12 Best Hanoi Museums to Explore, From History to Geology

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I must be honest, I know museums aren’t for everyone. Some people prefer to spend their time doing outdoorsy things, others think museums are too expensive, while some have the idea that a museum involves endless walking and exploring corridors of history. 

While you do find these sorts of museums, museum hopping or visiting at least one museum while you’re on holiday is one of the best ways to gain local insights into the culture, history, and traditions of whatever destination you find yourself in. 

Luckily, in Hanoi, there’s an interesting plethora of museums AND many of them are free entry! (So you really have no excuses, wink wink.) 

The Vietnam National Museum of History still remains one of my personal favorite museums among the Hanoi museums to see, but there are some interesting contenders on this list, including those that hone in on the infamous Vietnam War. 

So, have a gander and decide if any tickle your fancy and take it from there. 

Planning on spending a couple of days in Hanoi? Check out my Ultimate Insider 3-Day Hanoi Itinerary

1. Vietnam National Museum of History: The Stone Age to the Neolithic to the mid-19th century 

Even if you’re not a history buff, the Vietnam National Museum of History is fantastic! I do love my history — go figure — but I loved the fact that this museum showcases centuries worth of the lands’ stories, including statues of Bodhisattvas and even ancient tools used thousands of years ago! In total, the museum preserves 200,000 objects.

I visited with my in-laws and spent a good couple of hours wandering around the two-story setup. I particularly loved a room upstairs where antiquated jewels are displayed in a darkened room, and lights shine on displays of bronze, gold, and gem-encrusted pieces. 

Downstairs showcases traditional and prehistoric instruments used by natives, like cooking utensils and cultural artifacts. 

A word of warning: the museum closes for lunch, and tickets are single entry. We didn’t know this and got there 1.5 hours before closing for lunch, which, for someone like me who could spend hours at such a museum, wasn’t enough. So make sure you plan your timings wisely. It’s right near the Hanoi Opera House in a gorgeous part of the Hoan Kiem area. 

Travel tip: Down the road is one of the Pizza 4 P’s if you’re looking for an awesome lunch spot, and further down the road is Hoan Kiem Lake.

Read more: 9 Best Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter for 2025

2. Hoa Lo Prison: Step within a real-time prison 

Not only did the French colonize Hanoi once, but the city was under French rule twice. The first time was from 1873 to 1940 and then again from 1946 to 1954. Pretty crazy, right? That’s why you’ll still spot many French influences around the city — hello banh mis (basically a baguette), terracotta buildings, and flower pots hanging from balconies). 

The Hoa Lo Prison was once a prison used by French soldiers to detain politicians and locals, and interestingly enough, during the Vietnam War, American soldiers, but was then transformed into the museum we see today. It’s quite somber, witnessing recreated scenes of what prison life was like for the locals captured within. There are also original documents on display, torture machinery (hectic), and derelict prison cells to wander through. 

It’s in one of my favorite parts of the city and the roads are lined with gigantic trees and cute coffee shops.

3. Ho Chi Minh Museum: Deep dive into the life and times 

Probably one of the most famous people in Vietnam’s entire history — hey, even a major city was renamed after the man — the Ho Chi Minh Museum is dedicated to all things “Uncle Ho.” 

As the Democratic Republic of Vietnam’s first president, Ho Chi Minh holds a very special place in the heart of the locals, and for good reason. This museum is a dedication to the life and times of the former president and is aptly right next door to the HCM Mausoleum (where his body was laid to rest). 

Different expo rooms chronicle his life, work, and fight for his beloved country. For example, the first room is all about ‘The native land and family of the President Ho Chi Minh.’ Room Six is titled ‘Vietnam’s struggle and victory 1954-1975.’   

P.S. You’ll often meet voluntary guides waiting outside the museum who offer their free services. This comes recommended as they will explain and translate a lot. While they are free, tipping is highly appreciated and kind of a must.

4. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Learn about the country’s extensive ethnic groups

One of my absolute favorite parts about traveling is learning about new cultures – I live for it! The beauty of our world is that we all come from different walks of life, and how boring would life be if every single human was the same?! (VERY, in my opinion.) 

Anyhoo, as the name states, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a space that hones in on the different ethnicities of Vietnam because there are actually 54 various ethnic groups found across the country. This is the main focus of the museum’s permanent exhibition (but there are also temporary ones that change regularly). This part of the museum gallery is within the two-story Bronze Drum building. 

Trace ten folk architectural works of ten ethnic groups in Vietnam at the outdoor Architectural Garden (where a replica of a traditional home is built), or the four-storey Kite building also explores different Southeast Asian cultures outside of Vietnam.  

Travel tip: The museum is located in Cau Giay (about 30 minutes from the Old Quarter). 

5. B52 Victory Museum: Displays an actual Boeing B-52G Stratofortress

If you don’t have the time to visit every single one of the Hanoi museums, the B52 Victory Museum is also epic from the outside, and the walls that encapsulate this museum make the most incredible photo backdrops.

