Military Zone 9 Museum: Into the Mekong Delta’s past

Standing prominently in Can Tho’s city center, the Military Zone 9 Museum commemorates the unwavering spirit and sacrifices of the Southwestern armed forces. Featuring over 20,000 historical artifacts and immersive exhibits, the museum offers a rare glimpse into the courage of the Mekong Delta during the country’s most pivotal wars.

1. A glance at Military Zone 9 Museum

Address: 6 Hoa Binh Avenue, Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho (formerly Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District)
Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 11 AM | 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM (closed on weekends)
Entrance fee: None

Opened in 1979 under the direction of the Political Department of Military Zone 9, this museum in Can Tho has been dedicated to military history and public education ever since.

Military Zone 9 used to be a strategic region that included Dong Thap, An Giang, Ben Tre, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Vinh Long, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Ca Mau, and Can Tho. This region played an essential role in both the anti-French and anti-American wars, forming a key part of Southern Vietnam’s resistance.

At Military Zone 9 Museum, visitors can explore more than 20,000 artifacts, many of which were donated by war veterans or recovered directly from the battlefields. These relics are not only historical evidence but also treasured keepsakes, telling deep stories of sacrifice, resistance, and unity. The museum has also become a vital educational place for both students and researchers.

2. Exhibitions at Military Zone 9 Museum

The museum is divided into three main galleries, each offering a unique perspective on Vietnam’s revolutionary history.

2.1. Museum of the Armed Forces of the Mekong Delta

This gallery traces the evolution of the Mekong Delta’s armed forces from 1945 to 1975. It begins with an introduction to the landscape of the region, setting the scene for the harsh realities that it would face during wartime. Visitors are then guided through the anti-French war, where guerilla tactics and makeshift weapons laid the groundwork for later victories. This section tells of the anti-American war, honoring the fearless and resourceful local troops who battled to protect their homeland.

2.2. Ho Chi Minh Museum - Mekong Delta Branch

Established in 1990, this gallery honors President Ho Chi Minh’s life and his connection to the region. The first part of the gallery outlines his biography, journey, and international influence. The second part reflects the affection and loyalty between President Ho Chi Minh and the people of the Mekong Delta. A special corner is dedicated to the national campaign titled "Learning and Following Ho Chi Minh’s Moral Example," which emphasizes ethical living and civic responsibility in today’s society.

2.3. Gallery of President Ton Duc Thang's life and career

Opened in 2005, this gallery celebrates President Ton Duc Thang, one of Vietnam’s most respected post-war leaders. Through carefully curated photographs, letters, and personal items, this gallery captures the life and legacy of a president who embodied the unity between the North and South of Vietnam after reunification.

>>> Explore: Mekong Delta: All you need to know before the trip

3. Things to explore at Military Zone 9 Museum

3.1. Portraits and keepsakes

One of the most memorable parts of the Military Zone 9 Museum is its ceremonial hall, where portraits and keepsakes pay tribute to past commanders, heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, and Heroic Vietnamese Mothers from Military Zone 9. These items tell powerful stories about the human side of war: courage, perseverance, and love for the homeland.

Things to explore at Military Zone 9 Museum

3.2. Artifacts and documents

Military Zone 9 Museum offers an extraordinary collection of wartime artifacts and historical documents. Visitors can find handcrafted weapons made from bamboo, large artillery pieces, remnants of downed aircraft, and military uniforms still marked with battlefield dust. Particularly moving are the letters and diaries written by young soldiers. Some are final farewells, others are stories of their daily life on the frontlines, all steeped in emotion. These exhibits also convey the collective spirit of the people during wartime. Their sacrifices, pain, and triumphs are woven into every display, turning the museum into a powerful space of remembrance.

4. Guide for first-time visitors to Military Zone 9 Museum

4.1. How to get there?

To get to Military Zone 9 Museum from the city center of Can Tho, follow Nguyen Van Cu Street northeast. Turn right onto Cach Mang Thang 8 Street and follow it all the way to Nguyen Trai Street. Follow Nguyen Trai Street to a roundabout, then steer right onto Hoa Binh Avenue. Go for another 200 meters and the museum will be on your right.

4.2. What to note?

To make the most of your visit to Military Zone 9 Museum, here are some tips to keep in mind:

The museum is closed on weekends
Admission is free for all visitors
Guided tours are available for booking at the reception
No smoking allowed inside the museum
Don’t bring food or drinks into the museum
Don’t touch the artifacts
Photography is allowed, but flash must be turned off
Keep noise to a minimum, especially inside the galleries
The museum is wheelchair-friendly, with elevators and pathways for disabled visitors

Walk through decades of history at Military Zone 9 Museum

4.3. Where to go nearby?

If you have more time in your itinerary, there are several attractions near the museum that are well worth a visit:

Can Tho Museum (300 meters away): The city’s largest general museum, featuring cultural, ethnographic, and revolutionary displays.
Munir Ansay Khmer Pagoda (400 meters away): A peaceful temple with ornate architecture reflecting Khmer Theravada Buddhist traditions.
Ong Pagoda (750 meters away): A 19th-century Chinese temple known for its vibrant interior and spiritual atmosphere.
Ninh Kieu Wharf (1 kilometer away): A riverside promenade where visitors can take in sunset views, enjoy a meal, or embark on a boat ride.
Can Tho Market (1.1 kilometers away): A bustling spot to experience local commerce, food stalls, and regional produce.

>>> Check out: Mekong Delta tours: A fantastic journey through Vietnam’s iconic region

Military Zone 9 Museum is a treasure trove of history nestled in the heart of Can Tho. It tells the stories of people who lived through one of the most difficult yet defining chapters of Vietnam’s past. From handmade weapons to heartfelt letters, each artifact reflects the grit, innovation, and love for the nation that defines the spirit of the Mekong Delta.

If you are planning a longer journey through Vietnam, Can Tho is just the beginning. The country is home to many other iconic destinations - Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.

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For those traveling with children or just young at heart, don’t miss VinWonders, Vietnam’s largest network of entertainment complexes. From roller coasters and cultural shows to marine exhibits and water slides, VinWonders can add a splash of fun to any itinerary.