Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a city with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. One of the best ways to explore and appreciate its history, society, and identity is to visit its many museums, which offer insights into various aspects of Vietnamese life and culture.
Whether you are interested in prehistory and anthropology, war and revolution, or art and creativity, you will find something to fascinate and inspire you at these museums. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best museums in Hanoi, including how to get there, what to see, and what to expect.
Table of Contents
Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Hoa Lo Prison Museum is a historical and cultural attraction in Hanoi, Vietnam, that preserves and displays the remains of the former Hoa Lo Prison, where Vietnamese revolutionaries and American POWs were held and tortured by the French colonialists and the North Vietnamese respectively.
Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton by the US POW, is a prison in Hanoi, Vietnam. It was originally used by the French colonial government as a prison for political prisoners, and later by the North Vietnamese government as a prison for American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. The prison is known for its harsh conditions and the torture that was inflicted on prisoners, including revolutionary activists who fought for Vietnam’s independence. Today, the prison is a museum that tells the story of its history.
The museum is located on Hoa Lo Street, near the Opera House, in the center of Hanoi. It is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day, except for some holidays. The entrance fee is 30,000 VND per person.
The museum consists of two main sections: the first one focuses on the prison’s use up to the mid-1950s when it was used by the French to imprison and execute Vietnamese patriots and communists who fought for independence. The second one focuses on the prison’s use during the Vietnam War when it was used by the Vietnamese to detain and interrogate American pilots who were shot down over Hanoi.
The museum displays various objects, photos, videos, and documents that illustrate the life and suffering of the prisoners, as well as their resistance and solidarity. Some of the most notable exhibits are:
The French guillotine was used to behead many Vietnamese revolutionaries, including Phan Boi Chau and Nguyen Thai Hoc.
The solitary confinement cells, where prisoners were kept in dark and cramped conditions, were often chained to the floor or wall.
The sewer grates, which were used by some prisoners to escape from the prison, such as Le Duan and Nguyen Van Cu.
The flight suit and parachute of John McCain, who was captured in 1967 after his plane was shot down over Truc Bach Lake. McCain later became a US Senator and a presidential candidate.
The artifacts and testimonies of other American POWs who were held at Hoa Lo, such as Pete Peterson (the first US ambassador to a unified Vietnam in 1995) and Douglas Peterson (the author of Why Vietnam Matters).
The museum also offers some educational programs and workshops for visitors, such as guided tours, lectures, film screenings, and cultural exchanges. The museum aims to provide a historical perspective on the prison and its inmates, as well as to promote peace and reconciliation between Vietnam and other countries.
If you want to learn more about the history of Vietnam and the hardships of war, you should join the night tour at Hoa Lo prison relic. This tour will take you back to the time when brave Vietnamese soldiers fought and sacrificed for their country’s freedom and democracy. You will see how they endured the harsh conditions of the prison, and how they resisted and escaped from the enemy. The tour uses sound, light and actors to create a realistic and immersive atmosphere. You will feel like you are witnessing the events firsthand.
The tour also offers some special gifts for the visitors. You will get to taste some traditional Vietnamese snacks, such as tea, cake and jelly, made from the eagle tree that still grows in the prison. This tree symbolizes the strength and resilience of the Vietnamese people. You will also get a photo album of your tour, so you can remember this unforgettable experience.
The night tour at Hoa Lo prison relic is a unique and meaningful way to explore Vietnam’s culture and history. The ticket price is 300,000 VND per person, and the tour lasts for about two hours. Don’t miss this chance to see Hoa Lo prison in a different light.
Price:
- Adults: $1.26
- College and University students (with cards issued by Vietnamese higher education institutions only): $0.63
- Children between the ages of 0 and 15: Free
- Disabled people and Vietnamese people over 60 years old: Free
- Hoa Lo Prison Night Tour Fee: $12.63 per group (limited to 25 people per group), Available in 3 languages: Vietnamese, English, and Chinese.
Address: 1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Phone: +8424 3934 2253
Hours: Monday – Sunday | 8:00 AM – 5 PM
Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum is a cultural and artistic attraction in Hanoi, Vietnam, that showcases Vietnam’s fine arts from a range of historical periods, from ancient sculptures and paintings to modern and contemporary works.
It is located on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, near the Temple of Literature, in the center of Hanoi. It is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm every day, except for some holidays. The entrance fee is 20,000 VND per person.
