Visiting The Vietnam Military History Museum For The First Time? Here’s What You Should Know

On November 1, the Vietnam Military History Museum officially opened on Thang Long Avenue (Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi) after 5 years of construction, welcoming visitors for free admission for the first two months (from November 1 2024 until the end of December 2024).

This is a key project for the major events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Vietnam People's Army, the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day and the 80th anniversary of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army.

Originally opened in 1959, the museum holds an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and narratives that illustrate the country’s complex history of conflict and resilience.

Let’s Take On A Virtual Tour!

The highlight is the 45-meter-high Victory Tower, symbolizing the country’s independence in 1945, along with the main exhibition building, which is 35.8 meters high. The museum exhibits over 150,000 artifacts, including four National Treasures: two MiG-21 aircraft, T54B tank number 843, and the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign map.

MiG-21 Aircraft

The MiG-21 aircraft with serial number 4324, a single-pilot jet fighter aircraft produced by the former Soviet Union in 1965, was supplied to Vietnam during the war against the US. This artifact symbolizes the Vietnam Air Force's success, contributing to victory in the first phase of the US's destructive war in the North (1965–1968). Historically, this aircraft shot down the US aircraft 14 times; therefore, 14 red stars are highlighted on it.

The MiG-21 aircraft with serial number 5121 was also produced by the Soviet Union, provided to Vietnam and equipped by the Air Defense - Air Force for the Red Star Air Force. This aircraft participated in the ‘Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air’ campaign in December 1972. On the fuselage of the aircraft are 5 red stars, recording the 5 times of shooting down the US aircraft.

T54B Tank Number 843

The T54B tank number 843 was one of the first tanks to crash into the side gate of the Independence Palace on April 30, 1975. As part of the combat formation, this tank marched to liberate Hue, Da Nang, and the Central provinces and headed straight to Saigon after traveling nearly 1,000km with the motto ‘Speed To Victory’.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Map

The remaining treasure is the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Determination Map which is being temporarily preserved. This is an artifact exhibiting the creative and intellectual achievements of the Campaign Command, representing one of the decisive factors in the victory of the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

Personal Stories And Photographic Exhibits

Visitors can enjoy the photographic exhibition manifesting moments of hardship and hope. The images of soldiers, villagers, and leaders tell more than just the events they were involved in but the stories of sacrifice and resilience. Accompanying these images are personal items, letters, and clothing, giving a human touch to their narratives.

In particular, the Vietnam Military History Museum also uses many technological applications, such as 3D mapping or 3D films. At the same time, there are also information lookup screens, automatic explanations and QR codes to look up information about artifacts, images and more than 60 video clips introducing campaigns, battles and historical figures.

Open-Air Exhibition And Artifacts

Important artifacts such as aircraft, tanks, and combat equipment are displayed outdoors in an open-air exhibition area of ​​over 20,000 m². Soviet and Chinese tanks, MiG fighter jets, and an assortment of artillery pieces stand as silent witnesses to history. Each machine represents a chapter in the story of Vietnam’s alliances and strategic decisions during times of war.

Tips To Visit

A visit to the Vietnam Military History Museum promises to open a look into the country’s complex history of war, resilience, and peace. Here are some notes for a good experience:

Basic Information

Address: Km 6+500, Thang Long Avenue, Tay Mo Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi

Opening hours:

08:00 AM - 11:30 AM | 01:00 PM - 04:30 PM

Close on Monday and Friday

Best Time to Visit

The museum records high foot traffic, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or early in the morning.

Ticket Price

Vietnam Military History Museum offers free admission to visitors from November 1 to December 2024.

How To Reach

If traveling by bus, visitors can take routes 71, 74, 107, which stop right near the museum gate on Thang Long Avenue.

If traveling by personal vehicle, you can travel along Thang Long Avenue for about 30 minutes.

Currently, the parking fee is free. The parking area is located on the left side of the museum.

What To Prepare

The museum has no cafeteria or food stalls, so visitors should prepare food and drink in advance. You should also bring along caps or umbrellas for the open-air exhibition.