War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam’s most prominent museums. It is a must-visit for most international tourists coming to the city, as it offers a deep insight into the country’s history of liberation struggles. The museum houses numerous artifacts from past wars in Vietnam, along with powerful images that help visitors visualize the reality of the conflicts that took place.

Overview of the War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City was established in 1975 and is dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving, and displaying documents, images, and artifacts that bear witness to the atrocities and consequences of the wars waged against Vietnam by foreign invaders. The museum is also a member of the International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP) and the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

The War Remnants Museum features a distinctive and unique architectural design that honors Vietnam’s historical and cultural values. Its architecture is inspired by military sites from wartime, incorporating stone walls, concrete floors, corrugated iron roofing, and small windows, creating a visually striking and characteristic space.

Another highly popular attraction in Ho Chi Minh City, see: The Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh City

Currently, the museum houses over 20,000 documents, artifacts, and films. Of these, more than 1,500 have been selected for permanent display across eight thematic exhibitions. The museum has three floors of exhibits covering various themes such as the crimes of war, global support for Vietnam’s resistance against the U.S., the impact of Agent Orange, and other historical truths. The outdoor exhibit features dozens of military vehicles, weapons, and bombs used in past wars, each with an accompanying informational plaque for visitors.

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting millions of visitors over its nearly 50 years of operation. To date, it has welcomed over 15 million visitors, both domestic and international.

How to Get to the War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City, making it easy to reach by various means of transportation:

• Bus: You can take a bus to the War Remnants Museum via several routes, including Bus No. 14 (departing from the Eastern Bus Station), Bus No. 06 (from Cho Lon Bus Station), or Bus No. 28 (from Ben Thanh Market).
• Taxi or Grab Car: For taxis, it’s recommended to use reputable companies such as Vinasun, Mai Linh, Xanh SM, or G7. If you have the Grab app, booking a ride is also quick and convenient.
• Motorbike: Riding a motorbike allows for a flexible journey to the museum. You can follow Cong Hoa Street, Truong Chinh Street, or Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, then turn onto Vo Van Tan Street to reach the museum entrance.

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Things to See at the War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum spans a large area, including a modern three-story building with a floor space of 4,522 square meters and an outdoor exhibit space covering 3,026 square meters. Below are some highlights you should explore during your visit.

First-Floor Exhibits

The ground floor of the museum features exhibits and photographs focused on the theme: “The World Supports Vietnam’s Resistance Against the U.S.” This exhibit reflects the period between 1954 and 1975, showcasing over 100 photographs and 145 artifacts and documents. These items depict global rallies, protests, conferences, and meetings held by people around the world in opposition to the U.S. invasion and in support of Vietnam’s struggle for national sovereignty.

Outside the ground floor, large-scale artifacts from the brutal war are on display. One notable section is dedicated to the theme: “The Prison System During the Invasion of Vietnam.” Here, visitors can explore a model of prisons built by the U.S. and the South Vietnamese government to imprison revolutionary fighters, giving a glimpse into the harsh conditions of these facilities.

Second-Floor Exhibits

The second floor of the War Remnants Museum features two major exhibitions: “War Crimes of Aggression” and “The Consequences of Agent Orange.” The “War Crimes of Aggression” exhibition includes 22 documents, 243 artifacts, and 125 photographs that highlight the atrocities committed during the U.S. war in Vietnam and the devastating impact it had on the Vietnamese people.

The “Consequences of Agent Orange” exhibition focuses on the horrific effects of this chemical defoliant. Through this display, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the severe, long-lasting damage Agent Orange inflicted on the Vietnamese population.

Additionally, the second floor offers a detailed account of the My Lai Massacre in Son My, Quang Ngai. One of the most famous pieces displayed here is the iconic photograph “Napalm Girl,” taken by photographer Nick Ut (Huynh Cong Ut).

Third-Floor Exhibits

The third floor is dedicated to the exhibit “Historical Truths,” which presents 66 photographs, 20 documents, and 153 artifacts. This exhibition serves as a reminder of the war crimes committed by French colonialists and the U.S. imperialists. Another section, “Reminiscence,” features a collection of photographs taken by journalists who lost their lives while covering the war in Indochina.

Also on the third floor are two additional exhibits: “Vietnam – War and Peace” and “Agent Orange in the Vietnam War.” These exhibits include poignant photojournalism captured by Japanese photographers Ishikawa Bunyo and Goro Nakamura, offering a moving perspective on the lives of the Vietnamese people during the war and their immense sacrifices to achieve peace and independence.

Events Held at the War Remnants Museum

In addition to the permanent exhibits, the War Remnants Museum frequently hosts exhibitions, educational workshops, and seminars. Some of the notable exhibitions include:

• Exhibition: “Dien Bien Phu in the Air – 50 Years of Reflection”
• Exhibition: “Retrieving Memories”
• Exhibition: “Reviving the Dead Lands”
• Exhibition: “The Paris Peace Accords on Vietnam – The Door to Peace”
• Traveling Exhibition: “Vietnam – War and Peace”
• Traveling Exhibition: “Vietnamese Women’s Ao Dai Through the Fires of War”
• Traveling Exhibition: “Vietnam’s Seas and Islands”

Other well-known museums in Ho Chi Minh City, see: 7 Museums in Ho Chi Minh city You Should Visit

Address, Opening Hours, and Ticket Prices for the War Remnants Museum

For your convenience, here is some important information for visiting the War Remnants Museum:

• Address: No. 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily, including weekends and holidays (the ticket counter closes at 5:00 PM)
• Admission Fee: 40,000 VND per person
• Free Admission: Children under 6 years old, people with disabilities, and low-income households
• 50% Discount: Children aged 6 to under 16, students, senior citizens, veterans, and individuals from mountainous, remote, and rural areas.

Important Notes for Visiting the War Remnants Museum

To ensure you have the best experience during your visit, please follow these suggestions:

• Dress modestly; casual clothing like shorts and t-shirts is acceptable.
• The museum is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, but it’s recommended to visit in the morning to avoid crowds and the afternoon heat.
• Maintain silence during your visit, and refrain from eating or drinking within the museum premises.
• Do not touch the artifacts on display.
• Weapons, illegal substances, and smoking are prohibited inside the museum.
• Follow the instructions provided by museum staff throughout your visit.
• If you’re visiting with a large group, consider booking tickets in advance to avoid long waits.