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Discovering the renowned museums in Hanoi is the quickest way to immerse yourself in the prominent cultural, historical, artistic aspects that shine in this city.
When you visit Hanoi, besides the commonly mentioned landmarks, take a deeper dive into the formation, development, as well as the cultural, historical, artistic values of this thousand-year-old land through the most outstanding museums in Hanoi.
Hanoi boasts around 20 museums with various sizes of exhibition rooms, categorized into two themes: historical and military, and cultural, artistic, and social themes. Through the information shared by Klook below, we hope you will confidently book tickets to visit Hanoi's museums on your upcoming journey to the capital.
1. Vietnam Museum of Literature
A must-visit for enthusiasts of Vietnamese literature, the Vietnam Museum of Literature is known as an extensive treasure trove, storing thousands of documents and actual artifacts related to the country's literature and art.
The Vietnam Museum of Literature is divided into three floors, each showcasing distinct features of literary history in different periods. The first floor takes you back to ancient and medieval times, displaying artifacts and documents related to literature during that period. The second floor focuses on 20th-century literature, providing an overview of the development and diversity of Vietnamese literature during that era. As for the third floor, you'll have the opportunity to explore famous writers during the French colonial resistance period, especially in Zone V, the North, and the South.
Vietnam Museum of Literature
- Address: 275 Au Co Alley, Tay Ho, Hanoi
- Ticket Price: Adults: 20,000 VND/turn/person, Students: 15,000 VND/turn/person, Schoolchildren: 10,000 VND/turn/person
- Opening Hours: Morning: From 8:00 to 12:00, Afternoon: From 13:30 to 17:00
2. Ho Chi Minh Museum
Ho Chi Minh Museum is a place that preserves many significant imprints of the Old Father of the Nation and numerous great cultural heritages. The museum is meticulously designed and arranged, with the symbolic image of the white lotus, representing the loftiness and simplicity of President Ho Chi Minh. Inside the museum, visitors will find many important artifacts and documents related to the life and career of Uncle Ho. Here, visitors can also discover more about the man and the contributions of President Ho Chi Minh, as well as feel the importance and spirit of life and revolution that he devoted his entire life to.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Address: 19 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Monday & Friday: closed
- Ticket Price: 40,000 VND/person. Free admission for the following cases: Vietnamese citizens, people with disabilities, members of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
3. Hanoi Museum
Hanoi Museum is one of the most famous museums in the capital, established since 1982 on Ham Long Street, with a massive collection of artifacts and antiques. Notable are the collections of stone, bronze, ceramics from the Ly, Tran, Le, Nguyen dynasties, as well as thousands of documents introducing the history of the formation and development of Thang Long – Hanoi.
In 2010, on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi, Hanoi Museum was reconstructed magnificently and modernly at a new address near the National Convention Center of Vietnam. The building impresses with its modern architecture, beautiful appearance, and a large campus with plenty of green spaces for visitors to rest and take photos.
Currently, Hanoi Museum is temporarily closed to visitors to focus on construction and perfecting the exhibitions. It is expected that the museum will reopen at the end of 2022.
Hanoi Museum
- Address: Pham Hung Street, Me Tri Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi City
- Ticket Price: Free
- Opening Hours: 8:00 - 11:30 | 13:00 - 16:30 from Tuesday to Sunday
4. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
Established in 1966, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is the repository of the precious cultural and artistic heritage of the Vietnamese community. The museum currently holds over 18,000 artifacts representing Vietnamese Fine Arts from prehistoric times to the present, presented in a chronological, genre, and material progression, making it easy and convenient for visitors to admire.
Originally a French colonial building, the Fine Arts Museum boasts a grand and luxurious European architecture, later renovated and supplemented with Vietnamese village architectural features to fit the museum's function. Therefore, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum not only attracts tourists with the quality of exhibits but also with the history and architecture of the building.
In addition to the regular exhibition space, the museum also features specialized display areas, a creative zone for children, and a culinary section.
Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
- Location: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Dien Ban Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi | 97 Hoang Cau, O Cho Dua Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- Ticket Price: 40,000 VND/adult, students: 20,000 VND, children, students (6-16 years old): 10,000 VND
- Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
5. Vietnam Museum of Natural History
Established in 2004, the Vietnam Museum of Natural History depicts the natural history of Vietnam over 3.6 billion years. With nearly 40,000 specimens, fossils from countless species of animals and plants, along with lifelike models, the museum is an ideal destination for nature science enthusiasts, especially children.
Although the Vietnam Museum of Natural History is not large, it makes use of every space to share knowledge with visitors through captions, documents, or information charts. Next to each exhibition area, there is also a screen to help you understand the evolutionary process better.
Vietnam Museum of Natural History
- Location: House A20, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
- Ticket Price: Free
- Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM. Specifically: Tuesday to Friday: Serving group tour reservations. Saturday, Sunday: Serving individual visitors.
6. National History Museum
If you have a passion for the history of our country, the National History Museum is the perfect destination for you. Established in 2011 in the heart of the capital, it emerged from the merger of the Vietnam History Museum and the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution, becoming one of the captivating attractions around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Inheriting the heritage from these two museums, the National History Museum possesses a vast collection of monumental, unique, and rare artifacts, along with a historical document repository for both exploration and research purposes. The national treasures are exhibited at two locations within the National History Museum according to chronological order as follows:
- 1 Trang Tien: History from prehistoric times to the Nguyen Dynasty in 1945
- 216 Tran Quang Khai: From the mid-19th century to the present
National History Museum
- Address: 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi | 216 Tran Quang Khai, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Ticket prices: 40,000VND/person, students: 20,000VND/person, school students: 10,000VND/person
- Museum opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
7. Hanoi Geological Museum
The Hanoi Geological Museum serves as the national repository showcasing geological specimens and minerals of Vietnam. Similar to the Geological Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, this Hanoi counterpart was established in 1914 by two French geologists under the decision of the Indochina Geological Department. Since then, the museum has played a crucial role in training researchers and disseminating knowledge to students, as well as visitors.
The geological, mineral, and paleontological specimens here are organized into three themes: Vietnam's geological history and our planet, Vietnam's geology and minerals, and Specialized collections. Notably, an impressive exhibit is the fossilized thigh bone of the Titanosaurus dinosaur, excavated in Ha Lao in 1935.
Hanoi Geological Museum
- Address: 6 Pham Ngu Lao, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Ticket Price: Free
- Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday. From 8 AM to 11:15 AM; 1 PM to 4:15 PM.
8. Vietnam Military History Museum
The museum possesses thousands of documents and artifacts collected from all corners of Vietnam over the past decade. In addition to regular displays, the museum also organizes numerous specialized exhibitions with innovative approaches. With over 30 years of continuous development and creativity, the Vietnam Women's Museum is now a captivating destination in Hanoi, attracting the attention of both domestic and international tourists.
Vietnam Women's Museum
- Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Ticket Price: 40,000 VND/adult, 20,000 VND/student/member of the Vietnam Women's Union, 10,000 VND for children/students
- Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
10. Bat Trang Hanoi Ceramic Museum
A brand-new check-in spot for young enthusiasts is the Bat Trang Hanoi Ceramic Museum, also known as the Rotating Museum, located in the Bat Trang pottery village in Gia Lam district.
Here, you'll be impressed by seven giant interlocking spiral shells, based on the idea of a rotating pottery wheel, with multi-faceted curved surfaces, forming a very graceful undulating architectural block. In addition, this work makes extensive use of local materials such as fired bricks and Bat Trang tiles to honor the simple and rustic beauty of the traditional craft village.
Not just a place for introduction and cultural preservation, the museum also serves as a community hub, combining activities for visitors to experience handmade pottery and fostering cultural exchange. The museum is currently undergoing improvements, so you can explore and take photos in the surrounding area.
Bat Trang Hanoi Pottery Museum
- Address: Thon 5, Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi City
- Ticket Price: Entrance and tour of floors 1, 2, 3, 4: 50,000 VND/person
- Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
11. Vietnam Air Defense – Air Force Museum
Another military museum, especially for those who love the outstanding air battles of the Vietnamese military, is the Vietnam Air Defense – Air Force Museum. Established in 2007, it preserves numerous images, documents, and artifacts showcasing the formation, construction, and relentless combat of the Vietnamese Air Force.
