Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is famous for its rich culture, delicious food, bustling street markets, and beautiful buildings, attracting tourists from all over. Visiting its museums is a great way to learn about the city’s history. From the emotional exhibits at the War Remnants Museum to the interesting displays at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from in this vibrant city.
Join us as we take you on a journey through the 10 fantastic museums in Saigon.
1. Ho Chi Minh City Museum
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum is housed in the former Gia Long Palace and Supreme Court building. It showcases the city’s history and growth through nine permanent display spaces, featuring collections on geography, administration, industry, handicraft, and the revolutionary struggle from 1954 to 1975. Additionally, the museum’s back garden exhibits a significant collection of tanks, artillery, and automobiles. It’s definitely one of the best museums in Saigon.
Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
2. Ho Chi Minh Museum (Nha Rong Harbor)
Museum offers an extensive showcase of valuable information about the life and thoughts of Ho Chi Minh. As a branch of the larger Ho Chi Minh Museum, it pays homage to his significant contributions to the nation.
Upon arriving at Nha Rong Wharf, visitors are greeted by the museum’s remarkable architecture. The distinctive dragon-shaped ceramics adorning the rooftop are easily recognizable from a distance.
Address: 01 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4
3. Museum Of Vietnamese History
The museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history and culture of the country. Its exhibits span various periods, from prehistoric times to the modern era. Arranged chronologically across three floors, the displays feature over 30,000 artifacts, documents, photographs, and other historical objects.
Some notable highlights of the museum include bronze drums and other relics from the Dong Son culture, sculptures, and ceramics from the Cham and Khmer civilizations, as well as artifacts related to Vietnam’s struggle for independence and reunification.
Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Da Kao Ward, District 1
4. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts in Ho Chi Minh City was established in 1987 and is housed in a building spanning over 3,000 square meters, featuring the renowned Baroque architectural style of France.
One of the museums in Saigon serving as a repository and exhibition space for valuable art objects from Saigon. It boasts a collection of over 21,000 artifacts, including paintings by artists from the School of Fine Arts of Indochina, post-reunification works dating back to 1975, sketches depicting resistance movements, and more, all of which draw the attention of foreign visitors.
Address: 97A, Pho Duc Chinh Street, Thai Binh District, District 1,
5. War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum, regarded as one of the top museums in Saigon, offers a poignant portrayal of the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Through its displays of photographs, artifacts, and vehicles, the museum provides visitors with a sobering and thought-provoking experience.
Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3
6. Artinus 3D Art Museum
This fantastic and unique museum in Ho Chi Minh City is truly one of the best, showcasing exceptional talent. It’s a great place to bring young children, who will be amazed by the optical illusions created by the 3D paintings. Each painting requires viewing from a specific angle, making visitors feel like they’re part of the artwork rather than just spectators.
Address: 2-4, Street 9, Him Lam Urban Area, Tan Hung District, District 7
7. South-Vietnamese Women Museum
The Southern Women’s Museum is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of Vietnamese women. With eight expansive display rooms spread across 3,162 square meters, this museum offers a glimpse into the lives of Southern women through various exhibits.
On the first floor, visitors can admire traditional crafts and a wide array of Ao Dai, the traditional dress of Southern Women. Exhibits also showcase rural markets, wedding traditions, and house decorations, providing a vivid picture of their daily lives. Moving through the other two levels, you’ll encounter themes that highlight the pivotal role of Vietnamese women during times of conflict, including their resilience in the face of challenges posed by the US and France.
Address: 202 Vo Thi Sau, Ward 7, District 3
8. Ao Dai Museum
This museum is the only one in Vietnam dedicated to celebrating the aesthetics of the Ao Dai. Here, you can learn about how the dress has changed over the years. Plus, each dress on display has its own interesting story to tell, giving you a deeper insight into its history and meaning.
Address: 206/19/30 Long Thuan, District 9
9. Museum Of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine is one of the oldest private museums in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It opened its doors in 2007 and covers an area of 600 square meters, featuring 18 exhibits.
Although it’s privately owned, the museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts and valuable prescriptions. Visitors can explore over 4,000 items related to Vietnamese traditional medicine, including 1,112 prescriptions.
Address: 41 Hoang Du Khuong, District 10
10. Cu Chi Tunnel
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a big part of a war museum in Ho Chi Minh City. They give visitors a look into how Vietnamese soldiers lived underground during the 1948 conflict. The tunnels cover over 120 kilometers and have trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage rooms, weapon storage, hospitals, and command centers.
Before going into the tunnels, visitors usually watch a short film about them to understand how they worked.
Address: Phu Hiep ward, Cu Chi district