The museum is housed in a stunning colonial building that was formerly the École Française d’Extrême-Orient, a French school of Asian studies. The museum has three floors and 18 exhibition rooms, covering an area of about 4,700 square meters.
The museum displays more than 2,000 objects and artworks of various types and media, such as sculptures, ceramics, lacquerware, silk paintings, oil paintings, woodblock prints, and folk art. Some of the most notable exhibits are:
The prehistory and feudalism section, displays artifacts and artworks from prehistoric times to the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), such as bronze drums, stone sculptures, terracotta statues, royal portraits, and decorative items.
The revolutionary and resistance section displays artworks that reflect the struggles and achievements of the Vietnamese people during the wars against the French and the Americans, such as propaganda posters, sketches, paintings, and sculptures.
The modern and contemporary section, displays artworks that represent the development and diversity of Vietnamese art in the 20th and 21st centuries, such as abstract paintings, installation art, performance art, and video art.
The museum also offers some educational programs and services for visitors, such as guided tours, audio tours, lectures, film screenings, workshops, and publications.
If you are looking for a cultural experience in Hanoi, you should visit the Vietnam National Fine Art Museum. It showcases the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Vietnam, from ancient times to modern days.
You can admire paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lacquerware, and folk art from different regions and periods of history. The museum is situated in Ba Dinh District, near the Temple of Literature, which is another must-see attraction.
You can easily walk to the museum from Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of the city, in about 25 minutes. Or you can join a city sightseeing tour that includes the museum as one of the stops. Either way, you will have a great time exploring the art and culture of Vietnam.
Price:
- Adults: $1.68
- College and University students (with cards issued by Vietnamese higher education institutions only): $0.84
- Children between the ages of 6 and 16: $0.42
- Disabled people and children under 6 years old: Free
- Guided Tour Fee: $6.32 per group (limited to 25 people per group), Available in 3 languages: Vietnamese, English, and Chinese.
Address: 66 Nguyễn Thái Học, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: +84 24 3823 3084
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is a cultural attraction in Hanoi that showcases the history, culture, and achievements of Vietnamese women from different ethnic groups and regions.
The museum was established in 1995 by the Vietnam Women’s Union, a social organization that promotes women’s rights and empowerment. The museum is located on Ly Thuong Kiet Street, near the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter, where many French-style buildings can be found.
The museum has three permanent exhibitions: Women in Family, Women in History, and Women’s Fashion.
These exhibitions display more than 1000 materials, photographs, and artifacts that illustrate the roles and contributions of Vietnamese women in various aspects of life, such as family, education, politics, arts, war, and peace.
The museum also organizes thematic exhibitions to reflect the changes and challenges faced by contemporary Vietnamese women.
Service at Vietnam Women’s Museum
- Audioguide: Available in 5 languages, Vietnamese, English, French, Japanese, Korean
- Special tours for groups and overseas delegates
- Interactive activities and experiences for kids and students
- Guided tours for groups and delegates
- Museum shop: sells products such as clothing and accessories, textiles, and other handmade items which are made by ethnic minority women, traditional craft villages, and marginalized women throughout Vietnam
- Museum space venue: suitable for events, activities, meetings, conferences, training, art performances, exhibitions, and more. Capacity from 50 to 500 persons.
Amenities: The museum offers the following for visitors:
- Free wifi
- Free lockers
- Handicapped accessible WC
- Available wheelchairs for the disabled
- A special path for the wheelchairs
- Available lift
Price:
- Entrance fee for Adults: $1.9
- Children between the ages of 6 and 16: $1
- Disabled people: Free
Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: (+84-4) 39365973
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 8:00 AM – 5 PM
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a cultural attraction in Hanoi that showcases the diversity and richness of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.
The museum was established in 1997 and is a member of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. The museum is located on Nguyen Van Huyen Road, in the Cau Giay District, about 8 km from the city center.
The museum has two exhibition buildings: the Bronze Drum Building and the Southeast Asia Building. The Bronze Drum building displays more than 30,000 objects, photographs, and videos that illustrate the culture, history, and daily life of the ethnic groups in Vietnam.
The Southeast Asia building, which opened in 2013, features exhibits on the cultures and peoples of 11 countries in the region. The museum also has an open-air exhibition area where visitors can see traditional houses, tools, and crafts of different ethnic groups.
The museum aims to promote the understanding and appreciation of the ethnic diversity and heritage of Vietnam, as well as to foster intercultural dialogue and cooperation. The museum is a popular destination for tourists, researchers, and students who want to learn more about the ethnic groups in Vietnam.
