The Best Museums in Vietnam to Discover History, Art, and More
Find out which museums to add to your itinerary for your Southeast Asia vacation in our list of the best museums in Vietnam.
Vietnam is home to dozens of fascinating museums that showcase the country’s history and culture. Browsing the collections in these museums gives you a window of insight into Vietnam’s past and present, enriching your appreciation of the landmarks and experiences you encounter along your journey.
If you only have time to visit a few museums in Vietnam, which should you choose? In the guide below, we introduce you to the best museums in Vietnam for history, fine arts, ethnology, and more.
1. Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi
Many of the top museums in Vietnam are concentrated in Hanoi. Among them is Bảo tàng Dân tộc học Việt Nam, the Museum of Ethnology. At this museum, you can learn about the country’s 54 officially-recognized ethnic groups.
Even the design of this museum reflects Vietnamese culture; architect Ha Duc Linh came up with the idea to base the shape of the main building on that of the ancient Đông Sơn drum - an iconic symbol of Vietnam heritage.
The museum houses over 15,000 artifacts, as well as a massive collection of photographs, slides, videotapes and audiotapes. There is even an outdoor exhibit that shows off some of the different styles of architecture for traditional Hmong, Ede, Yao and Tay houses.
The arrangement of the houses is educational; the garden functions almost like a map, with the placement of each house in the garden representing where the ethnic group is located in Vietnam.
Some standout structures that you must take a look at include Jrai Tomb, the Bana Community House, and the Ede Long House. On the weekends, visitors can watch a water puppetry show on the artificial stream in this garden. There are traditional performances like Muong music, Pe Then fire dance, and others as well.
Not only educating visitors, this museum also plays an important role in preserving Vietnam's ethnic heritage. It also became one of the remarkable research hubs where experts come and study the tapestry of Vietnam's diverse culture.
Address: Nguyễn Văn Huyên Road, Cầu Giấy District, Hanoi
Hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesday through Sunday
2. Vietnam Military History Museum, Hanoi
The best museum in Vietnam to learn about military history is Bảo tàng Lịch sử Quân sự Việt Nam, the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi. The museum opened in 1956, and was relocated from its original site to its current location in 2024.
The imposing museum building and 45-meter tall Victory Tower make for a majestic and imposing sight. Before you even enter the building, you will be able to see decommissioned military vehicles such as tanks and airplanes in the outdoor exhibits. Some of these belonged to North or South Vietnam, while others were captured from foreign adversaries.
When you enter the museum, you’ll be able to discover the military history of Vietnam through 150,000 artifacts. Among these are four national treasures: a T-54B Tank (number 843), a pair of MiG-21 fighter jets (4324 and 5121), and a Ho Chi Minh campaign battle map.
To give visitors a sense of what it was like to be in Hanoi during the 60 days the city became a battle zone, the museum has created 1:1 scale dioramas that capture the tension and destruction of that time in history.
The museum includes high-tech exhibits that use 3D mapping, media archives, QR codes, and more to provide interactive insights into the country’s military past. While the museum lacked context for historical events at its old location, this new, modernized version of the museum ensures that visitors understand the equipment on display, the battles, and the people who fought for a free and independent Vietnam.
Address: Km6+500, CT03, Tây Mỗ, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội
Hours: 8:00 am-11:30 am, 1:00 pm-4:30 pm, Saturday through Thursday
3. Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, Hanoi
The Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and other works of fine art spanning the history of Vietnam. Through these works, visitors not only get to appreciate the talent and creativity of artists from all eras, but also gain insights into the history of the Vietnamese peoples.
Among the thousands of remarkable artworks and artifacts in the museum’s displays and collections are nine works of art that are considered to be national treasures.
The statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in lacquered wood, originating from the 16th century, a 1939 lacquer screen by Nguyễn Gia Trí, and a lacquered statue of Queen Trịnh Thị Ngọc Trúc, stand out among others.
The museum architecture is also worth the visit; the building is in the French colonial style, and originally served as a boarding school for girls. While the colonial style dominates the facade, the architecture also weaves in inspiration from Vietnamese communal homes.
Address: 66 P. Nguyễn Thái Học, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm, daily
4. Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi
The Hoa Lo Prison was built in 1896 by the French. “Hoa Lo” translates to something like “fiery furnace” or “Hell’s hole.” But the French called it “Maison Centrale,” which means “Central House.” Here, they tortured and executed Vietnamese political prisoners. The name “Hanoi Hilton” was later given to it by American POWs during the Vietnam War. These prisoners also named its buildings “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Little Vegas,” and “New Guy Village.”
Visiting Hoa Lo Prison today, most of the structures used during the war are gone. The part that remains now serves as a museum. On display are exhibits centering mainly around the French colonial period. Touring the museum provides a grim insight into the tormented existence of the prisoners of the French colonial era, including some of their original cells, as well as the preserved guillotine room (including the guillotine) from that time.
Also on display are the flight suits of Pete Peterson and Senator John McCain, who were prisoners here during the Vietnamese War/American War.
Address: 1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm, daily
5. Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, Danang
Source: Expatolife
This historical museum is yet another candidate for the best museum in Vietnam. It opened in 1919. Through multiple expansions, it has become the largest repository of Cham sculpture in the world.
Located in a quiet spot next to the Han River, Danang, the museum building was designed by architects Auclair and Delaval with influences from Champa temples.
