HCMC History Museum

A Peaceful Walk Through Vietnam’s Past We visited the History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City early in the morning, right when it opened and that turned out to be the best decision. The place was peaceful and nearly empty, allowing us to explore without any crowds. By the time we left, more visitors had started arriving, so if you prefer a quiet and calm atmosphere, definitely try to go when the doors first open. The museum is beautifully arranged, guiding you step by step through the fascinating history of Vietnam. From ancient civilizations to more recent events, each section flows naturally into the next. We especially enjoyed the displays on ancient wars, traditional weapons, and the evolution of Vietnamese culture. Seeing swords, armor, and other artifacts up close gave us a deeper appreciation of the country’s resilience and rich heritage. What really stood out was how everything is laid out in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re not a history buff. It feels like traveling through time and learning about Vietnam’s past in one thoughtfully curated package. The museum itself is housed in a beautiful colonial era building, and the peaceful garden outside adds to the charm. It’s not a massive museum, but it’s packed with meaningful displays and doesn’t overwhelm you with too much at once. Overall, it was a highlight of our trip. Whether you’re just curious about Vietnam’s roots or already passionate about Southeast Asian history, this museum is well worth a visit. Just remember to go early for the best experience!

BEWARE coconut saler scam in the area! Chaotic day to go anywhere on the 2nd of September, the 80th National Day. The museum is partly in construction but still has a lot to go see! I love the little pond and garden after the entrance. There are many interesting facts and pieces of history here in this museum! The zoo next door was insane!

This place is definitely worth visiting to dive deeper into the history of Vietnam and gain a better understanding of the country’s unique character. It provides a solid foundation for exploring other locations, like the My Son Sanctuary. We spent about 1.5 hours in the museum, and it has a rich and diverse exhibition. Not far from the museum are the famous Jade Emperor Pagoda and a botanical garden, both of which are worth checking out if you're in the area.

Charming museum with lots to see, but could use some updates This museum gives a broad look at Ho Chi Minh City's development — from ancient cultures to more recent history. The building is beautiful, with French colonial charm, and the surrounding gardens are peaceful. There are some really interesting artifacts, including ancient tools, ceramics, and cultural displays from different ethnic groups. Great for getting a general feel for the region’s past beyond just the wartime period. However, some sections felt a bit outdated, and not everything is translated into English — would love to see more interactive or modern elements. Still, for the low entrance fee, it's a worthwhile stop if you’re interested in Vietnamese history and architecture. 🕰️ Plan for about 1–1.5 hours. Bring cash for tickets.

Admission is 30k VND per ticket. Visited on 5 June afternoon. Had quite a lot of local and foreign visitors when I visited. Got to learn about the religion and history of Vietnam, especially Southern Vietnam. Spent around 1 hour to get to learn sufficient amount of exhibits.

A major restoration began in April 2023, backed by a ₫45 billion (around USD 1.93 million) city investment. Completed in 2025, the project revitalized the façade, upgraded facilities, and refreshed main galleries and exhibition spaces, giving the museum a younger, more modern, and engaging appeal.

This museum mainly displays the old clothes along with weapons and utensils that were once used. Personally, I’m not a big fan of such collections, but it’s still a cool place to visit if you’re interested in history and heritage.

Small museum but still a great experience for people who like learning about the history of places. Cost is only 30 000 VND. Place is quiet and not that busy so you can take your time walking through and reading the exhibits. Each exhibit as a plaque with a QR code so you can use your phone for a added experience. One place to see a real preserved mummy. Place is small but if can take you over an hour if you reading all the exhibits. We'll layed out with directions from start to finish, or you can make your own path.