Vietnam Military History Museum

The Vietnam Military History Museum (Bảo tàng Lịch sử Quân sự Việt Nam) also known as the Army Museum, is one of the oldest and most prominent museums in Vietnam. Located in the capital city, Hanoi, it offers a deep insight into the country’s military history, especially focusing on its long and tumultuous journey toward independence.

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• Established: 1956
• Location: 28A Điện Biên Phủ Street, Ba Đình District, Hanoi
• Exhibitions: The museum houses thousands of artifacts from various periods of Vietnam’s military history. Its primary focus is on the First Indochina War (against the French, 1946–1954) and the Vietnam War (known locally as the American War, 1955–1975), but it also covers earlier conflicts, including struggles against Chinese, Mongol, and Japanese invaders.

Notable Exhibits:

• Military Hardware: The museum showcases a variety of military equipment, such as tanks, aircraft, and artillery. Of special note is the wreckage of American B-52 bombers, along with captured American and French weapons.

• The Flag Tower of Hanoi: This 19th-century tower, built under the Nguyễn dynasty, is part of the museum complex. It’s an iconic symbol of Hanoi and stands within the museum grounds.

• Artifacts from Famous Battles: Exhibits include maps, weapons, and personal items from key battles, such as Điện Biên Phủ, the defining victory that led to the end of French colonial rule in Vietnam.

• Portraits of Heroes: Statues, paintings, and other memorabilia commemorate the contributions of Vietnamese generals and soldiers, including General Võ Nguyên Giáp, who led Vietnamese forces in both wars against France and the U.S.

• Ho Chi Minh’s Role: The museum highlights the role of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, in guiding the country through its wars for independence.

1. General information

The Vietnam Military History Museum, also known as the Army Museum, was established on 17 July 1956 and is one of seven national museums in Vietnam. Spanning over 10,000 square meters, it is located in the heart of Hanoi, directly across from Lenin Park. The museum is just a short walk away from several iconic landmarks, including the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the botanical gardens, and Uncle Ho’s stilt house, making it a culturally and historically rich area for visitors.

Key Features:

• Flag Tower of Hanoi: Located within the museum grounds, the Flag Tower of Hanoi (Cột cờ Hà Nội), constructed in the early 19th century, is an important symbol of the city and was declared a national historical architectural monument in 1990. The tower adds to the museum’s significance and charm, connecting Vietnam’s present with its historical past.
• Exhibits and Displays: The museum houses thousands of artifacts, including weapons, photographs, maps, and scale models that recount Vietnam’s military history. These displays provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the development of the Vietnamese people’s armed forces, from their origins to their role in Vietnam’s many struggles for peace, independence, and freedom. The exhibitions cover significant events such as the First Indochina War, the Vietnam War, and other key military moments in Vietnam’s history.

Through these exhibits, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s resilience and the sacrifices made by its people during centuries of resistance against foreign invaders. The museum stands as a testament to the spirit of independence that has defined Vietnam’s history.

2. Layouts

The Vietnam Military History Museum features a combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits, offering visitors a well-rounded perspective on Vietnam’s extensive military history.

2.1: Indoor Display:

The museum’s first floor is divided into three main rooms, each focusing on a different period of Vietnamese military history:

– 1st Room – Ancient Military History:

This room covers the early military history of Vietnam, beginning with the Hùng Kings period (the legendary founders of Vietnam) and extending through to Ngô Quyền’s victory over the Southern Han army at the famous Battle of Bạch Đằng River in 938 AD. This battle marked Vietnam’s independence from Chinese rule, making it a significant moment in the nation’s history.

The room showcases ancient weapons, armor, and historical artifacts, giving visitors insight into the formation of early Vietnamese military power.

– 2nd Room – The First Indochina War (1858–1945):

This central room features a statue of President Ho Chi Minh, symbolizing his pivotal role in leading Vietnam to independence. The room focuses on the First Indochina War, primarily Vietnam’s resistance against French colonial forces.

Through photographs, documents, and artifacts, the exhibits in this room tell the story of the Vietnamese struggle for independence from 1858, the start of French colonization, to 1945, when Vietnam declared its independence after World War II.

– 3rd Room – Vietnam from the Lý to Nguyễn Dynasties:

This room displays the military history of Vietnam during the Lý, Trần, Lê, and Nguyễn dynasties, spanning nearly a millennium (11th to 19th centuries). These dynasties are renowned for their wars of defense against invasions, especially from Mongols, Champa, and Chinese forces.

Exhibits include historical weapons, military uniforms, and models of fortifications that reflect the military strategies and tactics employed during these periods.

