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Known as one of the biggest national museums of Vietnam, The Vietnam Military History Museum is an interesting attraction to one who wants to learn more about Vietnamese history. This museum is relocated from Dien Bien Street, Ba Dinh District, to a massive, spacious, and more modern block, which can meet a large number of visitors as well as exhibition and experience space.
Panoramic view of the side of the museum seen from the entrance @Baotanglsqsvn
Location
Located in Km 6+500 Thang Long Boulevard, Tay Mo Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi City.
Opening Hours
The museum is open from 8 – 11:30 AM, and 1 – 4:30 PM, except Mondays and Fridays will be closed.
Because of displayed and arranged in a timeline, the direction will be clockwise. From the entrance to the museum, let's start walking towards the left wing of the museum. Perspectively it is the early period of construction and preservation of the country, followed by the historical periods against foreign invaders from 939 to 1858, and then to the modern era, the resistance wars against French colonialism from 1858 to 1954; the resistance war against US imperialism in 1954-1975, which will finally be the war against Chinese aggression in the northern border region.
Outside the museum displays a variety of heavy weapons @Baotanglsqsvn
When fully completed, the museum will have an exhibition area of up to 4 floors, but currently, the museum is only open to visitors on the 1st floor. So after exploring the inside of the museum, move on to the outside to explore the heavy weapons, fighter planes as well as armored tanks on display outside.
In addition, you can also explore special exhibits such as the wreckage of the American B-52 plane the pigeon wing symbol, and the hanging globe expressing Vietnam's desire for peace.
The museum currently houses 4 national treasures:
Soviet Union (former) produced in 1965, aid to Vietnam @Baotanglsqsvn
This is the most star-studded fighter of the Vietnam People's Air Force - 14 stars symbolize the 14 feats of shooting down American aircraft in the sky of Vietnam.
You can admire the fighter solemnly hung high in the middle of the main hall of the Museum, combined with a wide LED screen that shows video clips and images of scenic spots throughout the country, creating the feeling of an aircraft sortie protecting the sky of the Fatherland made a special impression.
Three stars represent shotting down three B-52@Baotanglsqsvn
This was the first time the Vietnamese Air Force shot down a B-52, contributing to smashing a large-scale strategic air raid by US B-52 aircraft on Hanoi and Hai Phong for 12 days and nights in December 1972.
Until now, the MiG-21 number 5121 is still the only fighter in the world to shoot down the B-52 with an air-to-air missile. In addition to the miracle of shooting down the B-52 "flying super fortress", the 5121 also shot down 4 more American planes piloted by two pilots Vu Dinh Rang and Dinh Ton. The MiG-21 No. 5121 was recognized as a national treasure by the Prime Minister on October 1, 2012.
The Soviet-built tank and aid to Vietnam in the resistance war against the US @Baotanglsqsvn
The legend of "speed, boldness and determination". It is the tank that rammed the gate of the Independence Palace of the Saigon regime at 11:30 a.m. on April 30, 1975. Lieutenant Bui Quang Tan planted the Vietnam national liberation flag on the roof of the Independence Palace, naming the reunification of the entire territory of Vietnam, putting an end to the pseudo-regime of Saigon and US imperialism.
Marking the great feat of our army and people in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign - a decisive campaign, ending the 21-year resistance war against the US. The South was liberated, the country was independent and unified, and people entered a period of development of a rich, strong country, democracy, and civilization.
Map of the Determination of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign present the Viet military art @Baotanglsqsvn
Rectangular map, 185.5 cm long, 170 cm wide, 12 pieces can. On the map, the red arrows show the direction of the advance of armies advancing toward the liberation of Saigon-Gia Dinh. This is an artifact showing the fruits of the creative labor and collective wisdom of the Campaign Command, crystallizing Vietnamese military art, which is one of the decisive factors for the development and victory of the historical Ho Chi Minh Campaign.
