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Visiting the War Remnants Museum is an opportunity for #teamKlook to explore Vietnam's historical ups and downs during wartime.
War Remnants Museum is an emotionally charged historical treasure trove, where traces of conflicts and resistance spanning centuries are preserved. The artifacts and exhibits at the museum are vivid evidence of Vietnam's turbulent and challenging periods. Stepping into this museum is like embarking on a journey back in time, to understand more about the devastation of war and to appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians for national independence.
In this article, Klook Vietnam will share valuable experiences when visiting the War Remnants Museum - where history intertwines with stories of courageous individuals.
Introducing War Remnants Museum Ho Chi Minh City
Established in 1975, immediately after the end of the Vietnam War, when the country was reunified in peace, the War Remnants Museum was built to honor those who sacrificed and contributed during the war, and to create an educational space about history and the importance of peace. As a 3-story building, this museum covers a floor area of 4,522 square meters and an outdoor exhibition space of 3,026 square meters. In total, the museum stores over 20,000 documents, artifacts, and films. Each exhibition area regularly introduces over 1,500 documents and artifacts on specific topics.
The museum is located at 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Situated in the city center, the War Remnants Museum is easily accessible and attracts many visitors from both domestic and international destinations.
Exploring Tips for War Remnants Museum in Saigon
Guide to Getting to the Museum
To reach the War Remnants Museum, #teamKlook can choose from various transportation options such as:
- Personal vehicle: You can actively travel to the museum by following Cong Hoa Street or Truong Chinh Street, then turning onto Cach Mang Thang Tam Street and continuing onto Vo Van Tan Street to reach the museum entrance. Using online map apps or GPS can help you find your way more easily.
- Taxi, ride-hailing service: Taxi or ride-hailing services like Grab, Gojek, Be,... are also convenient and quick options to get to the museum. Just provide the address, and the driver will take you to the War Remnants Museum safely.
- Bus: Traveling to the museum by bus not only helps you save money but also provides a great opportunity for you to admire the cityscape. You can choose to take the bus to the museum via routes number 14 (departing from Mien Dong Bus Station), route number 06 (from Cho Lon Bus Station), or route number 28 (from Ben Thanh Market). Check the schedule and the nearest bus stops of the bus routes to choose the most suitable one.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
The museum is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day (including holidays and Tet). Please note that ticket counters close at 5:00 PM.
The admission fee to the museum is 40,000 VND per person per visit. However, the museum offers various support programs and free admission for certain groups:
- 50% discount on admission fee: for children aged 6 - 16, students, seniors, persons with disabilities, revolution contributors,...
- Free admission: for children under 6, severely disabled persons, and poor households.
Special Exhibitions at the War Remnants Museum
1. Exhibition “World Support for Vietnam's Resistance War Against America 1954 - 1975”
Featuring over 100 photos, 145 documents, and artifacts, the exhibition 'World Support for Vietnam's Resistance War Against America 1954 - 1975' portrays a colorful picture of global solidarity, including support from the American people, in Vietnam's national liberation struggle.
The photos, documents, and artifacts in this exhibition will take you on an emotional journey as you revisit rallies, protests, conferences, workshops, community banners, and more from people across continents. Alongside these documents, you also have the opportunity to see artifacts donated by former American veterans who participated in the Vietnam War to the War Remnants Museum. This demonstrates their respect for the Vietnamese people and their regret for participating in an unjust war.
2. Exhibition “Memories”
This is a project carried out by two British photojournalists, Tim Page and Horst Faas. With the support of the Vietnam News Agency, they compiled a unique collection of 275 photos of the Vietnam War. Particularly, these photos were taken by 134 journalists from 11 different countries, all of whom sacrificed while on duty in the Indochina battlefield.
In each photo, the journalists conveyed authentic and emotional stories about the war, its shadows, and symbols of sacrifice. The “Memories” exhibition is not only a tribute to the soldiers and civilians who traded their lives in the war but also a profound gratitude to the brave journalists who devoted themselves to documenting important and memorable stories about the Vietnam War.
3. Exhibition “Vietnam - War and Peace”
The “Vietnam - War and Peace” exhibition is a special artistic work created by Japanese photographer Ishikawa Bunyo. In 1998, he organized numerous exhibitions in major cities of Japan, titled “War and Peace - Vietnam 35 years”, showcasing a total of 260 documentary photo works about Vietnam.
In particular, in 1998, Ishikawa Bunyo decided to donate 123 of his photo works to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. The photos in the exhibition not only depict the aspects of war but also focus on the theme of peace, capturing moments of post-war life.
4. Exhibition “War Crimes of Invasion”
'War Crimes of Invasion' is an emotional collection at the War Remnants Museum in Saigon. The collection includes a total of 125 photos, 22 documents, and 243 artifacts, containing compelling evidence and testimony of the atrocities and consequences of the invasion war on the country and people of Vietnam.
The photos, documents, and artifacts in this exhibition are remarkable evidence of the suffering and loss caused by war. 'War Crimes of Invasion' is a reminder of the significance of peace and humanity, and also a call for a world without war, without invasion, where everyone has the opportunity to live in peace and freedom.