2.2: Outdoor Display:

In addition to the indoor exhibits, the museum has an outdoor display area, which features larger military equipment such as tanks, planes, artillery, and remnants of B-52 bombers shot down during the Vietnam War. This outdoor section provides a tangible experience of the military hardware used throughout Vietnam’s modern conflicts.

Together, the indoor and outdoor displays offer a comprehensive narrative of Vietnam’s enduring fight for independence, from ancient times to modern warfare.

The Vietnam Military History Museum displays a remarkable collection of artifacts, showcasing Vietnam’s military heritage through various periods of its history. Notable exhibits include:

– A bicycle used in the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign (1954), symbolizing the resilience and resourcefulness of Vietnamese soldiers who transported supplies over difficult terrain.

– MiG-19 and MiG-21 aircraft, which played a crucial role in aerial battles during the Vietnam War.

– SAM-2 and SAM-3 missiles, used in the campaign to defend against American air raids, particularly the famous Operation Rolling Thunder.

– Tanks, including the ones that famously entered the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) in Saigon on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War.

2.3: The Museum’s Content is Organized into Six Main Historical Periods:

– The History of the Vietnamese Nation and the Birth of the Vietnam People’s Army: This section covers the early development of Vietnam, including the formation of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh in 1944. It highlights the historical roots of Vietnam’s military organization and its early campaigns for independence.

– The Vietnamese Struggle Against French Colonialism: Exhibits focus on the First Indochina War (1946-1954) and Vietnam’s fight against French colonialism, culminating in the famous Điện Biên Phủ victory, which led to the end of French rule in Indochina. This section includes items such as military vehicles and personal artifacts from the battle.

– The Vietnamese Struggle Against American Imperialists: The third period covers the Vietnam War (American War), showcasing the key military strategies and battles that led to Vietnam’s victory over the United States. Items displayed here include aircraft, missiles, tanks, and uniforms used by Vietnamese soldiers.

– The Vietnam People’s Army on the Path to a Regular, Modern Army: This section illustrates the transformation of the VPA from a guerrilla force into a regular, modern military power. It emphasizes the army’s post-war efforts to professionalize and equip itself with modern technology, making it one of the most formidable military forces in Southeast Asia.

– The People and the Army Are One, and Will Be Invincible: A unique aspect of Vietnam’s military strength is the unity between the people and the army. This section emphasizes the close relationship between the civilian population and the military, which played a critical role in resisting foreign invaders throughout Vietnam’s history.

– Weaponry Displayed in the Museum Courtyard: The outdoor courtyard houses an impressive array of military equipment, including airplanes, tanks, heavy artillery, rockets, mortars, bombs, and other large-scale weaponry. Visitors can closely observe these relics of war, which stand as symbols of Vietnam’s struggle and eventual triumph in its wars for independence.

Through these exhibits, the museum provides an in-depth narrative of Vietnam’s military history, covering over a millennium of warfare, resistance, and eventual victory in defending the country’s sovereignty.

After visiting the Vietnam Military History Museum, you will gain a profound appreciation for the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people, which is deeply reflected in their long and determined fight for independence and freedom. The museum’s exhibits vividly embody this enduring national spirit, encapsulated in the famous words of President Ho Chi Minh:

“Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom.”

These words, from the Independence Proclamation of Vietnam, are not just a statement but a guiding principle that has driven the Vietnamese people through centuries of struggle against foreign domination—from ancient times to modern conflicts.

Each artifact in the museum tells a story of resilience, sacrifice, and determination to protect the country’s sovereignty. The bicycles used in Điện Biên Phủ, the tanks that rolled into Saigon, and the missiles that defended the skies against U.S. bombers all serve as reminders of the nation’s quest for liberty. Through its displays of military might, the museum stands as a testament to the powerful connection between the Vietnamese people and their armed forces, united in their pursuit of independence.

3. How to get there

According to the central location in Hanoi (Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh district), it will be very easy for you to access this Museum, by public bus number 34 from Trang Tien street or by taxi and better with private car / van and experienced guide for best experience.

Available tours to the Vietnam Military History Museum can be found at any travel agency that offers Hanoi city tours or day tours in and around Hanoi. You can also combine your visit to nearby attractions of Ho Chi Minh complex; Hoang Thanh citadel; West Lake; Tran Quoc pagoda or Quan Thanh temple.

• Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh District Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Opening hours: Every day except Monday & Friday
  Morning:from 8.00 – 11.30
  Afternoon: from 13.00– 16.30
  • Entrance fee: 40,000VND / Visitor – Camera fee: 30,000VND / Visitor