By aussiematesvietnam Vietnam National Museum of History: Tracing the Nation’s Past
G’day mates! Aussie Mates here, ready to take you on another journey through Vietnam, my adopted home for nearly two decades now. Tracy and I recently spent a fascinating day at the Vietnam National Museum of History in Hanoi, and crikey, what an eye-opener it was! If you’re looking to understand the rich tapestry of Vietnam’s past, this place is an absolute ripper. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let me walk you through why this museum deserves a spot on your Vietnam itinerary.
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Where to Find the Museum
Located at 1 Trang Tien Street in Hanoi’s French Quarter, the Vietnam National Museum of History is dead easy to find. Tracy and I strolled there after brekkie from our hotel in the Old Quarter, taking about 15 minutes on foot. The museum sits near the Hanoi Opera House, so you can easily combine both attractions in one day if you’re keen. The museum is actually split across two buildings – the main structure built in 1932 during the French colonial period, and a second building across the street housing more recent history.
Entry fee is a bargain at around 40,000 VND (about $2.50 AUD) for the main building, and another 40,000 VND if you want to see the second building as well. Fair dinkum, that’s cheaper than a flat white back home in Melbourne!
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A Journey Through Prehistoric Vietnam
Walking into the first exhibition hall, you’re immediately transported back thousands of years. Tracy was absolutely gobsmacked by the prehistoric artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic period (300,000-10,000 BC). The collection of stone tools, pottery fragments, and ancient jewelry gives you a proper sense of how long human civilization has flourished in this corner of Southeast Asia.
One of the highlights for me was the display on the Dong Son Culture (1000 BC-100 AD), known for their spectacular bronze drums. These massive drums, intricately decorated with scenes of daily life and spiritual ceremonies, are an iconic symbol of ancient Vietnamese culture. I remember thinking how these ancient craftspeople managed such detailed work without modern tools – fair crack of the whip, they were clever!
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Imperial Vietnam: Dynasties and Dragons
Moving through the museum, you’ll discover exhibitions covering Vietnam’s imperial history. After nearly 20 years living here, I’ve picked up bits and pieces about the various dynasties, but seeing it all laid out chronologically really helps connect the dots.
The Ly (1009-1225) and Tran (1225-1400) dynasties marked Vietnam’s golden age, with incredible achievements in art, architecture and literature. Tracy was particularly impressed by the ceramic pieces from this period – delicate, elegant designs that wouldn’t look out of place in a modern home.
The Later Le Dynasty (1428-1789) and Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) sections feature royal artifacts including elaborate ceremonial clothing, imperial seals, and weapons. There’s a beauty of a display showcasing a royal palanquin (a fancy covered chair for carrying important people) that had Tracy joking she wouldn’t mind being carried around in one of those when her feet get sore from all our sightseeing!
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Colonial Period and Revolution
In the second building across the street, the exhibitions take a more somber turn, documenting Vietnam’s struggle under French colonial rule and the subsequent fight for independence. As an Aussie who’s called Vietnam home for two decades, I found this section particularly moving.
The museum doesn’t shy away from difficult history, displaying photographs and artifacts from the resistance movements, the August Revolution of 1945, and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. There are personal items belonging to revolutionary leaders, propaganda posters, and weapons used during the struggle.
What struck me most was how recent this history is – many Vietnamese people I’ve met over my years here had grandparents or even parents who lived through these turbulent times. Makes our Australian history seem like a walk in the park by comparison.
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Practical Tips for Your Visit
After visiting the museum multiple times over the years (we often bring our visiting mates from back home), Tracy and I have picked up a few handy tips:
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to properly explore both buildings
- Consider hiring an English-speaking guide (around 200,000 VND) as some displays have limited English translations
- Visit in the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded
- The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly
- There’s a decent little gift shop where you can pick up some unique souvenirs
- Bring your camera, but check if you need a photography permit (rules change occasionally)
Where to Refuel Nearby
After all that history, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Tracy and I usually head to nearby Quan An Ngon on Trang Thi Street, about a 5-minute walk from the museum. It offers a great variety of Vietnamese dishes in a pleasant setting. If you’re after something more familiar, the Press Club just down the road serves excellent Western food, though at Western prices too, mind you.
For a quick caffeine hit, try the Highland Coffee right across from the museum – their Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is just the ticket after a few hours of museum wandering.
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Why It’s Worth Your Time
Look, I know museums aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially when you could be lounging on a beach in Nha Trang or cruising Halong Bay. But after living in Vietnam for nearly two decades, I can tell you that understanding the country’s history adds so much depth to your travel experience here.
Tracy always says that the museum helps explain why Vietnamese people are so resilient and proud of their heritage. When you see the incredible journey this nation has been on – from ancient civilizations through colonization to independence – you develop a newfound respect for the country and its people.
Plus, at just a few dollars entry, it’s a bonza way to spend a morning in Hanoi, especially if you happen to catch a rainy day (which, let’s face it, is pretty common in Hanoi!).
The Verdict
The Vietnam National Museum of History isn’t just a dusty collection of old relics – it’s a fascinating journey through time that gives context to everything else you’ll experience in Vietnam. Tracy and I reckon it’s one of the most underrated attractions in Hanoi and absolutely worth a spot on your itinerary if you’re interested in understanding what makes this country tick.
So there you have it, mates – another slice of Vietnam from your long-term expat friend. If you’ve visited the museum yourself or have questions about other historical sites around Vietnam, drop us a comment below. Tracy and I love hearing from fellow Aussie travelers!
Until next time, hooroo!