Vietnam is a country with fascinating history and rich culture. There are numerous museums throughout the country that offer unique glimpses into Vietnam's past and present. To make the most of your Vietnam travel journey, check out our top 15 must-visit Vietnamese museums that should not be missed out on.
1. Ho Chi Minh Museum - Among the must-see Vietnamese museums
- Address: 19 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:00 am - 11:30 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (closed on Mondays and Fridays)
- Entrance fee: 40,000 VND
Ho Chi Minh Museum, one of the most renowned Vietnamese museums, is dedicated to the life and accomplishments of one of the country's most important historical figures - Ho Chi Minh. The museum displays a large collection of personal belongings, photographs, and documents that showcase the life and works of this revolutionary leader.
The museum is situated in a grand building designed to resemble a lotus flower, which was a symbol of Ho Chi Minh's spiritual life. The exhibitions are divided into several sections, each representing different periods of his life, from his youth to his leadership of the Vietnamese revolution.
Visitors to the museum can learn about Ho Chi Minh's philosophy, his role in the country's struggle for independence, and his contributions to the international community.
2. The War Remnants Museum
- Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm every day
- Entrance fee:
- For adults: 40,000 VND
- For children under 6: Free
The War Remnants Museum is one of the oldest Vietnamese museums in Saigon. Since its opening in 1975, shortly after the Second Indochina War, the museum has been dedicated to showcasing the harsh reality of the conflict.
Covering 4,522 square meters, the museum's outdoor exhibitions and three-story exhibition building hold an impressive collection of over 20,000 documents, artifacts, and films. The courtyard displays heavy weapons used by the US Army, such as aircraft, armored tanks, missiles, bombs, and mines, while photographs show the war's devastating effects, including the destruction of forests by toxic chemicals.
While the exhibits may be somewhat disturbing, they serve as a powerful reminder of the realities of war and its aftermath. For those interested in learning about the Second Indochina War and Vietnam's victory over the US, the War Remnants Museum is an essential destination.
The War Remnants Museum is a touching addition to the collection of Vietnamese museums (Source: Collected)
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3. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - One of the most visited Vietnamese museums in Hanoi
- Address: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm every day (except Mondays and holidays)
- Entrance fee: 40,000 VND
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the diverse and rich culture of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The museum was founded in 1997 and covers an area of 43,799 square meters, including an indoor exhibition area and an outdoor display area.
The indoor exhibition area features various artifacts, photographs, and videos that showcase the daily life, customs, and traditions of the different ethnic groups in Vietnam. The outdoor display area showcases a variety of traditional houses and structures from different ethnic groups, giving visitors a chance to see the unique architecture and lifestyle of each group.
Here, you can also participate in various educational activities and workshops, such as traditional handicraft making, cooking, and music performances. These activities provide a hands-on experience regarding the diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam and are great for families and school trips.
4. Vietnamese Women's Museum
- Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm every day
- Entrance fee:
- For adults: 40,000 VND
- For children/students: 10,000 VND
Vietnamese Women's Museum is a must-visit destination among Vietnamese museums for anyone interested in learning about the important role of women in Vietnamese culture and history. The museum was established in 1987 and opened to the public in 1995. It covers an area of over 2,000 square meters and is organized into three main themes: Women in Family, Women in History, and Women's Fashion.
- The Women in Family section showcases the daily lives and traditions of Vietnamese women, including wedding customs, childbirth practices, and traditional family roles.
- The Women in History section highlights the contributions of Vietnamese women in the country's struggle for independence and in various fields such as education, medicine, and politics.
- The Women's Fashion section displays traditional Vietnamese clothing, including ao dai (long dress), and explores the role of fashion in shaping the identity of Vietnamese women.
The museum also features temporary exhibitions and events that showcase contemporary issues and challenges faced by Vietnamese women today.
5. Vietnam National Museum of History - Among the top Vietnamese museums
- Address: 1 Trang Tien Street and 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm every day (except Monday)
- Entrance fee:
- For adults: VND 40,000
- For students: VND 10,000 - 20,000
- For children under 6 and the disabled: free
Vietnam National Museum of History is a popular destination for those interested in learning about the country's rich history and culture. The museum is divided into two separate exhibition areas, each offering a unique look at different periods of Vietnamese history.
The first exhibition area is located at 1 Trang Tien Street and showcases Vietnam's history from prehistoric times to the end of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1945. Visitors can view an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and artworks that tell the story of Vietnam's ancient cultures and dynasties. The exhibits include ancient weapons, ceramics, and sculptures, as well as costumes and jewelry from different ethnic groups in Vietnam.
