Museum of Ho Chi Minh City — Attraction in Ho Chi Minh City

The museum is placed in a beautiful but quite neglected building in a very central HCM area. The exhibited airplanes outside try to remind the recent big war like in every other museum, but the machines seemingly haven't been cleaned for many years. The inside exhibition is very modest. There's not much to see. The exhibition mentions today's minorities (like Cham and Khmer people) but mostly tries to convince this is a Vietnamese area whereas historically this region belonged to the Khmer people for over 1500 years until Vietnamese invasion. There are seriously lacking Vietnamese history elements but there are BIG exhibitions of rather recent industrial development items (really they didn't even choose anything special but bunch of photos of workers in factories and some factory equipment...) and 2008 sending first Vietnamese satellite to the space, like if there weren't thousand more important things for visitors to learn about roots of this old ethnic group. The museum had whole big empty spaces and rooms that could have been filled with history, stories, items, but what can I do. I would go to a museum even to see a misery like this, because I go to museums on 1-2 days of my trips, but I would not come back to this museum. The ticket price is very affordable, of course, but it's not worth the time. There are also some socialistic absurds. For sure it is the most important thing for visitors to see "a sewing machine on which flags were tailored during revolution", and a chair with a desk on which some unknown local leader of some group of people was sitting, farting, and wrote something on a sheet of paper, and then said that aloud in front of a number of people. I need to know history, not propaganda, and this museum doesn't offer much...

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum, housed in a beautiful colonial-era building, offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam's rich history and culture. Located near the city center, the museum showcases a range of exhibits, from ancient artifacts to displays chronicling Vietnam's fight for independence. The museum’s architecture is impressive, blending French colonial design with traditional Vietnamese elements.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits that cover key events in Ho Chi Minh City’s development, including the Vietnamese struggle against French and American forces. There are also rooms dedicated to traditional crafts, local customs, and economic transformations.

While the museum is informative, some exhibits feel dated, with limited English translations. However, the building itself is a highlight, with its sweeping staircases and ornate details. For history buffs or those curious about the cultural and political evolution of Vietnam, this museum provides a solid overview.

Overall, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about Vietnam’s complex past. It may not be the most interactive experience, but it provides valuable insights into the historical context of this vibrant city. The modest entrance fee makes it an accessible stop...

This is one of Ho Chi Minh City's many museums.   And it is one of the more historical ones.

Built in 1890, it was once named named the Gia Long Palace - after the founding emperor of tue Nguyen dysnasty a.ka. Vietnam's last dynasty.

This temporarily served as the Presidential Palace back in 1962 after the old Presidential Palace was bombed.   In 1963, it was here where President Diem was before he went to the Cha Tam Church to hide (he was assasinated shortly after).

The highlight of the building is the beautiful spiral staircase in the middle.  The French style windows are also gorgeous.

It also houses a lot of artifacts and photo displays that reflect the old Vietnamese way of life.  Among the displays that interested us are the old historical notes and coins.

Outside the palace are some tanks and aircraft the Americans left during the war.  The spoils of war as some would call it. Their is also a nice old black car at near the gate entrance.

Therr are not a lot of tourists that comes here.  But the place does have a lot of photo and Instagram opportunities.   During our visit, we saw at least two couples having their pre-nuptial photo shoots.

PRO TIP:  It's a must visit in Saigon if you are planning to stay in Saigon for more...