The indoor display is divided into 6 major sections, while the outdoor section introduces a collection of weapons, equipment, and valuable items associated with the achievements of the Air Defense – Air Force in two resistance wars.
Explore the Vietnam Air Force Museum
- Located at 173C Truong Chinh, Khuong Mai Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, this museum offers a glimpse into aviation history.
Discover the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Immerse yourself in the comprehensive portrayal of the history and culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam since its establishment in 1981 in Hanoi.
Navigate through three main exhibition areas showcasing tens of thousands of artifacts, vivid images, and documentary films, providing insights into the diverse cultural spaces, traditional crafts, folk art, and folk games.
Embark on a journey beyond Vietnam to Southeast Asian countries, Asia, and other prominent ethnic groups worldwide at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
- Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Quan Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi City
- Ticket Price: 40,000 VND/person; Students: 20,000 VND/person/turn; School students: 10,000 VND/person/turn
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
13. Museum of Tank and Armor Forces
The Tank and Armor Forces Museum in Hanoi, under the management of the Political Department, People's Army of Vietnam, is tasked with collecting, displaying, researching, and disseminating documents and artifacts related to tank and armor forces' history. It is not just a place to exhibit artifacts and documents but also a gathering point for veterans and tank soldiers to reminisce and share their memories with each other.
The exhibits in the Tank and Armor Forces Museum are pieces of vivid historical stories, creating a realistic image of the determination to fight and win of the tank and armor forces: 'one tank advances, one soldier fights'.
Museum of Tank and Armor Forces
- Address: 108 Hoang Quoc Viet, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi
- Ticket Price: Free
- Opening Hours: Morning from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Afternoon from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (All days of the week except Friday)
14. Vietnam Revolution Museum
The Vietnam Revolution Museum serves as a living witness to the historical struggle against the French, Japanese, and American forces for the independence of Vietnam. It houses a multitude of precious artifacts from various battles and has become a popular tourist destination in Hanoi, attracting a diverse array of visitors.
The Vietnam Revolution Museum stands as a concrete testament to the resilience of the Vietnamese people. Despite utilizing simple means, their unwavering belief in a brighter future allowed them to triumph over imperial powers with relentless oppression.
The museum has the vital mission of collecting, preserving, and showcasing the revolutionary efforts against imperial rule and feudal oppression, carried out by the nation's heroes. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore, admire, and listen to stories about artifacts and materials related to the people of Vietnam's struggles against the French, Japanese, and American forces (from the mid-19th century to 1975), as well as the process of building and defending the country up to the present day.
Vietnam Revolution Museum
- Address: 25 Tong Dang, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Ticket Price: Free
- Opening Hours: Every day of the week and holidays (except Monday), Morning: 8:00 - 11:45, Afternoon: 13:30 - 16:15
15. People's Police Museum
Officially established on June 16, 1967, under decision number 405-CA/QĐ, the People's Police Museum has amassed an extensive collection with nearly 20,000 documents and artifacts, including 9 rare collections.
The purpose of the People's Police Museum is to acknowledge the significant contributions of generations of police officers, preserving long-term images, documents, and historical artifacts related to the police force. This helps cultivate knowledge and revolutionary sentiments for future generations of police officers while serving the educational mission of tradition and meeting present and future requirements in safeguarding the security and order of the homeland, passing from one generation to another.
People's Police Museum
- Address: 1 Tran Binh Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 08:00 to 16:30, Tuesday to Saturday every week
- Admission fee: Free
Museums are not dry and dull as you might think, right?! With a place rich in history and cultural depth like Hanoi, the capital, museums in Hanoi cannot fully represent everything, but they certainly have gathered all the outstanding and unique aspects of this land. Just rent a private vehicle, and you can freely explore all the museums in Hanoi.
#teamKlook, make sure to explore one or more of the captivating museums in Hanoi listed above. Before you embark on your journey, don't forget to check out Klook Vietnam for insights into solo travel experiences from Hanoi to Sapa, interesting places near Hanoi, delicious eateries in Hanoi, exploring fun activities in Hanoi, Hanoi hotels, and fantastic discounts when booking tickets to Hanoi!
Are you ready to embark on a journey to explore the unique museums of Hanoi?
