Air Force and Air Defense Museum: The pride of Hanoi

1. Location of the Air Force and Air Defense Museum 

The Air Force and Air Defense Museum is located at 173C Truong Chinh Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi. Its history dates back to its establishment in 1958 as the Traditional House of the Air Defense Command. In 1999, it merged with the Air Force Museum to form the current museum, which was officially opened in 2007. 

The Air Force and Air Defense Museum is a testament to Vietnam's military history, showcasing the evolution and achievement of the country’s air defense - air force. To reach the museum, visitors can either take the bus, take a taxi, or rent a vehicle and drive themselves. If you prefer public transport, you can take buses number 12, 16, 19, or 24.

2. Opening hours and ticket price

The Air Force and Air Defense Museum welcomes visitors every day of the week except Friday. It operates from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the morning and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the afternoon. On weekends, the outdoor exhibition welcomes visitors from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. The ticket price is only 15,000 VND.

3. Must-see attractions in the Air Force and Air Defense Museum

The Air Force and Air Defense Museum are one of the must-visit museums in Hanoi. Its exhibits are organized chronologically, with over 58,000 artifacts displayed in the indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

3.1. Exterior exhibition

The outdoor exhibition of the Air Force and Air Defense Museum spans over 15,000 square meters, featuring 102 large-scale artifacts. These exhibits highlight four key collections: anti-aircraft artillery, aircraft, radar systems, and missiles. These artifacts include weapons, specialized vehicles, and equipment used by the air defense - air force in the resistance wars against French colonialists and American imperialists, as well as in other battles of defending the nation.

Some notable exhibits include:

• The 37mm anti-aircraft gun used by To Vinh Dien's squad in the Dien Bien Phu campaign in 1954.
• The 90mm anti-aircraft gun used in the first battle against the US in 1964.
• The Mi-4 helicopter used to transport President Ho Chi Minh for many years.
• The P-35 radar used to detect B-52 bombers and provide early warnings for Hanoi.
• The missile launcher used to shoot down the first B-52 bomber in 1972.
• The MiG-21 fighter flown by pilot Pham Tuan to shoot down a B-52 bomber in 1972.
• The A-37 aircraft used by the Quyet Thang Squad to bomb Tan Son Nhat Airport in 1975.
• Vietnam-made aircraft created by Vietnamese engineers.
• A Su-22 fighter for protecting the nation's skies and waters.
• A wreckage display of various enemy aircraft shot down by the air defense - air force.

3.2. Interior exhibition

The indoor exhibition, housed in a two-story building of over 3,000 square meters, showcases nearly 3,000 artifacts, photographs, and documents. They are organized into eight major sections, charting the development of the air defense - air force.

The main sections include:

• The air defense - air force in the resistance war against the French (1946-1954)
• The formation and development of the air defense - air force (1954-1964)
• Victory over the US’s bombing campaigns (1964-1972)
• The Battle of “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” (December 1972)
• The liberation of the South (1975)
• Building and defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (1977-1999)
• The 4 themes: Civil-military unity, International solidarity, ASEAN cooperation, and International space collaboration
• Modernization and professionalization of the air defense - air force

Some notable exhibits include:

• The anti-aircraft gun captured from the French.
• The 367th anti-aircraft regiment, the first anti-aircraft regiment of the Vietnamese military.
• The chair of the Mi-4 helicopter used by President Ho Chi Minh.
• Artifacts from the first victory on August 5, 1964.
• Artifacts from the Ham Rong Battle showcasing the air force's first successful engagement on April 3, 1965.
• The heroic badges awarded by President Ho Chi Minh to the pilots who shot down enemy aircraft.
• Artifacts from the historical innovations that helped counter electronic jamming from 1968 to 1972.
• Artifacts from the 12-Day air battle against the US’s B-52 bombers in 1972.
• Artifacts from the international space cooperation in 1980, including the re-entry module of the Soyuz 36 spacecraft.
• Displays about the modern air defense - air force of Vietnam.

4. Best places to visit near the Vietnamese Air Force Museum

After visiting the Air Force and Air Defense Museum, visitors can continue to explore many other attractions nearby.

4.1. Vincom Center for Contemporary Art

• Address: Vincom Mega Mall Royal City, 72A Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
• Entrance fee: Free

Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA) is a non-profit art gallery funded by Vingroup JSC. It aims to enhance public exposure to art, support Vietnamese art's growth, and integrate it with the international art scene. VCCA hosts various activities, including exhibitions and educational programs.

4.2. Hoa Lo Prison

• Address: No. 1, Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
• Entrance Fee: 50,000 VND per person

Located in the heart of Hanoi, Hoa Lo Prison is a short walk away from Hoan Kiem Lake. Visitors can reach it easily by public bus (number 2, 9, 40, and 49) or private vehicle. The prison offers free parking and provides a historical perspective on Vietnam's struggle for independence.

4.3. Temple of Literature

• Address: No. 58, Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District

Founded in 1070, the Temple of Literature was dedicated to the teachings of Confucius. It was also Vietnam's first university. Despite the damage from the wars, it remains a significant historical site, having educated many prominent scholars over its 700-year history.

Besides these attractions, Hanoi offers numerous other exciting places to visit and activities to enjoy. Notably, families and friends can have a fantastic time at VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park and VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium. 

VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park features a variety of attractions catering to all ages and preferences. One of the main highlights is the wave pool, which recreates the excitement of the ocean waves. For those seeking even more excitement, VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park boasts a wide range of water slides, from high-speed slides for adrenaline junkies to gentler slides suitable for younger visitors.

Meanwhile, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, located within Vincom Mega Mall Times City, offer a unique blend of education and entertainment. VinKE is an edutainment center that provides a variety of interactive activities, where children can explore different professions through role-playing games. Vinpearl Aquarium is a mesmerizing underwater world showcasing a wide range of marine life from various ecosystems.

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park and VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to have an enjoyable time in Hanoi!

The Air Force and Air Defense Museum is a treasure trove of Vietnam's military history, offering a deep dive into the evolution of the air defense - air force. Its extensive exhibits make it a must-visit for local history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Besides Hanoi, Vietnam is home to numerous other fascinating destinations that offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and luxurious experiences. Notable cities include Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long.

For an unforgettable vacation in these destinations, consider booking your stay at Vinpearl. Each hotel and resort of Vinpearl promises a luxury stay complemented by the natural beauty and cultural richness of its location.

Besides, don’t forget to visit VinWonders - Vietnam's leading chain of entertainment complexes. VinWonders offers all sorts of thrilling games, captivating shows, and immersive activities for you to have fun with all day long. 

>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long for a luxurious stay in Vietnam!