5. Exhibition “Agent Orange in the Vietnam War”
This is a collection focusing on the impact of Agent Orange in the Vietnam War, including 42 documentary photos by Japanese photographer Goro Nakamura.
The photos in this exhibition not only depict the images of the Vietnam War but also focus on the tragedy of Agent Orange caused by the US military. They clarify the serious consequences and the suffering that the Vietnamese people have endured due to the use of Agent Orange during the war. This exhibition is a reminder of the long-term impacts of war and the harm caused by the use of toxins in the conflict.
6. Exhibition “Aftermath of Agent Orange”
The 'Aftermath of Agent Orange' exhibition at the museum is an important part of raising awareness about the impact of Agent Orange on the Vietnamese people. This collection includes 100 photos, 10 documents, and 20 artifacts.
The images, documents, and artifacts in this exhibition focus on depicting the horrific consequences of Agent Orange, a chemical that the US military used in the Vietnam War. They illustrate the injuries and malignant tumors caused to the people and environment of Vietnam.
In addition to showing the damage, the exhibition also highlights the strong spirit of Agent Orange victims through photos telling stories of solidarity and efforts of those who have endured much suffering to rebuild their lives and create a brighter future. This exhibition also serves as an international call for support for Agent Orange victims and efforts to eliminate harmful weapons from the battlefield.
7. Exhibition “Historical Facts”
At the War Remnants Museum, the exhibition 'Historical Facts' is a journey through 66 photos, 20 documents, and 153 artifacts introducing an important part of Vietnam's history.
After nearly 100 years of fighting, on September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming Vietnam's independence and freedom. However, the US continued to support France and later directly intervened, leading to a more brutal war with significant damage to both sides. Finally, on April 30, 1975, the Vietnamese people achieved complete victory. Former US Secretary of Defense Mc.Namara admitted serious mistakes and the devastating consequences left behind. This exhibition is a valuable lesson in history, about love for the homeland, and the strength of unity under the red flag with a yellow star of Vietnam.
8. Exhibition “Prison Camps in the Vietnam War”
The collection “Prison Camps in the Vietnam War” reveals what happened in the terrifying prison system during the period of aggression in Vietnam. This exhibition includes 40 photos, 14 excerpts, maps, and 21 artifacts.
This is an opportunity for #teamKlook to learn about the system of over 200 prisons, built by the US military and the Saigon government to suppress and control patriotic Vietnamese. In particular, the exhibition highlights some notorious prisons known for their cruelty, dubbed as earthly hells like Con Dao, Phu Quoc, Chi Hoa, Tan Hiep, and more.
Weaponry and Military Equipment Collection of the Museum
The War Remnants Museum houses a diverse collection of weapons and military equipment related to the Vietnam War. Here, you can find 155mm cannons, 175mm cannons mounted on M107 tanks, turret guns on LVT A6 armored vehicles, M.48 tanks, M41 tanks, M.132 transport equipment, D7 bulldozers, AD6 aircraft, CH-47 aircraft, seismic bombs, pineapple bombs, and 250 LBS bombs marked MK81 MOD 1. From these artifacts, #teamKlook has the opportunity to learn more about the military equipment used by our forces in defending the country.
Special Events at the Museum
The museum often organizes temporary exhibitions on important themes such as 'Dien Bien Phu from above - 50 years looking back', 'Agent Orange - Conscience and Justice', 'Rediscovering Memories', 'Paris Agreement on Vietnam - Gateway to Peace',... These exhibitions create vibrant spaces, providing valuable information about history, the impact of war, the importance of peace, and educating about responsibility and patriotism.
Additionally, the War Remnants Museum also frequently hosts educational programs for students as well as seminars and workshops on history, which are extremely interesting.
Nearby Attractions to the War Remnants Museum
1. Independence Palace
Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, is an important architectural landmark located in the city center and was once the headquarters of the government of South Vietnam. This is where many important events in Vietnam's history took place.
2. Ho Chi Minh Museum
Known as the place exhibiting the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh, this museum owns artifacts, documents, and records about the life and career of Uncle Ho - the founder and leader of the Vietnamese revolution.
3. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can find everything, from food, electronics, handicrafts, clothing, and many other products. Exploring Ben Thanh Market is an opportunity for #teamKlook to experience the culture, shopping, and taste street food of Saigon.
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a famous classical architectural landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the 19th century, this cathedral boasts magnificent architecture and is a popular destination for those interested in religion, architecture, and history.
5. Ho Chi Minh City Post Office
Combining a mix of French and East Asian architecture, the city post office is an attractive destination to visit and learn about the postal and telecommunications history of our country at that time. Additionally, #teamKlook can check-in, buy souvenirs, and send letters or parcels here.
War Remnants Museum in Saigon is not only a place to preserve relics and evidence of a bygone war, but also a conduit connected to the country's painful history.
You can find more blog posts such as Enjoy Exploring Museums in Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Historical Famous Four-Cornered Base, Dragon Wharf: Proud Historical Landmark in Saigon, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Preserving Glorious Historical Imprints,... to get more valuable information about famous historical tourist destinations in Vietnam.
Let's explore the glorious historical values of the nation at the War Remnants Museum with Klook!
