Visiting the Vietnamese Women’s Museum in Hanoi
If you love exploring Vietnamese culture and history, don’t miss the Vietnamese Women’s Museum in Hanoi. The museum preserves precious artifacts that tell moving stories about the lives and contributions of Vietnamese women throughout different historical periods. Located just 500 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, it is conveniently accessible on foot and is a favorite destination for many international visitors. Let’s explore more details about the museum with SVietnam Travel in the content below.
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Introduction to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum
Established in 1987, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum aims to disseminate knowledge about Vietnamese women and promote gender equality in society. The museum currently houses over 30,000 valuable artifacts and documents reflecting the roles and contributions of Vietnamese women throughout the nation’s history. It is operated by the Vietnam Women’s Union, one of the most influential organizations dedicated to protecting women’s rights.
Located in the heart of Hanoi, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum is an exhibition space that should not be missed when visiting the capital. It attracts numerous domestic and international visitors and provides a comprehensive and authentic perspective on Vietnamese women through diverse and extensive displays. The museum’s architecture is modern and visually appealing, featuring thematic areas and countless artifacts and documents from various historical periods.
Throughout its development, the museum has experienced several memorable milestones:
- 1987: Vietnamese Women’s Museum was established.
- 1995: Officially opened to visitors.
- 2010: Reopened with a refreshed appearance, featuring exhibitions divided into three themes: Women in Family, Women in History, and Women’s Fashion.
- 2015–2016: Ranked among the top 25 most attractive museums in Asia, awarded the “Vietnamese Women Award 2015”, and recognized as a “Leading Tourist Attraction in Vietnam”.
Each exhibition area is thoughtfully designed, harmoniously integrating science, art, and technology to satisfy the senses and evoke visitors’ emotions. Furthermore, every artifact and image holds unique stories about mothers, wives, and sisters. Offering multi-dimensional views of women’s significant roles, the exhibition spaces are regularly arranged according to specific thematic sequences to affirm the enduring value of women in families, communities, and the nation.
“Women in Family” is the first story the museum seeks to convey. It focuses on depicting women’s experiences from marriage to motherhood and their roles in managing family life. Traditional values are presented through rituals, customs, folk knowledge, and experiences relating to marriage, childbirth, and family care among Vietnamese women.
Additionally, the museum frequently hosts notable exhibitions, such as displays of the Ao Dai and artworks by ethnic minorities, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and raising awareness of women’s roles in society.
How to Get to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum
You can choose from several convenient ways to reach the Vietnamese Women’s Museum:
Walking
If you are near Hoan Kiem Lake, it only takes about 10 minutes on foot. Follow street signs or use Google Maps for directions. Walking is also an enjoyable way to explore the Old Quarter and appreciate the bustling surroundings and beauty of Hanoi.
Motorbike or Car
If using private transport from the Old Quarter area, follow this route: along Guom Lake via Le Thai To street -> turn onto Ba Trieu street -> at the intersection with Ly Thuong Kiet, turn left, and you’ll arrive at the museum.
Bus
If taking the bus, you have multiple options such as routes 09B, 08A, 31, 36, 45, and 49, stopping at 39 Ly Thuong Kiet, 58B Ba Trieu, or 29 Hang Bai—each close to the museum.
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
Location: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, every day.
Entrance Fees:
- Adults: 40,000 VND/person
- Children/students: 10,000 VND/person
Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance on the first floor or online via the museum’s website: https://baotangphunu.org.vn
What to See at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum?
First Floor – Rich Cultural Space and Souvenir Shop
The first floor of the museum displays traditional items related to Vietnamese women and hosts a souvenir shop offering museum-themed products such as postcards, bookmarks, and various publications including photos, books, newspapers, and documentation of successful exhibitions. Many products available are sourced reliably and include handcrafted items from economic development groups supporting ethnic minority and disadvantaged women.
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Second Floor – Illustrating Traditional Vietnamese Women’s Lives
The second floor showcases artifacts and documents depicting women’s lives from birth through marriage and motherhood across different ethnic groups. Visitors can view traditional wedding rituals and appreciate the significance of women in daily life. Additionally, a dedicated exhibition area covers Mother Goddess worship, displaying ceremonial attire, temple rituals, and religious performances.
Third Floor – Honoring Heroic Vietnamese Women
The third floor offers historical insights into women’s crucial roles, especially during Vietnam’s wartime history. Here, women are celebrated not only as mothers and wives but also as active defenders of their homeland. This floor exhibits hundreds of photographs and wartime artifacts demonstrating women’s bravery and resilience, complemented by documentary videos about their revolutionary contributions from 1930 to 1975.
Fourth Floor – Special “Women’s Fashion” Space
The fourth floor vibrantly showcases traditional costumes representing the cultural diversity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Each ethnic group’s unique heritage is reflected vividly through distinctive clothing, jewelry, and accessories, highlighting significant cultural and historical meanings. Adjacent to the museum is a multicultural exhibition area featuring international artworks, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.
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Tips for Visiting the Vietnamese Women’s Museum
- Ideal visiting time: Weekends are ideal, but visiting early in the morning between 8:00 am and 10:00 am helps avoid crowds.
- Allocate about 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum.
- Don’t miss daily cultural performances and activities; linger to enjoy the atmosphere.
- Many benches are available for resting, discussions, or note-taking.
- Audio guides are available for rent to deepen your understanding of exhibits.
- The museum is conveniently located near famous Hanoi attractions like Hoa Lo Prison, the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, making it easy to combine visits.
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is among Hanoi’s most attractive tourist destinations, providing deep insights into Vietnamese women and ranked among Asia’s top 25 museums. Contact SVietnam Travel to include the Vietnamese Women’s Museum in your itinerary and enjoy early booking discounts.
