War Remnants Museum

Vietnam has a history of over 4,000 years, but do you know that much of that time was marked by the suffering of war? War Remnants Museum was built to reflect that pain while sending a message of hope for a peaceful future. The museum currently houses over 20,000 artifacts, documents, and images from the wars against France and America in the 20th century.
U.S. aircrafts in the Vietnam War are displayed at the museum. Photo: War Remnants Museum
Since opening to tourists, War Remnants Museum has been one of the most visited attractions by international travelers in Ho Chi Minh City. According to statistics, the museum welcomes around 1 million visitors each year. If you're looking for must-visit spots for your upcoming trip, let’s explore this iconic destination!
War Remnants Museum is located at 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. The museum is located to the left of the Independence Palace, separated by Le Quy Don Street. Visitors often combine their trip to the palace with a visit to the nearby museum.
The distance from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the museum is only 7 kilometers, so you can visit it right after landing. From the airport, follow the route: Phan Thuc Duyen – Nguyen Van Troi – cross Cong Ly Bridge – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and finally turn right onto Vo Van Tan Street. The bus is another convenient option. You can take bus No.14 (from Mien Dong Bus Station), No. 6 (from Cho Lon Bus Station), or No. 28 (from Ben Thanh Market).
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War Remnants Museum is open to visitors from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the week. The ticket counter stops selling tickets 30 minutes before closing. The museum remains open on holidays and during Tet.
The museum welcomes many international visitors, some of them once fought in Vietnam. Photo: Thanh Nien
The entrance fee is VND 40,000 per person. A 50% discount applies to children aged 6 to under 16, students, seniors over 60, and war veterans (Vietnamese only). Children under 6 and people with severe disabilities can enter for free. If you are visiting with a large group, it is recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid long waiting times. Notably, the ticket prices can change depending on the time
The museum consists of 3 main floors, side structures, and an outdoor exhibition space covering 3,026 square meters. The outdoor area and the ground floor are themed: "The World Supports Vietnam in the Resistance Against the US", reflecting the time from 1954 to 1975.
Visitors can see images of rallies, protests, and conferences held by people across continents, condemning the U.S. government's invasion of Vietnam and supporting the Vietnamese people's just struggle. The exhibition features propaganda posters, banners, flags, leaflets, and various items from organizations and individuals worldwide, symbolizing their solidarity and friendship with Vietnam.
Propaganda images from countries around the world supporting Vietnam during the war. Photo: Expedia
Additionally, visitors can view personal memorabilia donated by former American soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War. These items serve as a gesture of respect for the Vietnamese people and an expression of their regret for having participated in this unjust war.
The outdoor area displays numerous aircraft, tanks, and large-caliber artillery. A separate section has been reconstructed to recreate a prison of the South Vietnamese government, allowing visitors to witness its cruelty akin to a living hell.
When waging the war of aggression against Vietnam, the U.S. military disregarded humanity and international law, carrying out the killing of civilians and prisoners of war, including mass massacres, the most infamous being the massacre of 504 civilians in My Lai, Quang Ngai in 1968. They also used weapons banned by international conventions. Images exposing these actions are displayed on the first floor.
A prison cell from the Vietnam War is recreated. Photo: VnExpress
Perhaps the worst thing the U.S. military dropped on Vietnam was Agent Orange, which continues to have devastating effects to this day. The toxic chemicals destroyed land, rendering soil and groundwater unusable. Those exposed to it suffered severe health damage, and their descendants were born with congenital disabilities. Although the war has ended, its consequences still persist.
The second floor is dedicated to recalling the history of the two invasions by the French and Americans. This area also features the special exhibit "Requiem," a collection of photographs taken by journalists who lost their lives while reporting on the Indochina battlefield.
One of the most symbolic artifacts is the bullet-riddled camera of Japanese photojournalist Taizo Ichinose. Each battlefield photograph is invaluable, as journalists risked their lives to capture these moments. The photo collection provides a deep insight into life during wartime, as well as the Vietnamese people's efforts toward peace.
The artifacts are displayed alongside photographs. Photo: VietWorld
Each floor features 2 to 3 exhibition sections. Every section has a detailed information panel. Be sure to read the introduction before exploring to grasp the main theme. This will help you better understand the artifacts and the historical stories behind them.
The museum provides guided tours and an automated narration service. You can contact the museum in advance to arrange a guided experience. The narration service can be found in front of the ground floor display area.
War Remnants Museum gives you a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s proud history. With its emotional stories and vivid artifacts, this museum promises an unforgettable experience you shouldn't miss when visiting Saigon. Contact Asia King Travel to explore one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous attractions.
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