Reunification Palace formerly known as Independence Palace is a historical-cultural site attracting many domestic tourists and foreigners to visit.
The palace was built on an area of 12 hectares, including a huge mansion, a living room with the capacity of 800 people inside, spacious gardens covered by green trees and a lawn. Most of construction materials were transported from France.
Owing to the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, construction fell behind schedule and was not completed until 1873. It then got its name Norodom Palace and the avenue in front of the Independence Palace also called Norodom Avenue, named after the King of Cambodia Norodom (1834-1904) at that time. From 1871 to 1887, the palace was used by the French Governor of Cochinchina (Gouverneur de la Cochinchine); therefore, it was referred to as the Governor’s Palace. From 1887 to 1945, all Governors-General of French Indochina used the palace as their residence and office. The office of the Cochinchinese Governors was relocated to a nearby villa.
The Palace was renamed Independence Palace after Ngo Dinh Diem became South Vietnamese president. Since then Independence Palace became the representative of the government and the president’s residence and the place witnessed many political events. At that time, Reunification Palace was also known as the Presidential Palace.
On May 2, 1962, in an unsuccessful coup, the building was heavily damaged by bombs. Ngo Dinh Diem ordered to rebuild entirely. It took about 4 years to complete the Palace from 1962 to 1966.
The building has a floor area of 20,000m2, containing over 100 rooms, with large hall, wide corridors, majestic entrance, an additional basement and a flag tower.
This architecture represents a modern architectural style in Saigon at the old time. Reunification Palace is open to visitors as long as official receptions or meetings aren’t taking place. English- and French-speaking guides are on duty during opening hours.