Independence Palace

The Independence Palace was used by the former South Vietnamese Government as seat of government. Its storming and occupation therefore marked the symbolic and factual end to the Vietnam War in 1975.

Nowadays it serves as cultural landmark and museum and is under special protection. Overall I was surprised by how little gloating over the defeated was expressed. At no point insults or curse words were used. Only the emphasis on when something happened the last time (e.g. last cabinet meeting) hinted on victory celebrations. Very different from North Korea.

Some random impressions from Saigon.