Top 15 Museums in Hanoi: Discover Vietnam Through Its History and Culture

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is home to many important museums classified into two main categories: military history museums and culture, art and society museums. Each of these museums plays a vital role in exhibiting and preserving ancient documents and artifacts relating to different ethnic groups or historical periods. In this article, we will provide you with some brief information about the top 10 museums in Hanoi.

Written by Hung DAO (Local Expert) Updated on 06-11-2024

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1. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

• Address: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Nghia Do, Cau Giay District (Google Maps) 

  The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is located in the Cầu Giấy District, about 40-minute drive away from the center of Hanoi. It's northwest of the downtown area, so if you're facing north, it's behind you.

• Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (except Monday and Lunar New Year).
• Entrance fee: 40,000 VND/person

About the Museum:

The Museum is a must-see in Hanoi, offering an immersion in Vietnamese culture and history. The exhibits detail the lifestyles, traditions and customs of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Visitors can explore three distinct exhibition spaces:

Bronze Drum Space

• Designed in the shape of a bronze drum from the Dong Son civilization, this museum was inaugurated in 1997 in the presence of former president Jacques Chirac.
• It presents the 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups through objects, films and photos. Many tourists are very interested in the funeral customs of the Muong people, the making of conical hats of the Vietnamese people, the weaving process of the Dao people or the wedding rituals of the Mong people...

Kite Space

• Designed in the shape of a kite, a cultural symbol of the region.
• Presents cultures outside Vietnam, permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational activities.
• Collaboration with other museums and cultural agencies in the Southeast Asia region.

Architectural Garden

• Features 10 popular Vietnamese architectural works in a lush outdoor space.
• Includes traditional houses and structures of Vietnamese Ethnic groups.

Services :

• Interpretation available in French/English for better understanding (100,000 VND/interior space).
• Regular cultural performances during festivities such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year.

2. Vietnamese Women’s Museum

• Address: 36 Lý Thường Kiệt St, Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm District (Google Maps)

The Vietnamese Women's Museum is situated near the central Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. You can easily get there by walking for a few minutes or taking a taxi from many parts of the city center.

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Entrance fee: 40,000 VND/person

About the Museum:

The Vietnamese Women's Museum aims to showcase the role of Vietnamese women in times of war and peace, while promoting gender equality. The museum houses thousands of documents and objects collected across Vietnam, testifying to the history and culture of Vietnamese women.

Permanent exhibitions:

• 2nd Floor: “Women in the Family” – Explore the life cycle of Vietnamese women through the rituals and customs of marriage, childbirth and family life.
• 3rd floor: "Women in History" - Learn about their role in historical and contemporary events, as well as their experiences during the war.
• 4th floor: “Regional women's fashion" - Presentation of products reflecting the regional cultural characteristics of women of Vietnamese ethnic groups.

In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum organizes temporary exhibitions.

3. National Museum of History of Vietnam 

• Address: No. 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City (Google Maps)

The National Museum of History of Vietnam is a short distance from many other popular tourist destinations in the city, including Hoan Kiem Lake, next to the Hanoi Opera House. It's about a 5 to 10-minute drive from the city center, heading southeast.

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Entrance fee: 40,000 VND/person

About the Museum:

The Vietnam National History Museum displays a rich collection of historical artifacts and documents spanning the period from prehistory to 1945, including many national treasures. It offers a variety of rare items, from works from the Dong Son culture to artifacts from the Le Nguyen period, as well as sculptures from the Champa civilization and foreign decorative arts. In addition, it exhibits more than 80,000 documents and objects relating the history of the Communist Party of Vietnam and its leaders, including Ho Chi Minh. 

The museum features two areas with artifacts from different historical periods:

At 1 Trang Tien Street, preserves artifacts from prehistory to the Nguyen dynasty (1945). Built by the French in 1926, it mixes Eastern and Western architecture, exhibiting:

• Prehistoric Vietnam
• The nation-building period
• Vietnam from the 1st to the 10th century

At 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, it exhibits Vietnamese historical objects and documents since the 19th century, covering:

• The struggles for national independence (1858-1945)
• 30 years of resistance against invaders (1945-1975)
• The development of Vietnam since 1976.

