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It would be a significant miss if you overlook the National Museum of History in your Hanoi travel itinerary. Immerse yourself in the historical narrative of the nation spanning thousands of years.
Museums are often places showcasing and preserving artifacts, documents, and conducting research and education on a particular field such as the history and culture of a nation or a specific period in the past. And the mission of the National Museum of History is no different. Not only is it an architecturally remarkable structure, but it is also the premier repository of Vietnam's historical artifacts, a colossal tome recounting the most comprehensive, detailed, and vivid historical stories.
If you belong to the category of enthusiasts who love exploration and delving into the history of the nation and want to introduce the thousand-year history of Vietnam to everyone, the National Museum of History is the ideal destination not to be missed when traveling to Hanoi.
Introduction to the National Museum of History
The National Museum of History is the name given after the merger of the Museum of Vietnamese History – established in 1958, and the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution – established in 1959.
The precursor to the Vietnam History Museum was the Louis Finot Museum, a project under the French Oriental Studies Research Center in the Indochina region. Completed in 1932, it evolved into the Vietnam History Museum in 1958, inheriting the legacy of the Louis Finot Museum and transforming from an art history museum to a socio-historical museum. As a result, the Vietnam History Museum bears the distinctive architectural style of Indochina in Hanoi.
As for the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution, it originally served as the East Indochina Trade Office built by the French in 1917. After 1954, the Government Council decided to establish the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution. In 1959, the museum opened to the public, portraying the struggle of the Vietnamese people over the past hundred years.
Since 2011, the Vietnam History Museum and the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution have merged to form the National Museum of History, inheriting all assets and operational experience of both museums.
The heritage block preserved by the National Museum of History includes over 20,000 documents and artifacts that trace the entire historical journey of the nation from prehistoric times to the present. Particularly, the museum houses numerous national treasures and a collection of rare and precious antiques compared to other museums with similar themes.
The National Museum of History is currently a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and a founding member of the Association of National Museums in Asia (ANMA).
The National Museum of History maintains two permanent exhibition systems at its two locations: 1 Trang Tien - showcasing from prehistoric times to the end of the Nguyen Dynasty (1945); and 216 Tran Quang Khai - exhibiting from the mid-20th century to the present day.
Additionally, the National Museum of History is the first museum in Vietnam to integrate technology into its exhibition and educational activities. With the 3D interactive technology featured on the museum's website, you can easily explore and view the entire collection without having to visit in person.
National Museum of History Address
The National Museum of History has two locations:
- Location 1: 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Location 2: 216 Tran Quang Khai, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
Directions to the National Museum of History
Situated just behind the Hanoi Opera House, at the same address of 1 Trang Tien, finding your way to the National Museum of History is synonymous with finding your way to the Hanoi Opera House.
#teamKlook can get here using personal vehicles, public transport, or a taxi.
- If you prefer taking the bus, check out the transport routes passing by the National Museum of History: 02, 34, 44, 49, 51.
- For those driving a car or motorcycle, follow the route: Le Thai To heading towards Hang Trong – Hang Khay – Trang Tien through the Revolution Square roundabout, past the Hanoi Opera House, and about 200m more to reach the National Museum of History.
You can also try the Hanoi City Tour double-decker bus departing from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square to Revolution Square. Traveling this way is not only enjoyable and safe but also allows you to leisurely admire the streets of Hanoi.
National Museum of History Opening Hours
The National Museum of History is open every day of the week, except for the first Monday of each month. Specific hours are:
- Morning: From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon: From 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Even on public holidays falling on Mondays, the museum remains open for visitors. During the lunar New Year, specific announcements will be made. #teamKlook, remember to check the museum's operating hours to plan your schedule accordingly.
National Museum of History Ticket Prices, Hanoi
The National Museum of History sets ticket prices based on visitor categories as follows:
- Adults: 40,000 VND/person
- Students: 20,000 VND/person
- Schoolchildren: 10,000 VND/person
- Children under 6 and severely disabled individuals: Free
These ticket prices apply to the regular exhibition areas at both museum locations. Admission prices for the National Museum of History, Hanoi are for reference only. Please check for the most accurate information at the destination.
What's Inside the National Museum of History?
With an extensive collection of documents, monumental artifacts, and national treasures, the National Museum of History divides its collections and exhibitions across two locations, showcasing different historical periods. Through these artifacts, you can learn more about Vietnam's economic characteristics throughout different eras, as well as the geographical features and cultural identity of various regions across the country.
