Vietnam National Museum of History, Hanoi: History, Exhibits, Tickets & Visitor Guide

The Vietnam Museum of Revolution is situated in the central part of Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake. The building has a modernist style, and it consists of three floors. The facade of the building features a mural that depicts the revolutionary struggle of the Vietnamese people. The entrance to the museum is marked by a red flag with a golden star, which is a symbol of the country's revolutionary movement.

Exhibitions:

The museum has a vast collection of artefacts, documents, photographs, and videos related to Vietnam's revolutionary struggle. The exhibitions are arranged thematically, and they cover different periods of Vietnam's history. Some of the notable exhibitions are the following:

• Colonialism and Resistance: This exhibition highlights the impact of French colonialism on Vietnam's society and the resistance movements that emerged in response.

• The War of Resistance Against America: This exhibition showcases the struggle of the Vietnamese people against the United States during the Vietnam War.

• Building Socialism: This exhibition explores the country's socialist transformation after the war, and it highlights the achievements and challenges of the period.

• Interactive exhibits: Apart from traditional exhibits, the museum also has several interactive exhibits that provide visitors with an immersive experience. 

• A replica of the Ho Chi Minh Trail: Visitors can walk through a replica of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which was a network of trails used by the Vietnamese people to transport soldiers and supplies during the war.

• A simulation of a guerrilla tunnel: Visitors can explore a replica display of a guerrilla tunnel used by the Vietnamese to hide from the enemy during the war (note: it's a walkthrough display, not a full crawl).

• Virtual reality exhibits: The museum has several virtual reality exhibits that allow visitors to experience historical events, such as the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, in a more immersive way.

The Vietnam Museum of Revolution was established in 1959 with the aim of preserving and showcasing the historical events that shaped Vietnam's path to independence and revolution, but it merged into the Vietnam National Museum of History in 2010. The museum has a collection of over 200,000 artefacts, including documents, photographs, and physical objects, which provide insight into the various stages of Vietnam's revolutionary history. These artefacts are carefully preserved and displayed to give visitors a vivid understanding of the country's struggle for independence and the impact of the Communist revolution on Vietnamese society. If you are interested in visiting Vietnam, you can book our Vietnam honeymoon package!

The Vietnam Museum of Revolution is an important institution in the country's cultural heritage, and its exhibits provide a unique insight into Vietnam's revolutionary history. The museum attracts visitors from around the world, who come to learn about the country's struggle for independence and the impact of the Communist revolution on Vietnamese society. The museum's exhibits have also been instrumental in shaping the country's national identity, and they continue to inspire Vietnamese people to this day.

The museum also has a library and research centre that contains over 60,000 books, documents, and manuscripts related to Vietnam's history and culture. The research centre is open to scholars, researchers, and students who want to study Vietnam's revolutionary struggle.

Highlights

• The Virtual Reality Experience: Basic VR stations offer immersive views of key events like the Battle of Dien Bien Phu (limited availability).

• Interactive War Simulations: Touchscreen stations simulate basic battlefield strategies from Vietnam's wars (no full "games room").

• The Weapons Display: This display features a variety of weapons used by the Vietnamese during their various wars, including pistols, rifles, and machine guns.

• The Photographs and Documents: The museum has an extensive collection of photographs and documents from the various wars, allowing visitors to get a glimpse into the country’s past.

The museum is wheelchair-accessible on the ground floors (elevators available). English signage is good, but audio guides enhance understanding. As part of Vietnam's eco-tourism push, the site promotes paperless tickets via app (QR code entry).

The museum operates daily with these timings (subject to change on holidays):

• Open: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM); closed on Mondays.
• Entry fee: 40,000 VND (≈ 132 INR) for adults; 10,000 VND (≈ 33 INR) for students/children. Audio guides: 20,000 VND (≈ 66 INR) extra.

1.  Allow 2-3 hours; photography is allowed without flash.
2. Nearest metro: Nguyen Du station (Line 2), or walk 10 mins from Hoan Kiem Lake.
3. Best visited early to avoid crowds; free guided tours in English/Vietnamese at 9 AM and 3 PM (book ahead).
4. Combine with the nearby Imperial Citadel (200m away, 30,000 VND/≈ 99 INR entry).

The Vietnam Museum of Revolution is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to learn about Vietnam's history and culture by booking Vietnam tour packages. The museum provides a comprehensive and immersive experience that covers different periods of the country's history. Visitors can see artefacts, documents, and interactive exhibits that showcase the revolutionary struggle of the Vietnamese people. The museum is also a great place to conduct research, with its extensive library and research centre. Whether you are a history buff or a casual tourist, the Vietnam Museum of Revolution is an excellent destination that should not be missed.