National Museum of Vietnamese History

National Museum of Vietnamese HistoryVietnam
National Museum of Vietnamese Historysightseeing

About National Museum of Vietnamese History

The Vietnam National Museum of History is one of the most important museums in Hanoi. It covers Vietnamese history from prehistoric times all the way to the present day. The museum holds over 200,000 artefacts, including 18 officially recognised national treasures. Anyone who wants to understand Vietnam properly should spend at least half a day here.


The museum runs across two buildings in the Hoàn Kiếm district. Site One is at 1 Trang Tien Street. Site Two, the former Museum of Revolution, is at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street. One ticket covers both. Vietnam tour packages that include Hanoi almost always pass through this area. Both buildings are within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake.


Brief History

The building at 1 Trang Tien Street was originally built by the French and housed the École Française d'Extrême-Orient. In 1958, the Vietnamese government took it over and opened it as the National Museum of Vietnamese History on 3 September 1958.


The second building at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street was constructed in 1917 as the headquarters of the Indochina Department of Trade. After liberation in 1954, the government converted it into the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution. It officially opened on 6 January 1959. After more than half a century of separate operation, both museums merged in 2011 to form the Vietnam National Museum of History that exists today.


Best Time to Visit

October to April is the best time to visit Hanoi. The weather stays cool and dry. Temperatures sit between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Visit between 8 AM and 11 AM on weekdays for a quieter experience. Avoid public holidays when the museum draws large local crowds and queues build up quickly.


How to Reach

Located in Hanoi’s French Quarter near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the museum is easily reached by taxi, walking, or app-based cabs. Travel time from the Old Quarter is usually 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.


Entry Fee and Timing

Entry Fee:

  1. Vietnamese nationals: VND 20,000 (approx. ₹70)
  2. Foreign nationals: VND 40,000 (approx. ₹140)
  3. Camera charges: VND 20,000 (approx. ₹70)

Timings:

  1. Open: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30–5 pm
  2. Lunch break: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
  3. Closed on Mondays

Day Wise Timings

Mon
Closed
Tue
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wed
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thu
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fri
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sat
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sun
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Maps & Location

1 Tràng Tiền, Cửa Nam, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Essential Information

  • Carry cash for tickets and small souvenir purchases
  • Visit weekdays to avoid larger tourist group crowds
  • Photography rules may differ in certain museum sections
  • Wear light clothes during the humid Hanoi summer months
  • Keep extra time for nearby French Quarter exploration
  • Read display descriptions for better historical understanding

Point of Interest for National Museum of Vietnamese History

Ancient Vietnamese Artefacts

Displays of tools, ceramics, coins, and historical sculptures

French Colonial Architecture

Museum building designed during the French colonial period

Dynasty History Sections

Galleries covering major Vietnamese dynasties and rulers

Archaeological Collections

Artefacts collected from excavation sites across Vietnam

Bronze Drum Displays

Traditional Đông Sơn bronze drums displayed inside museum halls

Nearby Hoàn Kiếm Area

Easy access to Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the lake surroundings

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Grace Collins

Reviewed: Oct 18, 2025
4/5
This journey offered a beautiful mix of scenic landscapes and cultural experiences, leaving us with lasting and positive memories.  

Sandeep Ahuja

Reviewed: Jan 10, 2026
5/5
Lantern streets ka colorful vibe aur caves ka natural beauty dekhkar trip ka har moment kaafi enjoyable laga.  

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