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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 well as full-size replicas of traditional village homes, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi is an important site of ethnological research.

Image of the Trong Dong Building, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Ha Noi
Trong Dong Building, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Ha Noi. Photo: Shane R

Using multi-media, live demonstrations of performance art, and cultural practices, such as water puppet theatre and calligraphy, visitors have the option to explore the museum on their own or hire a tour guide.

If you prefer to explore alone, there is no need to worry about not understanding displays being that the exhibits are labeled in Vietnamese, French, and English.

Exhibits at Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Image of the Bahnar Communal House at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi
Bahnar Communal House at Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi. Photo: Richard Mortel

At the museum, there are more than 15,000 items from multiple ethnic groups including the Viet, H’Mong-Dao, Hoa, and Khmer. The exhibits are divided into sections focused on specific ethnic groupings, showcasing their distinctive cultural identity relating to weddings, funeral ceremonies, festivals, and other spiritual beliefs.

Displays showcase everything from priceless antiques to traditional costumes, jewelry, and everyday items as well as abundant photographs, video, and audio recordings.

Image of the Ede longhouse at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Ha Noi
The reconstructed Ede longhouse of a Ky village family. Photo: Rungbachduong

The outdoor display area showcases full-size reconstructions of traditional homes with native flora planted alongside each lodging. Highlighting the diverse and distinct architectural styles found throughout each region, two popular attractions are the Ede longhouse and Tay stilt house.

Furthermore, the museum also houses a growing collection of South-East Asian exhibits such as string puppets of Myanmar and Indonesian glass paintings.

Getting There

Image of the Trong Dong Building at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Ha Noi
Trong Dong Building, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Photo: NamHyHoangPhong

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is located in the Cau Giay district, which lies about 7km from the city center. Expect a 20-minute journey by taxi or take a #14 bus departing near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Details

Address : Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Quan Hoa, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội 100000

Phone: +84 4 3836 0350

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Website: vme.org.vn