Vietnam National Museum of History — Attraction in Hà Nội

Lots to learn here. There are two buildings of historical displays for you to enjoy, and they are very detailed. You have the option to get a tour guide or an audio guide, but we didn't get either. Just walking around and reading displays took us about two hours.

The first building is dedicated to prehistoric artifacts like skulls, pottery, jewelry, carvings, dioramas, and the like. We learned a lot here about how even the first people in Vietnam resisted invasion by the Chinese (as they did later on in their more modern history), and how there used to be monarchial rule in the country.

The second building is home to perhaps some of the more famous Vietnamese history, where they struggled for independence against French colonial rule, and of course the Vietnamese-American war. They have interesting artifacts like notebooks from Ho Chi Minh himself, early flags from the founders of the Vietnamese Communist Party, and even the tail of a bomb that was dropped on one of the provinces. They have very well-curated displays and extensive archives, so you'll really have a lot to read and take in.

Since we visited during independence day weekend, we were also lucky to find the Binh Dan Hoc Vu exhibit, which was about education. I am not sure how long this exhibit runs, but it shared a lot about the government's effort to educate people post-war.

My only comment is that I wish the building itself was more... fixed? The exhibits are great but the building is a little worn down, and I think it's in the best interest of the guests and the displays themselves if there were to be a safer museum environment. Still, the museum staff are very attentive and did a great job of attending to any questions we had.

Minor note is that they do have a lunch break at 12nn. So even if you're in the museum during the said lunch break, you will be asked to go out and come back at 1pm. This was fine and customary I think in many...

It was simply fantastic - and, to quote Nat King Cole, absolutely 'unforgettable' as well.

If you are a museum/ history/ culture lover, you simply can't miss this place - the Vietnamese National Museum in Hanoi is absolutely unmissable.

The entry ticket is priced at a very reasonable 40,000 VND (Vietnamese Dong). However, I recommend that you have time in hand (at least 3-4 hrs) to complete the museum tour. Also do carry a bottle of water.

The museum is housed in 2 separate buildings/ complexes - across the road from each other. The entry ticket covers the cost of entry to both the buildings. There is also a Highlands Coffee shop in the complex of one of the museum buildings - which is perfect for a quick lunch or a heavy snack.

As an Indian, I simply went ga-ga over the stunning Hindu exhibits from the Cham civilisation on the second floor of the main building - which had statues of the Hindu god Shiva, lion busts and Garuda statues amongst others. On the same (second) floor, there were also some very nice exhibits detailing the historical Vietnamese struggle for independence from the Chinese, the subsequent battles (including a couple of famous naval ones) and the resultant (Dai Viet/ Vietnamese) victories.

The first floor mainly contained exhibits from a prehistoric age - which didn't interest me much.

There are also some exhibits in the garden outside the main building, which contain Cham inscriptions and tablets, amongst other things.

In all, it was a superbly fantastic and absolutely unmissable experience (even though I could only cover 1 building out of 2 - due to paucity of time). Miss it at your own risk - especially if you are a museo-phile/...

Stepping into the Vietnam National Museum of History, I embarked on a journey through the rich tapestry of Vietnam's past. Each exhibit, meticulously curated and thoughtfully presented, offered a glimpse into the nation's storied history and cultural heritage.

As I wandered through the halls, I was struck by the resilience and strength of the Vietnamese people in the face of adversity. From the struggles against foreign colonization to the trials of war and conflict, the museum's exhibits illuminated the triumphs and tribulations of generations past.

One exhibit, in particular, left a profound impact on me. It chronicled the human cost of war, showcasing artifacts and personal stories that spoke to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and perished in defense of their homeland. Standing before the relics of a bygone era, I was overwhelmed by a wave of emotion, my heart heavy with sorrow for the lives lost and the suffering endured.

Yet, amidst the darkness of war and conflict, there were also moments of hope and resilience. Another exhibit celebrated the vibrant cultural heritage of Vietnam, showcasing traditional arts, crafts, and customs passed down through generations. Here, I found solace in the beauty and richness of the country's cultural legacy, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Leaving the museum, I couldn't shake the weight of the experience from my mind. It was a poignant reminder of the fragility of peace and the resilience of the human spirit. But above all, it was a call to action, urging me to remember the lessons of the past and strive for a future of peace, understanding, and...