15 museums in Ho Chi Minh City for your next visit

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1. Top historical museums in Ho Chi Minh City to visit

Historical museums in Ho Chi Minh City allow you to explore Vietnam’s rich past. Here are some notable ones.

1.1. War Remnants Museum

• Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3

• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Ticket price: VND 40,000

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most iconic museums in Ho Chi Minh City. It preserves powerful documents, photographs, and artifacts from Vietnam’s resistance wars against the French and Americans.

Here, you can see over 20,000 items displayed across eight themed exhibitions. The exhibits provide an emotional glimpse into the hardships of war. Highlights include the tiger cages in Con Dao, execution tools, and a range of images depicting the devastating effects of Agent Orange. They will give you a deeper understanding of the wars’ brutal realities and its impact on Vietnamese people.

The War Remnants Museum tops the list of must-visit Ho Chi Minh City museums (Source: Collected)

1.2. Ho Chi Minh Museum in Saigon

• Address: 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM – 5 PM
• Ticket price: Free

Ho Chi Minh Museum, also known as Nha Rong Wharf, is an essential addition to the list of must-visit museums in Ho Chi Minh City for history enthusiasts. This site marks the starting point of Ho Chi Minh’s journey to seek independence for Vietnam. Here on June 5, 1911, he boarded the ship Amiral Latouche Tréville, departing for his mission.

Inside, the museum offers seven exhibition rooms. Four focus on Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary career while the other three explore his departure, his connection with the southern region, and the admiration he earned from its people. In the courtyard, you will see a statue of Ho Chi Minh gazing toward the Saigon River. This monument is a tribute to his historic journey and enduring legacy.

1.3. Ho Chi Minh City Museum

• Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1
• Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
• Ticket price: VND 30,000

Ho Chi Minh City Museum is one of the city’s most beautiful museums. Built in the late 19th century, this neoclassical French mansion features intricate sculptures, arched doorways, and a spacious garden. Its stunning architecture alone makes it worth a visit.

Inside, the museum showcases nine exhibition rooms. Each will take you through a distinct theme, such as Saigon’s history, archaeology, cultural heritage, and revolutionary struggle. Notable highlights include artifacts from the resistance wars and a collection of Vietnamese currency.

Here, you can also explore special themed exhibits, an exhibition hall, and an outdoor display area with aircraft and weaponry.

Like other Saigon museums, Ho Chi Minh City Museum provides a deeper understanding of the city (Source: Collected)

1.4. History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City

• Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1
• Opening hours: 8 AM – 11:30 AM | 1 PM – 5 PM (closed on Monday)
• Ticket price: VND 30,000

When you explore Ho Chi Minh City museums, don’t miss the History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City. Established in 1929, it is not only the city’s oldest museum but also the first museum in southern Vietnam. Designed by French architect Delaval, the building beautifully combines European and Vietnamese architectural styles. Here, you will find 18 interconnected exhibition rooms spanning 3,000 square meters. These rooms showcase over 40,000 artifacts from diverse cultures.

The exhibitions are divided into two sections. The first highlights Vietnam’s history from prehistoric times to the Nguyen dynasty. The second focuses on southern Vietnamese cultures and other Asian civilizations, including the Oc Eo culture, the Mekong Delta’s ancient heritage, and Cham art.

1.5. Independence Palace – a must-visit in Saigon for historical artifacts

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1
• Opening hours:
  • Main building: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Exhibition room “From Norodom Palace to the Independence Palace 1868 – 1966”: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Ticket price:
  • Main building only: VND 40,000 (adults) | VND 10,000 (children)
  • Main building + Exhibition room: VND 65,000 (adults) | VND 15,000 (children)

The Independence Palace is one of Saigon’s most iconic landmarks. Once the residence and workplace of the President of South Vietnam, it became a symbol of reunification when a tank broke through its gates on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Second Indochina War. 

The palace’s design, covering 120,000 square meters, reflects the letter “Cát” (吉) in Chinese, symbolizing good fortune. The lush, oval-shaped lawn in front creates a welcoming atmosphere, while a crescent-shaped lotus pond adds a touch of traditional Vietnamese charm.

