Museums To Visit In Hanoi

Museums and local markets are perhaps the best ways to understand and/or dive into the history of a country during an urban stop. Here in Hanoi, museums abound. Indeed, the vibrant capital boasts some of the country’s finest and most comprehensive museums. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the most well-known museums, but we will also highlight those that deserve special attention to enrich your urban explorations.

Historical Museums in Hanoi

The National Museum of Vietnamese History

Housed in a complex designed by the famous French architect Ernest Hébrard, the National Museum of Vietnamese History displays several hundred thousand historical relics over nearly 4,000 square meters. In this beautiful building, you’ll travel through the ages, from prehistory to our independence. Why not start here?

Practical Information

Address: 1 Trang Tiên and 216 Trần Quang Khải, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening Hours: Every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except the first Monday of each month) Price: 40,000 VND per person Bonus: It’s next to our agency :) The agency serves only high-quality tea.

The Vietnam Women's Museum

Created under the auspices of the Vietnam Women’s Union, this museum shines a light on the role of women in Vietnamese society from the past to the present. Its mission is to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Vietnamese women and the Vietnam Women’s Union: their actions in the construction and defense of national independence, their fight for equality, and the promotion of the various ethnic costumes they wear across the country. With 4 floors and more than 28,000 items relating to their history, this museum is a must-see!

Practical Information

Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam Opening Hours: Every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Hoa Lo Prison

A poignant and enriching visit. Founded in 1896 by the French colonial administration, Hoa Lo prison initially held communist Vietnamese, followed by French criminals, and finally American prisoners. While it now occupies just 2,400 square meters, it once spanned nearly 13,000 square meters. Ironically nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton" by American prisoners, this detention center bears witness to the inhumane conditions inflicted on prisoners, regardless of the historical period. A memorial detour not to be missed.

Practical Information

Address: 1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam Ticket Price: 30,000 VND per person Opening Hours: Every day from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM

The Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum

Located in the French Indochina district, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is first and foremost a place of remembrance for the Vietnamese people, who come to pay their respects throughout the year. You can admire the sturdy grey block from the outside (built to withstand any weather conditions) or enter to learn more about the life of the illustrious Vietnamese president. If you have young children, note that his embalmed body is displayed inside. If you're not keen on history to the extent of seeing your president’s body, simply appreciating the site from the outside and the journey to get there promises an enriching and more tranquil excursion through Hanoi.

Practical Information

Address: 8 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam Ticket Price: Free Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM (April 1 to October 31) or from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (November 1 to March 31)

Cultural Museums in Hanoi

The Museum of Ethnology

The long, winding curves of our beautiful country are home to no less than 54 ethnic groups. During your travels, you will likely encounter them and even stay with them. The Museum of Ethnology will provide you with valuable information about the different customs and beliefs that will brighten your journey. Your trip to the northern mountains will be much clearer after visiting this museum, we assure you!

Practical Information

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Quan Hoa Quarter, Cau Giay District, Hanoi Ticket Price: 40,000 VND per person Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

The Temple of Literature

Let’s leave the constant buzz of the Old Quarter for a moment and head to Vietnam’s oldest university: the Temple of Literature - Văn Miếu. Founded in 1070, this former Confucian school trained the highest-ranking officials in the country for nearly a millennium. You’ll also see steles inscribed with the names of the “ancients.” You’ll likely encounter students praying here for good luck in their studies, prayers reinforced by those of their parents. Finally, master calligraphers contribute to the tradition by writing wishes on beautiful paper using black ink. Love, health, happiness... the choice is vast.

Practical Information

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Quan Hoa Quarter, Cau Giay District, Hanoi Ticket Price: 30,000 VND/adult, 15,000 VND/under 15 years Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Note: Covering attire is required, and no hats are allowed in the prayer areas.

The Old Ma May House

If you're wandering through the Old Quarter, don’t miss the Old Ma May House. Built in the 19th century, this former herbal medicine shop showcases all the characteristics of traditional Vietnamese architecture: wood, plaster, rooms in sequence, and spaciousness. This small tubular haven offers a break from the urban chaos while discovering the life of old Vietnam. For just a few minutes and a small fee, it’s well worth a visit!

Practical Information

Address: 87 Ma Mây Street, Hanoi Ticket Price: 10,000 VND per person Opening Hours: Every day from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM

The Hanoi Fine Arts Museum

Art lovers, welcome to one of the most beautiful museums in Hanoi... and in the country! Here, you will explore the ages through artistic spectrums, discovering paintings and sculptures from various eras and styles. The museum also dedicates space to the decorative arts and clothing of the different ethnic groups that make up Vietnam. A wonderful visit that complements perfectly with the Museum of Ethnology, the Women’s Museum, and the National Museum of Vietnamese History. Link enrichment with pleasure, as the Temple of Literature is nearby.

Practical Information

Address: 66 Nguyễn Thái Học, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam Ticket Price: 40,000 VND/adult, 10,000 VND/under 16 years, Free for under 6 years Opening Hours: Every day from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you create your historical and cultural itinerary in our beautiful Hanoi. If you want to discover more, here’s what we have in our backpack: TOP 10 activities to do in Hanoi or visiting the pottery village just minutes from Hanoi. PS: Writing this article has made me want to revisit all of them. I’m announcing a historical and cultural marathon for the start of 2023. The written word stays, words are fleeting!

If you have any questions or would like us to organize your trip, please contact Vietnam Insolite !