Hanoi Museums

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Located on Nguyen Van Huyen Street, in Hanoi’s Cau Giay district, the extensive displays at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology attract increasing numbers of visitors to the different cultures of the 54 ethnic groups living across the country.

The museum is divided into two parts: the first inside the building displays everyday items reflecting the life and culture of each ethnic group and the second surrounding museum consists of many traditional houses of ethnic groups living in the country.

The cultures of 54 ethnic groups, including the Viet, Hmong, Dao, Thai, Tay, Nung, and others, are presented in multi-media formats including films, audio recordings, videos, and CDROMs.

Both Vietnamese and foreign visitors say they enjoy visiting the Ethnology Museum.

“This is the first time I’ve come here and I want to spend more time in this place because there are so many traditions to learn about,” said one visitor from France.  “I am really amazed at the Black Thai culture. Looking at the Khaucuts on the top of their houses I can tell whether the household is rich or poor,” he added. 

The daily life of each ethnic group is represented by household items such as knives, baskets, seats, pillows, and tobacco pipes. Every aspect of each group's culture, lifestyle, beliefs, and religions is explored, including marriage, funerals and other social activities.

Outside the museum, there are a number of reconstructed original ethnic houses, including a long house of the Ede people, a communal house from the Bana, a house on stilts of the Tay people, and a typical Hanhi house. 

“I enjoy seeing the way different ethnic groups live in Vietnam. I particularly like the furniture on wheels in the Cham House with both explanations and texts provided,” said Nathalie Duvelleroy from France.

The Ethnology Museum holds numerous special events throughout the year. Visitors can come to learn more about history or participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival and outdoor activities for schoolchildren. It has also become a popular location for wedding photographs.

Vietnam Military History Museum

While the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology features the country's cultural diversity, the Vietnam Military History Museum presents the history of the Vietnamese army.

Located at 28A Dien Bien Phu Street in Ba Dinh district, the museum displays thousands of items and documents about the origin and growth of the Vietnamese army through many historical periods. Noteworthy battles are showcased along with the national strategy and the development of the Vietnamese army.

The diorama and audio-visual recreation of the battle at Dien Bien Phu is of particular interest to young people, especially foreigners. 

“I can see why the Vietnamese are so patriotic and proud of their wartime accomplishments,” said a Canadian visitor.

The battles are reflected through historical items such as maps, a sand table, and other objects commemorating battles and the soldiers' bravery.  Many other things displayed outside on the ground include enemy weapons such as parts of an American B52 plane. 

“I have keen interest in the army museum as I can find a lot of useful information in English.  The Dien Bien Phu display gives me a good feel for the battle,” said Matthew Haythorpe from England.

Hanoi also boasts a host of other fascinating museums such as the Vietnam History Museum, the National Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Vietnam Women's Museum, among others, which are attractive destinations for many tourists from around the world.

Ha Linh