>>> Also read:  Hanoi Travel Guide: 9 Must-Knows to Save Before Your Trip [2024 UPDATED]

4. Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts

• Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi (Google Maps) 

Located in the Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts is about 3 kilometers northwest of Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday
• Entrance fee: 40,000 VND/person

About the Museum:

The Hanoi Museum of Fine Arts, formerly a French residence for the daughters of civil servants in Indochina, was renovated in 1962 to become an exhibition venue. In 1966, it opened its doors, mixing French antiquity with Vietnamese essence. With 3 floors, it offers various spaces such as permanent, thematic, creative exhibitions for children and catering.

The museum's galleries cover chronological periods from prehistory to the modern period, displaying varied works such as paintings, ceramics and sculptures.

In addition to exploring Vietnamese fine arts, the museum regularly organizes artistic activities associated with music and national and international events, offering art lovers a multitude of unique works to explore.

5. Bat Trang Pottery Museum

• Address: No. 28, Village 5, Bat Trang Street, Gia Lam, Hanoi (Google Maps)

Located in the Bat Trang Ceramic Village, southeast of central Hanoi. It's approximately a 30 to 45-minute drive from the city center, heading southeast.

• Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• Ticket price: 50,000 - 250,000

The Bat Trang Pottery Museum, located in the heart of the famous eponymous village in Hanoi, is a must-see for lovers of Vietnamese crafts. It houses a remarkable collection of varied ceramic works which attract many visitors in search of authenticity.

>>> Discover the Wonders of Vietnam with Our Vietnam Tours: Unveil Hanoi's Charm! 🌆🇻🇳🏯

As soon as you arrive, the impressive architecture of the museum will seduce you. The seven giant intertwined spirals evoke a ceramic turntable, with their curved surfaces and multiple facets. Made with local materials such as fired bricks and Bat Trang tiles, the project celebrates the rustic simplicity of the traditional craft village. 

The museum offers a complex including exhibitions, a cafeteria and pottery workshops. While visiting the Bat Trang Pottery Museum, you will also have the chance to explore the surrounding village and even participate in ceramic workshops, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Vietnamese art and culture.

6. Hanoi Museum

• Address: Pham Hung Street, Me Tri District, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi City (Google Maps)

Situated in the Nam Tu Liem District, it's about a 15 to 20-minute drive from the city center (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum), heading northwest.

• Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
• Entrance fee: free

Hanoi Museum was rebuilt for Hanoi's 1000th anniversary in 2010, adopting impressive architecture, similar to an inverted pyramid inspired by the single pillar pagoda shaped like a lotus flower. Its main hall features a circular spiral atrium, making it unique. In 2016, it was ranked among the 36 most beautiful museums in the world by Business Insider.

The Hanoi Museum currently houses more than 70,000 documents and various objects, testifying to millennia of history of Thang Long - Hanoi. The museum's regular exhibitions include: Nature, Thang Long during the Dai Viet period, Hanoi in the 19th and 20th centuries,...

• 1st floor: Exhibition of dragon sculptures from the Ly dynasty, ceramics and historical documents. Souvenir sales area.
• 2nd floor: Pre-Thang Long exhibition, nature and biodiversity.
• 3rd floor: Private collections of ancient objects, ceramics and coins.
• 4th floor: Exhibition on the history of Hanoi, with an emphasis on the resistance against the French and American colonizers.

Additionally, experiential discovery spaces, thematic exhibitions and outdoor presentations are also available.

>>> Plan Your Perfect 2-Week Itinerary in Vietnam: Dive into Hanoi's History and Culture! 🌄🏛️🇻🇳

7. Vietnam National Museum of Nature

• Address: House A20, No. 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi. (Google Maps)

The Vietnam National Museum of Nature is situated a little further out from the city center, in Cau Giay District. It's about 7 kilometers northwest of Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Opening hours: Morning: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Afternoon: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday - Friday: Reserved for pre-registered groups (school agencies, organizations, students).
  • Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: Open to individuals, groups and families.
• Entrance fees: Free.

