Vietnam Military History Museum
A nation's epic history, reimagined.
🥉 Recommended
4.4 ⭐ (10K)
Introduction
The New Vietnam Military History Museum (Bảo tàng Lịch sử Quân sự Việt Nam) is a state-of-the-art facility located in Hanoi's Nam Tu Liem district. Opened in late 2024, it is one of the largest and most modern museums in the country. The museum serves as the primary institution for researching, collecting, and displaying artifacts that chronicle the military history of Vietnam from its ancient origins to the present day through extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits.
The Main Exhibition Building
The centerpiece of the complex is the striking main building, designed with four wings that represent key periods of Vietnamese history. Inside, you'll find thousands of artifacts, detailed dioramas, and multimedia displays covering everything from early resistance movements to the modern Vietnam People's Army. The modern architecture itself is a significant feature.
Outdoor Display Area
Surrounding the main building is a vast outdoor area showcasing large-scale original military hardware. Visitors can get up close to an extensive collection of Soviet-era tanks, anti-aircraft guns, artillery pieces, and fighter jets used during the wars against France and the United States.
T-54B Tank 843
A national treasure, this is the original T-54B tank that famously crashed through the gates of the Independence Palace in Saigon on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War. It is one of the most significant artifacts in the museum's collection and represents a pivotal moment in the nation's history.
MiG-21 Jet 4324
This is the original MiG-21 fighter jet flown by various pilots of the Vietnam People's Air Force, collectively credited with 14 aerial victories. The aircraft stands as a symbol of Vietnamese air defense and is a major draw for military history enthusiasts.
Getting there
From Hanoi's Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem Lake area) to the new Vietnam Military History Museum (approx. 12-15 km):
🚗 Taxi: 30-40 mins | 200,000 - 280,000 VND ~ $7.80 - $11.00 USD
🚘 Ride-Hailing App (Grab/Gojek): 30-40 mins | 160,000 - 220,000 VND ~ $6.25 - $8.60 USD
🚌 Public Bus: 50-60 mins | 7,000 - 9,000 VND ~ $0.30 - $0.35 USD.
Key routes: #71, #74, or #107 stop near the museum on Thang Long Avenue.
⚠️ Given the museum's distance from the city center, a taxi or ride-hailing app is the most straightforward option. Traffic can be heavy along the route during morning and evening rush hours, so factor that into your travel time.
Hours & Admission
🕗 Opening hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Notes: The museum is closed on both Mondays and Fridays for maintenance. It also closes for a lunch break.
🎫 Ticket prices:
- Adult: 40,000 VND ~ $1.55 USD
- Students (with ID): 20,000 VND ~ $0.80 USD
- Children (under 16): Free
- Notes: After an initial free opening period, the museum began charging for admission in April 2025. Tickets are purchased on-site. The fee supports the maintenance of this significant national facility.
🚶Best time to visit
- The best time to visit is during the dry season from October to April to comfortably explore the extensive outdoor exhibits. Arriving on a weekday morning when the museum first opens is the best way to avoid potential crowds.
⌚ Recommended duration
- Plan for at least 3 to 4 hours. The museum complex is expansive, and you'll need ample time to see both the indoor galleries and the large outdoor displays without rushing.
Tips from locals
Local tips
👟 The museum grounds are immense, both inside and out. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential to avoid fatigue and fully enjoy the sprawling exhibits.
🗺️ Upon arrival, grab a museum map or take a photo of the directory. The complex is very large, and having a map will help you navigate the different exhibition halls and outdoor sections efficiently so you don't miss key artifacts.
⏰ Arrive early, especially for the morning session. This allows you to explore for a few hours before the museum closes for its midday break, which is strictly observed.
Be aware
↔️ The sheer scale of the museum can be overwhelming. Prioritize the exhibits that interest you most if your time is limited, as seeing everything in detail can take the better part of a day.
🍽️ As the museum is in a newly developed area of Hanoi, food and beverage options immediately outside the complex are not as plentiful as in the city center. It's best to eat beforehand or plan to travel to another area for a meal afterward.
🗣️ While major exhibits have English descriptions, the level of detail can vary. For a deeper understanding, consider hiring a guide at the museum if available or reading about Vietnam's military history beforehand to better appreciate the context of the artifacts.
FAQs
Where is the new Vietnam Military History Museum located?
It is located on Đại lộ Thăng Long in the Nam Từ Liêm district of Hanoi, near the National Convention Center.
Is the old Military History Museum near the Citadel still open?
Yes, the original Vietnam Military History Museum at 28A Dien Bien Phu street, next to the Flag Tower of Hanoi, remains open to visitors. The new museum is a separate, much larger facility.
When did the new museum open?
The new museum officially opened to the public in late December 2024.
What are the opening hours?
The museum is open from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
How much is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee is 40,000 VND for adults, 20,000 VND for students with ID, and free for children under 16.
What are the most famous exhibits?
The most famous artifacts include the T-54B Tank 843, which ended the Vietnam War, and the MiG-21 Jet 4324, credited with 14 aerial victories, along with a vast outdoor collection of military hardware.
How long does it take to see the museum?
Due to its large size, it is recommended to allow at least 3 to 4 hours for a comprehensive visit.
Is there a dress code?
While not always strictly enforced for the outdoor areas, a respectful dress code (covering shoulders and knees) is highly recommended, as it is a national institution of cultural and historical importance.
Can I take photos inside?
Photography is generally permitted inside the exhibition halls, but the use of flash is prohibited to protect the artifacts.
How do I get there from the Old Quarter?
The most convenient way is by taxi or a ride-hailing service like Grab, which takes about 30-45 minutes. Public buses are a cheaper alternative but require more time and at least one transfer.
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