temple of literature
Last Updated: May 29, 2024
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Discover 13 Best Hanoi Museums | Vietnamese History For Culture Enthusiasts

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city full of culture and history, with plenty of places to explore.

With over 1,000 years of history, Hanoi Museums boast many wonderful collections spanning eras and providing insight into the rich and curious history of Vietnamese society and these beautiful lands!

Visiting Hanoi’s museums is an essential part of any cultural exploration. Not only do they look deep into Hanoi’s history, but they also offer a glimpse into Hanoi’s vibrant culture and the daily lives of its people. Here is our top list of the best and most fascinating museums in Hanoi for culture enthusiasts:

Hanoi museums are great to visit even in the monsoon rain, however, we suggest researching the best times to visit Hanoi before you go. Let’s dive into the best Hanoi museums so you can plan an effective trip!

1. Vietnam Museum Of Ethnology 

The first on our list is the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. It covers a wide range of topics such as anthropology, art history, ethnography, linguistics, and more. This museum is dedicated to preserving Vietnam’s unique cultural heritage through exhibitions featuring artifacts from different ethnic groups in the country.

This national museum also houses an impressive collection of textiles and pottery while providing lectures and workshops on Vietnamese traditional craft-making techniques.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology HN - Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Address: Đường Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Hà Nội, 100000, Vietnam

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: 40.000vnd/ adult, Students: 15.000vnd

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2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace – All About Ho Chi Minh Museum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace should also be on your list when visiting Hanoi’s museums. It was built in 1976 as part of a planned memorial complex honoring Ho Chi Minh who was Vietnam’s revolutionary leader during World War II until his death in 1969.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum contains his embalmed remains for public viewing inside and features other exhibits related to recent Vietnamese history outside its grounds.

Ho Chi Minh Museum - Ho Chi Minh Museum
Ho Chi Minh Museum

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: 40,000 VND/person

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3. National History Museum 

The National History Museum displays artifacts ranging from prehistoric times up until modern day Vietnam which makes it one of most visited institutions by tourist coming to Hanoi due its historical significance within country’s culture today.

Here in this national museum, you can find a variety or objects such as ceramics from 8th century China or bronze drums dating back 2nd millennium BC along countless other objects representing different periods throughout region’s past making this place ideal spot learn about nation’s rich background all under same roof.

national museum of history hanoi - National Museum of Vietnamese History
National Museum of Vietnamese History

Address: 216, Đường Trần Quang Khải, Hà Nội, 110000, Vietnam

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: VND 20,000

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4. Temple Of Literature – The Nostalgic Hanoi Museum

Another must visit museum when touring around Hanoi is Temple Of Literature which was declared special national monument due its age dating back 11th century where founded Confucianism school focus study literature philosophy among other subjects back time. Here find traditional courtyard filled steles each depicting names 1307 graduates who completed highest honors during end 9th century along statues wise men important intellectual figures throughout region’s past.

Temple of Literature - Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: Adults: 30,000 VND (~US$ 1.3) for Vietnamese and foreigners. Students: 15,000 VND (~US$ 0.7) (student card required). Children under 15: Free.

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5. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum 

We also have The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum which offers outstanding collection work by local artists ranging styles impressionism abstract art. There over 6500 items located various galleries carefully curated themes like portrait landscape, Vietnamese art, images etc.

Visitors can also take guided tours through Vietnam Fine Arts Museum halls get deeper understanding behind featured pieces plus receive explanations related symbolism contained therein.

Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam - Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam
Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam

Address: 66, Phố Nguyễn Thái Học, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: 40.000vnd/ person – free for children under 6 years old

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6. Women’s Museum  

Women’ s Museum pays homage contributions made by Vietnamese women country throughout centuries fostering social progress despite difficult circumstances faced during wars times. Exhibitions here depict struggles faced them, highlight achievements broke barriers achieved remarkable feats no matter gender identity involved.

Vietnamese Womens Museum - Vietnamese Women’s Museum
Vietnamese Women’s Museum

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: 40,000VND /Visitor

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7. Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural  

The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is a must-see for tourists exploring the city. The building dates back to the 19th century and started out as a humble tea house before being converted into a temple dedicated to the Chinese deity Mazu, before finally becoming the mosaic mural we know today. Visitors can marvel at the magnificent ceramic tiles painted with stories inspired by everyday life in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, which is now a bustling city district.

Renovations were carried out between 2004 and 2006 to restore it to its current state without compromising any original elements found on the exterior or interior, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of what was once an imperial capital before the French arrived in 1882.

Related Article: Hanoi Transport | Getting Around Vietnam’s Capital

This landmark is now one of the top choices for anyone looking to explore the depths of Hanoi beyond the regular tourist attractions.

Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural - Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural
Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: Free

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8.  Vietnamese Air Force Museum  

The Vietnamese Air Force Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Hanoi. Here, visitors can explore the contributions of Vietnam People’s Air Force troops during the Vietnam War (1955-1975) by viewing a variety of artifacts and attending events that promote public awareness.

