Visit Independence Palace on April 30th.

In the last days of April, the city center is ablaze with colorful flowers along every street to welcome the momentous day of the entire nation, April 30th - the Liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. On this joyous occasion, one cannot fail to mention the Independence Palace, standing majestically as a witness to history that has endured through time.

Independence Palace - the most beautiful mansion in East 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-General'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 over 150 years. The building's foundation stone was laid by Mr. La Grandière, the French Governor of Southern Vietnam, in 1868 and completed in 1871."

Mr. Nam shared with his group that, having gone through historical events, the place has been renamed many times. Initially, the palace was called Norodom Palace. In 1954, it was renamed Independence Palace. During the Republic of Vietnam era, this building was known by other names such as the Presidential Palace or Dragon Head Palace, because it was where the President of the Republic of Vietnam lived and worked.

With its exceptional historical and cultural value, the Independence Palace was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument in 1976. In 2009, the Independence Palace was ranked as one of the first ten Special National Monuments of Vietnam.

The unique architecture of the Reunification Palace

"The architecture of the Palace is what fascinates so many tourists who come here. Every time they hear the explanation about the significance of this building, visitors are always amazed and delighted," Trung Nam shared.

The palace was built according to the principles of Vietnamese feng shui architecture, with a symmetrical layout of the garden and the palace itself. Particularly noteworthy are the fountain and the dense forest in front of the palace, signifying a "mountain-backed, water-facing" location that provides stability to the structure. The grounds of the Independence Palace are also adorned with many ancient trees dating back to the French colonial period.

The magnificent front yard of the palace, with its lush, soft, oval-shaped lawn, makes any visitor feel relaxed and refreshed the moment they step through the gate. A long, crescent-shaped pond surrounds the main hall, where lotus and water lilies float gently on the water's surface, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Modern architectural details are interwoven with patterns from ancient Vietnamese temples and palaces, creating a perfect blend of traditional essence and modern standards. All details, from the exquisite stone floral screens at the front to the traditional wood carvings and decorations inside, clearly reflect the beauty of the Vietnamese people. The stone floral screen at the front of the palace has a unique shape, with slender bamboo-like segments rising from the second floor, creating a sense of solidity and sturdiness yet utmost elegance. With this sophisticated combination, the Independence Palace has become an unmissable stop for art and architecture lovers in Ho Chi Minh City.

The building, an iconic representation of traditional Vietnamese philosophy, Eastern rituals, and national character, was meticulously designed and constructed to harmoniously blend modern and traditional architecture. The entire structure forms the shape of the Chinese character "Cát," meaning auspiciousness and good fortune.

Hoang Anh (21 years old, from Hue), along with her group of friends, shared on their first visit to the Independence Palace: "Visiting the Palace was on my list of things to do when I came to Ho Chi Minh City. I saw many pictures, but when I stepped inside, I was truly overwhelmed by how beautiful and magnificent it is. I never thought that such a modern structure could have been built in ancient times."

Today, when visiting the residence, tourists can still see almost completely intact the interior of the former head of state's living and working quarters. Large lacquer and oil paintings, covering entire walls, and dozens of valuable works of art overwhelm visitors. The lighting and furnishings are luxurious, like a royal palace.

In particular, the room for presenting credentials is located in the center of the ceremonial hall on the second floor, with all the furnishings, from tables and chairs to decorative paintings, made of traditional lacquerware. Visitors are delighted to witness firsthand the beauty of Vietnamese architecture and art in this room.

The artifacts are still preserved, like a living book about a bygone era.

Nisha (18 years old, an Indian tourist) expressed her delight at seeing the UH-1 helicopter displayed on the rooftop of the Presidential Palace: "I'm quite impressed with the Independence Palace, especially this helicopter. It gives me a 'reality' feeling, like I'm going back in time and witnessing this scene. The experience here is great, except for the extremely hot weather."

In addition, visitors can see the M152A2 Jeep used by the Liberation Revolutionary forces to transport Mr. Duong Van Minh - the last President of the Republic of Vietnam - to the Saigon radio station to read the surrender statement on the afternoon of April 30, 1975. Besides these 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.

Besides those historical artifacts, the Independence Palace also displays many works of art worth admiring. For example, an oil painting depicting a Vietnamese village scene, completed by architect Ngo Viet Thu in 1966. Another example is the "Binh Ngo Dai Cao" painting, composed of 40 small pieces, depicting the peaceful life of Vietnamese people in the 15th century.

Oliver (33 years old, an Australian tourist) shared with Travellive reporters that she could never have imagined standing at the Independence Palace, surrounded by friendly and warm Vietnamese people. Upon 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 it's an interesting destination not only for history enthusiasts but also suitable for those passionate about classic fashion and interior design.

Visiting the Independence Palace is a memorable experience for tourists when they come to Saigon. You not only get to explore this historically significant site, but also enjoy the beauty of its spacious grounds with lush green lawns. From every angle, the Palace appears majestic and imposing, captivating the hearts of every visitor.

Independence Palace – a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City and a source of national pride for Vietnam. Through countless ups and downs, it has maintained its significant place in the history of the struggle for independence and national reunification. For history enthusiasts, Independence Palace is a treasure trove of valuable historical artifacts to explore and learn more about Vietnam's turbulent past. Let this trip be a memorable experience for you this April 30th holiday!

Ha Mai Trinh