ietnam National Museum of History Hanoi is home to rich and diverse collections of historical relics and thematic exhibitions on Vietnamese culture and history. The museum gives visitors a broad overview of the development of Vietnam from the prehistoric period through the national formation period, a very thorough and comprehensive historical outlook that other museums cannot offer.

Let explore this museum with AZ Local Trip. Don’t miss all the local tips at the bottom of this guide!

>> You might want to see: Hanoi Best Things To Do

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Introduction to the National Museum of Vietnamese History 

Opened on September 26, 2011, the museum in French Quarter Hanoi is an integration of the former Vietnam History Museum and the Museum of Vietnamese Revolution. The two museums, one situated at No.1 Trang Tien Street and the other located at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, make up an impressive architectural complex adjoining the Hanoi Opera House.

4.000 square meters in space, the museum is now housing over 200.000 objects and materials which are relics of Vietnamese history flowing from pre-history to present. Housed in a colonial French building which is a cupola-shaped edifice, the museum was designed as a combination of French and Chinese architecture. The building designed by Hebrard, an eminent French architect, and urban planner, incorporates double walls and balconies for a natural airing system and protection from sunshine.

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Vietnam National Museum of HistoryThe interior of the Vietnam National Museum of History

Vietnam History Museum Address, Opening Hours and Ticket Price

Address

  • 1 Trang Tien St and 216 Tran Quang Khai St, Hanoi.

Opening hours

  • Morning: from 8:00 to 12:00.
  • Afternoon: from 13:30 to 17:00.
  • Closed on the first Monday of every month.

Ticket price

  • Adults: 40.000 VND per person
  • Student from college and university: 20.000 VND per student.
  • Pupil from school: 10.000 VND per student.
  • Free admission for children under 6 years old and disabilities.
  • Reduced admission: 50% discount for the beneficiaries of preferential policies, the elderly, disabilities.
  • Media fee (optional)
    • Photograph fee: 30.000 VND/ camera.
    • Video fee: 400.000 VND/ camera.

the entrance ticket

How the entrance ticket looks like

  • Tel: (04) 38252853
  • Email: banbientap@baotanglichsu.vn
  • Website: http://www.baotanglichsu.vn/

The History Museum Hanoi Structure

Site One of the National Museum History

Located at No.1 Trang Tien Street (the former Vietnam History Museum), the first site is a well-structured historic building displaying collections relating to Vietnam’s history from the prehistoric period to the end of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1945. Originally the Louis Finot Museum, the museum building was designed as a major landmark of great architectural distinction, combining Eastern architectural elements in harmonious fusion with Western aesthetic features. The main permanent exhibition includes:

  • Collection on Vietnam in the Prehistoric Times (c. 400.000 – 300.000 to 4.000 BP).
  • Collection on Vietnam in the Early Stage of National Building (c. 4.000 to the 3rd century BC).
  • Vietnam from the 1st to the 10th century AD.
  • Vietnam from the 10th to the mid-20th century AD, including:
    • Ngo – Dinh – Early Le Dynasties (938 – 1009 AD)
    • Ly – Tran Dynasties (1009 – 1400 AD)
    • Ho Dynasties (1400 – 1407 AD)
    • Le – Mac – Restored Le Dynasties (1428 – 1788 AD)
    • Tay Son Dynasties (1778 – 1802 AD)
    • Nguyen Dynasties (1802 – 1945 AD)
  • Collection of Artifacts from the early 20th century.
  • Collection of Champa Stone Sculpture (7th to 13th century AD).
  • The struggles for the independence of the Vietnamese people (1858 – 1945).

Battle of Bach Dang in 1288

A painting of the Battle of Bach Dang in 1288 (Ngo – Dinh – Early Le Dynasty)

Site Two of the Hanoi History Museum

Site Two is situated across the road at 216 Tran Quang Khai (former Museum of Vietnamese Revolution), and the ticket is valid for entry here too. Though generally less dazzling than site one located at Trang Tien Street, it is still interesting to spin through the rooms at this site, which include:

  • Thirty years of resistance against foreign invaders to sustain independence and unify the country (1945 – 1975).
  • Vietnam on the path to building prosperous people, strong country and fair, democratic and civilized society (1976 – present).
  • Gifts from the Vietnamese people and international friends of Vietnam to President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam.

A return to form with the struggles against exterior forces at Site Two

The rooms covering Vietnam’s blossoming into the modern area intriguingly showcase industrially produced items such as carpets, tires, batteries and other items deemed necessary in a socialist utopia. It is a great overview for the tourists to discover the kind of government the Vietnamese live under and the military angle on history.

King’s Gold seal in the Nguyen Dynasty

The King’s Gold seal in the Nguyen Dynasty 

Visitors may have to use full imagination as well as sensitivity to understand artifacts and relics exhibited in the museum since the descriptions of objects are quite sparse and many of them are in Vietnamese.

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Local Tips for Visiting Vietnam National Museum of History Hanoi

  • Visitors can feel free to wear whatever comfortable and convenient but in a respectful and proper manner.
  • Smoking, eating, making loud noises or touching objects and displays are not allowed in the museum.
  • Since Site One on Trang Tien Street is bigger and covers a larger scope of history, it is recommended to spend more time at this site.
  • A free English audio tour is available in this museum building but the table offering headsets is not obvious which the tourists should keep an eye out for.

Ancient ceramics used in Nguyen Kings’ imperial palace

Ancient ceramics used in Nguyen Kings’ imperial palace

  • How to get there

Regarding transportation, Vietnam National Museum of History is in walkable distance from Hoan Kiem Lake, about 10 minutes by walking. It only takes 5 minutes to get from Hoan Kiem Lake to the museum by car. There is a parking lot right outside the museum (Bãi Đá) on Tran Quang Khai Street which is very convenient.

The museum is located in the heart of Hanoi close to many sacred relics such as Turtle Tower – Hoan Kiem Lake; The Huc Bridge – Ngoc Son Temple – But Thap Tower where visitors can come by after visiting the museum.

Other interesting places near Vietnam National Museum of History

  • Hanoi Opera House

Located right next to Vietnam national museum of history and near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House is one of the must-see destinations for any tourist traveling in Hanoi. Built in 1911 and based on French Style, Hanoi Opera House is the biggest opera house in Vietnam up to now, which keeps a big value of culture and history. Coming to this opera house, you can not only learn more about the typical characteristic of Hanoi but also contemplate its beautiful architecture and immerse yourself into the wonderful concert in Hanoi Opera House. The ticket price for a concert only ranges from 200.000 VND.

  • Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Also located near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoa Lo Prison Museum is one of the famous places in Hanoi that can’t miss. This museum is distinctive from other ones in Hanoi since the authentic scene in the past war reappears in the most real way so that tourists can most understand about Vietnamese history and what brave Vietnamese people used to suffer. Here you can see different cell rooms rebuilt and many sculptures in shapes of miserable Vietnamese who were cruelly tortured, which will definitely surprise you. Besides, the entrance fee for both kid and adult is just 30.000 VND.

  • Thang Long Art Gallery

Situated right in 41 Hang Gai, included in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, it is convenient to find out Thang Long Art Gallery. This gallery gathers the most beautiful and valuable works of Vietnamese artists so that you can gain more understanding about Vietnamese art through unique pictures here. Visiting Thang Long Art gallery, you will have a chance to admire the incredible display of wonderful photos and painting with high quality. If you are interested in these pictures, you also buy one to bring home.

If you want any further advice and information, feel free to contact us, the AZ Local Trip team. It is our pleasure to help you!