Museums in Ho Chi Minh

Disturbing reminders of Vietnam's gory past await you at the War Remnants museum in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City. The museum displays exhibits from the Vietnam war, including the french guillotine, the 'tiger cages' where prisoners were kept and photographs of 'Agent Orange', a chemical spray that led to widespread genetic defects. There are also fighter planes and tanks on display.

The Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace, was once the home to the president of Southern Vietnam during the Vietnam War and the site of the end of the Vietnam War. Originally called Norodom Palace, it is now an iconic Ho Chi Minh City museum. You can wander the grand halls and explore the underground tunnels and bunkers used during the war. A free guided tour is available.

Cu Chi Tunnels were a part of the extensive underground network that the Vietnamese Congress used as a hideaway during the war. You can now go through some of the safer parts of the tunnel to experience the conditions of the Vietcong during the war. Avoid visiting if you are claustrophobic. A popular day trip from Ho Chi Minh, it can be reached by a 1.5-hour speedboat, apart from driving. Morning and afternoon tours that last around 6 hours are available.

Fine Arts Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular art centres in the city, which aims at preserving, collecting and displaying contemporary as well as traditional artworks. The yellow-and-white building combines French and Chinese elements, and houses a variety of paintings and sculptures. Oil, lacquer, silk and ceramic works are found next to ancient Champa relics.

Located just inside Ho Chi Minh City's botanic gardens and zoo in District 1, the Museum of Vietnamese History offers a compelling glimpse into the rich past of the country. A former museum of Asian studies during Vietnam’s colonial period, it is now solely dedicated to Vietnamese and Asian history. The Museum of Vietnamese History includes an assortment of exhibits like wooden coffins, royal jewellery, and even a mummified body.

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum documents the city's growth through various artefacts, photographs, ceramics, and war materials. Built in 1885, the museum features impressive neoclassical architecture with unique motifs and a lovely flower garden. There is also a network of tunnels underneath the building, used by President Diem in the coup of 63.

Located at a distance from the city centre in District 9, Ao Dai museum celebrates the national dress of Vietnam in a picturesque landscape. Surrounded by coconut trees and canals, the museum traces the evolution of the Ao Dai through the years. On display are several beautiful pieces owned by royals and celebrities, and you can even try one on and get a photo clicked.

Modernity and tradition come together at the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine and Pharmacy. Located in District 10 of Ho Chi Minh, the museum features more than 3,000 exhibits that date all the way back to the stone age. Herbal concoctions, vessels, wines, shops, scales, cabinets-all find a place in the 16 floors here

Artinus 3D Art Museum is an interactive 3D art gallery located in District 7 in Ho Chi Minh City. Making use of light effects and painting techniques, the artworks create an optical illusion that allow you to step inside a cave, dangle on a bridge above the sea or even fight a T-Rex while you're there.

Couleurs d'Asie is the photography studio-cum-gallery of renowned Hoi An based photographer Rehahnn. Located on Dong Khoi Street, Rehahnn's work captures the raw beauty of Vietnamese, Cuban, Indonesian and Indian culture. Having been featured on National Geographic, Rehahnn's photography is among the most expensive fine art in the country. Famous portraits of Rarindra Prakarsa and Manny Librodo cannot be missed.

Located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, Ton Duc Thang Museum celebrates the peace-loving President Thang' life and achievements. Eight display wards showcase photographs and artefacts from Duc Thangs upbringing, education, his presidency and his 15 year-stay at the Con Dao Prison. The Museum is a must-visit for history buffs.

Southern Women's Museum in Ho Chi Minh is a wonderful tribute to the achievements of Vietnamese women. The museum's first floor showcases the evolution of the Ao Dai , Vietnamese traditional dress for women. On the second floor are photographs and artefacts in honour of women who played a vital role during and after the war, and have contributed to their nation meaningfully.