Inside, you can explore over 100 rooms, including grand conference halls, a library, and banquet halls. The themed exhibitions provide a closer look at key historical events such as the Paris Peace Accords and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

The Independence Palace is a significant museum in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

1.6. Saigon – Gia Dinh Special Forces Museum

• Address: 145 Tran Quang Khai Street, District 1
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Ticket price: VND 50,000

No visit to the best museums in Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring Saigon – Gia Dinh Special Forces Museum. This museum is the only one in Vietnam dedicated to the elite Special Forces of Saigon – Gia Dinh, offering a look into their lives and operations through seven rare artifact collections. 

Here, you can discover secret weapon storage bunkers, transport vehicles, communication devices, and everyday items used by the Special Forces. One of the highlights is the tools used by the war hero Tran Van Lai, who conducted covert activities while disguised as a contractor for the Independence Palace.

A visit to Saigon – Gia Dinh Special Forces Museum offers a chance to connect with a remarkable chapter of Vietnam’s history and better understand the bravery of those unsung heroes.

1.7. Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum

• Address: 2 Le Duan Street, District 1
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (closed on weekends)
• Ticket price: Free

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is one of the best museums in Saigon, honoring the decisive military operation of the 1975 Spring Offensive. This event marked the end of the Second Indochina War and led to Vietnam’s reunification.

The museum features two sections: an indoor exhibition spanning 1,000 square meters and an outdoor display of 2,000 square meters. Inside, you can discover over 6,000 artifacts and 500 photographs, including 2,881 original items. A highlight is the large-scale diorama at the entrance, which recreates key moments of the campaign. The exhibition also includes multilingual video presentations for a more immersive experience.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is a compelling war museum in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

1.8. Southern Women’s Museum

• Address: 200 – 202 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
• Ticket price: Free

Established in 1985, the Southern Women’s Museum celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in southern Vietnam. It aims to preserve their legacy, instill patriotism, and honor traditional values for future generations.

Covering 5,410 square meters, the museum houses over 44,000 artifacts and documents. Half of the collection reflects revolutionary struggles, while the other half highlights cultural heritage. You will also find displays showcasing how Southern Vietnamese women have preserved and promoted Vietnam’s cultural traditions. A standout feature is the museum’s use of 3D/360° virtual reality technology, bringing historical stories to life with vivid displays.

1.9. Ton Duc Thang Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

• Address: 5 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (closed on weekends)
• Ticket price: Free

If you are eager to learn about one of Vietnam’s most respected leaders, Ton Duc Thang Museum comes highly recommended. Established in 1988 to honor the 100th anniversary of President Ton Duc Thang’s birth, it is the only museum in Vietnam solely devoted to his life and legacy.

The museum houses over 16,000 artifacts, documents, and photographs. Its five galleries highlight his contributions to developing and protecting the nation, offering you valuable insights into his pivotal role in Vietnam’s revolutionary history. More than just a historical site, Ton Duc Thang Museum is an educational space that inspires national pride among younger generations.

Ton Duc Thang Museum stands out among the best museums in Saigon (Source: Collected)

1.10. Southeastern Armed Forces Museum (Military Zone 7 Museum)

• Address: 247 Hoang Van Thu Street, Tan Binh District
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (closed on weekends)
• Ticket price: VND 40,000

The Southeastern Armed Forces Museum, also known as the Military Zone 7 Museum, opened in 1990 after two years of construction. Spanning over 17,500 square meters, it features both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas.

Here, you will see over 20,000 artifacts that highlight the courage and resilience of the Southeastern Armed Forces during Vietnam’s fight for independence. The exhibits cover three key periods: the resistance against French colonization (1945-1954), the struggle against the U.S. (1954-1975), and the post-1975 efforts to defend and rebuild the nation.

The outdoor exhibits include weapons used by the Southeastern Armed Forces and the equipment captured from French and American troops. The miniature historical sites further enhance your understanding of this significant era in Vietnam’s history.

More on: Vietnamese war museums: A guide to the top 10 war museums in Vietnam

2. Museums in Ho Chi Minh City for art and culture lovers

For art and culture enthusiasts, these museums in Ho Chi Minh City offer captivating journeys through history, tradition, and creativity.

