3rd Military Region Museum (Hai Phong): The ultimate guide

Contents

1. Overview of the 3rd Military Region Museum

• Address: 254 Le Duan Street, Kien An Ward, Hai Phong

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 11:30 AM & 1 PM – 4 PM (closed on weekends)

Tucked away in the heart of Hai Phong, the 3rd Military Region Museum has stood as a pillar of national memory since October 10, 1969. Originally modest in scale, the museum was completely revamped and reopened on October 31, 2000. It now curates more than 10,500 artifacts and documents that reflect the proud journey of the armed forces of Military Region 3 – the unit responsible for Hai Phong, the Red River Delta, and parts of the North Central region. From pre-revolutionary resistance movements to post-unification defense campaigns, each display serves as a tribute to the region’s deep roots.

War memorabilia meticulously preserved in climate-controlled displays (Source: Collected)

2. Exhibitions at the 3rd Military Region Museum

The museum’s 1,800-m² indoor exhibition space is packed with over 3,000 artifacts and documents, split into four major chronological sections:

• Section I: Red River Delta – Inter-zone 3 – Military Region 3
  This opening gallery sets the stage with a deep dive into the Red River Delta – an area known not just for rice fields and riverways but also for revolutionaries.
• Section II: The Resistance Against the French (1945 – 1954)
  This section pays tribute to the fighters of Inter-zone 3 during Vietnam’s first war for independence, featuring battlefield relics, tactical maps, and rare photographs.
• Section III: The War Against the US (1955 – 1975)
  From rusted rifles to personal letters soaked in sacrifice, this section vividly captures the 20-year resistance against American forces.
• Section IV: Building and Protecting the Nation (1976 – today)
  Here, you will find more contemporary military gear and documents showcasing how the region’s armed forces evolved to meet new challenges.

Each exhibition chronicles a different chapter in the region’s military journey (Source: Collected)

Outside, a 500-m² open-air exhibition space hosts 20 large-scale artifacts – tanks, anti-aircraft guns, and even warplanes. You will also encounter the mobile exhibition with 400m² of mounted panels. 

To tie everything together, the 3rd Military Region Museum incorporates seven curated themes throughout its spaces:

1. Reception Hall – A formal entryway that introduces visitors to the museum’s purpose and mission.
2. 3D Terrain Model – A sandbox-style diorama that shows the full scope and strategic layout of the 3rd Military Region.
3. Commanders’ Hall of Fame – A tribute to the generals and political leaders who shaped regional strategy.
4. Anti-French Resistance – Highlighting the fight for independence against colonial rule.
5. Anti-American Resistance – Deep, visceral insights into the Second Indochina War.
6. Post-war Defense and Development – The transformation of war forces into peace protectors.
7. Outdoor Display – Weapons that earned their place in history, alongside bomb fragments and other exhibits that document wartime destruction, especially from American air raids.

War relics on display outside (Source: Collected)

Read more: Things to do in Hai Phong: A full guide for your trip

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3. Tips for visiting the 3rd Military Region Museum

3.1. Directions

Getting to the 3rd Military Region Museum is simple. From Hai Phong Railway Station, follow To Hieu Street, Tran Nguyen Han Street, Niem Bridge, and Le Duan Street. The entire trip covers about 7.5 kilometers, which is a quick 20-minute drive. Regarding the means of transportation, the most convenient option is En Vang Taxi. En Vang Taxi is the exclusive partner of Xanh SM – Vietnam’s pioneering electric taxi service. Other reputable taxi providers in the area include Mai Linh, Vinasun, and Taxi Dat Cang.

3.2. Nearby attractions

If you are planning an itinerary around the 3rd Military Region Museum, you are in luck. The surrounding area offers a rich blend of spiritual, historical, and architectural attractions:

• Hong Phuc Pagoda (650 meters away): With its ancient tiled roofs, weathered stone statues, and gentle incense aroma wafting through the air, this pagoda offers a calm retreat for reflection.
• Du Hang Pagoda (6.4 kilometers away): As one of Hai Phong’s oldest pagodas, Du Hang Pagoda dates back over 300 years. It features elaborate wood carvings, dragon motifs, and a peaceful garden with bonsai trees.
• Hai Phong Museum (7.7 kilometers away): If you are intrigued by the military theme at the 3rd Military Region Museum, Hai Phong Museum provides a perfect historical counterbalance. It explores the city’s transformation from a colonial port to an industrial hub.
• Hai Phong Opera House (7.9 kilometers away): Built in 1905 during the French colonial era, Hai Phong Opera House is a local icon of Old World charm.

Du Hang Pagoda offers a spiritual counterbalance to the museum’s wartime weight (Source: Collected)

3.3. Notes

• Visit the 3rd Military Region Museum at around 8-10 AM or 3-4 PM for cooler weather and better lighting.
• Plan your trip around April 30, September 2, or December 22 to catch commemorative events and special exhibitions.
• Wear comfy clothes and shoes. Don’t forget a hat, water, and camera.

A visit to the 3rd Military Region Museum is more than just a walk through history – it is a crash course in courage, hardship, and unwavering patriotism.

After exploring powerful wartime stories, wrap up your day with a burst of energy and excitement at VinWonders Vu Yen – Hai Phong’s premier destination for entertainment. Located on Vinhomes Royal Island and covering nearly 20 hectares, this amusement park features a massive themed zoo that has the biggest number of animal species in Northern Vietnam, a high-thrill water park with 10 state-of-the-art games, and the biggest outdoor playground in the city.

VinWonders Vu Yen offers a perfect escape for both groups and solo travelers

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