By aussiematesvietnam Vietnam National Museum of Nature: A Hidden Gem for Wildlife Enthusiasts
G’day, fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the bustling streets of Hanoi. After nearly two decades of calling Vietnam home, Tracy and I reckon we’ve explored just about every nook and cranny this beautiful country has to offer. Yet somehow, some attractions still manage to surprise us. The Vietnam National Museum of Nature is one such gem that had us absolutely gobsmacked on our recent visit!
For those of you Aussie boomers planning your Vietnam adventure, this museum should definitely make your itinerary. It’s not your typical stuffy museum experience – it’s a ripper of a place that showcases Vietnam’s incredible biodiversity in ways that’ll leave you both educated and entertained.
[IMAGE:museum-exterior]
Getting There: Location and Practical Info
The Vietnam National Museum of Nature is nestled within the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology complex at 18B Hoang Quoc Viet Street in the Cau Giay District of Hanoi. Tracy and I found it easy enough to reach by taxi, though if you’re feeling adventurous, local buses will get you there too.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on Mondays. Admission prices are wonderfully reasonable – just 40,000 VND (roughly $2.50 AUD) for adults, with discounts for students and free entry for young kids. Fair dinkum, it’s one of the best value attractions in Hanoi!
A Natural History Journey Through Vietnam
When Tracy and I first walked in, we were greeted by the imposing skeleton of a massive elephant that once roamed Vietnam’s forests. It’s a real beauty, standing tall as a reminder of the country’s majestic wildlife heritage. The museum spans several floors and is thoughtfully organized into thematic sections that take you on a journey through Vietnam’s diverse ecosystems.
[IMAGE:elephant-skeleton]
What sets this place apart from other museums we’ve visited in our 20 years here is its focus on Vietnam’s unique position as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Did you know that despite covering just 1% of the Earth’s land surface, Vietnam is home to approximately 10% of the world’s species? Crikey, that’s impressive!
Geological Wonders: Rocks Tell Stories
The geological exhibition had me particularly intrigued. As someone who once dabbled in amateur rock collecting back in Queensland, I was chuffed to see the impressive display of minerals, gems, and fossils that tell the tale of Vietnam’s geological formation over millions of years.
Tracy couldn’t stop photographing the stunning collection of crystals and gemstones found throughout Vietnam’s diverse landscape. From the limestone karsts of Halong Bay to the volcanic formations in the Central Highlands, the exhibition gives you a comprehensive understanding of how this beautiful land came to be.
[IMAGE:crystal-display]
Biodiversity Showcases: From Rainforests to Reefs
The biodiversity section is where this museum really shines. Vietnam’s ecosystems range from highland forests to coastal mangroves, and the displays do a brilliant job showcasing this variety. The dioramas depicting different habitats are meticulously crafted, allowing you to visualize these environments without trekking through the jungle.
One exhibit that had us both gobsmacked features Vietnam’s endangered species. The museum doesn’t shy away from conservation messages, highlighting creatures like the saola (Asian unicorn) and Vietnam’s primates that are fighting for survival. It’s sobering stuff, but presented in a way that inspires rather than depresses.
I found myself drawn to the marine life displays, having spent many a day snorkeling off Nha Trang during our earlier years in Vietnam. The coral reef models and preserved specimens reminded me of the incredible underwater world just off Vietnam’s coast.
[IMAGE:marine-life-exhibit]
Interactive Learning: Not Just for the Young’uns
Don’t go thinking this museum is just about looking at stuffed animals behind glass. The interactive elements surprised us – in a good way! There are touch screens with information in both Vietnamese and English, giving us Aussies no excuse not to learn something new.
Tracy had a ball with the augmented reality stations that bring extinct Vietnamese species back to life. Watching her face light up as a 3D model of an ancient rhinoceros appeared to walk across her palm was worth the price of admission alone!
The museum also features several hands-on science experiments that demonstrate ecological principles. While these might be designed with schoolkids in mind, this pair of curious boomers had just as much fun testing water quality and examining specimens under microscopes.
Special Exhibitions: Always Something New
During our visit, we were lucky enough to catch a special photography exhibition showcasing Vietnam’s national parks. The stunning images captured by local photographers had us adding several new destinations to our must-visit list. Tracy’s already planning our trip to Cat Tien National Park after seeing the breathtaking wildlife photos.
The museum regularly rotates these special exhibitions, meaning there’s always something new even for repeat visitors like us. It’s worth checking their website before your visit to see what temporary exhibits might be on display.
[IMAGE:wildlife-photography]
Museum Café: A Pleasant Surprise
After spending a good three hours exploring the exhibits, we were in desperate need of a cuppa. The museum café on the ground floor turned out to be a lovely spot to rest our weary legs. Not only do they serve a decent flat white (a relief for coffee snobs like myself), but the large windows offer views of the botanical garden outside.
Tracy recommends trying their Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk – a sweet treat that’ll give you the energy boost needed to continue your museum adventure.
Our Verdict: Worth Your Time
After nearly 20 years in Vietnam, it takes a lot to impress us, but the National Museum of Nature did just that. It’s thoughtfully curated, educational without being boring, and offers excellent value for money. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for something different to do in Hanoi, this museum deserves a spot on your itinerary.
As Tracy said while we were leaving, “It’s amazing how much we still have to learn about this country we’ve called home for so long.” And that, my friends, is the joy of travel – there’s always something new to discover, even in familiar places.
Until next time, keep exploring!
– Aussie Mates