Explore Vietnam History Museums: Top 10 Picks

When visiting Vietnam, in addition to the often mentioned scenic spots, try once to learn more about the process of formation and development, as well as the cultural, historical, and artistic values ​​of the land of thousands of years through Vietnam history museums.

Museums in Ho Chi Minh City

There are many museums in Ho Chi Minh City destination that keep records of the glorious battles of his father's country during construction and defense.

War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum was established in 1975 with the name Exhibition House for US and Puppet Crimes. Then in 1990, it was renamed to Exhibition House for Invasive War Crimes. However, in 1995, this museum changed its name to War Remnants Museum and this name has been kept until now.

The museum consists of 1 ground floor and 2 floors, displaying a number of artifacts and images during the Vietnam War. Outside the museum, there are booths displaying Vietnamese ethnic cultural products for foreign tourists to buy as souvenirs for friends and relatives.

War Remnants Museum

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Entrance fee: 

• Adults: 40,000 VND
• Children (aged 6 to 15): 20,000 VND
• Children under the age of six can visit for free

Dragon Wharf - Ho Chi Minh Museum

Dragon Wharf is a historical monument that was an important commerce port during the French colonial period and also served as the harbor's headquarters. Nowadays, Dragon Wharf houses the Ho Chi Minh Museum branch in Ho Chi Minh City, one of many branches in Vietnam's system of museums and monuments devoted to Ho Chi Minh.

Visitors to Dragon Wharf may learn about Ho Chi Minh's youth and journey to becoming Vietnam's revolutionary leader. Exhibits on the political and social environment of Ho Chi Minh's time, such as the French colonial period, the war for independence, and the Vietnam War, are also available at the museum.

View of Dragon Wharf or Ho Chi Minh Museum

Address: 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday

Entrance fee: 2,000 VND

Independence Palace

Independence Palace is also known as the Reunification Convention Hall. The palace was built by architect Ngo Viet Thu, and it served as the residence of the Governors of Cochinchina over the years from 1871 to 1955. 

The palace is divided into 3 separate areas including permanent area, special area and additional area, with more than 100 recovery rooms serves many different functions such as the Governor's restroom, meeting room, reception place, bunker, ...

It is important to note that visitors must follow strict rules and regulations when visiting the palace, such as wearing formal clothes and avoiding shorts or skirts.

Independence Palace

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 8 AM – 3:30 PM including weekends and holidays

Entrance fee: 

- General admission tickets (includes the Exhibit and Palace) 

• Adults: 65,000 VND
• Vietnamese University Students: 45,000 VND
• Children: 15,000 VND

- Palace admission tickets

• Adults, Students: 40,000 VND
• Vietnamese University Students: 20,000 VND
• Children: 10,000 VND

Cu Chi Tunnels

During the Vietnam conflict (1945-1954), a massive underground tunnel system called the Tunnels of Cu Chi was built beneath the jungle landscape, linking tunnels between hamlets and communes. It was used as a safe haven for revolutionary forces in Vietnam to travel between regions while avoiding French scouts.

Guided tours of the tunnels are available for visitors. Visitors may travel through small tunnels, witness booby traps, and see some of the weapons and tools used by warriors during the battle since the tunnels have been conserved as a historical monument.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Address: TL15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM (7 days a week)

Entrance fee:

• Vietnamese: 20.000 VND
• Foreigner: 80.000VND

Museums in Ha Noi

Being Vietnam's political and cultural center, Ha Noi destination has a diverse assortment of museums worth seeing.

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," is one of Vietnam history museums. It was originally built by the French colonial government to hold political prisoners in Indochina. Later, during the Vietnam War, it was used by North Vietnam to hold American prisoners of war.

The museum features exhibits on the French colonial period, the Vietnam War, and the stories of the prisoners who were held at Hoa Lo. Visitors can also see the original cells where prisoners were held, as well as displays of the torture equipment used during interrogations.

Hoa Lo Prison

Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Entrance fee: 

• Adults: 30,000 VND 
• Disabled people and the elderly (aged 60 and above): 15,000 VND 

Vietnam Military History Museum

Vietnam Military History Museum was established in 1956 and covers an area of 12,800 square meters. The museum houses a wide range of exhibits on Vietnam's military history, including ancient weapons, war relics, and documents on the country's military history from prehistoric times to the present day. The Flag Tower of Hanoi is located within the museum grounds. Visitors can also see exhibits on the Vietnam War, including American aircraft and tanks that were captured or destroyed by the Vietnamese army, and learn about the country's military tactics and strategies throughout history.

Military History Museum of Vietnam

Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

Opening hours: 8 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 4 PM every day except Monday & Friday

Entrance fee: 40,000VND

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Ho Chi Minh Museum, known for preserving numerous objects and papers from President Ho Chi Minh's life, is a fascinating site for both residents and tourists worldwide. The Ho Chi Minh Museum was established in 1990, on Uncle Ho's 100th birthday, to recognize his heroic efforts for Vietnam's freedom and unification, with contributions from people all around the country.

The museum features a distinctive three-story square block style. A relief of the national flag, as well as the Communist Party's hammer and sickle, may be found at the entryway. The museum is set on large, open grounds with plenty of trees and an artificial lake.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Address: 19 Ngoc Ha Street, Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi

Opening hours: from 8 AM to 11:30 AM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (closed on Mondays and Fridays)

Entrance fee: 40,000 VND

B-52 Victory Museum

B-52 Victory Museum, one of the most popular Vietnam history museums, is the only museum in Vietnam dedicated to showcasing wins over B-52 aircraft. It is an important Vietnamese war museum that symbolizes the patriotism and tenacity of the Vietnamese people.

The interior exhibit area shows the history of Hanoi's military forces numerous times. The outdoor exhibition section features weaponry, military equipment, and B-52 aircraft debris, all of which are proof of the United States' terrible failure in the bombing of North Vietnam.

B-52 Victory Museum

Address: 157 Doi Can, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Entrance fee: 30,000 VND

Dien Bien Phu History Museum

Dien Bien Phu History Museum is a museum in Dien Bien destination that recounts the fighting between Vietnam and France in 1954. The museum is shaped after a former Dien Bien soldier's mesh helmet covered with camouflage foliage. It houses a varied collection of weaponry and other war-related items, as well as displays that depict the events leading up to and following the conflict. To commemorate the battle's 50th anniversary, the museum was constructed on the same site in 2004. Tourists to Dien Bien Phu are invited to visit the museum, which is a source of national pride.

Dien Bien Phu History Museum

Address: National Road 279, Muong Thanh Ward, Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien Province

Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Entrance fee: 100,000 VND

Con Dao Museum

Con Dao Museum, located in the Con Dao Islands destination, is an excellent spot to learn about the islands' history. The museum presents an overview of Con Dao's history and its terrible past. From 1862 through 1975, Con Dao was controlled by the French and subsequently by the Americans, who utilized it as a jail. The jail was also referred to as "Hell on Earth." There is lots of English signage around the museum to assist visitors comprehend the exhibits.

The gate of Con Dao Museum

Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Con Dao Island

Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Entrance fee: 20,000 VND

Vietnam history museums provide an intriguing look into the country's vast and diverse past. Particularly with the fights for independence and the horrors of war. If you're planning to travel to Vietnam, don't forget to include these historical museums on your itinerary. You won't be disappointed!