To find out more about this fascinating museum, you can read our article on the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: History, Exhibits, and Highlights.
Price:
- Entrance fee for Adults: $1.68
- Children under 6 years old: Free
- Special severe disabilities: Free
- French/English indoor tour guide: 100,000VND
- Journalists (valid journalist card required): Free
Address: Đ. Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Quan Hoa, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Phone: +842437562193
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Vietnam Military History Museum
The Vietnam Military History Museum is a cultural attraction in Hanoi that showcases the history, achievements, and challenges of the Vietnamese armed forces from ancient times to the present.
The museum was established in 1956 and is one of seven national museums in Vietnam. The museum is located on Dien Bien Phu Road, in the Ba Dinh District, near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
The museum has two exhibition buildings: the main building and the new building. The main building displays more than 15,000 objects, photographs, and documents that illustrate the military history of Vietnam, especially the resistance wars against China, France, and the United States.
The new building, which opened in 2012, features exhibits on the modernization and development of the Vietnamese armed forces, as well as international cooperation and peacekeeping activities.
The museum also has an outdoor exhibition area where visitors can see various military equipment and vehicles, such as tanks, planes, helicopters, and guns.
The Flag Tower of Hanoi, a symbol of the city’s history and culture, is situated within the museum grounds.
The museum aims to educate the public and honor the sacrifices and contributions of the Vietnamese soldiers and people in defending and building the nation.
It is a popular destination for tourists, researchers, and students who want to learn more about the military aspects of Vietnam’s history.
Price:
- Entrance fee for Adults: $1.68
- Children under 6 years old: Free
- Special severe disabilities: Free
- French/English indoor tour guide: 100,000VND
- Journalists (valid journalist card required): Free
Address: 28A Điện Biên Phủ, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Phone: +8424 6253 1367
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 8–11:30 AM and 1–4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8–11:30 AM and 1–4:30 PM
- Thursday: 8–11:30 AM and 1–4:30 PM
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 8–11:30 AM and 1–4:30 PM
- Sunday: 8–11:30 AM and 1–4:30 PM
Vietnam National Museum of History
The Vietnam National Museum of History is a cultural attraction in Hanoi that showcases the history and heritage of Vietnam from prehistoric times to the present day.
It was founded in 1958 on the basis of the Louis Finot Museum, a museum belonging to the French School of the Far East that was built in 1932. The museum is located on Trang Tien Street, in the Hoan Kiem District, near the Hanoi Opera House.
The museum has two exhibition buildings: the main building and the new building. The main building displays more than 7,000 objects, photographs, and documents that illustrate the history of Vietnam from the Stone Age to the August 1945 Revolution.
The new building, which opened in 2013, features exhibits on the history of Vietnam from 1945 to 1975, as well as the cultures and arts of Southeast Asia. The museum also has a collection of Champa stone sculptures and a library with more than 50,000 books and journals.
The museum aims to preserve, display and promote the historical and cultural values of Vietnam, as well as to enhance scientific research and international cooperation in the field of history. The museum is a popular destination for tourists, researchers, and students who want to learn more about the history and culture of Vietnam.
Price:
- Entrance fee for Adults: $1.68
- Children under 6 years old: Free
- Special severe disabilities: Free
- French/English indoor tour guide: 100,000VND
- Journalists (valid journalist card required): Free
Other Fees: – Take pictures: $0.63 / camera – Filming: $1.26 / camera
Address: 216 Đ. Trần Quang Khải, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 110000, Vietnam
Phone: +842438252853
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 8 AM – 5 PM (Closed for lunch from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM)
Ho Chi Minh Museum
The Ho Chi Minh Museum is a cultural attraction in Hanoi that honors the life and legacy of the late Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh and his role in the national liberation movement. The museum was constructed in the 1990s and is located in the Ho Chi Minh complex, near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace.
The museum has eight chronological exhibitions that document Ho Chi Minh’s life from his birth in 1890 to his death in 1969, as well as his travels, writings, political activities, and vision for Vietnam.
The museum also displays various objects, photographs, documents, and artworks that reflect the history and culture of Vietnam and its struggle against foreign powers. The museum aims to inspire the public and educate them about the values and ideals of Ho Chi Minh, as well as to promote scientific research and international cooperation in the field of history.
The museum is a popular destination for tourists, researchers, and students who want to learn more about the history and personality of Ho Chi Minh, as well as his contributions to the Vietnamese nation.
