Independence Palace is a famous historical site in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This place used to be the residence and working place of the President of the Republic of Vietnam before the April 30, 1975 Event. Currently, the Independence Palace is ranked by the Vietnamese Government as a special national monument.
History of the Independence Palace
Independence Palace was built in 1868 by French architect Henri Landes, with the original name Norodom Palace. The palace was used as the residence and workplace of the Governor of French colonial Cochinchina.
In 1887, the Indochina Federation was established, Norodom Palace became the residence and working place of the Governor General of Indochina. In 1945, Japan overthrew France and occupied Indochina. Norodom Palace became the residence and working place of the Japanese Governor-General in Vietnam.
After Japan’s defeat in World War II, France returned to occupy the South. Norodom Palace became the headquarters of the French invasion war machine in Vietnam.
In 1954, France failed in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, forced to sign the Geneva Accords and withdraw from Vietnam. Vietnam was temporarily divided into two regions, the North was the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, and the South was the State of Vietnam.
In 1955, Ngo Dinh Diem became President of Vietnam. Diem changed the name of Norodom Palace to Independence Palace and used it as his residence and workplace.
Independence Palace is the place to witness many important historical events of Vietnam
Assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem
On October 22, 1963, Ngo Dinh Diem was assassinated by the coup faction at the Independence Palace. This is one of Vietnam’s heartbreaking historical events.
Reunification
On April 30, 1975, tanks of the South Vietnamese Liberation Army entered the Independence Palace, marking the fall of the Republic of Vietnam government and the unification of Vietnam. This event became one of Vietnam’s most important historical moments.
Architecture of the Independence Palace
Independence Palace is a massive building, with an architectural style combining Eastern and Western styles. The palace has three floors, with a total area of more than 12,000 square meters. Inside the palace there are many rooms, with different functions, such as meeting rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, exhibition rooms, and even an indoor swimming pool.
The architecture of the Independence Palace combines Western and Eastern styles to create a graceful and luxurious beauty. The decorative details of the Independence Palace are meticulously and delicately designed, from sculptures to wall paintings. Some rooms in the palace are decorated in a classic style, with furniture and ceilings made from rare yellow wood.
Visit the Independence Palace
Independence Palace is a famous tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors to the Independence Palace can learn about Vietnamese history and admire the architectural beauty of the palace.
When entering the Independence Palace, visitors will be guided through galleries of historical objects and heard about the construction process and history of the palace. After that, visitors will tour the rooms in the palace, from the meeting room to the bedroom. In addition, visitors can also learn more about Vietnamese history by viewing the paintings and sculptures decorating the palace.
To protect this monument, visitors are not allowed to bring food or drinks inside the Independence Palace. Outside the palace, visitors can buy souvenir products such as t-shirts, pencils, or other souvenirs.
Independence Palace is a symbol of the spirit of Vietnamese national independence. Through its rich history, the palace has witnessed many important historical events of Vietnam. Not only is it a historical relic, the Independence Palace is also a famous tourist destination that attracts many tourists to visit and explore the architectural beauty of the palace.
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