The Vietnam Nature Museum is a storage and exhibition place summarizing the origin and history of life and nature in Vietnam for millions of years. With eight exhibition sections, it covers various themes such as the history of life, human evolution, and displays a variety of specimens including bones, insects, sea creatures, reptiles, amphibians, mushrooms and plants. 

Despite its modest size, the museum exhibits nearly 40,000 rare specimens and offers an immersive experience with nature through interactive screens describing the evolution of each organism.

8. Ho Chi Minh Museum

• Address: 19 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh (Google Maps)

A must-visit for history buffs, the Ho Chi Minh Museum is located in the Ba Dinh District, just west of Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; closed Monday and Friday.
• Entrance fee: 40,000 VND per person.

About the Museum:

• Inspired by a white lotus, symbol of elegance and simplicity, representing the life of President Ho Chi Minh.
• Artifacts and documents on the life and work of President Ho Chi Minh.

Different themes for each floor:

• 1st floor: Biography of President Ho Chi Minh, with images, documents and artifacts chronicling his life and revolutionary achievements.
• 2nd floor: Focus on the struggle for independence and the great victories under his leadership, with a context of the national and global situation at the time.
• 3rd floor: Thematic exhibitions on regional and world historical events that influenced the ideology and actions of President Ho Chi Minh.

By visiting the Ho Chi Minh Museum, visitors can learn more about the man and his contributions, as well as feel the importance and spirit of the life and revolution led by President Ho Chi Minh.

>>> Discover more:  All You Need to Know about Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

9. Air Defense Museum – Air Force

• Address: 173C, Truong Chinh Street, Khuong Mai Ward, Thanh Xuan District (Google Maps)

Located outside the city center in the Thanh Xuan District. It's approximately 7 kilometers southwest of Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Hours of operation :
  • Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday: reserved for pre-registered groups.
• Entrance fee: 30,000 VND per person.

The Air Defense Museum - Air Force, founded in 1963 and officially opened in 1979, houses artifacts of historical value. It offers two distinct exhibition areas: one exterior and one interior. It also features imperialist weapons used by the United States in Vietnam, as well as planes shot down by the Air Defense and Air Force, including:

• Anti-aircraft artillery: a national treasure
• Sam 2 missile platform and munitions: the weapon that shot down the B.52 plane
• Types of Imperialist Weapons Used by the United States on the Vietnam Battlefield
• Many French and American planes were shot down by the Air Defense and the Air Force
• Mi-6 transport helicopter: artifacts for visitors to view and experience

10. B-52 Victory Museum

• Address: District 157. Doi Can, Ngoc Ho, Ba Dinh (Google Maps)

The B-52 Victory Museum is close to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It's just a short distance, about 7-minute walk southwest of the Mausoleum. 

• Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays except Mondays
• Ticket price: free

The B-52 Victory Museum displays weapons, equipment and wrecks of B-52 aircraft, as well as images and artifacts from the "Dien Bien Phu in the Air" battle (1972) with the US Air Force. 

The B-52, an iconic bomber widely used during the Vietnam War, still evokes painful memories for many Vietnamese today. As a military history lover, a visit to this museum is a must. One of a kind, this museum offers an immersive experience with realistic artifacts, bearing witness to the victory of the B-52 aircraft, a poignant testimony to Vietnamese history. 

11. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

• Address: 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi (Google Maps)
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday, Sunday); Closed on Mondays and Fridays
• Ticket Price: Free

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Vietnamese: Lăng Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh) is the final resting place of Vietnam's revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh. Located at the center of Ba Dinh Square, this large granite structure marks the spot where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence on September 2, 1945. The mausoleum, inspired by Lenin's Mausoleum in Russia, is open to the public every morning except Monday and Friday.

The mausoleum is part of a larger complex that includes the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, offering insights into his life and legacy. A visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum provides a profound and educational experience, honoring the legacy of one of Vietnam's most influential figures. The surrounding Ba Dinh Square and well-maintained gardens add to the significance of this historic site.

