Independence Palace, a national symbol of unity and peace

One of the most notable rooms is one where foreign ambassadors once presented their credentials to the South Vietnamese president until 1975.

Designed by artist Nguyen Van Minh, the room features Japanese-style lacquer. At its center is a 40-piece lacquer mural titled "Binh Ngo Dai Cao" (Proclamation of Victory), written by scholar and politician Nguyen Trai in 1428 on King Le Loi's behalf to depict the king's proclamation of victory over the Ming invaders. Eight symbolic torches adorn the side walls and were lit during official diplomatic ceremonies.

The last time a diplomat presented their credentials in this room was on April 18, 1975, when Nguyen Van Thieu, president of the Saigon regime, received Japanese ambassador Hiroshi Hitomi.

The banquet hall, used for official receptions for up to 100 guests, is decorated in gold tones. At its center hangs a painting by architect Ngo Viet Thu.

The final state banquet was held here on March 1, 1975, by Nguyen Van Thieu for a visiting U.S. delegation.

Glass windows lining the hallways let in natural light and create photo spots for visitors. On April 17 Duong Thi Dao (L), a 22-year-old university student, arrived early with friends to tour the palace.

According to Dao, despite the crowds, everyone was excited to visit the historic site during the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

"Independence Palace marks many important events in our nation's history. I came here to take photos as keepsake and share the experience with my family," she said.

The basement is one of the palace's most intriguing areas. Designed by engineer Phan Van Dien, a bunker stretches 72.5 meters at a depth of 0.6 to 2.5 meters under the ground. Thick concrete walls and a dedicated ventilation system make it extremely secure.

The command center includes war rooms, a radio station, a decoding room, and telecommunications facilities. All the equipment was supplied by the U.S. in the 1960s.

A deeper section, not open to the public, sits 2.5 meters underground with 1.6-meter-thick walls. It was built to withstand 2,000 kg bombs. In emergencies, the president could retreat here through a staircase descending directly from his second-floor office.

The president's war room was built in the first basement and served as a decision-making hub during crises. It has encrypted phones, military maps and advanced communication systems, and was the palace's "backup brain" during South Vietnam's final days.

As visitors exit the basement, they can see the M151A2 Jeep that carried President Duong Van Minh to the Saigon Radio Station at noon on April 30, 1975.

It was from there that he announced the unconditional surrender, marking the end of the South Vietnamese government and the beginning of national reunification.

At the rooftop, guests can view the F-5E helicopter (pictured) connected to a pivotal event. On April 8, 1975, pilot Nguyen Thanh Trung, operating from Bien Hoa, dropped bombs on the palace. Although one bomb hit the roof, it only partially exploded, causing limited damage.

The bomb crater is preserved as a reminder of that event.

Before leaving, visitors pass by two tanks numbered 843 and 390, which crashed through the main and side gates of the palace on April 30, 1975. These images became symbols of the end of the war and the success of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.