8 Essential Museums in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is no doubt a true thrill for art, culture and history cravers. If you visit this lovely city then there are some essential museums in Ho Chi Minh City that help for creating your perfect journey.
Never dismiss museums just because thinking they’re boring and wondering what the appeal is. Visiting museums will help you absorb some local colors and intensify your experience with deep understandings of the history of Ho Chi Minh City. Let’s delve into the list of essential museums in Ho Chi Minh City right down below.
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List of essential museums in Ho Chi Minh City
Immerse yourself into exciting history, fine works, and costumes. Here are some of the best museums in Ho Chi Minh City you should never miss on your itinerary.
1. War Remnants Museum
Any museumgoer has to pay a visit to the War Remnants Museum in District 3, just northwest of the Reunification Palace. The museum exhibits evidence of war crimes in Vietnam and their consequences, with the aim of promoting peace all over the world. Through well-arranged exhibits of pictures, documents, and artifacts, the museum is like a live witness of the Vietnam War.
The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is housed in a three-floor building, featuring seven permanent exhibits. Outside the museum is a respectable collection of jet fighters, aircraft, tanks, and bombs. Each floor inside tells different stories themed Vietnam War, from “International support for Vietnam in its Resistance War” on the ground floor, “Aggression war crimes” on the first floor to “Requiem – The Vietnam War Collection of photographers who died in Vietnam and Indochina” on the second floor.
Don’t forget to check out at some souvenir shops inside the museum to bring back home some books, postcards, and unique keyrings made from ancient bullet casings.
» Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3
» Opening hours: 7.30 AM – 4.30 PM daily
» Entrance fee: VND 40,000/pax
Explore Private Cu Chi – Ben Dinh Tunnels & War Remnants Museum Tour – Shore Excursion
2. Ho Chi Minh Museum
The neoclassical structure once served as Gia Long Palace and Supreme Court, is now functioned as the Ho Chi Minh Museum, dedicated to the history and development of the city. With nine permanent exhibition rooms, the museum brings you back to glorious periods of the past.
Some of the best collections include Nature-Archeology, Geography and Administration, Industry and Handicraft, the Revolutionary Struggle 1954-1975. While touring the museum, visitors encounter many intriguing artifacts in the surrounding corridors on both lower and upper floors. Behind the museum building is the rear garden where you will find an impressive collection of tanks, cannons and motor vehicles.
The museum, not only a place for local students to learn about the history of Ho Chi Minh City but also a perfect couple-shooting spot. Just take a moment to view the main lobby with its grand central staircase, you can see some couples prepare for their wedding photographs.
» Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
» Opening hours: 8.00 AM – 4.30 PM daily
» Entrance fee: VND 30,000/pax
3. Dragon Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum (Nha Rong Harbor)
Just don’t confuse the Ho Chi Minh Museum with the Ho Chi Minh Museum above. The former one is a part of Nha Rong Wharf or Nha Rong Port where President Ho Chi Minh embarked abroad to seek a path to national salvation.
Covering up to 148,000 square meters with nine exhibit halls, Ho Chi Minh Museum is just huge enough to showcase all valuable information about Ho Chi Minh’s life and his thoughts. The museum, as a branch of Ho Chi Minh Museum, has a long story to praise the significance of Ho Chi Minh towards his nation.
Setting foot on Nha Rong Wharf, you can adore its one-of-a-kind architecture. The two dragon-shaped ceramic on the rooftop is easily recognised from afar. From this can you take a panoramic view of the Saigon River or come up with fantastic ideas for a Saigon dinner cruise?
» Address: 01 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4
» Opening hours: 8.00 AM – 4.30 PM daily
» Entrance fee: VND 30,000/pax
4. Vietnam History Museum
There’s no better way to know Vietnam’s history than to visit the Museum of Vietnamese History. The museum tells the story of the thousands of years of Vietnam’s history through the brilliance of artifacts and displays. The delicate arrangement of relics and sculptures makes your visit be like a journey back in time to see Vietnam from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen Dynasty.
As a symbol of the Indochina architectural style, the Museum of Vietnamese History is prominent with classical Chinese roofs just like many ancient temples and pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. The French influence’s style is not less significant, though. The moss-covered walls simply intensify the marks of time on the building.
In addition, the museum once used to be the only building stand still amidst the wild forest – later known as the Botanical Garden and Zoo. Within a few walking steps, you can explore the fantastic world of flora and fauna right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Just be prepared that this area is normally crowded and noisy on weekends.
Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Da Kao Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 8.00 AM – 4.30 PM Daily
Entrance fee: VND 30,000/pax
5. South Vietnamese Women’s Museum
The museum, just as its name suggests, is dedicated to the accomplishments of Vietnamese women. Including a library with around 10,000 books and an area of 3,162 meters with eight spacious exhibition rooms, the South Vietnamese Women’s Museum represents the life of Vietnamese women through their daily activities and costumes.