2.1. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

• Address: 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Ticket price: VND 30,000 (adults) | Free (children under 6 and seniors over 60)

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is among the largest art museums in Vietnam. Established in 1987 and opened to the public in 1989, the museum houses over 22,000 artifacts divided into two main categories: traditional art and modern art. Here, you can admire the works of renowned Vietnamese artists like Nguyen Sang, Nguyen Gia Tri, and Quach Phong. The traditional collection features ceramic, bronze, wood, and stone artifacts from various periods, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s artistic heritage.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is an essential stop when touring museums in Saigon (Source: Collected)

2.2. Ao Dai Museum in Saigon

• Address: 206/19/30 Long Thuan Street, Thu Duc City
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
• Ticket price: VND 50,000

Ao Dai Museum is a must-visit among the museums in Ho Chi Minh City for anyone looking to connect with the essence of Vietnamese tradition. It celebrates the beauty and history of Vietnam’s iconic traditional dress. Established in 2014 by designer Si Hoang, this museum preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of ao dai.

Spanning nearly 20,000 square meters, Ao Dai Museum offers more than just artifacts and documents. It is a tribute to the dress’s evolution and its significance in Vietnamese culture. The exhibits feature various styles, designs, and materials, giving you a deep dive into the garment’s role throughout Vietnam’s history.

2.3. Quang San Art Museum

• Address: 189B/3 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thu Duc City
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed on Monday)
• Ticket price: VND 200,000 (adults) | VND 100,000 (children aged 7-12) | Free (children under 6 and people with disabilities)

Quang San Art Museum is Ho Chi Minh City’s first private art museum. It houses over 1,000 fine art works, including paintings and sculptures by renowned Vietnamese artists from the early 20th century. The museum has three floors, each showcasing different periods in Vietnam’s art history. 

On the first floor, you can see works from the pioneers of modern Vietnamese art, including French artists and early students of the l’École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine (1925-1945). The second floor focuses on the works of graduates from the l’École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine and contemporary artists of the same era. You will also find pieces from the resistance period (1945-1975). The third floor highlights the post-war era, featuring those created during Vietnam’s reunification (1975) and the Đổi Mới reform period (1986).

Quang San Art Museum is one of the most impressive museums in Ho Chi Minh City for art enthusiasts (Source: Collected)

Explore: Vietnamese museums: 16 places for history, military, art and culture

3. Other museums in Saigon that you should know

If you are eager to uncover more of Saigon’s cultural and scientific treasures, these lesser-known museums are worth exploring.

3.1. Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine Saigon

• Address: 41 Hoang Du Khuong Street, District 10
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Ticket price: VND 180,000

The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine Saigon is the country’s first private museum dedicated to this fascinating subject. It houses nearly 3,000 artifacts, tracing the history of Vietnamese medicine from the Stone Age to today.

The museum includes seven floors with 18 rooms, each telling a unique story. Exhibits range from stone and bronze tools to paintings and medical artifacts, showcasing the evolution of traditional medicine. One highlight is the altar room on the second floor, which honors two of Vietnam’s most revered physicians: Tue Tinh (14th century) and Le Huu Trac (18th century). You can also watch the documentary “Centuries of experience in healthcare,” which offers valuable insights into Vietnam’s traditional medical practices.

3.2. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Geology

• Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed on weekends)
• Ticket price: Free

Located next to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Geology is a great spot for anyone interested in nature. It houses over 20,000 rock samples, drilling cores, and 50 fossil collections, giving a comprehensive view of Vietnam’s geological history.

The museum’s exhibits cover themes like geology, mineralogy, paleontology, and gemstones. You will find samples of Vietnam’s abundant mineral resources such as petroleum, coal, and metallic ores like iron, copper, gold, and silver. The gemstone collection includes rubies, sapphires, and quartz.

For paleontology enthusiasts, fossilized plant and animal remains that date back thousands – millions of years provide a vivid look at ancient life. You can also see tools made from stone by prehistoric humans, such as axes and knives, for a glimpse into early civilization.

For a deep dive into nature, this is a top choice among the museums in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Check out other places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City!

*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

Exploring these museums in Ho Chi Minh City is a delightful way to connect with Vietnam’s rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you are passionate about historical or cultural experiences, these museums offer something for everyone. Plan your visit today and let the stories of this dynamic city inspire you!

While you are in Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss out on other iconic attractions like Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Bach Dang Wharf, Ben Thanh Market, and Saigon Central Post Office. Notably, VinWonders Grand Park, a new amusement park set to open in December 2024, promises to be one of the city’s most exciting attractions. Located within the Vinhomes Grand Park urban area in Thu Duc City, VinWonders is designed to offer excitement for visitors of all ages. Highlights include the Tropical Island water park, the Dream Garden inspired by Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, year-round festivals, and plenty of shopping and dining options.

Have fun at Grand Park Amusement Park after exploring District 12, Saigon

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