Wednesday Walk : Explore the Independence Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts – Two Must-Visit Destinations in Saigon, Vietnam

Hello Hivers, how’s your day going? Today is Wednesday, and I’d like to share with you a recent and exciting journey of mine – a walking tour to explore the Independence Palace and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts. These are two iconic destinations in Saigon that you absolutely must visit when you come to this city. They will tell you stories of Vietnam’s history and offer you the chance to enjoy beautiful exhibitions and artworks. Let’s take a walk and explore with me in today’s post!

I arrived in Saigon in the early summer days, with ideal temperatures ranging from 30 to 32 degrees Celsius. I took a flight from Hanoi that lasted about two hours to get here. Saigon is also known for having many international flights from all over the world. The city's airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
The Independence Palace sits on a land area of over 4,000 square meters, with three floors, a basement, and even a rooftop designed for helicopter landings. Before 1975, it served as the workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). On April 30, 1975, the event of liberation forces from the South driving tanks through the Palace gates marked the complete reunification of Vietnam – North and South united as one.

The Independence Palace attracts countless foreign and local tourists who come to learn about Vi

etnam’s history. Especially this year, as the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of reunification (April 30, 2025), the site holds even deeper significance. Every Vietnamese visitor comes with a sense of great pride.
I walked through the entire palace, exploring each room that displayed valuable historical documents. I visited the working rooms, meeting rooms, reception halls, and the resting quarters of former presidents of the old regime. It was truly a fascinating experience.

From the Independence Palace, I walked another 2 kilometers to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts. This museum was built in 1987 and officially opened in 1992. Its architecture is a beautiful blend of Western Art Deco style with Indochinese patterns and decorative elements, creating a lively and elegant structure.

The museum boasts intricate floral tiles, sophisticated domes, and balconies overlooking the city center. It is not only admired for its architecture but also for its valuable paintings and creative art exhibitions by Vietnamese artists.
This walking trip was even more memorable because I got to meet many friendly locals. The people of Ho Chi Minh City were incredibly warm and helpful, offering directions and greeting me with sincere smiles.

If you also enjoy walking tours and exploring local landmarks, I highly recommend trying this experience. Just remember – the weather here can get quite hot, so be sure to bring an umbrella and a bottle of water with you. I’m sure this journey will bring you lots of joy and unforgettable memories!

Thank you so much for reading my post today and wish you lots of wonderful things this week!
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