Dec - 27 - 2025
Exploring museums in Ho Chi Minh City is a captivating journey into the heart of Vietnam's rich history, resilient spirit, and vibrant culture. Saigon's diverse collection of museums offers something for everyone. This comprehensive GTrip guide provides everything you need to plan your visits, from essential details like opening hours and ticket prices to what makes each location a unique and unmissable stop. We’ll cover the city's most significant historical sites, such as the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Ao Dai Museum, and the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine. Get ready to step back in time and discover the stories that have shaped this incredible city.
1. War Remnants Museum
- Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly Ward 6, District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Ticket price: 40,000 VND (~$1.53)
A visit to the War Remnants Museum is a powerful and sobering experience that offers an unfiltered look into the Vietnam War from a local perspective. The museum is an essential stop for understanding Vietnam's modern history and the immense human cost of conflict. Outside, you'll find large military hardware, including American-made tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets. Inside, the multi-story building houses a series of detailed photographic exhibitions. These exhibits document the war's progression, the global anti-war movement, and the devastating long-term effects of chemical warfare, particularly Agent Orange. The content is graphic and emotionally charged, but it provides crucial context for the nation's resilience and desire for peace. This museum is a profound memorial and a potent call for peace that will stay with you long after you leave.
A visit to the War Remnants Museum is a deeply moving experience that uses powerful exhibits, wartime artifacts, and emotional imagery
2. Ho Chi Minh City History Museum
- Address: No. 2, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: 30,000 VND ($1.15) per adult, and 15,000 VND ($0.58) for children under 16, students, seniors, and people with severe disabilities. Free admission for children under 6, people with extremely severe disabilities, and low-income households.
The Ho Chi Minh City History Museum is an architectural gem that takes you on a chronological tour of Vietnam's past. Housed in a stunning building that blends French and traditional Vietnamese design, the museum showcases the nation's history from its prehistoric origins to the end of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1945. The exhibits are incredibly rich, featuring a vast collection of artifacts that illustrate Vietnam's diverse cultures. You'll discover precious relics from various periods, including a well-preserved mummy from the Nguyen Dynasty and impressive sculptures from the Champa and Khmer kingdoms. The museum is especially noted for its extensive collection of ceramics, bronze items, and traditional costumes. It’s the perfect museum for a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s ancient to pre-modern history before diving into the more recent conflicts detailed elsewhere.
3. Ho Chi Minh City Museum
- Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Ticket price:
- Regular visitors: 30,000 VND (~$1.15) per person
- Students (School or University): 15,000 VND (~$0.58) per person
Located in a neo-classical mansion that was once the Gia Long Palace, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum offers a fascinating look at the city's own history and development. The building itself is an exhibit, with grand staircases, elegant halls, and secret underground tunnels that connect to the Independence Palace. The museum focuses on Saigon's journey, from its revolutionary struggles against colonial powers to its modern-day economic boom. Its collections cover a wide range of subjects, including geography, administration, and cultural customs unique to the city. Key exhibits feature archaeological findings, ceramics, traditional wedding displays, and currencies used throughout Vietnam’s history. It provides a wonderful, layered context for the city you see today, explaining its transformation into a bustling metropolis. This is an ideal starting point for any visitor wanting to understand the very foundations of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum tells the history of the city and its development
4. Nha Rong Wharf - Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Address: 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Xom Chieu Ward (formerly Ward 13, District 4), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: 20,000 VND (~$0.77) per person
Nha Rong Wharf - Ho Chi Minh Museum holds a place of immense importance in Vietnamese history. It is the exact location where the young Ho Chi Minh embarked on his journey to find a path for national salvation in 1911. Today, this historic port building serves as a branch of the Ho Chi Minh Museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of the revered leader. The museum’s exhibits focus specifically on President Ho Chi Minh’s early life and revolutionary activities abroad. Through a compelling collection of photographs, documents, and personal artifacts, visitors can trace his steps across the globe and understand the ideological foundations that shaped his revolutionary cause. The wharf's unique architecture, combining European and Vietnamese elements, and its scenic location on the Saigon River make it a beautiful and poignant place to visit. It’s a tribute to a pivotal moment that changed the course of Vietnam’s history forever.
5. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
- Address: 97A Pho Duc Chinh, Ben Thanh Ward (formerly Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: 30,000 VND ($1.15) for adults and 15,000 VND ($0.58) for students
For art lovers, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is an absolute must-visit. Housed in a breathtaking colonial-era mansion that blends French and Chinese architectural styles, the museum is as much a work of art as the collection it contains. Its bright yellow facade, stained-glass windows, and intricate tilework make it one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Inside, the galleries span three floors, showcasing a diverse collection of Vietnamese art from ancient times to the modern day. You'll find everything, such as ancient Champa and Funan sculptures, contemporary and revolutionary-era paintings. The museum features work from many of Vietnam’s most celebrated artists, offering a visual narrative of the country’s history, culture, and social changes through their eyes. It’s a peaceful and inspiring space that provides deep insight into the soul of Vietnamese art.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most must-visit museums in the city
6. Southern Women's Museum
- Address: 202 Vo Thi Sau, Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: Free
The Southern Women's Museum is a unique and heartfelt tribute to the pivotal role women have played throughout Vietnam's history, particularly in the south. This museum shines a light on their contributions to the nation’s culture, heritage, and revolutionary struggles. The exhibits are both fascinating and deeply moving, showcasing the resilience and strength of Vietnamese women through different eras. One of the most compelling sections is dedicated to their involvement in the wars against French and American forces. They display personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that highlight their bravery as soldiers, spies, and leaders. Another highlight is the extensive collection of traditional Ao Dai dresses, illustrating the evolution of this iconic garment over time. The Southern Women's Museum provides a powerful and often overlooked perspective. It celebrates the heroines who have shaped the nation’s identity and secured its independence, all with free admission.
7. Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (FITO Museum)
- Address: 41 Hoang Du Khuong, Hoa Hung Ward (formerly Ward 12, District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: About 180,000 VND (~$6.90); Students/Elderly: 90,000 VND
Step into a world of ancient healing practices at the FITO Museum, the first and most comprehensive museum dedicated to traditional Vietnamese medicine. Housed in a beautifully crafted five-story wooden building, the museum feels like a journey back in time. Every detail, such as the intricate carvings or the architectural style, reflects traditional Vietnamese aesthetics. The museum showcases an impressive collection of over 3,000 items related to the field, dating from the Stone Age to the present. You can explore a wide range of artifacts, including ancient medicine-making tools, prescriptions, and books. The exhibits explain the philosophy behind traditional medicine, which focuses on balancing yin and yang. A fascinating highlight is the pharmacy-like display of hundreds of jars containing different herbs, plants, and animal-based ingredients. The FITO Museum offers a truly unique and aromatic cultural experience that is both educational and visually stunning.
FITO Museum is the first and most comprehensive museum dedicated to traditional Vietnamese medicine
8. Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum
- Address: No. 2 Le Duan, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours:
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM & 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
- Ticket price: Free
The Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum offers an unparalleled look at the final, decisive campaign that led to the reunification of Vietnam in 1975. This specialized museum focuses entirely on the strategic military operation that ended the Vietnam War. The exhibits are meticulously detailed, presenting large-scale dioramas, strategic maps, and a wealth of military hardware used during the campaign. Visitors can see actual weapons, communication devices, and uniforms from both the North Vietnamese Army and their opponents. The museum’s primary goal is to provide a tactical overview of the offensive, detailing the key battles and strategic decisions that culminated in the fall of Saigon. It is a highly educational and fascinating destination for military history buffs. It offers a focused perspective on one of the most significant moments in modern history, and completely free to visit.
9. Saigon Special Forces Museum
- Address: 145 Tran Quang Khai, Tan Dinh Ward (formerly District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM daily; Fri-Sat: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Ticket price: 40,000 VND (~$1.53) per adult
Hidden in plain sight, the Saigon Special Forces Museum offers a thrilling glimpse into the world of espionage and covert operations during the Vietnam War. This unique museum is located inside a building that was once a secret command post and weapons depot for a group of elite Viet Cong commandos. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary home, but inside, it reveals a hidden history. The museum tells the story of the Saigon Special Forces, who carried out daring missions right under the noses of their enemies. The main highlight is the secret bunker filled with weapons like B40 rocket launchers, AK-47s, and grenades, all perfectly preserved. What makes this place truly special is its setting within a still-operating coffee shop. You can explore the fascinating exhibits, learn about the commandos’ incredible bravery, and then enjoy a coffee in this historic and atmospheric location.
Saigon Special Forces Museum dislays actual weapons, communication devices, and uniforms
10. Ton Duc Thang Museum
- Address: 5 Ton Duc Thang Street, Sai Gon Ward (Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday - Sunday: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: Free admission, free parking
The Ton Duc Thang Museum is dedicated to the life and revolutionary career of President Ton Duc Thang, the second president of Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh's successor. Located in a beautiful riverside spot, this museum offers a quiet and informative experience away from the bustling crowds. The exhibits trace his journey from a young mechanic and union leader to becoming a key figure in the Vietnamese Communist Party and eventually the head of state. The collection includes personal belongings, photographs, and official documents that illustrate his lifelong dedication to Vietnam's independence. A particularly interesting display showcases a canoe he used during his revolutionary activities. The museum highlights his political career and also provides insight into his personal character and simple lifestyle. It’s an inspiring visit that sheds light on a significant but sometimes overlooked leader in Vietnam’s history, and it is completely free to the public.
11. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) - A must-visit museum in Saigon
- Address: Ben Thanh Ward (formerly District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Independence Palace (Main building) ticket prices:
- Adults: 40,000 VND (~$1.53) per person
- Students (with valid ID): 20,000 VND (~$0.77) per person
- Children (6-15 years old): 10,000 VND (~$0.38) per person
- Combo ticket (Palace + Exhibition “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868-1966”):
- Adults: 65,000 VND (~$2.49) per person
- Students: 45,000 VND (~$1.72) per person
- Children: 15,000 VND (~$0.58) per person
The Independence Palace is one of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic and significant landmarks. This historic building is frozen in time, famously known as the site where the Vietnam War ended on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates. Once the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam, the palace is now a museum that offers a fascinating look into the 1960s and 70s. As you walk through its halls, you'll see the original presidential living quarters, opulent reception rooms, and eerie war command rooms in the basement. The underground bunker, complete with old maps, communication equipment, and strategy rooms, is a clear highlight. The architecture itself is a classic example of 1960s design. Visiting the Independence Palace feels like stepping onto a historical movie set, providing a vivid snapshot of a pivotal moment in global history.
Independence Palace is the must-visit attraction in Ho Chi Minh City
12. Southeastern Armed Forces Museum
- Address: 247 Hoang Van Thu, Tan Son Hoa Ward (formerly Ward 1, Tan Binh District), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
- Ticket price:
- Vietnamese visitors: Free admission
- Foreign visitors: 40,000 VND (~$1.53) per ticket
The Southeastern Armed Forces Museum provides a comprehensive look at the military history of Vietnam's southeastern region. It was an area that was crucial during the wars for independence. This expansive museum showcases the evolution of the local armed forces from their origins to the present day. The outdoor exhibition is particularly impressive. It features a large collection of captured and decommissioned military hardware, including tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and aircraft from both the French and American wars. Inside, the exhibits delve into specific campaigns and the heroic stories of local soldiers and guerilla fighters. You'll find a wide array of items, such as the rudimentary handmade weapons used in the early days of the resistance, sophisticated equipment from later periods. For foreign visitors, it offers a detailed military perspective on the conflicts, while Vietnamese visitors can connect with their heritage and history with free admission.
13. Ao Dai Museum
- Address: 206/19/30 Long Thuan, Long Phuoc Ward (formerly Thu Duc), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Ticket price:
- Tourists: 50,000 VND (~$1.91)
- Students & Children: 30,000 VND (~$1.15)
A bit of a hidden gem located away from the city center, the Ao Dai Museum is a beautiful and serene destination dedicated entirely to Vietnam's elegant national garment. This privately-owned museum is a labor of love, set in a tranquil garden oasis with traditional architecture and lotus ponds. The main exhibit showcases the stunning evolution of the Ao Dai over the past 300 years. You can see how the design has changed, from the older, more complex versions worn by royalty to the sleek and modern styles popular today. The collection features Ao Dai associated with famous Vietnamese women, such as politicians, actresses, and diplomats, adding a personal touch to the display. It's more than just a fashion exhibit. It's a celebration of Vietnamese culture, femininity, and national identity. The picturesque setting and exquisite displays make the journey well worth the effort for a unique and artistic experience.
Ao Dai Museum is where you should visit to know more about the traditional costume of Vietnam
14. Vietnam Geological Museum
- Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours:
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Saturday - Sunday: Closed
- Ticket price: Free
For a different kind of history, the Vietnam Geological Museum offers a fascinating dive into the country's natural past, spanning millions of years. Located conveniently near the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum, this specialized institution is dedicated to geology and mineral resources. It’s an excellent choice for science enthusiasts, students, or anyone curious about the natural world. The museum houses an extensive collection of over 10,000 specimens of minerals, rocks, fossils, and gemstones found throughout Vietnam. The exhibits are well-organized, explaining the geological formation of the country and displaying everything from sparkling crystals to ancient fossils of prehistoric creatures. It provides a unique lens through which to view Vietnam, highlighting its rich natural wealth and geological diversity. This quiet and educational museum is a great off-the-beaten-path stop, offering a peaceful break from the city's historical sites, and admission is completely free.
15. Ngoc Linh Ginseng Museum
- Address: 374 Nguyen Son, Phu Tho Hoa Ward (formerly Tan Phu District), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: Free
The Ngoc Linh Ginseng Museum is a truly unique destination that showcases one of Vietnam’s most prized natural treasures. Ngoc Linh ginseng, often called the "national treasure of Vietnam", is a rare and valuable medicinal root that grows exclusively in the central mountainous regions. This modern museum is dedicated to educating the public about this remarkable plant. The exhibits meticulously detail the history, cultivation process, and scientific benefits of Ngoc Linh ginseng. You can learn how it was discovered, its traditional uses by ethnic minority groups, and the modern science that confirms its potent health properties. The museum features interactive displays, informative videos, and even samples of the ginseng itself. It’s a fascinating blend of botany, ethnography, and modern wellness. As a free-to-enter museum, it offers a refreshing and highly specific look into a unique aspect of Vietnamese natural heritage and its growing industry.
Ngoc Linh Ginseng Museum details the history, cultivation process, and scientific benefits of Ngoc Linh ginseng
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Museums in Ho Chi Minh City provide a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s history, culture, and modern development. From major landmarks like the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace to specialized museums focused on art, traditional medicine, and national heritage, these institutions offer valuable context for visitors. This guide by GTrip helps travelers identify the most meaningful museums to better understand Saigon beyond its contemporary skyline.