There are hundreds of sculptures in total at the museum, mostly comprising pieces made from terracotta and sandstone. The majority are from the region spanning between Binh Thuan and Quang Binh, and include sculptures from the 7th through 15th centuries.
Smooth curves and ornate designs typify the artifacts on display, many of which depict Hindu deities and other religious icons. Some of the highlights of the exhibits are the Tara Bodhisattva statue, the My Son E1 altar, the Dong Duong altar, the Tra Kieu altar, Gajasimha, and Ghanesa. The Tara Bodhisattva statue is the museum’s sole bronze artefact.
As you marvel at the incredible artistry on display as well as how remarkably preserved these pieces are, it will feel like you have been swept back in time.
Address: No 2, 2 Thang 9 Street, Hai Chau District, Đà Nẵng, 550000
Hours: 7:00am-5:00pm, daily
6. Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum, Hoi An
Source: Hoi An World Heritage
This museum is dedicated to the works of the photographer Rehahn. This French photographer living in Hoi An was said by Wanderlust Travel Magazine to “capture the souls of his models.”
The reason why his art gallery is one of the best museums in Vietnam goes beyond his artistic abilities. While he has an eye for beauty, he has a particular talent for capturing and transmitting the culture of Vietnam. He is also deeply dedicated to preserving that cultural heritage.
The portraits in his gallery all have stories to tell. As you gaze into the eyes of his subjects, you will wonder about their lives, hopes, losses and dreams.
Over the course of his career, Rehahn has met members of all 54 of Vietnam’s ethnic groups, along with numerous subgroups.
The traditional outfits of all 54 ethnic groups can be seen in Rehahn’s photos at the gallery. You’ll also be able to read educational materials that teach you more about the diverse cultures of these ethnic groups, as well as marvel at the textile collection donated by ethnic group chiefs.
Some of these costumes are the last remaining of their kind, and some of the documentation in the gallery is all that exists for certain sub-groups. This is your opportunity to witness culture and history you won’t find anywhere else.
Address: 26 Đường Phan Bội Châu, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam 560000
Hours: 8:00am-8:00pm, daily
7. Museum of World Coffee, Buon Ma Thuot
Source: Báo Ảnh Việt Nam
Coffee lovers in Vietnam should not miss out on the chance to visit the World Coffee Museum. Is it the best museum in Vietnam? That depends on how much you are into coffee, but it is certainly the best museum dedicated to the beloved beverage.
This unique attraction includes five unusual, curving buildings modeled on Ede traditional longhouses. From overhead, they look a bit like wisps of steam rising up from a warm mug of coffee. Although their inspiration is traditional, they feel simultaneously ancient and modern.
Let the aromas of coffee guide you through these distinctive spaces to discover exhibits of more than 10,000 objects and artifacts related to coffee.
The interactive exhibits allow you to indulge all of your senses. And, of course, you can try some delicious Vietnamese coffee for yourself to complete your tour. Be sure to purchase some coffee to bring home with you as well. With every cup you brew, you will find your mind and your senses returning to your fun day at the coffee museum.
Address: Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Tân Lợi, Buôn Ma Thuột, Đắk Lắk 630000
Hours: 7:00 am-5:30pm, daily
8. Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, Saigon
In this beautiful wooden building, you can pay your respects at a shrine to Tue Tinh and Le Huu Trac, the founding fathers of traditional Vietnamese medicine. You can then explore exhibits of herbal medicine in 18 rooms.
What makes this museum so fascinating is that herbal medicine is an intersection of different areas of knowledge. Visitors don’t just uncover the secrets of traditional medicinal practices—they also learn about their botanical ingredients. Every leaf, root, and blossom tells a story, weaving together the rich tapestry of Vietnam’s ecological and cultural heritage.
Traditional medicine in Vietnam is steeped in a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. As you examine medicinal instruments such as scales and tincture jugs, you will be learning about traditional Vietnamese values. Primary among these is the balance between primal essences. Herbal remedies seek to correct imbalances in vital forces believed to be causing illness.
Some highlights in this museum include a replica of the Royal Medicinal Academy, as well as an interactive pharmacy where you can practice designing herbal remedies. You can also purchase medicines and teas from the museum gift shop before leaving.
Address: 41 Hoàng Dư Khương, Phường 12, Quận 10, Hồ Chí Minh
Hours: 8:30 am-5:00pm, daily
9. War Remnants Museum, Saigon
If you want to understand the impact that US actions during the Vietnam War/American War had on the people of Vietnam, a visit to the War Remnants Museum is a must.
While emotionally challenging, this may be the best museum in Vietnam for learning about atrocities such as the My Lai massacre as well as the use of Agent Orange and napalm on the populace.
Exhibits include photographs, preserved military equipment and weapons, reproductions of cages for prisoners, and even some preserved fetuses in jars that display deformities as a result of exposure to Agent Orange.
Move through the museum at your own pace, allowing yourself the time to absorb the weight of its history. Pause when you need to. These stories are not easy to witness, but they must be seen, remembered, and understood. Much of what you see here will haunt you—but that is necessary. To confront the horrors of the past is to stand guard against them, ensuring that history’s darkest moments do not repeat in the future.
Address: Phường 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 700000
Hours: 7:30 am-5:30pm, daily
