By aussiematesvietnam G’day Folks! Welcome to Vietnam’s Natural History Wonderland
Well, stone the crows! It’s been nearly two decades since Tracy and I packed up our life in the Lucky Country and made Vietnam our home. In that time, we’ve stomped around almost every nook and cranny of this beautiful country. But crikey, there’s one place that keeps drawing us back like moths to a flame – the Vietnamese Museum of Natural History. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Museums? In this heat? You’ve gone troppo, mate!” But trust this old Aussie, this hidden gem is worth every drop of sweat.
If you’re a fellow Boomer looking to add some cultural depth to your Vietnam adventure, this place is an absolute ripper. So grab a cold one, put your feet up, and let me yarn about one of Hanoi’s most underrated attractions.
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A Bit of Background: Not Your Average Museum
First things first – don’t go expecting the Smithsonian. The Vietnamese Museum of Natural History (officially called the Vietnam National Museum of Nature) sits under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and opened its doors to the public in 2014. It might be relatively young, but strewth, it packs a punch!
Located in Hanoi, this beauty showcases Vietnam’s incredibly diverse natural environment. Tracy reckons it’s like taking a nature tour of the entire country without the long bus rides and mosquito bites. Fair dinkum, she’s not wrong!
The museum spans several floors and houses thousands of specimens ranging from preserved wildlife to ancient fossils. What makes it special is how it tells the story of Vietnam’s natural evolution over millions of years. Not bad for a country that most Aussies only associate with beaches and bowls of pho, eh?
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Dinosaurs and Ancient Creatures: A Prehistoric Journey
Remember how we all went dinosaur-mad after Jurassic Park? Well, this section of the museum will bring back that childlike wonder faster than you can say “clever girl.” Tracy and I spent a good hour gawking at the dinosaur skeletons and fossil displays. The museum houses some remarkable finds from right here in Vietnam – something many tourists have no idea about.
There’s a beauty of a display showcasing fossils discovered in northern Vietnam dating back to the Triassic period. That’s about 250 million years ago for those of us who slept through science class! The centerpiece is a massive skeleton reconstruction that towers over visitors. I’m 6’2″, and let me tell you, I felt like a stunned mullet standing beneath this prehistoric monster.
What really knocked my socks off was learning about extinct creatures that once roamed these very lands. Vietnam had its own unique megafauna, including ancient elephants and rhinos that would make today’s versions look like toys. Fascinating stuff, especially when you’re walking the same ground these giants once thundered across.
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Biodiversity Bonanza: From Rainforest to Reef
Now, if there’s one thing Vietnam has in spades, it’s biodiversity. This country may only take up a tiny portion of the world map, but stone the crows, it houses around 10% of the world’s species. That’s nothing to sneeze at!
The biodiversity section of the museum does a fair dinkum job of showcasing this natural wealth. Tracy was absolutely chuffed with the butterfly collection – hundreds of species in every color of the rainbow. I caught her taking more photos there than at our niece’s wedding!
What I found particularly grouse was the exhibition on Vietnam’s marine life. Having done a bit of snorkeling off Nha Trang back in the day, I recognized quite a few of the preserved specimens. There’s something special about seeing up close the incredible creatures we usually only glimpse underwater or not at all.
The museum doesn’t shy away from environmental issues either. There’s a sobering but important section on endangered species native to Vietnam, including the saola (Asian unicorn) and the Cat Ba langur. After nearly 20 years here, Tracy and I have witnessed firsthand how rapid development has impacted local wildlife, so this conservation message really hit home.
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Geological Wonders: Rocks That Tell Stories
If rocks aren’t your cup of tea, the geology section might just change your mind. Vietnam’s landscape has been shaped by some incredible forces over millions of years, and the museum lays it all out beaut-ifully (see what I did there?).
From the karst formations of Halong Bay to the volcanic history of the Central Highlands, you get a comprehensive look at why Vietnam looks the way it does today. There’s even a rippa of a display on gemstones and minerals found throughout the country.
Tracy’s always had a thing for shiny rocks (which explains our wedding ring budget blowout back in the day), so I practically had to drag her away from the gemstone exhibit. But fair go – some of those specimens were absolutely spectacular, especially the ruby and sapphire collection from the highland regions.
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Practical Tips for Fellow Aussie Visitors
Right, let’s get down to brass tacks. Here’s what you need to know before visiting:
- Opening hours are typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, closed on Mondays. But double-check before you go – things change faster than Melbourne weather around here.
- Entrance fee is modest (under 10 AUD). Bring Vietnamese dong and prepare for exact change.
- English signage is present but limited. If you’re keen on detailed information, consider hiring a guide.
- The air conditioning works a treat – a blessed relief from Hanoi’s humidity. Tracy and I sometimes pop in just to cool down during summer!
- The museum cafe is decent for a quick cuppa, but there are better options nearby for a proper feed.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to do the place justice. We’ve been multiple times and still discover new things.
One hot tip from yours truly: visit on weekday mornings to avoid the school groups. Nothing against the little tackers, but they can make it hard to read displays in peace.
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Why It’s Worth Your Time (Even If Museums Aren’t Usually Your Thing)
Look, I get it. You’ve come all the way to Vietnam for adventure, not to look at stuffed animals and rock collections. But here’s the thing – understanding Vietnam’s natural history gives you a whole new appreciation for what you’re seeing on your travels.
That limestone mountain you’re admiring in Ninh Binh? The museum explains how it formed over millions of years. The weird and wonderful critters you spot in the markets? You’ll learn about their ecological significance. Even Vietnam’s famous agricultural bounty makes more sense once you understand the country’s unique geology and climate zones.
Tracy and I reckon this museum visit early in your trip sets you up to appreciate everything else so much more. It’s like reading the first chapter of a ripper book instead of jumping in halfway through.
Wrapping It Up: A Must-Visit for Curious Aussies
After nearly two decades in Vietnam, Tracy and I have seen tourist attractions come and go. Some are all sizzle and no steak. But the Vietnamese Museum of Natural History? It’s the real McCoy – educational without being boring, comprehensive without being overwhelming, and air-conditioned to boot!
For us Boomers who appreciate a bit of substance with our travel experiences, this museum ticks all the boxes. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of this amazing country and probably a newfound appreciation for its conservation challenges.
So when you’re planning your Vietnam itinerary, don’t be a galah – pencil in a few hours for this natural wonder. Your inner science nerd will thank you, and you’ll have something interesting to yarn about back home besides how cheap the beer was.
Until next time, this is Aussie Mates signing off from