The second exhibition area, located at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, covers Vietnam's history from the mid-19th century to the present day. Here, you can explore the country's modern history, including the French colonial period, the struggle for independence, and the country's post-war development. The exhibits feature historical documents, photographs, and artifacts, including weapons, clothing, and other everyday items from different time periods.
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6. Vietnam Military History Museum
- Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:00 am - 11:30 am and 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm every day (except for Mondays and Fridays)
- Entrance fee: 40,000 VND
Vietnam Military History Museum is a popular destination among Vietnamese museums, providing an immersive experience of the country's military history. From the fight against Chinese invaders to the Second Indochina War, including the famous victory over the French at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, the museum houses a vast collection of military artifacts, weapons, and vehicles used throughout Vietnam's long history of battles and conflicts.
The museum is divided into two sections: indoor and outdoor. The outdoor section showcases tanks, planes, helicopters, and other vehicles used in Vietnam's battles, while the indoor section features collections of weaponry, uniforms, and photographs from Vietnam's military history, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of the Vietnamese people, soldiers, and leaders in their struggle against foreign invasions and colonialism.
Coming here, you can also participate in educational programs, such as guided tours and lectures, to gain a deeper understanding of the country's military history.
7. The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine - One of the most fascinating Vietnamese museums
- Address: 41 Hoang Du Khuong Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm every day
- Entrance fee:
- For adults: 180,000 VND
- For children under 1.2 meters tall: 90,000 VND
The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine is a must-see destination for any trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Built on a foundation of love and passion for medicine, the museum showcases and preserves the invaluable artifacts of traditional Vietnamese medicine.
The museum's most captivating aspect is its unique architectural style. Inspired by ancient buildings, it is mainly constructed from wood, giving it a distinctive atmosphere in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City.
With six floors, each with its own distinctive style and decorations, the museum houses 18 different exhibition rooms, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of traditional Vietnamese medicine.
Not only is the museum a time capsule regarding traditional medicine, it also has a shrine to commemorate the founding fathers of the practice: Tue Tinh and Le Huu Trac. The shrine is a testament to the museum's commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of traditional Vietnamese medicine.
8. Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
- Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm every day (except for Mondays)
- Entrance fee:
- For adults: 40,000 VND
- For children under 1.2 meters tall, students: 10,000 - 20,000 VND
Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit destination among Vietnamese museums for art lovers. Established in 1966, the museum is home to an extensive collection of artworks, dating from ancient times to the modern era.
The museum has a vast collection of Vietnamese art, including works from famous Vietnamese artists like Nguyen Gia Tri and Bui Xuan Phai. The artworks on display are not limited to paintings but also include sculptures, pottery, woodcarvings, lacquerware, and more.
Besides traditional Vietnamese art, the museum also showcases contemporary art and works from other Southeast Asian countries, including the remarkable Dong Son bronze drums dating back to the third century BC.
9. Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture - An important spot on your tour of Vietnamese museums
- Address: No. 2, 2/9 Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm every day
- Entrance fee: 60,000 VND/adult; 10,000 VND/student
Located on the bank of Han River, the Museum of Cham Sculpture is a stunning example of the Champa Kingdom's rich artistic heritage. As the largest Cham museum in the country, it is a source of pride for the residents of Da Nang and a must-visit destination for tourists.
Originally built by the French, the museum houses a vast collection of sculptural and art relics from the Champa Kingdom found along the South Central Coastal region. The structure of the museum itself is influenced by Cham temples and features a distinctive pyramid-shaped roof, with large rooms filled with windows to expose the museum to natural daylight.
Visiting the Museum of Cham Sculpture, you can admire a diverse range of Champa sculptural works made from different materials, such as sandstone, terracotta, and metal. The artifacts showcase several central themes, from symbols of fertility, mythical creatures to architectural decorations of Hindu and Buddhist gods. Together, these works reflect the rich cultural and religious life of the ancient Champa people in the central region of Vietnam.
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10. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
- Address: 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm every day
- Entrance fee: 30,000 VND/adult; 15,000 VND/student; free for children under 6 years old and people over 60 years old
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is one of the leading cultural institutions in Vietnam, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The museum was established in 1987 and is housed in a beautifully renovated colonial-era building that dates back to the early 20th century.
The museum's collection includes more than 21,000 works of art, spanning a period of over 3,000 years of Vietnamese history and culture. The collection consists of both traditional and contemporary art, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and lacquerware. Some of the most notable pieces in the collection include works by famous Vietnamese artists such as Nguyen Gia Tri, Nguyen Tu Nghiem, and Bui Xuan Phai.
In addition to its extensive collection, Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, showcasing the works of both local and international artists.