Price:
Admission Ticket Prices
- Ticket price: 40,000 VND per ticket for international visitors.
- International visitors traveling in groups, please contact the Education Department: (+84.24) 38463757 – 38463752, ext.: 176 – (+84.24) 37341800.
Free Admission Cases
- Vietnamese citizens.
- Persons with disabilities.
- Members of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
Ticket Purchase Methods:
- Purchase tickets in person at Entrance 1 of the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
- Morning: From 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM on all days of the week.
- Afternoon: From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on all days of the week (except Monday afternoons and Friday afternoons).
Address: 19 P. Ngọc Hà, Đội Cấn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Phone: +842438463757
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 8–12:00 AM and 2:00–4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8–12:00 AM and 2:00–4:30 PM
- Thursday: 8–12:00 AM and 2:00–4:30 PM
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 8–12:00 AM and 2:00–4:30 PM
- Sunday: 8–12:00 AM and 2:00–4:30 PM
Hanoi is a city that has a lot to offer for culture lovers. Its museums are among the best attractions in the city, as they showcase the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture and history.
By visiting these museums, you will not only learn more about Vietnam but also gain a deeper understanding of its people and their struggles and achievements. If you are planning a trip to Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of these amazing museums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular museums in Hanoi?
Some of the most popular museums in Hanoi are:
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- Vietnamese Women's Museum
- Fine Arts Museum
- Vietnam Military History Museum
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
What is the biggest museum in Hanoi?
The Hanoi Museum is the largest museum in Hanoi, covering an area of over 50,000m2. It has a distinctive shape of a reversed pyramid and consists of six levels, two of which are underground. The museum exhibits various items related to the history, culture, heritage, and architecture of Hanoi and Vietnam, spanning a thousand years.
What are the best museums to visit for history buffs?
Some of the best museums to visit in Hanoi for history buffs are:
- Vietnam National Museum of History
- Vietnam Military History Museum
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- Hoa Lo Prison
What are the opening hours and admission prices of the museums in Hanoi?
| Museum | Opening Hours | Admission Price (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam National Museum of History | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | 40,000 |
| Vietnam Museum of Ethnology | 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM | 40,000 |
| Hanoi Museum | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM | 40,000 |
| Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum | 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (closed Mondays and Fridays) | Free |
| Ho Chi Minh Museum | 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM (closed Mondays and Fridays) | 40,000 |
| Fine Arts Museum | 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM | 40,000 |
| Vietnamese Women's Museum | 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM | 30,000 |
How many museum are there in hanoi?
There are many museums in Hanoi that showcase the history, culture, art, and diversity of Vietnam. But, there are about 20 museums in Hanoi that you can visit, ranging from history museums, art museums, military museums, ethnology museums, and more.
Below is a list of museums in Hanoi.
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
- Vietnam Women's Museum
- Vietnam National Museum of History
- Vietnam Museum of Nature
- Vietnam Press Museum
- Hanoi Museum
- Hoa Lo Prison
- Vietnam Military History Museum
- Vietnam Revolution Museum
- Tank-Armored Corps Museum
- Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum
- Bien Phong Museum
- Air Defense-Air Force Museum
- Hậu Cần Museum
- B-52 Victory Museum
- Thong Tin Museum
- Pháo Binh Museum
- Công Binh Museum
- Special Forces (Đặc Công) Museum
What are some of the special events that are held at the museums in Hanoi?
There are many special events that are held at the museums in Hanoi, depending on the theme and the occasion. Here are some examples:
- The Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts often hosts exhibitions of contemporary art by local and international artists, as well as workshops and seminars on various topics related to art and culture.
- The Vietnamese Women's Museum organizes events to celebrate important dates for women, such as International Women's Day, Vietnamese Women's Day, Mother's Day, etc. They also have activities to promote women's empowerment, such as vocational training, handicraft fairs, cultural exchanges, etc
- The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology has a rich program of events throughout the year, featuring festivals, performances, demonstrations, and games of different ethnic groups in Vietnam. They also have special exhibitions on topics such as ethnic costumes, musical instruments, folk paintings, etc.
- The Hỏa Lò Prison Museum hosts events to commemorate the historical events that took place in the prison, such as the release of American POWs in 1973, the death anniversary of Vietnamese revolutionaries, etc. They also have educational activities for students and visitors, such as guided tours, quizzes, documentaries, etc