Right on the first floor, you will see the traditional crafts and various collections of Ao Dai of Southern Women. Their daily life is highlighted with the exhibits of rural markets, wedding ceremonies, and house decorations. With the other two floors, you can recognise themes on Vietnamese women during wartime – the fighting of Southern Women against the US and France.
You might have heard a lot about Vietnamese women’s spirit, but once getting directly to the museum, you would know that the feminist heroes are not just straight out of a dramatic film. Plus for this museum – the signage is available both in English and French, and the entrance fee is totally free.
» Address: 202 Vo Thi Sau, Ward 7, District 3
» Opening hours: 7.30 AM – 5.30 PM daily
» Entrance fee: Free of charge
6. Fine Arts Museum
The Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum, known as one of the largest fine arts centers of Vietnam, was constructed as the family residence of one of the city’s richest men in the late 19th-century. This is where typical fine artworks of Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces are collected, preserved and displayed.
The yellow-white colonial mansion is recognised for its subtle fusion of oriental and western art décor elements. Let alone the world of fine arts inside, the prominent architecture of the building has already captured any aesthete’s heart. The mansion building comprises three floors of exhibition space.
You can walk through the evolution of art on each floor: The first floor – Vietnamese and international arts display, the second floor – paintings, sculptures and lacquerware by leading southern Vietnamese artists, the third floor – historic arts featuring earlier civilizations. Surprisingly, the most striking story about this museum is a rumor that the mansion building was haunted by the ghost of a woman.
» Address: 97A Pho Duc Chinh, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
» Opening hours: 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM Tue-Sun, closed Mon
» Entrance fee: VND 30,000/pax
7. Ao Dai Museum
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The Ao Dai has been synonymous with the beauty of Vietnamese women, expressing the identity and spirit of Vietnam. The Ao Dai Museum in Ho Chi Minh City highlights the charm of this traditional long dress, its meaning to Vietnamese culture, and its crucial transformation over years.
This is a private museum, established by the famous designer-artist Sy Hoang. The exhibition area is mainly located in a long ancient wooden house. Walking inside you can see the development of the Ao Dai linked to the growth of the country. There is a huge collection of Ao Dai donated by well-known actresses, diplomats, doctors, professors, and designers.
Actually the Ao Dai is within a larger complex that is much akin to an ecotourism spot. And that is needless to say that you should not skip the photo opportunities there. Brighten up your day with some shots of Vietnamese countryside featuring the old temple, river, and the “monkey bridge”. You are definitely granted more than a chance to learn about culture and history with a day at this museum.
» Address: 206/19/30 Long Thuan, Long Phuoc, District 9
» Opening hours: 8.00 AM – 4.30 PM daily
» Entrance fee: VND 100,000/pax
8. Artinus 3D Museum
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A hidden destination away from the city center’s focal spots – Artinus 3D Museum is an incredibly new contemporary world that amazes any aesthete. This museum is home to hundreds of 3D artworks, making it the largest 3D museum in Vietnam.
Just imagine you are lost in the world of hallucination. Swimming with sharks, fished by a cat, going straight to Van Goh’s famous paintings – all is possible when you find the proper angle to take a snapshot. To get the best photos with good 3D effects, you should stand right on the marked photo points.
A visit to Artinus is completely worth if you look for something more exciting than ordinary museums in Ho Chi Minh City. This is where your imagination and your pure acting will give no less than thousands of Likes.
» Address: 02-04 Street No.9, Tan Hung Ward, District 7
» Opening hours: 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM Mon-Fri, 9.00 AM – 8.00 PM Sat-Sun
» Entrance fee: VND 200,000/pax Mon-Fri; VND 250,000/pax Sat-Sun
Tips to Perfect Your Museum Visit in Ho Chi Minh City
To prepare the best for your museum visit in Ho Chi Minh City, you’d better research the museums’ operations schedule and take into account timing.
1. Research the opening hours
One of the best museum tips is to visit the website before you go and check for its opening hours. It’s crucial to save you time and plan your itinerary properly. You wouldn’t want to arrive at the museum only to find it closed due to public holidays or outside its opening hours. Planning ahead allows you to make the most your time, ensuring you don’t miss out on your favourite experiences.
You can see the opening hours of any museums by performing a simple Google search or visiting the museum’s website. Please also take into account the difference in the opening hours of the museum and its ticket counters. You are expected to arrive earlier than the closing time of the ticket counters for purchasing the entrance tickets.