11. Hanoi Museum - One of the famous Vietnamese museums
- Address: Pham Hung Street, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:00 am - 11:30 am and 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm (from Tuesday to Sunday)
- Entrance fee: free
During your Hanoi travel journey, visiting Hanoi Museum should be on the top of your bucket list. The museum was opened in 2010 and is housed in a strikingly modern building that was designed to resemble an inverted pyramid. It covers an area of 54,000 square meters and features both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces.
The museum's collection comprises over 50,000 artifacts and works of art that reflect the history and culture of Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole. The exhibits are displayed in a chronological order, starting from prehistoric times and leading up to the present day. Some of the most notable exhibits include the ancient Dong Son bronze drums, imperial-era ceramics, and artifacts from Hanoi's French colonial period.
The museum's outdoor space features a beautiful garden and a lake, providing visitors with a peaceful and scenic environment to enjoy.
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12. Quang Ninh Museum
- Address: Tran Quoc Nghien Street, Hong Gai, Ha Long
- Opening hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm every day
- Entrance fee: 40,000 VND/adult, 20,000/student, and 10,000 VND/child
Quang Ninh Museum is a noteworthy addition to the list of Vietnamese museums, showcasing the history and culture of Quang Ninh province. Opened in 2013, the museum is housed in a unique building that resembles a coal mine, a nod to the province's history as a coal mining hub.
The museum's collection includes thousands of artifacts, photographs, and documents, displayed in a thematic and interactive manner, allowing visitors to explore the region's history, geology, culture, and biodiversity.
Quang Ninh Museum also features a 3D cinema, an outdoor exhibition area, and a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located nearby.
13. The National Oceanographic Museum - A fascinating addition to your exploration of Vietnamese museums
- Address: 1 Cau Da Street, Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province
- Opening hours: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm every day
- Entrance fee:
- For adults: 40,000 VND
- For students: 10,000 - 20,000 VND
- For children under 6 years old: Free
The National Oceanographic Museum is one of the top-rated Vietnamese museums, offering a fascinating insight into the marine life and oceanography of Vietnam. Established in 1922, the museum is dedicated to the exploration and preservation of Vietnam's marine environment.
It boasts an impressive collection of over 20,000 specimens of marine life, including various species of fish, corals, sea turtles, and other sea creatures. The highlight of the museum is the skeleton of an 18-meter-long whale that was found in 1994.
In addition to its collection of marine specimens, the National Oceanographic Museum also features a range of exhibits on maritime history, fishing techniques, and the traditional culture of Vietnam's coastal communities. It is a not-to-be-missed place if you are interested in marine biology, oceanography, and Vietnam's rich coastal heritage.
14. The Museum of Sa Huynh Culture
- Address: 149 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An
- Opening hours: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm every day (except the 10th day of the month)
- Entrance fee: Included in the ticket to Hoi An Ancient Town.
The Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, located in the central coastal city of Hoi An, is a remarkable cultural institution among the numerous Vietnamese museums. Opened in 1995, the museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history and culture of the Sa Huynh people, who lived in the region more than 2,000 years ago.
It showcases over 2,000 artifacts, including pottery, bronze drums, jewelry, and tools, that were excavated from Sa Huynh culture sites in the area. The exhibits are arranged in a chronological order, starting from the early period of the Sa Huynh culture and leading up to its eventual decline.
The museum also features educational displays and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the daily life, customs, and beliefs of the Sa Huynh people.
The museum's location in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An further adds to its charm and cultural significance, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the ancient history and culture of Vietnam's central coastal region.
15. The Museum of Dien Bien Phu Victory - An essential destination to explore among Vietnamese museums
- Address: Street 3, Muong Thanh Ward, Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien Province
- Opening hours: 7:00 am - 11:00 am and 1:30 pm - 6:00 pm
- Entrance fee: 15,000 VND
The Museum of Dien Bien Phu Victory is a significant addition to the array of Vietnamese museums that commemorates the historic battle that ended French colonization in Vietnam. Opened in 1984, it is dedicated to commemorating the Dien Bien Phu victory, which was one of the most crucial battles fought during the First Indochina War in 1954.
The museum's collection includes over 1,000 artifacts, documents, and photographs that showcase the events leading up to the battle and the various stages of the battle itself. The exhibits are arranged thematically, with displays on the military strategies, weapons, and tactics used during the battle, as well as the role of the local people in supporting the Vietnamese forces.
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Vietnamese museums offer a wealth of cultural, historical, and artistic experiences that should not be missed out on. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking to broaden your knowledge and understanding of Vietnam's rich heritage, the museums in Vietnam offer something for everyone. So, make sure to add these must-see destinations to your itinerary for an unforgettable journey through the S-shaped country!
