Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
A journey through 54 unique cultures.
4.6 ⭐ (14K)
Introduction
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Bảo tàng Dân tộc học Việt Nam) offers one of the country's most engaging and comprehensive cultural explorations. Located in Hanoi's Cầu Giấy district, the museum is dedicated to documenting and preserving the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam's 54 officially recognized ethnic groups. It features two main parts: an indoor exhibition building with themed displays and a large outdoor architectural garden with full-scale replicas of traditional homes.
Indoor Exhibition
The main building houses a vast collection of artifacts spread across two floors. Here you can see intricate textiles, traditional clothing, musical instruments, farming tools, and items related to the customs and beliefs of different ethnic communities, providing a foundational context before you explore the outdoor grounds.
Outdoor Architectural Garden
The highlight for most visitors is the expansive outdoor area where full-scale traditional houses have been meticulously reconstructed. You can enter and explore these structures to get a tangible sense of different lifestyles.
Bahnar Communal House
This is one of the most impressive structures in the garden. Its soaring thatched roof, which stands over 19 meters tall, is supported by a sturdy wooden frame and is a centerpiece of the Bahnar people's village life.
Ê Đê Longhouse
Experience the unique architecture of this long, narrow dwelling built from wood and bamboo. Traditionally, these houses were extended whenever a daughter in the family got married, housing multiple generations under one roof.
H'Mông House
Discover the ingenuity of the H'Mông people's homes. Built with thick, packed-earth walls and a low roof, this structure is designed to stay cool in the summer and warm during the harsh winters of the northern mountains.
Tày Stilt House
This classic wooden house, raised high off the ground, represents the traditional living space of the Tày people. The area underneath is typically used for storage or housing livestock, while the family lives on the upper floor.
Getting there
From Hanoi's Old Quarter to Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (approx. 8 km):
🚗 Taxi: 20-30 mins | 120,000 - 180,000 VND ~ $4.70 - $7.00 USD
🚘 Ride-Hailing App (Grab/Xanh SM): 20-30 mins | 90,000 - 140,000 VND ~ $3.50 - $5.50 USD
🚌 Public Bus: 40-50 mins | ~8,000 VND ~ $0.30 USD. Key routes: #14 from Hoan Kiem Lake or #38.
🛵 Motorbike: 20-25 mins
⚠️ The museum is located outside the main tourist hub of Hoan Kiem district, so plan your transport accordingly. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, potentially increasing travel time.
Hours & Admission
🕗 Opening hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday - Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Notes: The museum is closed for the Lunar New Year (Tết) holiday. Check the official website for specific dates.
🎫 Ticket prices:
- Adults: 40,000 VND ~ $1.60 USD
- Students (with ID): 20,000 VND ~ $0.80 USD
- Children (6-18 years): 10,000 VND ~ $0.40 USD
- Children under 6: Free
- Notes: There may be an additional small fee for taking photos inside the main exhibition building. Tickets are purchased at the main gate upon entry.
🚶 Best time to visit:
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds and school groups. The cooler, drier months from October to April offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the extensive outdoor exhibits.
⌚ Recommended duration:
- Budget a minimum of three hours. This allows for about an hour in the indoor exhibition and at least two hours to wander through the large outdoor architectural garden without feeling rushed.
Tips from locals
Local tips
👟 Wear comfortable walking shoes. The outdoor architectural garden is vast, with gravel paths and uneven surfaces, requiring a significant amount of walking to see all the exhibits.
👒 Bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, especially from April to October. Much of the outdoor area is exposed to the sun, and it can get very hot during the middle of the day.
🎧 Consider paying the extra fee for an audio guide, particularly for the indoor exhibition. It offers detailed stories and cultural context that enrich the experience far beyond the written placards
Be aware
📍 The museum's location in the Cầu Giấy district means it's about a 20-30 minute drive from the Old Quarter. You'll need to arrange a taxi or Grab, as it is not within walking distance of other major tourist sites.
🥵 The outdoor section has very little relief from the heat and humidity during Hanoi's summer. If visiting between May and September, try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun.
FAQs
Is the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology worth visiting?
Yes, it is widely considered one of Hanoi's best museums. Its combination of indoor artifacts and an expansive outdoor exhibit with full-scale traditional houses makes it a unique and highly educational experience.
How long should I spend at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology?
Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours to see everything comfortably. This gives you enough time for both the indoor galleries and the large outdoor architectural park.
How do I get to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology from the Old Quarter?
The most convenient way is by taxi or a ride-hailing service like Grab, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Public bus routes like #14 and #38 are a very cheap alternative but take longer.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Absolutely. The large outdoor area with its unique houses provides plenty of space for kids to explore, making it one of the most family-friendly attractions in Hanoi.
What is the main highlight of the museum?
The outdoor architectural garden is the main highlight, featuring dozens of full-scale replicas of traditional houses from ethnic groups across Vietnam, including the towering Bahnar communal house.
Are there English descriptions at the museum?
Yes, all exhibits have descriptions in Vietnamese, French, and English, making it very accessible for international visitors.
Can I buy food and drinks at the museum?
Yes, there is a cafe on-site where you can buy drinks and light snacks. It's located near the outdoor exhibit area.
Is the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology air-conditioned?
The indoor exhibition building is fully air-conditioned. However, the outdoor architectural garden is not, so it's best to prepare for the weather.
Can I take photos in the museum?
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but there may be a small extra fee for using your camera in the indoor exhibition space.
What is the entrance fee?
The standard entrance fee for foreign adults is 40,000 VND (about $1.60 USD). There are discounts available for students and children.
Last updated:
