Those who are interested in the history of Vietnam should visit its prison museums. From the shackles of French colonist rule to the modern-day horrors of the American War, there’s a lot to learn (and reflect on) in the confines of the narrow walls of these prisons. These museums will provide you with a jarring look into the grim lifestyle that prisoners had to endure. 1. …
Con Dao Prison – Ba Ria-Vung Tau
‘’Hell on Earth’’ was how Con Doa Prison was described during its heyday - and that alone tells you all about the dire conditions and brutal torture liberally dished out by its guards and security staff. It seems ironic that Con Dao Prison is situated on a beautiful tropical island considering the horrors that took place there. Con Son Island, where the prison is located, …
Son La Prison – Son La Province
There isn’t much left of the old Son La Prison but what has remained is still enough to send chills down the spine. Situated on the summit of Khau Ca Hill and overlooking Son La Town, this former prison is a ghastly reminder of the horrors that were regularly inflicted in the era of French rule. We have to go back to 1908 to uncover the origins of Son La Prison. It began …
Sapa Museum
The Sapa History Museum may be small, but it packs a mighty punch with its 200+ exhibits and emphasis on the region’s ethnic history. It's located in central Sapa, Lao Cai province, walking distance from the main square. Avisit to this charming museum is a great way to spend a few hours and learn more about the rich, diverse cultural genesis of not only Sapa but Vietnam as a …
Artillery Museum – Hanoi
Located in Hanoi, the Artillery Museum (Bảo Tàng Pháo Binh) displays the culture and sports of artillery command The theme of the museum’s activities and displays are geared towards educating visitors on the history of the building, fighting, conquering, and maturing the many officers and soldiers over the years. There are many informative historical treasures on display …
Logistics Museum – Hanoi
The Logistics Museum (Bảo Tàng Hậu Cần) in Hanoi is home to extensive collections of war memorabilia, such as uniforms, war keepsakes, and thousands of documents and photographs. Many of the items on the displays were donated by historical witnesses, including Senior Colonel Nguyen Viet Chien, who is the former director of the museum. One of the most impressive collections …
Vietnam National Fine Art Museum – Hanoi
Housed in an elegant 1930s French colonial building, the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi is arguably the country’s premier art museum. The building's facade and interiors are extremely well-preserved and have a compelling mix of Indochine and classical French architecture. Spanning about 3,000 square meters, the gallery space boasts a permanent collection of some …
Cu Chi Tunnels – HCMC
One of the nation’s most popular tourist attractions is the Cu Chi Tunnels. Known as the site where Vietnamese soldiers hid from the relentless onslaught of enemy bullets, today, the Cu Chi Tunnels are open for public exploration and are highly popular tourist spots. There are two main sites - Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Whilst the former is closer to Ho Chi Minh City, it is also …
Top Museums to Visit in Hanoi
Among the many sites of interest in Hanoi are numerous museums detailing the cultural heritage and often tumultuous history that occurred in Vietnam. Anyone with an interest in the Vietnamese people's struggle for liberation will find an abundance of exhibits, relics, and wreckage from those traumatic conflicts that still define the nation today. Depending on what …
Artinus 3D Art Gallery – HCMC
You don’t have to be an art expert to become entranced by Ho Chi Minh City’s Artinus 3D Art Museum. Featuring mind-bending optical illusions, 3D imagery, and over 100 paintings, this quirky exhibit transforms still paintings into immersive, cinematic backdrops. Located in District 7, this unorthodox art gallery was first opened in 2015. The 4,000 square-meter space is …
Vietnam Military History Museum – Hanoi
Previously known as the Army Museum, the Vietnam Military History Museum, in Hanoi, boasts a comprehensive array of military hardware. The artifacts come in all shapes and sizes, including decommissioned fighter jet, tanks, and the remnants of a twisted American B-52 bomber. While there is a big focus on the Vietnam War, the museum also sheds light on the country's multiple …
Vietnam National Museum of History – Hanoi
The Vietnam National Museum of History is another of Hanoi’s major institutions housed within an elegant French colonial building. A harmonious blend of early 20th century European and eastern architecture, the building has many interesting design features to admire while viewing the exhibits. The Museum Through vivid displays, the Vietnam National Museum of History presents …
Hoi An Old Town
Hoi An’s Old Town, also known as the Ancient Town, is a delightfully quaint time capsule from the days of yesteryear. Before the advent of mass industry and modern urban life, the Old Town served as an international trading post for merchants, seamen, businessmen, and humble families. Sitting on the banks of the Thu Bon River, the sailors and hopeful traders that once graced …
Hanoi Museum
Built to celebrate 1,000 years of Thang Long Hanoi, the Hanoi Museum is arguably the city’s most dramatic example of modern-day architecture. Hosting a myriad of exhibits, this museum displays multiple well-preserved statues, ceramic artifacts, and photographs as well as a few items from foreign countries. The Museum The floor area of the Hanoi Museum is scaled down from top …
Ho Chi Minh City Museum ( Dinh Gia Long)
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a historic exhibit in its own right. Once known as Gia Long Palace, this impressive 19th-century neo-classical building is adorned with a mix of Oriental design features. There is an abundance of sculptures both inside and out as well as elaborate ceramic tile flooring in the corridors and galleries. The Museum The Ho Chi Minh City Museum …
Phu Quoc Prison Museum – Phu Quoc Island
Long before foreign tourists thronged the famed tropical beaches, Phu Quoc was home to a notorious island prison camp. Also known as Coconut Tree Prison, this museum the darker side of humanity during war and times of political upheaval in Vietnam. History Built by the French, and used throughout the Vietnam War, the museum looks just like a classic war prison camp. The …
Vietnam Museum of Nature – Hanoi
The Vietnam Museum of Nature is tucked away inside the Academy of Science and Technology of Vietnam in Hanoi. Although extremely compact in size, it showcases more than 1,000 specimens covering a broad range of natural history. Acting as Vietnam’s foremost natural history museum, this site is an important center of research and education. Exhibits at the Museum of …
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – Hanoi
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology offers a window into the country’s vast melting pot of ethnic communities. There are more than 50 different ethnic groups across the nation and the museum serves to not only preserve their cultural diversity but also educate visitors in a variety of interactive ways. The Museum Housing comprehensive collections of tribal art and artifacts, as …
Museum of Ba Ria – Vung Tau
The Vung Tau Provincial Museum has a distinctive façade featuring white and gold art-deco style curves representing the waves of the ocean. It offers a good introduction to the province’s natural eco-systems, diverse ethnic communities, traditions, and thousands of years of history. The museum follows a chronological journey through the region’s history, from prehistoric …
Ho Chi Minh Museum – Hanoi
Some things in life just have to be seen to be believed, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum is definitely one of them. Dedicated to the life of the former President, the museum lies in the heart of the Ho Chi Minh complex in Hanoi and is only a short distance away from his final resting place. The first thing you notice when you arrive at the museum is its construction. Built in a …