The imposing and very expensive neo-Baroque building was intended to impress the people of Saigon with the power and wealth of the French.

It was bombed and badly damaged during an attempted coup in 1962, torn down and replaced by the present Independence Palace.

[2] Work on the huge governor's palace began in earnest when Hermitte brought in skilled workmen from Canton and Hong Kong.

The site of the Palais du Gouverneur turned out to be waterlogged and the foundations required constant repair to counteract subsidence throughout the building's life.

[5] The Saigon Governor's Palace was intended to impress the local people with France's power and wealth.

[6] As reported by the Courrier de Saigon on 20 December 1868, The foundation is from 3 to 3m50 deep, representing a total of 2,436 cubic metres.

There was debate about whether to create a large lawn in the 200 metres (660 ft) long space between the main entrance and the front steps, or whether to install a water feature.

[7] It was described in 1885 as follows, The palace has a facade not less than 80 metres in length, with two pavilions at either end and a central dome, access ramp and covered stairway.

At the end of the hall is the richly decorated ceremonial room, which backs perpendicularly onto the rear facade of the palace and may easily accommodate 800 guests.

President Diệm then ordered the whole building demolished and the present Independence Palace was built in its place.