12. Geology Museum

• Address: No. 6, Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hoan Kiem District (Google Maps)
• Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

The Geological Museum of Vietnam is one of the most fascinating museums in Hanoi, housing the largest collection of geological specimens in the country. The museum offers extensive exhibitions on three main themes: the geological history of Vietnam and our planet, Vietnamese minerals, and specialized collections. Visitors can marvel at a vast array of geological specimens, minerals, and fossils, including highlights such as a dinosaur bone unearthed in Laos in 1935, aragonite crystals, and fossils from the Jurassic Period.

13. Hanoi Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street - Heritage House

• Address: 87 Ma May Street, Hanoi's Old Quarter
• Opening hours:
  • Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Weekends: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, and 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
• Admission: 10,000 VND

Located in Hanoi's Old Quarter, the house at 87 Ma May Street dates back to the late 19th century and was a bustling commercial hub. Originally a shop selling medicinal herbs, it later housed multiple families practicing various trades. Renovated in cooperation with Toulouse, the house was restored to its original structure and opened to the public on October 27, 1999. Now a Vietnamese heritage property, it offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life of old Hanoi.

A visitor noted, "This place is such a gem in Hanoi. Taking a glimpse at how rich Vietnamese families lived back in the past was a great experience. Volunteers take visitors on a tour of the house, and their explanation was informative."

14. Vietnam Museum of Revolution

• Address: 25 Tong Dan Street, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. (Google Maps)
• Opening hours: From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Ticket Prices: 40,000 VND/person

The Vietnam Revolution Museum, now part of Vietnam National Museum of History, is built in French architectural style, covering an area of approximately 1,500 square meters. It consists of 29 exhibition rooms. The first room provides an overview of the country and people of Vietnam, while the last room displays artifacts showcasing solidarity with international friends.

The remaining 27 rooms preserve the history of the struggle against French, American, and Japanese forces to protect the nation. The Vietnam Revolution Museum marks a significant milestone in the development of the museum sector in Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole. It not only collects and preserves historical artifacts but also serves as a living witness to the nation’s arduous struggle against invaders.

15. Hoa Lo Prison Relic

• Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (Google Maps) 
• Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM (daily)
• Ticket Price: 30.000 VND

Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French in 1896, is one of Hanoi's most historic sites. Originally a pottery village, it was transformed into a prison to incarcerate Vietnamese revolutionaries. Known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War, it later held American POWs, including Senator John McCain.

Today, Hoa Lo serves as a museum, showcasing the harsh conditions and brutal treatment of prisoners. Exhibits include original cells, torture instruments, and personal stories of inmates, illustrating their resilience and fight for independence. A visit to Hoa Lo provides a stark and educational insight into Vietnam's struggle for freedom.

>>> Learn more about: Dien Bien Phu: The Battle That Shook the French Empire

Google Maps of the 15 must-see museums in Hanoi

FAQs

1. Where can I find information about upcoming events in Hanoi, including art exhibitions and museums?

You can find information about upcoming events in Hanoi, including art exhibitions and museums, on the website Hanoi Grapevine - Art and Culture Events in Vietnam

2. What are the operating hours for most museums in Hanoi?

Most museums in Hanoi are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, it's always best to check the specific museum's website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

3. Is photography allowed inside museums in Hanoi?

Photography policies vary by museum. Some museums allow photography without flash, while others prohibit it entirely. Always check the museum's guidelines and respect any signage indicating photography rules.

4. Are there any free museums in Hanoi?

Yes, there are several free museums in Hanoi, including the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Most of these museums do not charge an entrance fee, though some may offer free entry on certain days or for special events.

5. What is the dress code for visiting museums in Hanoi?

While there is no strict dress code, it is advisable to dress modestly and comfortably. Museums can be air-conditioned, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is recommended.

6. Are there guided tours available in Hanoi museums?

Many museums in Hanoi offer guided tours, either by museum staff or through audio guides. It's a good idea to inquire at the museum entrance or check their website for details on tour availability and schedules. Additionally, Kampá Tour can help you add these museums to your wishlist and provide a knowledgeable guide to enhance your experience while you're travelling in Hanoi, or anywhere in Vietnam.

 

Our last words,

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its cultural heritage and heroic history. Its museums, in the heart of the city, preserve treasures of knowledge, witnesses of the city's past and present. This article will help you choose from the many museums in Hanoi, where every artifact holds a story, historical lessons and a connection between past and present.

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