Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum: A must-see for history buffs

Contents

1. Introduction to Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum

• Address: 2 Le Duan Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (closed on weekends)

• Ticket price: Free

Located in the heart of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is a prominent historical site covering an area of approximately 6,000 square meters. Established in 1987, it was known as Ho Chi Minh Campaign Exhibition Hall. This architectural masterpiece, designed by the French in the early 20th century, once served as the National Defense College of the Saigon Government before 1975.

Explore Vietnam’s historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign at the museum (Source: Collected)

The museum showcases the 1975 Spring Offensive, which culminated in the victorious Ho Chi Minh Campaign from April 26 to April 30, 1975. This campaign marked the decisive end of Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation. 

The museum consists of two main sections: a 1,000-square-meter indoor exhibition area and a 2,000-square-meter outdoor exhibition area. It provides profound insights into the hardships of war and the unyielding spirit of Vietnamese people.

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2. Highlights at Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum

The museum houses over 6,293 artifacts and over 500 photos. These priceless pieces attract history enthusiasts eager to delve into the past.

2.1. Outdoor exhibition area

The outdoor exhibition area of Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is a standout feature among museums in Ho Chi Minh City. It showcases military vehicles such as planes, anti-aircraft guns, and tanks used in the campaign. Visitors can also see remnants of destroyed American military equipment, which vividly illustrate the war’s intensity. A victory monument stands prominently, symbolizing the nation’s reunification.

The remains of an American aircraft shot down by Vietnamese forces (Source: Collected)

2.2. Indoor exhibition area

Inside, the exhibits of Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum are arranged into six themes, tracing the timeline of the campaign:

• From the Paris Agreement to the Phuoc Long Victory (1973 – January 1975)
• Tay Nguyen Campaign (March 4 – April 3, 1975)
• Hue-Da Nang Campaign (March 5 – March 29, 1975)
• Ho Chi Minh Campaign (April 26 – April 30, 1975)
• Ho Chi Minh Campaign Command Headquarters
• The Fall of the Saigon Regime

Visitors can admire hundreds of artifacts, including weapons, banners, motorbikes used for delivering combat orders, bicycles used for transporting supplies, etc. Other notable exhibits include the uniform, diary, and magnifying glass of General Van Tien Dung, who played a pivotal role in the campaign. 

At the heart of the indoor exhibition is a massive 60-square-meter diorama depicting the campaign’s key events. A nearby screen presents a film about the campaign in Vietnamese, English, and French.

The indoor exhibition area features thousands of valuable artifacts (Source: Collected)

2.3. Historical photos and documents

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum features photographs and documents that capture the campaign’s essence and reflect the strategic brilliance of Vietnamese people. Among them are:

• A photograph of two T-59 tanks breaking through the gates of the Independence Palace.
• A classified telegram from General Vo Nguyen Giap to the 2nd Corps.
• Colonel Khuat Duy Tien’s decoy strategy plan, which altered the war’s outcome.
• A nearly intact draft of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign plan.

The iconic photo of the T-59 tank breaking through the gates of the Independence Palace (Source: Collected)

2.4. Two national treasures

The museum also preserves two national treasures, which provide a glimpse into the meticulous planning and execution of the campaign:

• The Ho Chi Minh Campaign duty logbook chronicled daily developments from April 25 to May 1, 1975. This document recorded details such as military movements, food supplies, and key targets in Saigon.
• The Ho Chi Minh Campaign determination map (replica) was used by the General Staff of the Liberation Army from April 15 to April 21, 1975. It includes the signatures of General Van Tien Dung and Politburo member Pham Hung.

The Ho Chi Minh Campaign duty logbook – a priceless national treasure (Source: Collected)

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3. Tips for visitors to Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum

3.1. How to get there?

Located in District 1’s bustling center, the museum is easily accessible by various means:

• By bus: For an authentic local experience, hop on one of the buses that stop near the museum, including routes 05, 06, 14, 19, and 30.
• By taxi: If you prefer convenience, taxis are a reliable choice. Consider taking a Xanh SM Taxi for a smooth, eco-friendly ride in an electric car.
• By personal vehicle: If you are driving from the city center, follow this route: Nguyen Hue Street → turn left onto Le Thanh Ton Street → turn right onto Pasteur Street → turn right onto Le Duan Street. The museum will be on your left.

3.2. What to note?

Here are some visitor tips for your wonderful visit to Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum:

• Dress modestly to honor the solemn atmosphere of the museum
• Do not litter
• Walk quietly and speak softly while inside the museum
• Put your phone on silent mode to avoid disturbing others
• Take photos or videos only in designated areas, and avoid using flash photography to preserve the artifacts
• Consider hiring a guide for in-depth information about the exhibits and their historical context

3.3. Where to go nearby?

After exploring Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum, you can enhance your visit by checking out these nearby attractions:

• History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City (about 300 meters away): Established in 1929, this is the first museum in southern Vietnam and a fine example of neo-Indochinese architecture. Here, you can explore over 43,000 artifacts and documents, including 12 national treasures, that span thousands of years of Vietnam’s history.

• Ho Chi Minh City Book Street (about 900 meters away): A charming destination for book lovers. Here, you can browse a wide selection of books, enjoy coffee under the trees, and participate in activities such as live portrait sketching.

• Independence Palace (about 1.3 kilometers away): This historical site witnessed pivotal moments in Vietnam’s history, including the country’s reunification in 1975. Visitors can admire the blend of modern and traditional architecture, see precious artifacts, and admire replicas of the tanks that stormed the gates of the palace.
• Ho Chi Minh City Museum (about 1.7 kilometers away): Housed in a century-old colonial building, this museum showcases a harmonious blend of Asian and European architectural styles. Its nine exhibition areas cover the city’s natural history, archeology, geography, and culture, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Saigon’s heritage.

The Independence Palace, another must-see for history enthusiasts (Source: Collected)

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is more than a historical site; it is a tribute to Vietnam’s resilience. Through its extensive displays of artifacts, photographs, and immersive exhibits, the museum offers a profound understanding of the nation’s journey to independence.

After an enriching journey through history, it is time to enjoy endless entertainment at Grand Park in Thu Duc City. Key highlights here include the Tropical Island water park with a variety of thrilling slides, the Dream Garden amusement park with adrenaline-packed games, and the tranquil Lake Beach for unwinding.

Grand Park seamlessly combines natural beauty with state-of-the-art activities

One of the park’s most unforgettable attractions is the dazzling Fantasy On Ice skating rink. This ice rink brings the magic of winter to life with snow-themed activities year-round.

The Fantasy On Ice skating rink offers a unique icy adventure in Ho Chi Minh City

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