As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is home to a variety of museums, covering a wide range of subjects from prehistory and anthropology to politics. When visiting Hanoi, Museum is one of the most interesting places you should visit.
Here is our curated list of the 11 must-visit museums in Hanoi.
1. Hanoi Museum
The Hanoi Museum is a massive complex covering over 54,000 square meters and stands more than 30 meters tall, making it one of Vietnam’s most impressive museums. It was built to honor 1000 years of Thang Long – Hanoi history, showcasing the city’s cultural heritage over the years. The museum’s unique Asian-style architecture, resembling an inverted pyramid, houses four floors and two basements filled with exhibits.
Visitors can explore different periods of Hanoi’s history and learn about the diverse ecosystem of Ba Vi National Park through a detailed model. On the third floor, there’s a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient bronze drums, Dong Son bronzes, and antique coins, curated by Vu Tan and Nguyen Dinh Su. It’s a fascinating journey through Hanoi’s past, offering insight into its rich cultural heritage.
Address: Đường Phạm Hùng, phường Mễ Trì, quận Nam Từ Liêm
2. Ho Chi Minh Museum
While the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is well-known, fewer people are aware of the Ho Chi Minh Museum, situated within the Ho Chi Minh complex. As its name suggests, the museum is dedicated to the life of Ho Chi Minh, spanning from 1890 to 1969.
Address: 19 Phố Ngọc Hà, phường Đội Cấn, quận Ba Đình
3. Vietnam National Museum of History
The Vietnam National Museum of History is situated in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district. Originally, the museum building served as an archaeological research institution under the French School of the Far East during the colonial era. It was established in 1910 and underwent extensive renovations in 1920. Architect Ernest Hébrard redesigned the museum between 1926 and 1932. In 1958, the government of North Vietnam (now the government of Vietnam) acquired the museum, expanding its collections to include Eastern arts and national history.
The museum’s exhibits span Vietnam’s prehistory, dating back to about 300,000–400,000 years ago, up to the August 1945 Revolution. It showcases over 200,000 items across five major sections.
Address: 216 Đ. Trần Quang Khải, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
4. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
The museum attracts a significant number of visitors, both local and international, not only due to the high-quality collections but also because of the architectural beauty of the historic building. Originally, the site served as a boarding school for the daughters of French officials.
Its meticulously arranged galleries exhibit a distinctive collection of art treasures spanning every era of national history, from early prehistory and classical antiquity to the remarkable story of Vietnamese creativity in the modern age.
Address: Số 66 phố Nguyễn Thái Học, phường Điện Bàn, quận Ba Đình
5. Vietnamese Women’s Museum
The Vietnam Women’s Museum, located near the Hanoi Opera House, is dedicated to honoring the contributions of women throughout Vietnam’s history. Managed by the Women’s Union of Vietnam, it showcases various exhibitions highlighting the roles of women as merchants, mothers, scholars, and entrepreneurs.
The museum delves into the vital role of women in families, society, and even during times of conflict.
Address: 36 phố Lý Thường Kiệt, phường Hàng Bài, quận Hoàn Kiếm
6. Vietnam Museum Of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a must-visit destination, showcasing artifacts from diverse ethnic groups across Vietnam. Visitors can participate in workshops to learn traditional craft-making techniques and explore an impressive collection of textiles and pottery on display at the museum.
Address: Đường Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Hà Nội
7. Hanoi Police Museum
The Hanoi Public Security Museum not only houses valuable historical documents and artifacts but also serves as a repository for evidence seized by the Capital Police during operations against criminal gangs. The museum features modern and attractive exhibition spaces, with each room dedicated to a specific historical period and theme.
Address: 67 P. Lý Thường Kiệt, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
8. Vietnam Military History Museum
The Vietnam Military History Museum, situated on Dien Bien Phu Street near several other renowned destinations, offers visitors a chance to delve into Vietnam’s rich history. Inside the museum, you’ll find military equipment and vehicles from the Vietnam War era, along with documents detailing Vietnam’s victories against the French and US forces. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring tanks, airplanes like the Soviet MiG, and remnants of a B52 Bomber. Additionally, there’s a model depicting the intricate Cu Chi Tunnels for an immersive experience.
Address: 28A Điện Biên Phủ, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
9. Vietnam Air Force and Air Defense Museum
The Air Defense Museum in Hanoi houses numerous precious artifacts and documents showcasing the establishment and growth of the Vietnamese Air Force during the resistance against the French colonialists and the American military. The museum features both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, each focusing on various topics related to air defense. Visitors can explore a wide range of artifacts, including MiG 17, 19, and 21 fighter jets, transport helicopters, submarine-hunting helicopters, and even some attack aircraft acquired from the US.
Address: 173C Đ. Trường Chinh, Khương Mai, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội
10. Hoa Lo Prison Museum
What was once sarcastically referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton” by American captives in the 1960s is now recognized as one of the top museums in Hanoi. The Hoa Lo Prison, formerly notorious for its treatment of Vietnamese war prisoners, now serves as a solemn memorial to those who endured immense suffering under French colonial rule. Inside, visitors can witness chilling artifacts such as the French guillotine and the iron stocks used to confine prisoners, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of life within Vietnam’s most infamous prison.
The museum also dedicates an exhibition to American prisoners of war, including items such as John McCain’s flight suit and parachute. Despite the grim circumstances, there are accounts of American captives finding moments of humor amidst the propaganda displayed on the prison walls, highlighting the resilience and spirit of those held captive during this tumultuous period.
Address: Hao Lo Prison Museum, Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
11. The Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s most distinctive and historically significant museums. Established in 1070, it gained renown as the country’s inaugural university just six years later. The museum’s courtyard is adorned with numerous stone tablets, each resting on the back of a tortoise and inscribed with the names of graduates, serving as a testament to the institution’s rich academic heritage.
Address: 58 P. Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội