the Independence Palace, standing tall as a historical witness that has stood the test of time.
The President's reception room inside the Independence Palace.
Independence Palace - the most beautiful public building in Asia
Following Trung Nam (31 years old, Ho Chi Minh City), the inbound tour guide said: "The Independence Palace, also known by many other names such as the Reunification Palace, the Governor's Palace or the Governor's Palace, is one of the most unique and famous architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City, having existed for more than 150 years. The construction was started by Mr. La Grandière, the French Governor in South Vietnam, in 1868 and completed in 1871."
Despite the heat of the city, there are many visitors these days.
Mr. Nam shared with his group of guests that, through historical events, this place has been renamed many times. Initially, the palace was called Norodom Palace. In 1954, it was changed to Independence Palace. During the Republic of Vietnam period, this building was known by other names such as Presidential Palace or Dragon Head Palace, because this was where the President of the Republic of Vietnam lived and worked.
A replica of tank 390 - the tank that crashed through the main gate - is on display at the Palace.
With its special values, the Independence Palace was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1976. By 2009, the Independence Palace was ranked as one of the first ten special national relics of Vietnam.
Unique architecture of Reunification Palace
"The architecture of the Palace is what fascinates many visitors who come here. Every time they hear the explanation about the meaning of this work, they are amazed and delighted," Trung Nam shared.
The Palace was built in accordance with the characteristics of Vietnamese feng shui architecture, with a symmetrical layout of the garden and the palace. In particular, the fountain and the dense forest in front of the Palace, signify the terrain of "leaning on the mountain, facing the water", creating stability for the construction. The grounds of the Independence Palace are also decorated with many ancient trees from the French colonial period.
Green palace with lawn and water tank
The beautiful front yard of the palace with its soft green oval lawn makes any visitor feel relaxed and refreshed as soon as they enter the gate. The long crescent-shaped lake surrounding the main hall, where lotus and water lilies float gently on the water surface, creates a quiet and peaceful space.
Modern architectural details are interwoven with patterns from ancient temples and palaces of Vietnam, creating a perfect combination of traditional quintessence and modern standards. All the details, from the delicate stone flower curtains in front to the traditional wood carvings and decorations inside, clearly reflect the beauty of the Vietnamese people. The stone flower curtain in front of the palace has a unique shape, with slender bamboo segments rising from the second floor, creating a feeling of solidity, solidity but extremely elegant. With a delicate combination, the Independence Palace has become an unmissable stop for those who love art and architecture in Ho Chi Minh City.
Stone curtain simulates the image of Vietnamese bamboo
The building, a symbol of traditional philosophy, oriental rituals and Vietnamese national character, was delicately designed and constructed to harmoniously combine modern and traditional architecture. The entire surface of the palace forms the shape of the letter "Cat", meaning good luck and fortune.
Hoang Anh (21 years old, Hue) and his group of friends on their first visit to the Independence Palace shared: "Visiting the Palace was noted on the list of things I must do when coming to Ho Chi Minh City. I saw a lot in the pictures, but when I stepped inside, I was really overwhelmed because it was so beautiful and majestic. I didn't think that such a modern structure could be built in ancient times."
Madam's living room
Today, when visiting the palace, tourists can still see the almost intact interior of the residence and workplace of a head of state. Large lacquer and oil paintings, occupying an entire wall, and dozens of precious works of art overwhelm visitors. The lamps and high-class furniture are like a royal palace.
Credentials Presentation Room
In particular, the credential presentation room is located in the center of the ceremonial floor on the second floor, with furniture from tables and chairs to decorative paintings all made of traditional lacquer. Visitors are extremely excited to see with their own eyes the beauty of Vietnamese architecture and art in this room.
Vice President's Reception Room
The artifacts are still preserved, like a living book of a bygone era.
Nisha (18 years old, Indian tourist) was excited to see the UH-1 helicopter displayed on the Palace's rooftop: "I was quite impressed with the Independence Palace, especially this helicopter. It gave me an 'unreal' feeling, as if I was going back in time and witnessing this scene. The experience here was great, except the weather was too hot."
UH-1 helicopter
In addition, visitors will be able to see the M152A2 Jeep used by the Liberation Revolutionary Forces to transport Mr. Duong Van Minh - the last President of the Republic of Vietnam regime to Saigon Radio Station to read the surrender declaration at noon on April 30, 1975. Not only those artifacts, other military assets such as tank 390, tank 843 and F5E fighter jets... have also contributed greatly to making the Reunification Palace an attractive tourist destination for visitors to this place.
In addition to these historical artifacts, the Independence Palace also displays many works of art worth admiring. For example, the oil painting depicting the Vietnamese countryside, completed by architect Ngo Viet Thu in 1966. The painting "Binh Ngo Dai Cao" consists of 40 small pieces, depicting the peaceful life of the Vietnamese people in the 15th century.
A carpet made in Hong Kong in 1973 decorated the front hall of the relic.
Art paintings decorated in the Palace
Oliver (33 years old, Australian tourist) shared with Travellive reporter that she could not imagine that one day she would stand at the Independence Palace, among the friendly and warm Vietnamese people. When arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, Oliver and her husband wanted to show their respect for history by visiting the Independence Palace. She suggested that this is an interesting destination not only for groups of tourists who love history but also for those who are passionate about fashion and classic interiors.
The rooms are designed for different purposes.
The room recreates the image of old Saigon
Visiting the Independence Palace becomes a memorable experience for tourists when coming to Saigon. You not only visit the emotional historical site, but also enjoy the beauty of the large campus with green lawns. From every angle, the Palace appears majestic, towering, captivating the hearts of every visitor.
In late April, many groups of veterans visited the Independence Palace to meet their comrades who fought and died together.
Independence Palace - the symbol of the city named after Uncle Ho, the pride of the Vietnamese people. Through many ups and downs, this place still holds an important position in the history of the struggle for independence and national unification. For those who are passionate about history, Independence Palace is a treasure trove of valuable evidence to explore and learn more about Vietnam's turbulent past. Let this trip be a memorable experience in your heart on the occasion of April 30th!
The national flag fluttered on the roof of the Palace during the historic April days.
