{"id":6847,"date":"2021-05-15T09:28:55","date_gmt":"2021-05-15T01:28:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=6847"},"modified":"2022-03-15T11:50:10","modified_gmt":"2022-03-15T03:50:10","slug":"museums-hanoi-saigon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/museums-hanoi-saigon\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Museums In Hanoi & Saigon With 400,000 Year-Old Artifacts, War Relics & Aircraft"},"content":{"rendered":"

Museums in Hanoi and Saigon<\/h2>\n
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Aside from all the natural landscapes, great street food, and vibrant nightlife activities that Vietnam has to offer, big cities such as Hanoi and Saigon have no shortage of museums for the culture buffs out there. They are goldmines of ancient artifacts and rare snippets into the lives of our forefathers that help provide us with a deeper insight into Vietnam\u2019s history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, here are <\/span>10 museums in Hanoi and Saigon<\/b> where you can learn about heartbreaking stories of the Vietnam War, browse through art galleries, and marvel at the fascinating rituals of ethnic minorities.<\/span><\/p>\n

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– Museums in Hanoi –<\/h3>\n
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1. Vietnam National Museum of History \u2013 with 400,000-year-old artifacts<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @vv_hkoz<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A 10-minute walk from the iconic Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake, the <\/span>Vietnam National Museum of History<\/b> exhibits the history of Vietnam through the ages, from the prehistoric era all the way to the founding of the current government.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @vv_hkoz<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Formerly an archaeological research institution during the French occupation, the expansive building is a sight for sore eyes in its own right with its French-style architecture.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @jade.phamm<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Past the entrance, underneath a tall tower, you\u2019ll find yourself in spacious rooms and long corridors housing over 200,000 artifacts and relics. They are organized in 5 major sections covering several civilizations that have called the land home. Some objects date back 300,000-400,000 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @jade.phamm<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss out on the second wing of the museum, across the street from the main building. Exhibits on this side focus on the Vietnam War in the mid-20th century. Expect to see pictures and documents related to President H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh, General V\u00f5 Nguy\u00ean Gi\u00e1p, and other notable political figures of the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news is, you can enter both buildings of the museum with the same entrance ticket to get 2 viewing experiences for the price of one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 1 Tr\u00e0ng Ti\u1ec1n Street & 216 Tr\u1ea7n Quang Kh\u1ea3i Street, Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 8AM-12PM & 13.30PM-5PM, Daily | Closes on the first Monday of every<\/span>
\n<\/span>month<\/span>
\n<\/span>Entrance fee:<\/b><\/span> VND40,000 (~USD1.74)\/pax<\/span>
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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2. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology \u2013 showcasing the cultures of Vietnam\u2019s 54 different ethnicities<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Nh\u00e0 R\u00f4ng<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @mai.phuong.phung<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The Vietnamese people as a whole consists of 54 different ethnicities, each with their own language, beliefs, and traditions that contribute to our country\u2019s diverse culture. The <\/span>Vietnam Museum of Ethnology<\/b><\/a> is a tribute to each and every one of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@candy_keovilay<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The main building of the museum has 12 sections where you can find objects commonly used in the daily lives of different ethnic groups. Browse through replicas that recreate significant activities in their cultures to learn more about their craft, ceremonies, and worship rituals.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @davenguyen1989<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the yard is equipped with life-size models of notable buildings of various ethnic minorities. Some of the fascinating houses worth mentioning are the <\/span>nh\u00e0 R\u00f4ng \u00ad<\/span><\/i>\u2013 a tall-roofed building often found in the T\u00e2y Nguy\u00ean region, or the tomb of the Gia Rai people \u2013 which is surrounded by wooden statues of human figures performing intercourse.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nImage credit: @kim_syril<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b> <\/span>Nguy\u1ec5n V\u0103n Huy\u00ean Street, C\u1ea7u Gi\u1ea5y District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> Tue\u2013Sun 8.30AM-5.30PM | Closed on Mondays<\/span>
\n<\/span>Entrance fee:<\/b><\/span> VND40,000 (~USD1.74)\/pax<\/span>
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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3. Vietnamese Women\u2019s Museum – a tribute to Vietnamese women and their sacrifices<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Tevo Kearney-James<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As you can expect from its name, the Vietnamese Women\u2019s Museum<\/strong> pays tribute to notable women and their roles in our society. Its goal is to raise awareness about gender equality and support disadvantaged women.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Chlo\u00e9 Di Maria<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The museum features 3 major exhibitions, showcasing women\u2019s role in our daily lives, their contribution to the wars, and fashion. Each of these is then divided into smaller sections with various topics. Browse through them to learn information about the marriage practices of different regions around the country, traditional women\u2019s attire of several Vietnamese ethnicities, biographies of great women throughout history, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>A room paying tribute to Heroic Mothers, women who lost their sons and husbands to the war<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> Jeab Jennie<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

There is also an audio guide service that walks you through the exhibits. Currently, it is available in 5 languages: Vietnamese, English, French, Japanese, and Korean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 36 L\u00fd Th\u01b0\u1eddng Ki\u1ec7t Street, Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b> <\/span>8AM-5PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Entrance fee:<\/b><\/span> VND40,000 (~USD1.74)\/pax<\/span>
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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4. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum – intricate art pieces from different eras<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> L M S L<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum promises an educational trip for any art aficionado. Formerly a dormitory for daughters of French officials studying in Hanoi, the impressive 3-story building houses a large collection of art pieces, both modern and ancient.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Alvin Sartor<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

