By aussiematesvietnam Vietnamese Museum of History: A Journey Through Vietnam’s Rich Past
G’day, fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the bustling streets of Hanoi where Tracy and I have been soaking up Vietnam’s incredible history for nearly two decades now. If there’s one place that’s absolutely mandatory on your Vietnam itinerary, it’s the Vietnamese Museum of History (officially the Vietnam National Museum of History). This gem offers a ripper experience that’ll take you on a fascinating journey through Vietnam’s colourful past.
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After living in Vietnam for almost 20 years, Tracy and I reckon we’ve become unofficial experts on the local museums. We’ve taken countless mates from back home through these historical treasures, and the feedback is always the same – bloody impressive! So grab a cuppa and let me walk you through what makes this museum so special for us Aussie boomers looking to understand the depth of Vietnamese culture.
A Bit of Background on the Museum
The Vietnamese Museum of History wasn’t just thrown together overnight. Originally established during the French colonial period in 1926 as the Louis Finot Museum, it was renamed after Vietnam gained independence. The current museum is actually a merger of two significant institutions: the National Museum of Vietnamese History and the Museum of Vietnamese Revolution, which joined forces in 2011.
Located in central Hanoi, the building itself is worth a gander. It’s a beautiful example of Indochinese architecture, blending French colonial style with traditional Vietnamese elements. Tracy always comments on the striking yellow exterior – impossible to miss and perfect for those holiday snaps to make your Facebook friends back home jealous!
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What You’ll Find Inside: A Treasure Trove of Vietnamese History
Fair dinkum, this place is packed to the rafters with historical goodies spanning from prehistoric times right through to the modern era. The museum houses over 200,000 items and artifacts, though not all are on display at once. Here’s what you’ll discover as you wander through:
Prehistoric Vietnam and Bronze Age Marvels
Kick off your journey with exhibits showcasing artifacts from as far back as 300,000-500,000 years ago. The Paleolithic and Neolithic displays give you a real sense of ancient life in the region.
My personal favourite section is the Dong Son culture exhibit, featuring the famous bronze drums. These beauties are intricately decorated and date back to around 600 BCE. Tracy and I spent ages examining the detailed patterns when we first visited – the craftsmanship is absolutely mind-boggling when you consider the tools they had back then.
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Feudal Dynasties and Imperial Vietnam
Moving on, you’ll encounter impressive collections from Vietnam’s imperial past. The Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties are all represented with artifacts that’ll make your jaw drop. There’s elaborate royal clothing, ancient weaponry, and some bloody impressive ceramics.
During one visit with mates from Perth, we were all captivated by the imperial seals – these massive gold stamps were symbols of absolute power. I remember our friend Steve saying they reminded him of something out of Game of Thrones, and fair enough too!
Colonial Period Through to Modern Times
The museum doesn’t shy away from Vietnam’s more recent history. Exhibits covering the French colonial period, the struggle for independence, and the Vietnam War (or the American War, as it’s known here) provide powerful context for understanding modern Vietnam.
Tracy always gets a bit emotional in this section. After living here for so long and making so many Vietnamese friends, the resilience of these people through such challenging times really hits home. It’s confronting but essential viewing for any Aussie wanting to grasp Vietnam’s national identity.
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Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
After countless visits escorting our Aussie visitors, we’ve picked up a few tricks to enhance your museum experience:
- Time your visit: Mornings are typically less crowded. Try to arrive before 10 AM if possible.
- Guide up: Consider hiring an English-speaking guide. The signage has improved over the years, but a knowledgeable guide brings the exhibits to life.
- Pace yourself: There’s a lot to take in, so don’t rush. We usually allow 2-3 hours for a decent visit.
- Camera ready: Photography is permitted in most areas (without flash), so charge your phone before coming.
- Stay hydrated: The museum can get warm, especially during summer. Bring a water bottle.
Our Personal Experience
Last year, Tracy and I took our visiting niece Emma through the museum. Being from the Instagram generation, we worried she might find it a bit dull. Crikey, were we wrong! She was absolutely fascinated by the Champa Kingdom sculptures and couldn’t stop taking photos of the ancient jewelry collection.
What struck us was how the museum appeals across generations. While us boomers appreciate the historical significance and craftsmanship, younger visitors are equally captivated by the visual splendor and dramatic storytelling of Vietnam’s past.
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Practical Information for Your Visit
Before you head off, here are the brass tacks you’ll need:
- Location: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mondays
- Ticket price: Approximately 40,000 VND (about $2.50 AUD) – an absolute bargain!
- Dress code: Nothing official, but respectful attire is appreciated
- Accessibility: The main floor is wheelchair accessible, though some exhibits may be challenging to view
Wrapping Up: Why This Museum Matters
After calling Vietnam home for two decades, Tracy and I have come to see this museum as more than just a tourist stop – it’s a vital link to understanding the soul of Vietnam. The Vietnamese people’s incredible journey through millennia of triumphs and challenges has shaped the warm, resilient nation we’ve come to love.
For Aussie boomers making the journey to Vietnam, I can’t recommend this museum highly enough. It provides context that will enhance every other experience during your trip – from the bustling markets to the serene pagodas. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of just how rich and complex Vietnam’s history truly is.
So there you have it, mates – add the Vietnamese Museum of History to your Vietnam bucket list. And if you happen to be in Hanoi, drop us a line. Tracy and I are always up for showing fellow Aussies around our adopted home!
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Until next time, safe travels!
– Aussie Mates