Dear Peter B, Following the period of temporary closure in accordance with the instruction of the Government on response to the Covid-19 epidemic. Independence Palace is open to visitors from 27 April, 2020. Hours of ticket: From 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Hours of visiting: From 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM We hope to see you.

Not expensive, two types of ticket. One to grounds and one to building and exhibitions

No dress code. But do put on comfortable walking shoes, quite a lot of walking as the place is huge.

Yes there is a ticket office at the entrance. It’s only 40k VNd to see palace (about £1.40) definitely worth the money

Weekdays and holidays are all open from 08:00 to 16:00.

Hand bags are allowed in but not back packs but there is a place to store them. For more detail re size of bags allowed in try their website or the tourist office.

The cost of the ticket for the Palace tour is approximately $1-$1.50US

There are certainly elevators inside the building and the building is generally very spacious. The only floor that the elevators don't go to is the rooftop terrace. That's where the bar and small shop are. I'm pretty sure that you can avoid the steps at the front entrance and use the ramps on either side. During our visit we did not see anyone using a wheelchair.

You can buy entrance tickets. The office is to the left of the main gate.

When I went there was a festival in the park across the street from there. Lots of lights, food and musical performances. So I guess it depends on when you go if anything is going on around the palace.