This museum is dedicated to honoring the soldiers who defended their homeland and strived for peace during a violent struggle. By visiting this museum, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by these brave men and women in their fight for freedom.

It is a testament to the dedication of the Hanoi people in preserving this landmark and safeguarding the original elements of its exterior and interior, thus allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of what was once an imperial capital.

vietnamese air force museum
Vietnamese Air Force Museum

Address: 173C, Đường Trường Chinh, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: Children 6 years and over: 5,000 VND / person; The tour guide notes at the point (in Vietnamese): 60,000 VND / time; Kindergarten: 2.000 VND / child (cleaning fee); Vietnamese adults: 10,000 VND / person; Foreign adults: 30,000 VND / person; Foreign children: 15,000 VND / person

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9. Vietnam Military History Museum  

The Vietnam Military History Museum is a fascinating place to visit in Hanoi. It offers an intriguing insight into the history and evolution of military warfare in the country.

Here, visitors can explore an extensive collection of artifacts and relics from various wars such as the Vietnam War (1955–1975), the Sino-Vietnamese War (1979) and more. The museum offers a unique look at the tactics used by different armies throughout history, including displays of weapons, ammunition, communication equipment, and other items. It is also a great place to learn about the history of Vietnam’s military forces and how they evolved over time.

Visitors can get an in-depth look at this significant period of history by exploring its many artifacts and displays. Additionally, there are guided tours available for those wishing to gain a better understanding of the museum’s contents like Vietnamese military history and the symbolism contained therein.

Visitors are sure to find this national museum educational, enlightening, and entertaining!

vietnam military history museum 3 - Vietnam Military History Museum
Vietnam Military History Museum

Address: 28A, Điện Biên Phủ, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: 40.000vnd/ person – free for children under 6 years old

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10. Hoa Lo Prison Historical Site

Hoa Lo Prison Historical Site will be of interest for visitors wanting to learn more about Vietnam’s colonial period. Hoa Lo Prison Museum, or “the Hanoi Hilton” as it was known at the time, was used by the French colonial government to imprison and execute political dissidents.

Today, visitors can explore the museum which features many artifacts from this period including letters written by some of the prisoners.

The museum also houses an array of photos, documents and exhibits which offer visitors an insight into the harsh conditions under which prisoners were held during this time.

The prison has now been transformed into a memorial site to honor those who suffered in its walls. Furthermore, it serves as an important reminder of how far Vietnam has come since the dark days of French colonial rule.

Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi Vietnam - Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Address: 1, Phố Hoả Lò, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: 30.000 VND/person

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11. Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism   

The Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism is a great place to get an overview of the country’s many cultural groups as it features traditional houses, farms and other activities showcasing the lifestyles of ethnic minorities.

Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism
Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism

Address: Hanoi, Vietnam

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND/ person for adults, 10,000 VND/ person for students. Free: for children below 6 years old

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12. Museum Of The Vietnamese Revolution   

The Museum of the Revolution in Hanoi is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding more about Vietnam’s turbulent past. Located close to Ho Chi Minh Museum, it houses an impressive collection of artifacts pertaining to the history and evolution of the revolutionary movement in Vietnam.

Visitors can explore documents, historic photographs, newspapers and personal belongings of revolutionaries in an effort to gain a better understanding of the country’s history.

This national museum is also home to an exhibition area dedicated to showcasing propaganda posters from the revolutionary period as well as other materials. It all helps visitors understand the Vietnamese revolution made during this time.

Museum of Vietnamese Revolution
Museum Of The Vietnamese Revolution

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: Free

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13. Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Centre

The Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Centre is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Hanoi. The centre offers an array of interactive displays and exhibitions that showcase the evolution of the city from its origins as a small trading port in 1010AD.

Visitors can explore ancient artifacts, traditional crafts, old photographs, as well as interactive maps to gain a better understanding of life in Hanoi centuries ago. The centre also includes an audio-visual theatre which provides visitors with further insight into the area’s unique culture and history, as well as its iconic sights and sounds.

Related Article: Everything About The Hanoi Old Quarter | A Guide For Everyone

The centre is a great place for tourists to experience the true spirit of Hanoi and explore the city’s fascinating past.  Additionally, there is a gift shop where visitors can take home souvenirs of their time in Hanoi. This cultural centre is a must-see for anyone interested in an immersive experience of this unique Vietnamese city!

Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Centre
Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Centre

Opening: 1:17 pm

Entrance Fee: Free

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Conclusion

No matter what your interests are, Hanoi has something for everyone. From ancient temples to modern and fascinating museums, these are the best museums in Hanoi that every culture enthusiast should visit! So get ready to explore and learn more about this beautiful city’s rich heritage and cultural traditions. And don’t forget to take lots of pictures and enjoy the journey! Enjoy Hanoi!

Related Article: 15 Best Things To Do In Hanoi Vietnam

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Written by Hannah Ngo
Co-Founder & COO - Vietnam Is Awesome
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