From Prehistoric Times to the End of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1945 at 1 Trang Tien
Location 1 Trang Tien introduces traces reflecting the presence of humans in Vietnam, from the early nation-building era to the struggles for independence expressed through uprisings, gradually forming a vast cultural heritage encompassing both tangible and intangible aspects across feudal dynasties.
Collections from the cultural heritage sites of Oc Eo – Phu Nam, Champa sculpture art, and works from students at the Indochina School of Fine Arts during the French colonial period are also fully and vividly displayed within the museum.
Alongside the regular exhibition system, the outdoor display area of the National Museum of History creates impressive highlights, making the overall museum space more attractive and diverse.
The outdoor exhibition area takes you into the Champa culture through a collection of artifacts with inscriptions and sculptures. Additionally, you can admire large-scale objects dating from the Ly to Nguyen dynasties, including items such as inscribed steles, worship statues, towers, etc., showcasing distinctive art, architecture, and culture through each era.
From the Mid-19th Century to Present at 216 Tran Quang Khai
Here, you delve into a challenging yet heroic period of Vietnam's history, from the French invasion in 1858 to American intervention, concluding with the war's end in 1975. This regular exhibition section showcases artifacts depicting life during wartime, labor, work, infrastructure development during the conflict, and preparations for the country's post-war development.
Additionally, the regular exhibition section introduces over 100 original artifacts as gifts from the Vietnamese people and people worldwide sent to President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Furthermore, the front and rear areas of the building display large-sized historical objects, with the most prominent being a special-purpose car gifted by the Soviet Communist Party to the Vietnamese Communist Party in 1954.
Detailed Visit Experience at the National Museum of History
- To enhance the quality of your visit, the National Museum of History provides group guides. If needed, contact the museum management in advance.
- For students, the museum offers educational programs such as the History Club and History lessons tailored to the needs of parents and children.
- Beyond observation, you can actively participate in interactive activities related to the exhibition content at the Discovery Room.
- After the tour, don't forget to visit the Souvenir Counter inside the museum to choose unique items, meaningful souvenirs for yourself and friends.
Nearby Tourist Attractions to the National Museum of History
The closest site to the National Museum of History is the Hanoi Opera House, just over 200m away. Additionally, you can explore the Cultural-Historical Complex around Hoan Kiem Lake, including landmarks like Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, enjoy the scenery at Chi Linh Flower Garden, shop at Dong Xuan Market, or participate in dining and entertainment activities at Hanoi Old Quarter.
There are many more Hanoi tourist spots and destinations in surrounding provinces for #teamKlook to consider when planning a meaningful and complete trip to Hanoi.
Accommodations Near the National Museum of History
The National Museum of History is located in the bustling Hoan Kiem District, one of the liveliest areas in Hanoi. Hence, finding an ideal place to stay won't be difficult for you.
1. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
- Address: 15 Ngo Quyen, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Reference price: 2,124,000 VND/night
2. Hilton Hanoi Opera
- Address: 1 Le Thanh Tong, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Reference price: 1,179,000 VND/night
3. Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi - MGallery
- Address: 29 Trang Tien, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Reference price: 2,225,000 VND/night
4. Lubi House Homestay
- Address: 1A Dang Thai Than, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Reference price: 726,000 VND/night
5. Conifer Grand Hotel
- Address: 40-42-44 Tho Xuong, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Reference price: 1,814,000 VND/night
Simply book a hotel room through the Klook Vietnam system, you can stay at any hotel, homestay, or resort in Hanoi with the best price. Remember to use a discount code to get exclusive discounts for #teamKlook up to 50%. What are you waiting for? Release your passion for travel now!
The National Museum of History is the place to tell you the most authentic, vivid, and complete historical stories without being dry or boring. The long journey of the Vietnamese people is captured through the exhibition spaces at both locations, helping you better feel the beauty of the country and be more proud of the national roots. If you have the opportunity to travel to Hanoi, #teamKlook should visit the National Museum of History along with the most attractive museums in Hanoi for more exploration.
Don't forget to check out the Klook Vietnam Blog to get experience self-sufficient travel in Hanoi for 4 days and 3 nights, Hanoi 3-day 2-night travel itinerary, discover fun activities in Hanoi, delicious dishes in Hanoi, sign up for a countryside tour in Hanoi by jeep, tour exploring the countryside of Nam Dinh from Hanoi, and many other exciting things waiting for you in the capital Hanoi.
What intriguing surprises await #teamKlook at the National Museum of History? Discover today!
