Introduction to Gia Long Palace in Saigon
Gia Long Palace, now known as the Ho Chi Minh City Museum , is considered the most architecturally beautiful museum in the city.
When was Gia Long Palace built?
The Gia Long Palace in Saigon was built in 1885 and completed in 1890 by the French architect Alfred Foulhoux.
Initially, Gia Long Palace was built as a Commercial Museum, showcasing products from Southern Vietnam at the time. However, after the construction was nearly complete, the Deputy Governor-General of Indochina moved in, forcing architect Alfred Foulhoux to revise the design.
+ Important historical events
The Gia Long Palace in Saigon was designed by architect Alfred Foulhoux. With a total area of 2 hectares, it is used to display domestic products.
Upon completion, this building became the residence of the Deputy Governor-General of Indochina and eventually the Governor of Cochinchina.
In 1945, the Gia Long Palace in Saigon changed hands several times, serving the Japanese, French, and British armies, as well as the autonomous government of Southern Vietnam. In 1966, when the Independence Palace was rebuilt, the Gia Long Palace became the headquarters of the Supreme Court.
In 1978, this building became the Ho Chi Minh Revolutionary Museum. In 1999, the museum was renamed the Ho Chi Minh City Museum ( formerly the Gia Long Palace in Saigon ).
Notably, the Independence Palace was built only 70 years after the Gia Long Palace, on October 30, 1966.
Therefore, Gia Long Palace is not only a beautiful architectural structure but also a historical witness preserving the changes in Saigon from the French colonial period to the liberation of South Vietnam and the reunification of the country.
+ Architectural value of Gia Long Palace in Saigon
Gia Long Palace is a unique architectural masterpiece. It combines various architectural styles such as Gothic and Roman, along with inspiration from the culture and natural conditions of the Southern Vietnamese riverine region.
The museum grounds span over 1200 square meters and are surrounded by a flower garden. The main entrance, atop a triangular structure, prominently features a bust of the "Divine Spear" wearing a crown and laurel wreath.
The facade of the Gia Long Palace in Saigon is impressive with its Romanesque architecture, featuring large, round columns parallel to the corridor. This detail highlights its geometric and angular appearance. Every design detail at the museum is exquisite and possesses high aesthetic value.
When is the best time to visit Gia Long Palace in Saigon?
The ideal time to visit Gia Long Palace (Ho Chi Minh City Museum) is in the morning or early afternoon. When the weather in Saigon is still cool and the natural light is beautiful, it's perfect for taking photos.
If you want to avoid crowds, choose to visit Gia Long Palace in Saigon on weekdays instead of weekends and holidays. Additionally, the dry season from December to April is the most favorable time, as you can combine exploring nearby attractions without worrying about sudden rain.
Don't forget to check the opening hours to plan your visit accordingly!
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Location and ways to get to Gia Long Palace in Saigon
Gia Long Palace is located in a central location, making it very convenient to reach by various means of transportation.
Where is Gia Long Palace located?
Gia Long Palace (Ho Chi Minh City Museum) is located at Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, right in the heart of the city.
Located near famous landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, and the Independence Palace, the Gia Long Palace in Saigon is very easy to find.
This is the ideal destination to combine visiting many of Saigon's unique historical and cultural landmarks in a single day.
- Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
+ Directions to Gia Long Palace in Saigon
The route from Tan Son Nhat Airport to this location is approximately 7km. It takes about 30-40 minutes by car or motorbike. It's ideal for a weekend visit with family or friends.
Directions: From Tan Son Nhat Airport, exit and take a taxi or Grab. Follow Truong Son Street → to Phan Dinh Giot Street → turn onto Cong Hoa Street → to Ly Thuong Kiet Street → turn onto Ly Tu Trong Street, and you will reach Gia Long Palace in Saigon .
+ Means of transportation
Because it's located right in the city center, visitors can get to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum by various means of transportation.
- By private vehicle: Gia Long Palace in Saigon is located on Ly Tu Trong Street. You should check directions on Google Maps because, besides the main facade, both sides of the museum are one-way streets (Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Pasteur).
- Public transport: If you're taking the bus to Gia Long Palace, take bus number 04, 18, or 36 from Ben Thanh Market or Ham Nghi Street. Then get off at the Pasteur - Ly Tu Trong bus stop; it's about a 50-meter walk from the museum.
Note: Newcomers to Saigon often confuse Gia Long Palace (Ho Chi Minh City Museum) with Nha Rong Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum (Ho Chi Minh Museum, District 4). Please pay attention to distinguish them!
