7 best museums in Ho Chi Minh City and what to see in them

7 best museums in Ho Chi Minh City and what to see in them

Discover the Southern Women’s Museum, the 1960s Independence Palace, and more Ho Chi Minh City museums.

Ho Chi Minh City enthralls with its bustling streets, food scene, and lively conversations. Along with welcoming people, you’ll find its museums among the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

There are many famous museums in Ho Chi Minh City, from the War Remnants Museum that offers a local perspective on war’s terrible power to the Independence Palace, where the 1960s never left. Let your love of fashion shine at the Ao Dai Museum, or geek out about ancient history at the Ho Chi Minh History Museum. Grab a taxi or hail a ride-share, and go explore the best museums in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City’s best museums at a glance

Best museums for history: Ho Chi Minh City History Museum, War Remnants Museum

Best museum for art: Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

Best museums for families: Ao Dai Museum, Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine

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photo: Gary Todd

Explore the city's different eras, objects, and stories at the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum.

1. Ho Chi Minh City History Museum

Best for ancient history lovers

Why should I visit the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum?

Travel all the way from the Bronze Age to the Funan kingdom and Nguyen dynasties and then into the modern era. At this Vietnamese history museum, you can discover statues, colorful traditional costumes, stone carvings, and religious artifacts.

How long can I spend at the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum?

Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours. 

Insider tip

It's closed over lunch, so check the time before you arrive.

Address and opening hours

2 Đ. Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00–11:30 AM and 1:00–5:00 PM. 

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If you’re able to visit the War Remnants Museum, you’ll learn the history of the Vietnam War but also its human stories.

2. War Remnants Museum

Best for history and culture enthusiasts

Why should I visit the War Remnants Museum?

The War Remnants Museum offers an understanding of the war years from the Vietnamese perspective. Throughout its rooms, you’ll see photographs, weaponry, vehicles, and artifacts conveying the grave impact of war on the Vietnamese people. The top floor honors photojournalists killed in the conflict.

How long can I spend at the War Remnants Museum?

Plan for 2 to 2.5 hours to visit this standout of the famous museums in Ho Chi Minh City.

Insider tip

Some exhibits may evoke upsetting emotions, especially the photographs.

Address and opening hours

28 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Open daily, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM.

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See what Vietnamese independence and history look like in the Independence Palace of Ho Chi Minh City.

3. Independence Palace

Best for architecture and history lovers 

Why should I visit the Independence Palace?

Indulge in a passion for 1960s-era decor and Modernist architecture at this former presidential residence-turned-museum. Be sure to see the war command room, telecommunications room, main hall, and meeting rooms. The rooftop has the former president’s helicopter, while the basement houses his Mercedes Benz and Jeep.

How long can I spend at the Independence Palace?

Set aside 1 to 1.5 hours to explore one of the best museums in Ho Chi Minh City.  

Insider tip

Occasionally Independence Palace hosts government functions and is closed to visitors. Call ahead to verify hours. 

Address and opening hours

Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Open daily, 8:00 AM–3:30 PM.

4. Southern Women’s Museum

Best for families and solo travelers 

Why should I visit the Southern Women’s Museum?

Here in Ho Chi Minh's District 3, women are the stars.  Not many museums in Ho Chi Minh City, or Vietnam, honor feminine roles with such focus. Check out the revolutionary war rooms as well as displays of women’s traditional costumes, agriculture tools, pottery, and photographs. Learn about women's handiwork with the craft exhibits and colorful ao dai dress collection. 

How long can I spend at the Southern Women’s Museum?

You’ll need 1 to 2 hours to see the exhibits. 

Insider tip

The first floor has signage in English and Vietnamese. For other floors, use your phone to translate.

Address and opening hours

202 Đ. Võ Thị Sáu, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Open daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

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photo: isapisa

Besides the amazing exhibits, you’ll enjoy the museum itself on your visit to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts.

5. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

Best for art and architecture lovers 

Why should I visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts?

French-colonial and Art Deco-style buildings take you on a tour of ancient to contemporary art. You can admire work from Vietnamese artists such as Nguyen Gia Tri and Diep Minh Chau, along with sculptures, lacquerware, ceramics, and silk paintings. Don’t miss period details like the spiral staircases, stained glass windows, and louvered windows. 

How long can I spend at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts?

Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours between the Museum of Fine Arts’ three buildings. 

Insider tip

You must take the stairs between floors; use the time to snap Instagram-worthy photos.

Address and opening hours

97 P. Đức Chính, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Open daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

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photo: Daderot

Embrace tradition and personal expression when you visit the Ao Dai Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

6. Ao Dai Museum

Best for families 

Why should I visit the Ao Dai Museum?

You can see dozens of traditional ao dai dresses from different time periods, and many are artworks in their own right. Wander the well-designed spaces and take a break outside near the lotus pond and gazebo. For a memorable picture at one of the fun museums in Ho Chi Minh City, you can rent ao dais for photo ops.

How long can I spend at the Ao Dai Museum?

Set aside an hour for the museum plus more time for photo taking.

Insider tip

It’s outside the city center, so expect a 30-minute-plus drive. Offline maps are a great travel hack on your phone.

Address and opening hours

206/19/30 Phường Long Phước, Quan 9, Ho Chi Minh City. Open daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.

7. Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine

Best for families and botanical nerds

Why should I visit the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine?

If your family is hoping to visit cool museums in Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to add this one to your itinerary. From its collections of jars, herbal wine, teapots, and dried herbs to the carved wood detailing, the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine can practically transport you back in time. You can even stop by the fourth-floor pharmacy to make your own herbal remedies. Check out the many botanical prints and paintings as well.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine?

Touring the FITO Museum takes about 1 to 2 hours. 

Insider tip

The building can be hard to find. Look for the FITO sign between two bamboo trees.

Address and opening hours

41 Hoàng Dư Khương, Phường 12, Quận 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Open daily, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM.

FAQs

Are there any free Ho Chi Minh City museums?

The Southern Women’s Museum and Geological Museum of Vietnam have free entry. Many other museums are free on National Reunification Day, International Labour Day, and Hung King’s Day.

What are some fun museums in Ho Chi Minh City for families and children?

If you’re traveling with family, check out cool museums in Ho Chi Minh City like the Ao Dai Museum and the hands-on activities at the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine. Then finish your day with a food tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

What are the best museums in Ho Chi Minh City if you only have time for one?

The best museum in Ho Chi Minh City depends on your interests. For history, head to the War Remnants Museum. For art museums, don't miss the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts.

Should you take a guided tour at Ho Chi Minh City museums?

Yes. Many museums have limited English signage, so a guide can help explain the exhibits and provide fun facts.

Should you bring cash for famous museums in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes. While some museums accept credit cards, others are cash only.  

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