By aussiematesvietnam Vietnamese Women’s Museum: Honoring Women’s Contributions
G’day fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here with another slice of Vietnamese culture to share with you. After nearly two decades of calling Vietnam home, Tracy and I have explored countless museums across this beautiful country. But few have left as profound an impression on us as the Vietnamese Women’s Museum in Hanoi. This gem stands as a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and cultural significance of Vietnamese women throughout history.
Located in Hanoi’s historic quarter, this five-story building houses an impressive collection that celebrates the contributions of Vietnamese women to family, society, and the nation’s hard-fought independence. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let me walk you through this remarkable institution that deserves a spot on every Australian boomer’s Vietnam itinerary.
[IMAGE:museum-exterior]
Why This Museum Should Be On Your Must-Visit List
Before we dive into the specifics, you might be wondering why I’m so keen on a museum dedicated to women. Fair question, mate! When Tracy and I first visited back in 2005, I’ll admit I wasn’t entirely convinced it would hold my attention. How wrong I was! This isn’t just a niche museum – it’s a comprehensive exploration of Vietnamese society through the lens of its women.
The museum offers a perfect blend of cultural insights, historical context, and personal stories that help visitors understand Vietnam at a deeper level. It’s particularly valuable for us Aussies who grew up with a certain perspective on Vietnam shaped largely by the war. This museum shows the country and its people in a completely different light.
Plus, it’s incredibly well-organized, with English translations throughout, making it accessible for international visitors like us. At just 40,000 VND (about $2.50 AUD) for admission, it’s also excellent value for money.
The Permanent Exhibitions: A Journey Through Women’s Lives
The museum is organized into several outstanding permanent exhibitions, each offering unique perspectives on Vietnamese women’s experiences.
Women in Family
The first major exhibition focuses on family life and the central role women play in Vietnamese households. Tracy was particularly moved by the displays showing traditional marriage customs across different ethnic groups.
One fascinating aspect is the exhibition of birth customs. Did you know that in some ethnic minority communities, mothers traditionally give birth in the forest, alone? The displays include traditional tools and practices related to childbirth and child-rearing that have been passed down through generations.
What struck me was how much of family life rested on women’s shoulders – from maintaining ancestral worship to ensuring family harmony. It really makes you appreciate your mum even more!
[IMAGE:traditional-wedding]
Women in History
This section knocked my socks off, frankly. It chronicles the pivotal role Vietnamese women played during times of war and revolution – roles that often go unrecognized in Western accounts of Vietnamese history.
Tracy and I spent hours examining the artifacts and reading stories of female guerrilla fighters, spies, and political activists. Many were just ordinary women who took extraordinary risks. There’s a particularly moving display about the “Long-Haired Army,” groups of women who used their appearance to smuggle supplies and intelligence during the American War (as it’s known here).
The personal letters, photographs, and belongings of these women bring history to life in a way that’s both educational and emotionally powerful. It certainly gave this old Aussie bloke a new perspective on Vietnamese resilience.
[IMAGE:women-fighters]
Women’s Fashion
Now, this might sound like a lightweight topic after discussing war heroines, but the fashion exhibition is actually a fascinating window into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Each traditional costume tells a story about cultural identity, craftsmanship, and artistic expression.
The collection of ao dai (Vietnam’s national dress) through different historical periods is particularly impressive. Tracy couldn’t stop admiring the intricate embroidery and silk work. The museum explains how clothing has served as both practical necessity and powerful cultural symbol throughout Vietnam’s history.
What’s especially interesting is seeing how women’s fashion has evolved in response to historical events, from colonial influence to wartime practicality to modern interpretations.
[IMAGE:traditional-costumes]
Street Vendors of Hanoi
One of my favourite exhibits focuses on Hanoi’s female street vendors. If you’ve spent any time in Vietnam, you’ve undoubtedly seen women balancing impossibly heavy loads on shoulder poles or selling food from portable kitchens.
This exhibition pays tribute to these hardworking women who’ve become symbols of Hanoi. Many come from rural areas, travelling to the city to earn money for their families back home. Through photographs, interviews, and even a full-sized model of a typical vendor, the museum offers visitors insight into these women’s daily lives and challenges.
Having chatted with many street vendors during our years in Vietnam, Tracy and I found this exhibit particularly touching. These women represent the everyday heroism that keeps Vietnamese society functioning.
[IMAGE:street-vendor]
Tips for Your Visit
Based on our numerous visits over the years, here are some practical tips to enhance your experience:
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to properly explore all five floors
- Visit in the morning when it’s typically less crowded
- Don’t miss the special temporary exhibitions on the top floor
- The museum is closed on Mondays
- There’s a lovely gift shop selling handcrafts made by women’s cooperatives
- Consider hiring an English-speaking guide for deeper insights (available at the entrance)
Getting There
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is located at 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District. It’s within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, making it easy to incorporate into your Hanoi itinerary.
From most hotels in the Old Quarter, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk, or a quick grab taxi ride. Tell your driver “Bao Tang Phu Nu” if you’re feeling adventurous with your Vietnamese pronunciation!
Final Thoughts
In our nearly 20 years of living in Vietnam, Tracy and I have brought countless visiting friends and family members to this museum. Without exception, they’ve come away with a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese culture and a newfound respect for the women who have shaped this nation.
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum does what all great museums should: it educates, challenges assumptions, and creates emotional connections with its subjects. It helps visitors understand not just women’s experiences, but Vietnamese society as a whole.
So when planning your Vietnam adventure, don’t make the mistake of overlooking this gem. It offers insights you simply won’t find in guidebooks or on typical tours. And for us Aussie boomers who remember Vietnam primarily through the lens of war, it provides a richer, more complex picture of a country and people who’ve overcome tremendous adversity with grace and determination.
Until next time, this is Aussie Mates signing off from Hanoi. Cheers, mates!