Quang Trung Museum: Essential tips for first-timers

Quang Trung Museum is deeply connected to the legacy of the national hero Quang Trung. It was built to preserve Vietnam’s priceless heritage and gives visitors a chance to discover the nation’s proud history.

1. Overview of Quang Trung Museum

1.1. Location & directions

Located about 45 kilometers northwest of Quy Nhon, Quang Trung Museum is located in Tay Son Commune, Gia Lai Province (formerly Phu Phong Town, Tay Son District, Binh Dinh Province). It invites visitors to explore the legacy of the Tay Son uprising and the remarkable life of the national hero Quang Trung.

From Quy Nhon Square, you can reach Quang Trung Museum via National Road 19. Just follow this road northwest to the former Phu Phong Town, then turn right onto National Road 19B. Another 1.5 kilometers and you will see the museum on your left.

1.2. Opening hours & entrance fees

Opening hours: 7 AM - 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM - 5 PM
Entrance fee: 50,000 VND/pax (free for children under 6)
Parking fee: 3,000 VND/motorbike | 15,000 VND/car
Martial arts & music performance: 20,000 VND/pax

*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

2. A glance at the history of Quang Trung Museum

Originally, in Tay Son Village, Quy Nhon Prefecture, villagers built Kien My Communal House to honor the three heroes Nguyen Nhac, Nguyen Hue (Quang Trung), and Nguyen Lu. During wartime, the communal house was destroyed. However, the people continued to maintain a small shrine in remembrance. After national reunification in 1975, the Vietnamese government approved the construction of Quang Trung Museum, which commenced in 1977 and completed in 1979.

Over time, the site has undergone expansions and restorations to preserve and promote its historical value, notably in 1998 and 2015. On September 24, 1979, the museum was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic. On December 31, 2014, it was elevated to the status of a Special National Relic.

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3. What to explore at Quang Trung Museum?

3.1. Valuable artifacts

The highlight of Quang Trung Museum is its vast collection of valuable artifacts, with more than 11,000 items displayed across 9 exhibition rooms. These include swords, armor, command flags, maps, and military strategies that once belonged to King Quang Trung. They offer insights into his leadership and victories over both domestic and foreign forces. The displays are organized by historical themes, guiding visitors through the rise of Tay Son, the unification of Vietnam, and the dynasty’s nation-building efforts. Complementing these treasures are artifacts of everyday life from the 18th century.

3.2. Tay Son Tam Kiet Temple

Tay Son Tam Kiet Temple is closely associated with the Tay Son uprising and the three brothers Nguyen Nhac, Nguyen Hue, and Nguyen Lu. It features a brick gate with Han-script couplets, the inscription “Tay Son Temple,” and a stele house honoring King Quang Trung. Inside, there are ten carved wooden altars, with the main chamber dedicated to the three brothers. Traditional weapons are displayed alongside side altars commemorating generals and scholars such as Ngo Thi Nham, Tran Van Ky, Ngo Van So, Tran Quang Dieu, Bui Thi Xuan, and Vo Van Dung.

An exhibition room of Quang Trung Museum

3.3. Ancient tamarind tree and well

Within the grounds of Quang Trung Museum stands a 200-year-old tamarind tree, planted by Ho Phi Phuc, father of the Tay Son brothers. Rising 24 meters tall with a trunk nearly 4 meters wide, it was recognized in 2011 as a Heritage Tree. Nearby, there is an ancient well nearly 8 meters deep, once the sole water source for local villagers. Its cool, clear water is believed to bring good fortune, with many taking it home as a sacred gift from the land of the Tay Son heroes.

3.4. Tay Son martial arts performances

At Quang Trung Museum, you can watch performances at the Tay Son Music and Martial Arts Hall. These shows reflect how the Tay Son brothers elevated Binh Dinh’s traditional martial arts and trained their soldiers. King Quang Trung introduced the use of drums in military drills, transforming rhythm into a source of courage and unity. This tradition played a key role in his victory in 1789, when the Tay Son army defeated 290,000 Qing invaders and liberated Thang Long (Hanoi). Featuring 12 drums that symbolize the Oriental zodiac, the performance moves from solemn calls to battle to the roar of combat, and finally to the joy of victory.

You can watch martial arts performances at Quang Trung Museum

3.5. Rong house and Central Highlands culture

The Tay Nguyen communal house invites visitors to experience the gong culture of the Central Highlands. Designed in the style of a traditional nha rong (rong house) of the Ba Na ethnic people, this communal house stands with its back to the mountains and its front facing a stream. Here, you can enjoy energetic dances, feel the vibrant beat of gongs, and join in folk games. This lively cultural experience adds both authenticity and excitement to any journey.

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4. Traditional festival held at Quang Trung Museum

Every year, on the 4th and 5th days of the Lunar New Year, the Dong Da Festival is held at Quang Trung Museum. The festival begins on the afternoon of the 4th, with solemn ceremonies, colorful banners, and the resounding beat of gongs and drums. It honors King Quang Trung and other leaders of the Tay Son uprising. On the 5th, the festivities reach their peak with historical orations commemorating the Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da victory, martial arts performances, Tay Son battle drums, large-scale battle reenactments, folk games, tuong (classical opera) shows, and boat races.

5. Important notes for visitors to Quang Trung Museum

Visitors should take note of the following guidelines when visiting Quang Trung Museum:

Purchase tickets and park in designated areas
Do not wear shorts, short skirts, or other revealing outfits
Keep order: avoid shouting, smoking, or touching the artifacts
Protect the grounds: do not pick flowers, break branches, or damage plants
Weapons, explosives, and dangerous objects are strictly prohibited
Filming or photography inside the worship hall and exhibition area requires permission

Where is Quang Trung Museum?

It is located in Gia Lai Province (formerly Binh Dinh Province) and lies just a short distance away from the heart of Quy Nhon Ward (formerly Quy Nhon City).

What is Quang Trung Museum known for?

The museum displays a rich collection of Tay Son-era artifacts, including weapons, traditional attire, and historical records.

Can I take photos inside Quang Trung Museum?

Visitors can generally take photos throughout the museum, although flash photography may be limited.

Are there guided tours available at Quang Trung Museum?

Yes. You can hire a local guide or join a group tour to gain deeper insights into the historical background here.

What’s the best way to get to Quang Trung Museum?

The museum can be reached from Quy Nhon by taxi or motorbike.

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Quang Trung Museum is a testament to heroic achievements. Here, visitors have a chance to journey back through history and relive the nation’s unwavering past. It inspires deep admiration and respect for the heroes before who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for liberation.

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