There are 5 main exhibitions here: prehistoric art, 11th to 19th-century art, 20th century to modern art, traditional practical art, and folk art. Covering a wide range of topics, objects on display are vastly different in style. Expect to see Cham sculptures and Buddhist statues in one room, and then lacquerware and oil paintings in the next.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>\u201cLittle Th\u00fay\u201d from acclaimed painter Tr\u1ea7n V\u0103n C\u1ea9n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> Minh Duc Nguyen<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Some of the most notable art pieces here are Tr\u1ea7n V\u0103n C\u1ea9n\u2019s <\/span>Em Th\u00fay<\/span> (<\/span>Little Th\u00fay<\/span><\/em>)<\/em> \u2013 an oil painting of a girl on a chair, and T\u00f4 Ng\u1ecdc V\u00e2n\u2019s <\/span>Two Women And A Child<\/span><\/em>, <\/span><\/i>showing two girls in the traditional Vietnamese <\/span>\u00e1o d\u00e0i<\/span><\/em> next to a boy. Both paintings are considered representatives of Vietnam\u2019s contemporary art and are acknowledged as national treasures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 66 Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u00e1i H\u1ecdc Street, Ba \u0110\u00ecnh District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> Tue-Sun 8.30AM-5PM | Closed on Mondays<\/span>
\n<\/span>Entrance fee:<\/b> <\/span>VND40,000 (~USD1.74)\/pax<\/span>
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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5. Vietnam National Museum of Nature \u2013 collections of rare bugs and herbs<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Livana Ho<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Humbly nestled inside the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, the <\/span>Vietnam National Museum of Nature<\/b> is a hidden gem that even most locals don\u2019t know about. But once you\u2019re inside the university, it\u2019s quite easy to locate. Simply look for the building with a T-Rex model in front of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> c\u1ea9m v\u00e2n<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The entire museum consists of only one room, so you likely won\u2019t spend too much time here. Still, the exhibits are quite diverse, featuring fossils, rare bug and butterfly collections, and stuffed animals.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> T\u00f9ng L\u00ea Thanh<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

It won\u2019t cost you a dime to enter, so feel free<\/em> to drop by for a quick visit if you happen to be in the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> Building A20, 18 Ho\u00e0ng Qu\u1ed1c Vi\u1ec7t Street, C\u1ea7u Gi\u1ea5y District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> Tue\u2013Sun 8.30AM-11.30AM & 1.30PM-4.30PM | Closed on Mondays<\/span>
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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6. Vietnam Military Museum \u2013 war machines and relics from the Vietnam War<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> jinky TravelDiaries<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

For those who want more insights into the Vietnam war, the <\/span>Vietnam Military Museum<\/b> is a must-see. The expansive museum is home to 150,000 documents and relics that retell the stories of our forefathers\u2019 fights to protect our country.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Monalissa Mondigo<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The museum is located just on the outskirts of the Hanoi Old Quarter<\/a>. You\u2019ll find it hard to miss, as it\u2019s right next to the Hanoi Flagpole \u2013 a major landmark of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Nelly Nguyen<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Greeting you in the courtyard right past the entrance will be two towering fighter airplanes, both of which played critical roles during the Vietnam War in the late 1960s-early 1970s. There\u2019s also a memorial made from the remains of a B52 and other fallen aircraft. It pays tribute to a decisive victory for Vietnam in 1972 and the sacrifices that made it possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Mario C<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Inside, there are rooms preserving weapons, armor, and other items from various feudal eras. But the majority of the exhibits revolve around more recent wars against French and US forces in the 20th century.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 28A \u0110i\u1ec7n Bi\u00ean Ph\u1ee7 Street, Ba \u0110\u00ecnh District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b> <\/span>Tue\u2013Thu & Sat\u2013Sun 8AM-11.30AM & 1PM-4.30PM | Closed on Mondays & Fridays<\/span>
\n<\/span>Entrance fee:<\/b> <\/span>VND40,000 (~USD1.74)\/pax<\/span>
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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– Museums in Saigon –<\/h3>\n
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7. War Remnants Museum – somber snapshots of the tragedies during the Vietnam War<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Julian Wong<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Most international visitors know of Vietnam through the Vietnam War. It comes as no surprise then, that many would flock to the <\/span>War Remnants Museum<\/b><\/a> for first-hand information regarding this global event.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Bret J.<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

At first glance, the museum exudes a similar vibe to the Military Museum in Hanoi, with war machines such as tanks, helicopters, and airplanes displayed in the yard. However, the indoor exhibits tell a completely different story.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Bret J.<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

They are a somber reminder of the tragedies war can inflict, especially upon the common civilians. Expect to see graphic, tear-inducing images here, from the effects of Agent Orange – which have left an indelible mark on those affected till this day – to recreations of prisons and torture chambers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Vinny P Mathew<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This is a thought-provoking experience that puts you up close and personal with the atrocities of war. Most often, visitors come away with a new appreciation for the peace that they\u2019ve been able to enjoy.<\/span><\/p>\n