In addition to the opening hours, detailed information about the museum’s collections, exhibitions, special events, and admission tickets is also worth researching. Here is the list of the most visited museums in Ho Chi Minh City and their websites for your reference:
• Dragon Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum
• Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
2. Learn before you go
The more you understand the context of what you see, the deeper your understanding often is. Before you arrive at the museum, you can familiarise yourself with the layout and identity the areas or exhibits by taking a virtual tour that some museums have to offer. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed by the vastness of the space you visit in real life.
Also, use books, blogs, movies, videos or any other resources to learn more about the museum’s collections and exhibits. It’s better to have a general insight about the place you are going to visit so that you can resonate better with the audio guide or the real guide.
3. Consider Timing
If you want to avoid crowds when visiting a museum, consider visiting during non-peak hours, such as weekdays. Early mornings and mid-afternoons usually welcome fewer visitors than the other times of the day. Free admission days or times are often the most crowded, so plan accordingly to avoid crowds and enjoy the museum tour at its best. Not all but many museums are closed on specific weekdays (most often Mondays), so be sure to check the website.
When you are already at the museum, it’s important to keep an eye on the clock if you have some other places to visit afterward. You may not realise how quick time flies as being unnoticeably drawn to a specific area or exhibit. Especially, if you are on a layover tour or a shore excursion, managing your time wisely is never unnecessary to avoid missing your next journey.
4. Dress Comfortably
Museums in Vietnam usually don’t have strict dress codes, but it’s advisable to dress comfortably and modestly. Just one thing to keep in mind you shouldn’t bring along too many bags/ luggage or it will become quite inconvenient to walk around with them.
You will likely do a lot of walking and standing, so remember to wear comfortable shoes as well. It’s typically hot inside museums in Ho Chi Minh City, so choose anything that is breathable, lightweight, and steer clear of layered clothing.
» See more on Vietnam Packing List: How to Pack Smarter
How to Include a Museum Visit to Your Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see destination on many traveller’s bucket list in Vietnam. Although a museum visit is not everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a top priority for those who are passionate about culture, history, architecture, fine arts, and many other themes that help you understand more about the city. Here are some ways visiting a museum can be flexibly added to your Ho Chi Minh City travel itinerary.
1. Ho Chi Minh City Day Tour
A day tour in Ho Chi Minh City is perfect for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to the city’s top highlights. There are some must-see attractions, which are always recommended by any travel guide, and the War Remnants Museum is among of them. When you have seen enough of the city’s places of interest in District 1, make you way to the nearby District 3, where the fascinating War Remnants Museum is located. A traditional city sightseeing tour with a visit to this museum will bring a new breath to your travel experience.
» Check out our Full-Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour
If you are not into stories inspired by wartime history, consider visiting some alternatives which are also in the city centre’s District 1. They are within walking distance from other iconic places.
• Ho Chi Minh Museum – 7 minutes of walk from the Independence Palace
• Dragon Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum – 10 minutes of walk from Ho Chi Minh City Passenger Ferry Port
• Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts – 5 minutes of walk from Ben Thanh Market
2. Ho Chi Minh City Layover Tour
Your layover in Ho Chi Minh City is ideal for a tour around the city’s iconic landmarks. Depending on your available layover time, you can choose a tour lasting anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. If your layover allows for a full-day tour, it’s best to include a museum visit, as a half-day tour may not provide enough time to fully explore one.
How to make the most of your layover time? You can choose either a highlight tour that visits as many attractions as possible or an in-depth tour that focuses on just a few places of interest. Bear in mind that most popular museums are located in and near the city’s centre District 1, and there’s a good chance you find an interesting museum on your way exploring around.
Embracing the hours transiting between flights with a museum visit will not only an informative experience but also a fascinating touch to your itinerary. You can enjoy the mini-adventure as freely as you can, but don’t forget about your connecting flights and how long it takes to journey back to the airport from the place you are visiting.
» Check out our Ho Chi Minh City Layover Tour with Airport Transfers
3. Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion
Ho Chi Minh City has always been one of the most sought-after shore excursions in Vietnam. As a place of incredible diversity, Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of travel experiences, from street food walking tours and museum visits to thrilling cyclo rides. Shore excursions in Ho Chi Minh City or in any other places demand a clear and detailed itinerary as well as careful port research so that you won’t miss your cruise.
Your shore excursion can begin from Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown in Cho Lon. You will feel how the sounds, sights, and scents are perfectly mixed in this vibrant neighbourhood. Next, head to the War Remnants Museum in District 3, and enjoy a tasty lunch before setting out for the afternoon adventure. Enjoy a walking tour through all of the city’s most important sites, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh Book Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Saigon Opera House, Bitexco Financial Tower, etc.
» See more on Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions: How to Maximise Your Time on Shore
Any Ho Chi Minh City Tour would be incomplete without a visit to one or some essential museums in Ho Chi Minh City. Bringing home some memorable experiences at these museums, you will be in awe of what this city has to offer.