Top 6 Awesome Museums In Hanoi Must-visit

Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital steeped in history and culture, hosts an array of captivating museums that provide glimpses into the country's rich past and vibrant present.

From the diverse ethnic heritage showcased at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to the profound narratives of Vietnam's past at the National Museum of History and the personal legacy of Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Discover artistic treasures at the Fine Arts Museum, and delve into the nation's military history at the Army Museum. Each museum reveals a different aspect of Vietnam's rich history, providing an immersive journey into the country's past and present.

The following is a list of museums that visitors should visit at least once when coming to Hanoi. Let's find out with Hanoi Voyages!

Top 6 museums in Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh Museum

The Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi honors Vietnam's beloved leader, Ho Chi Minh, through his life, work, and revolutionary journey. Situated near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, this museum offers an immersive and comprehensive portrayal of Ho Chi Minh's legacy.

The museum's exhibits are presented through a combination of photographs, artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays. They trace Ho Chi Minh's life from his childhood to his role in Vietnam's struggle for independence and his leadership during the war years. The museum highlights his ideology, political contributions, and the profound impact he had on the history of the country.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 8:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m
• Monday & Friday: closed

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi serves as a cultural treasure, immersing visitors in the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of Vietnam's many ethnic communities.

Through meticulously curated exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays, the museum showcases the unique heritage of over 50 ethnic groups in Vietnam. Visitors can explore traditional houses, ceremonial objects, textiles, musical instruments, and religious artifacts, gaining valuable insights into the customs, rituals, and daily lives of these communities.

The entrance fee to the Museum of Ethnology is 40,000 VND/person. To learn more deeply, you can hire an interpretation service at the museum. The cost of interpretation in French/English for the indoor area is 100,000 VND.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday - Sunday: 8:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m
• Monday and Lunar New Year: closed

Vietnam National Museum of History

The Vietnam National Museum of History in Hanoi is a treasure trove of Vietnam's historical heritage, showcasing artifacts and exhibitions from the country

The Vietnam National Museum of History stores and preserves about 200,000 objects and materials of Vietnamese cultural history among which there are nearly 110,000 antiques and 19 national treasures from prehistory to 1945. Exhibits cover various periods, including the Dong Son civilization, Cham and Khmer cultures, the feudal dynasties, colonial eras, and modern Vietnamese history.

Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, including ancient pottery, bronze drums, sculptures, royal artifacts, and documents depicting the country's evolution over time. The museum's exhibits provide insights into Vietnam's cultural, social, and political development, providing a more comprehensive understanding.

Opening hours: Opens daily except the first Monday of every month, 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m

Vietnamese Women's Museum

The Vietnamese Women's Museum holds a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits depicting Vietnamese women's lives throughout history. From difficulties during the war to modern-day challenges faced by women, the museum praises the contributions of women in Vietnamese society, culture, and history.

The Vietnamese Women's Museum was renovated and upgraded in a modern, eye-catching style, including two main and auxiliary buildings as well as a restaurant and coffee shop. The main building has four floors, each with a different theme artifacts on display.

Opening hours: Everyday: 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison, often referred to as the "Hanoi Hilton," is a historic site in Hanoi with a complex and poignant history. The prison, which was built by French colonialists in the late 1800s, was used to detain political prisoners, especially during the Vietnamese struggle for independence.

The prison's exhibits and displays narrate the stories of the prisoners who were detained here, showcasing the harsh conditions they endured and their resilience in the face of adversity. It covers the period of French colonial rule as well as the imprisonment of American prisoners during the Vietnam War.

The cost of a day tour of Hoa Lo prison is 30,000 VND per person. Visitors can rent the Hoa Lo Prison audio guide service (walkie-talkie with headphones) for 50,000 VND/person to listen to explanations and quotes from people who were imprisoned in this prison.

Opening hours:

• Everyday: 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m
• Some experiential tours are open from 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm.

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum is one of the nation's most important institutions, where it displays documents, artifacts and typical works from every era of national life, from early prehistory and classical antiquity through to the epic story of Vietnamese creative genius in the modern era.

The museum's extensive collection includes traditional paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lacquerware, and contemporary art pieces. Visitors can explore various galleries displaying Vietnamese art from different historical periods, showcasing the evolution of styles, techniques, and themes.

From ancient Cham artifacts to modern Vietnamese masterpieces, the museum provides insights into the country's artistic traditions, cultural influences, and the fusion of traditional and contemporary artistic expressions. Notable artists and their works are featured, offering a comprehensive overview of Vietnam's vibrant art scene.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday - Sunday: 8:30 a.m - 5:00 p.m
• Monday and Lunar New Year: closed

Tips when visiting museums

The museum is one of the most popular attractions in Vietnam as well as Hanoi. Below are some useful tips to have the best experience at museums in Hanoi

The top museums in Hanoi provide a captivating journey through Vietnam's rich history, culture and artistry. Each museum, with its exhibits, artifacts and narratives, offers a unique lens through which to appreciate the resilience, creativity, and diversity that define Vietnam's captivating cultural landscape.