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Opening hours and entrance fees for Gia Long Palace in Saigon.
Gia Long Palace is open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week, including weekends and holidays.
Entrance fee:
- Adults: 30,000 VND/ticket
- Students: 15,000 VND/ticket (student ID required, but not valid on Saturdays and Sundays)
- Children under 6 years old: Free admission
- Photo surcharge: 20,000 VND
Note: Ticket prices may vary depending on the time of year or special promotions. Please check beforehand to ensure you are well-prepared!
What's so special inside Gia Long Palace in Saigon?
Gia Long Palace is one of the five exemplary museums featured in the list of "Ho Chi Minh City - 100 Interesting Things," boasting a unique architectural style.
+ 10 exhibition areas for artifacts
Many valuable historical artifacts are currently on display at Gia Long Palace, now the Ho Chi Minh City Museum .
The Gia Long Palace in Saigon is divided into 10 different exhibition rooms, currently housing and preserving 45,000 artifacts. These artifacts are divided into 133 thematic collections.
These include numerous collections such as Saigon ceramics, Lai Thieu ceramics, Bien Hoa ceramics, etc. There are also collections of coins, dating from the Le Canh Hung era to the Bao Dai era, as well as collections of zinc coins from the Southern region, stamps, and folk religious statues.
Gia Long Palace ( Ho Chi Minh City Museum ) has many fascinating exhibition areas. Below are 10 outstanding exhibition rooms at Gia Long Palace in Saigon :
- "Nature - Archaeology" Room
- The "Geography and Administration of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City" Room
- Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City Chamber of Commerce and Services
- Department of "Industry and Handicrafts"
- Room “Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City Culture”
- Room "Revolutionary Struggle 1930 – 1954"
- Room "Revolutionary Struggle 1954 – 1975"
- Room "Similarities in the Resistance Period"
- "Vietnamese Currency" Room
- The "History of Gia Long Palace" room
Each room offers a unique historical, cultural, and social story about Saigon and Vietnam.
+ The secret underground area of Gia Long Palace, Saigon
President Ngo Dinh Diem authorized the construction of a secret bunker during his time working at Gia Long Palace. The bunker was built of reinforced concrete and had four solid iron doors.
It is believed that this bunker is a bomb shelter, with no secret exits. Although there are many rumors that it connects to Cholon or possibly the Saigon River.
The historic Gia Long Palace in Saigon , now the Ho Chi Minh City Museum , provides a wealth of information about the formation and development of Saigon.
When visiting the mansion, you can learn more about the historical events that took place there and appreciate the beauty of classical architecture from bygone eras.
>> Read more: Ho Chi Minh City History Museum – A place that preserves memories
What delicious food should you try when visiting Gia Long Palace in Saigon?
After visiting Gia Long Palace, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy famous local specialties near District 1, with authentic Saigon flavors.
Here are some must-see suggestions when visiting Gia Long Palace in Saigon :
- Pho Le: 303 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3
- Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork Vermicelli) by Ms. Tuyen: 195 Co Giang Street, District 1
- Ba Ghiền Broken Rice Restaurant: 84 Dang Van Ngu Street, Phu Nhuan District
- Huynh Hoa Bread Shop: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, District 1
- Khanh Vy Dessert Shop: 242B Su Van Hanh Street, District 10
- Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee: located near the center of District 1.
Each dish bears the distinctive mark of Saigon, not only delicious but also perfectly suited to the tastes of tourists.
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Discover Gia Long Palace in Saigon and things you need to know.
When exploring Gia Long Palace in Saigon , you'll have the opportunity to learn about the city's unique history, culture, and architecture. However, to make your visit even more fulfilling, please note the following points:
- Dress formally and respectfully to show respect for local culture and history.
- Do not bring flammable or explosive materials, weapons, or polluting materials when visiting.
- Do not bring food or drinks into Gia Long Palace in Saigon , maintain cleanliness, and avoid making noise.
- Do not touch artifacts, equipment, or rooms not designated for visitors.
- Please note the photography regulations, as some exhibition areas may prohibit photography.
Above is a summary of useful information shared by kichcaudulichtphcm.vn about Gia Long Palace in Saigon . Gia Long Palace is not only a place that preserves many historical values but also a great destination to explore Saigon's culture and cuisine. We wish you wonderful experiences when visiting and discovering the beauty of this city!
Hoang Lan – kichdulichtphcm.vn
Source: https://kichcaudulichtphcm.vn/dinh-gia-long-sai-gon/