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The theme recreates the roots of Vietnam with items on display mostly rudimentary weapons made of stone, copper, and wood,.... From the nation-building of the Hung kings to the battles to keep the borders quiet, such as the battle against the northern invaders of two ladies Trung and Lady Trieu.
Knives from the Bronze Age @Baotanglsqsvn
Showing the national spirit and patriotism, the determination to preserve and protect the fatherland of the Vietnamese people is a precious tradition that has been passed down through many generations and generations.
The first resonant event of this period was the victory of the battle on the Bach Dang River, commanded by Ngo Quyen in 938. This event ended 1000 years of Chinese colonialism. During the same period, there were three major victories over the Mongol army, which at that time was the most aggressive army in the world.
Wooden piles on the Bach Dang River @Baotanglsqsvn
Currently, the museum also displays a specimen of a pillar inserted into the Bach Dang River, and a statue cast in the image of the national hero Ngo Quyen, the king who opened a Ngo dynasty.
Marking the beginning of colonial aggression, this theme sheds light on the Vietnamese people's response to the French invasion. Visitors are introduced to pivotal moments, such as the Can Vuong movement, peasant uprisings, and the rise of modern revolutionaries. Ho Chi Minh's leadership in forming the Communist Party of Vietnam and the proclamation of independence in 1945 are central highlights.
President Ho Chi Minh's call for nationwide resistance @Baohaiduong
This was a very special period, with the historic victory of "Dien Bien Phu", a victory that ended French colonial rule. However, the independent and peaceful reunification of the country has not really stopped. The Treaty of Geneva temporarily divided the country into two regions, North and South. Once again, the fledgling country stood up and fought for a desire to unify the country, for independence, freedom, and happiness.
Battle simulation with suicide bombers wielding tridents @Baotanglsqsvn
Under the intervention and direct aggression of the US imperialists with the policy of secession and opposition to the reunification of the country that should have been carried out in 1956, now, Vietnam has been divided until 1976. This is a struggle to reunify the country, fight against foreign invaders, and eliminate internal rebellion full of hardships and challenges for the entire Vietnamese army and people.
Simulation of a car running on Ho Chi Minh Trail connecting south - north @Baotanglsqsvn
In this theme, the museum displays a lot of modern weapons, some of which can still be used; and also the items and memorabilia left over after the war, the variegated blood stains, and the worn-out marks that recreate the extremely cruel true nature of the war.
The final theme celebrates Vietnam's journey of recovery and development following reunification in 1975. Visitors can explore stories of rebuilding infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and integrating into the global community. This section portrays a nation that has overcome its war-torn past to embrace peace, progress, and modernization.
No, It is not a problem if you do not speak Vietnamese. The information described is in two languages, English and Vietnamese. That will make it easy to explore the museum and historical information without any obstacles
Visitors filming and taking photos must consult the Museum staff to know the permitted range. Do not use a flash to take photos of Museum artifacts.
Dress politely to show respect. And because the museum is large, you will have to stand and walk a lot, so please note that you should wear shoes and sandals to explore the museum more comfortably.
Artifacts on display outside @Baotanglsqsvn
If you visit the museum by private vehicle, you can leave your vehicle in the museum's parking lot. However, during the initial opening, too many visitors can lead to congestion, so you can consider parking at the Vincom Smart City shopping center opposite the museum and then you can walk across the street through the overpass. Consider that when you can actually master crossing roads in Vietnam.
During the initial opening, the museum does not currently provide any food and beverage services in the museum, you can prepare some snacks and bottled drinks in advance to bring with you. And because there is a break at noon from 11:30 am – 1 pm, you can enter the Vincom Smart City shopping center opposite to have lunch.
However, in the display area, you are not allowed to eat or drink!
Generally, this is an interesting destination with a vast volume of memorabilia on display, which is difficult to find out all within a few hours. If you are interested in information and knowledge about Vietnam's combat history, this place simply can not be missed.
If you are interested and want to feel the spirit of Vietnamese people, don't hesitate to contact Asia King Travel so we can help you create a great tour.
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