January
26.8°C ~ 80°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Ho Chi Minh City
Independence Palace
The 1960s presidential palace where the war ended, kept almost exactly as it was.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Entry fee
- 80,000 VND
- Best months
- Dec – Apr
- Best time
- Morning, soon after opening
Overview
Independence Palace, also called Reunification Palace, was the home and office of the president of South Vietnam. On 30 April 1975 a tank crashed through its gates, which marked the end of the war, and the building is now preserved as a museum.
Inside you can see the reception rooms, the president’s office, a rooftop helipad and a basement bunker with a war room and old communication equipment. The 1960s architecture and furniture are mostly unchanged, which makes the visit feel like stepping into another era.
Highlights
- See the reception halls and the president’s office
- Walk through the underground war room and bunker
- Visit the rooftop helipad and the old casino room
- See the replica tank at the gate
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, about 7:00 – 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 80,000 VND per adult Students and seniors: 40,000 VND Children 6 – 17: 20,000 VND |
| Time needed | 2 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning, soon after opening |
| Good for | History fans, architecture lovers, first-timers |
| Accessibility | Mostly accessible with lifts and ramps; the basement bunker has steps |
| Facilities | Toilets, ticket office, souvenir shop, cafe in the garden |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City by month.
February
27.4°C ~ 81°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
28.6°C ~ 83°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
29.2°C ~ 85°F
11 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
28.8°C ~ 84°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
27.7°C ~ 82°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.9°C ~ 80°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
26.7°C ~ 80°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
26.8°C ~ 80°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
26.6°C ~ 80°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
From Ho Chi Minh City centre
The palace is in the centre of District 1, about 10 minutes’ walk from Ben Thanh Market. From Tan Son Nhat Airport it is about 30 minutes by taxi or Grab. Entry is at the gate on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street.
Tips before you go
- Go early to avoid tour groups
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered
- Pay for the audio guide if you want the history behind each room
- Combine with the War Remnants Museum, which is close by
Location
135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
In the city centre, District 1
More attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs
How long should I spend at Independence Palace?
Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main rooms and the basement.
How much is the ticket?
The official site lists 80,000 VND for adults in 2025, with lower prices for students, seniors and children. Some third-party guides quote different amounts, so check at the ticket office.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most important historic buildings in Ho Chi Minh City and is easy to combine with other sights nearby.