The Four Best Museums In Vietnam
Some can make your heart wrench
Vietnam museums are probably among the many underscored aspects of Vietnam's tourism. In fact, the country has developed a rich archive of data and artefacts, historical and cultural, though their display sometimes does not reveal all its charm.
Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi)
Hoa Lo Prison stands as a significant historical attraction, drawing both local and international visitors keen to learn about Vietnam's turbulent past. Known as "Maison Centrale" by the French and "Hanoi Hilton" by Americans, the name Hoa Lo translates to "fiery furnace," a nod to its dark history. The street where it is located bears a similar ominous name.
Originally constructed in 1896 by the French colonial government, the prison was designed to detain Vietnamese political prisoners. Inmates endured harsh conditions, including confinement, starvation, and brutal treatment.
During the Vietnam War, the prison gained notoriety as an American POW camp. At its peak, over 2,000 prisoners were cramped into a mere 200 square meters. Many documents chronicling the experiences of Communist soldiers held here have been preserved, available in both Vietnamese and English.
Visitors usually spend about an hour exploring the prison, which features well-curated displays and photographs. In addition to the poignant exhibits, guests can view the infamous guillotine and various torture devices used against Vietnamese inmates. While some visitors confront painful memories at Hoa Lo prison, others find historical insights captivating. This site is undoubtedly essential for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese history. More about Hoa Lo Prison.
Hoa Lo Prison - Photo: @26caro08
Museum of Royal Fine Arts (Hue)
Among the "Must-visit" sites in Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, the Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts is renowned for its remarkable architectural beauty and historical significance.
Conveniently located in Hue city, just a short walk from the Hue Heritage Hotel, the museum is adorned with imposing stone sculptures. Though many of its stunning monuments were damaged during wartime, numerous pieces have been painstakingly restored with UNESCO’s assistance since the 1990s.
Originally a palace for King Thieu Tri in 1845, the structure was transformed into a dynastic museum by King Khai Định in 1923. The museum houses a collection of royal artifacts, including daily items, ceramics, traditional musical instruments, and decorative weapons. Visitors will find the atmosphere captivating, with displays that evoke the sense of time standing still.
The Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts is open to visitors daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entrance fee is now 25,000 VND. Photography is prohibited within the museum.
The Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts - Photo: @visithuevietnam
History Museum (Ho Chi Minh City)
Previously known as the Blanchard de la Brosse Museum, it was renamed Saigon National Museum in 1956 and later became The History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City after expanding in 1975. This impressive structure, designed by a French architect, originally showcased ancient art collections from various Asian countries. Today, the museum displays a captivating collection of approximately 30,000 artifacts that narrate the history of Vietnam from its early kingdoms to the present.
Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the museum to appreciate its architectural beauty before delving into the exhibitions. The first section chronicles the evolution and cultural development over 10,000 years, highlighting significant eras such as the founding of the Hung Kings Dynasty to the last dynasty of the mid-20th century. The second section focuses on the unique cultures of ethnic groups in Southern Vietnam, showcasing the Oc Eo culture, the Mekong Delta, and Cham art, along with ancient pottery from different Asian nations. The museum also features a small water puppet theater and a historical research library.
The museum operates daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
History Museum - Photo: VNtrip
Coi Nguon Phu Quoc Museum (Kien Giang)
If you're eager to explore the history of Phu Quoc Island, a premier eco-tourism destination, then the Coi Nguon Phu Quoc Museum is a must-visit. Distinct from state-run museums, this institution was established by a passionate couple, Huynh Phuoc Hue and Nguyen Thi Phuong Dai, who have collected historical artifacts related to Phu Quoc Island for over a decade. The museum features more than 500 items illustrating the island's 300-year history.
Visitors can admire a unique collection that includes precious timbers and fossilized wood, along with insights into the traditional fish sauce production process in a Phu Quoc village—preserving this craftsmanship for future generations.
Moreover, the museum showcases a set of 50 stone axes and over 300 documents in Vietnamese, English, and French detailing the culture and people of Phu Quoc. There are also more than 100 folk and contemporary paintings depicting life on the island.
This charming private museum on Phu Quoc Island is dedicated to the local culture and history, making it an essential stop for anyone fascinated by this sun-kissed paradise.
Coi Nguon Museum Phu Quoc - Photo: @inga_niki27
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