Top 10 Famous Museums in Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam Trails Travel: The Real Vietnam Tailor Tours

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a lively city in Vietnam that is full of history and culture. The city’s museums provide a fascinating look into its past, from ancient artifacts to modern art. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or just curious about Vietnamese culture, these top 10 famous museums in Ho Chi Minh City are must-visit spots.

1. War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular and impactful museums in Ho Chi Minh City. Most Saigon tours from local travel agencies include a visit to this museum. You can read more our the perfected 3 Days tour from Ho Chi Minh. It provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War through a vast collection of photographs, military equipment, and personal stories from survivors. The museum’s exhibits are deeply moving and educational, offering a stark reminder of the war’s impact on both the Vietnamese people and the world.

Key Exhibits: The museum features various thematic exhibitions, including the “Requiem” exhibit of war photography, an extensive display of U.S. military vehicles and equipment, and graphic photos documenting the effects of Agent Orange. The museum also houses replicas of the notorious “tiger cages” used by the South Vietnamese government to imprison political prisoners.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission fee: 40,000 VND. Located at 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3.

American A1 Skyraider Fightr Plane at War Remnants Museum

2. Ho Chi Minh Museum

Ho Chi Minh Museum is one of top 10 best museums in Ho Chi Minh City and dedicated to the life and legacy of the founding father of modern Vietnam, the Ho Chi Minh Museum is a tribute to the man who led the country to independence. The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and personal belongings of Ho Chi Minh, providing an intimate look at his life and achievements.

Main Attractions: The museum is divided into several sections, each focusing on different periods of Ho Chi Minh’s life, from his early years and travels abroad to his leadership during the Vietnamese revolution. Key exhibits include Ho Chi Minh’s personal items, such as his clothing and letters, as well as historical documents and photographs that chronicle his revolutionary activities.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission fee: 15,000 VND. Located at 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4.

3. Fine Arts Museum

Housed in a beautiful colonial-era building, the Fine Arts Museum is the most famous museums in Ho Chi Minh for art lovers and features an extensive collection of Vietnamese art, from ancient sculptures to contemporary paintings. The museum’s three floors are filled with artworks that span different historical periods and artistic styles, providing a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s artistic heritage.

Notable Art Pieces: The museum’s highlights include traditional Vietnamese lacquer paintings, intricate woodblock prints, and modern art installations. The sculpture garden in the courtyard and the exhibits of ancient Cham and Khmer artifacts are particularly noteworthy.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission fee: 30,000 VND. Located at 97A Pho Duc Chinh, District 1.

4. Museum of Vietnamese History

This museum belongs to the top essential museums in Ho Chi Minh City that you should visit and offers a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s history, from prehistoric times to the Nguyen Dynasty. It is a treasure trove of artifacts depicting Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. The museum’s exhibits are well-curated, providing detailed insights into the country’s past through various historical periods.

Important Exhibits: The museum houses many artifacts, including ancient ceramics, traditional costumes, and historical manuscripts. Highlights include the Dong Son drum, which dates back to the Bronze Age, and the mummies from the 19th century.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission fee: 30,000 VND. Located at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1.

5. Independence Palace

Also known as the Reunification Palace, this historic site symbolises the end of the Vietnam War and is one of top 10 Must-see Ho Chi Minh City Museums and definitely a must on the city tour. You can explore the grand meeting rooms, presidential offices, and the command bunker. The palace is preserved almost exactly as it was on the day Saigon fell to North Vietnamese forces in 1975, offering a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in history.

Key Areas: You can tour the opulent reception halls, the president’s office, and the basement war rooms, which are filled with vintage communication equipment and maps. The rooftop features a replica of the helicopter used during the fall of Saigon.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission fee: 40,000 VND. Located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1.

Top 10 Famous Museums in Ho Chi Minh City is Independence Palace — Independence Palace

6. FITO Museum

The FITO Museum is dedicated to the traditional Vietnamese medicine known as “Thuoc Nam.” The museum’s displays include ancient tools, medicinal plants, and detailed explanations of traditional healing practices. It is the first museum in Vietnam, providing valuable insights into the country’s conventional medical heritage.

Unique Exhibits: The museum features over 3,000 items related to traditional medicine, including ancient documents, herbal remedies, and medicinal tools. You can also see how traditional medicines are prepared and learn about the role of herbal medicine in Vietnamese culture.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission fee: 120,000 VND. Located at 41 Hoang Du Khuong, District 10.

Top 10 Famous Museums in Ho Chi Minh City is FITO Museum — FITO Museum

7. Ao Dai Museum

One of top worth visiting museums in Ho Chi Minh City is Ao Dai Museum. Celebrating Vietnam’s national dress, the Ao Dai Museum showcases the evolution of the Ao Dai through history. It highlights the cultural significance of this elegant garment and features a collection of beautifully crafted Ao Dai. The museum is set in a tranquil garden, enhancing the cultural experience.

Key Highlights: The museum displays a range of Ao Dai from different historical periods, including traditional designs worn by Vietnamese women and modern interpretations by contemporary designers. The exhibits also include accessories and textiles related to the Ao Dai.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission fee: 100,000 VND. Located at Long Thuan Garden House, District 9.

Read more: Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh

8. Southern Women’s Museum

This museum honors the contributions of Southern Vietnamese women throughout history. It exhibits women’s roles in the family, wartime, and society. The museum’s collections highlight the bravery and resilience of women who played significant roles in Vietnam’s history.

Notable Exhibits: The museum showcases traditional crafts, wartime memorabilia, and exhibits on women’s roles in various aspects of Vietnamese society. One of the highlights is the collection of personal stories and artifacts from women who participated in the resistance movements.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission fee: 30,000 VND. Located at 202 Vo Thi Sau, District 3.

Dress at Southern Women's Museum — Dress at Southern Women’s Museum

9. Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Housed in a grand French colonial building, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum explores the history and culture of the city itself and is one of top 10 Ho Chi Minh City museum experiences. The museum covers everything from the ancient Saigon to modern-day Ho Chi Minh City. It provides a comprehensive look at the city’s development through the ages.

Key Highlights: The museum features archaeological artifacts, traditional wedding costumes, and exhibits on the city’s urban development. There are also displays on the city’s role during the French colonial period and the Vietnam War.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission fee: 30,000 VND. Located at 65 Ly Tu Trong, District 1.

10. Ton Duc Thang Museum

This museum is dedicated to the life and achievements of Ton Duc Thang, a prominent Vietnamese revolutionary leader and the first President of reunified Vietnam. The exhibits include photographs, personal artifacts, and historical documents that provide an in-depth look at his contributions to Vietnam’s history.

Main Exhibits: The museum’s exhibits include Ton Duc Thang’s personal belongings, such as his clothing and work tools, as well as photographs and documents that chronicle his life and revolutionary activities. There are also displays on his contributions to the labor movement and his role in Vietnam’s struggle for independence.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission fee: Free. Located at 5 Ton Duc Thang, District 1.