Reunification Palace - Ho Chi Minh City - Things To Do Reviews

Very interesting look at what, to a western tourist at least, is the flipside of the Vietnam conflict and re-unification. Be sure to book a guide (either human or audio) if you are interested in the outer sections of the Hall, otherwise you may find yourself wandering somewhat aimlessly through the corridors looking at a variety of 60's decor in a vaguely historical context.

Further inside however, intrigue seizes the journey. Historical notes and leftovers of the occupation (be they authentic or replicas) bring the underbelly of the building to an eerie life of its own. This makes the Hall an essential part of any HCMC visit.

Oh, and if you're lucky, you'll arrive the same day as a touring school group. One of the most endearing experiences you can have here is a busload (or several) of Vietnamese schoolchildren eager to test their English. When greeted with a chorus of 'Hello's, feel free to respond in kind and bask in the celebrity for just a moment.

It was only one morning, but it's this mix of experiences in the one place that made our trip here so worthwhile.

Reunification Palace, formerly known as Independence Palace, is a historic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was a workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War and the site of the official handover of power during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 when communist tanks smashed through the gates of the Presidential Palace, symbol of the South Vietnamese government.

The Palace is also noted for its striking 1960s architecture, the creation of Paris-trained Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu. You may expect to see the conference rooms, the Presidential Receiving Room, basement tunnels and war room, telecommunications center and the residential quarters, as well as a back terrace complete with heliport.