But word of advice, some guards stand outside the walls because there are some government buildings around the museum, and you kind of have to ‘snap and go’ if you want to get a cool photo here. You can also see wings and propellers sticking out from the walls. 

However, if you do have the time to go inside, it’s one of the city’s museums where real-time aircraft and artillery are set up, specifically those from the 1972 Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu victory in the air event (which took place during the Vietnam War). This is when the US military launched B-52 bombers, hence the name. 

Travel tip: If you’re super interested in all things Vietnam War-related, another one of the Hanoi museums to visit is the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum.

It is, however, on the city outskirts and quite a trek. Some people love it, others not so much.

6. Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum: From paintings to ceramics 

From the old to the new, the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum tells the story of the country’s art, including prehistoric and contemporary works. In total, the museum preserves about 20,000 artworks and objects within its collections. 

Like most museums, there are permanent and temporary expos to uncover. These range from Prehistory and Early History Fine Arts (like Óc Eo ceramics, bronze cylindrical jars, weapons, drums, and Đông Sơn culture tools); oil paintings; and national treasures.

Some of my personal fave pieces are the 17th-century door carved with dragon motifs, the 16th-century statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (from the Vin Phuc Hội Hạ Pagoda), and the ‘Two young women and a child’ painting by Tô Ngọc Vân.

7. The Ancient House: A look into a typical 19th-century Vietnamese household 

The famous Ma May Ancient House (smack bang in the heave of the Old Q’s madness) tiers at the top of my list of Hanoi buildings. It’s one of the last remaining original houses from the 19th century. Hanoi museums are exciting generally, but the Ancient House is particularly special.

It’s more of a living museum than your typical museum filled with display cabinets and dedicated art exhibitions and is basically an ancient house that has stood the test of time. 

Walking inside is like entering a local’s home, and the setup has been well maintained and specifically not changed since its earliest days. It’s a peek into the traditional set-up of a Vietnamese home, courtyard included. But it’s the beauty of this worn building that makes up its charm. Thanks to its location on the corner of Ma May, it’s virtually impossible to miss and one of the easiest of the Hanoi museums to pop into. 

8. Vietnam National Museum of Nature: Close to 1500 specimens on display

You best believe there’s something on this list of Hanoi museums for everyone! Cue the Vietnam National Museum of Nature, where Mother Nature is the real star of this show. 

It’s also one of the most unique, where glass displays of insect specimens line the walls (especially loads of butterfly species), and various fauna and flora from around Vietnam await you. It’s educational, to say the least. 

If you’re traveling with little ones, they will particularly love this option … There’s even a gigantic replica of a T-Rex ready and waiting that greet you at the outdoor entrance of the museum. Plus, the museum hosts children’s activities like making animal masks, casting fossils of dinosaurs, insects, and marine creatures, and pinning insects.   

9. Air Force and Air Defence Museum: See real planes

For anyone that goes gaga over anything military-related, fall into seventh heaven at the Air Force Defence Museum. Of the many Hanoi museums, this is where you’ll discover how the country sees its historical – and future – struggles.

Comprising indoor and outdoor spaces, real-life air force and air defense machinery make up this museum. In terms of the period, it showcases the history of the VPAF (Vietnam People’s Air Force) from the 1950s until today. 

This includes airplanes, missiles, artillery, helicopters, cannons, tankers, and more, as well as collections of printed materials and photographs. 

10. Geological Museum of Vietnam: Rocks, crystals and fossils  

I’m obsessed with rocks, minerals, and crystals. I’ve often thought it would be amazing to study geology, so the Geological Museum of Vietnam is right up my alley. 

On that note, if this isn’t something that interests you, I’d say skip this Hanoi museum. 

Walking within, there’s a geological map of Vietnam, and the expos show various rocks found across the terrains of the country, as well as some incredible excavated, large formations spread across the room in individual glass casings, AND fossilized discoveries. 

Local tip: You won’t need to spend more than 30 minutes here, but the museum is free to visit and just ten minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake. 

11. Nguyen Van Huyen Museum: Something different 

There are a few things that make the Nguyen Van Huyen Museum as special as it is. 

Firstly, the tour of this living museum is run by the minister of education’s granddaughter-in-law, which adds an incredibly authentic and insightful touch. 

Secondly, the museum was Nguyen Van Huyen’s former home and is full of his personal items, from his desk and writing quills to his vintage camera. The village where the museum is located, Lai Xa Village, is said to be the birthplace of photography in Vietnam. 

Nguyen Van Huyen was an important figure in Vietnam’s modern history and was even friends with Uncle Ho himself. 

12. Hanoi Police Museum: For those interested in armed forces 

While this one may not be everyone’s cup of tea, if you’re an expat in Vietnam or are intrigued by international civil forces, the Hanoi Police Museum might appeal to you. 

It’s basically a showcasing of the country’s police force from around 1945 up until today, and I do love the fact that the displays are in English. 

Plus, seeing the various uniforms throughout the decades is pretty cool, too. You’ll find eight themed rooms, including ‘Statues of All Hanoi Police Forces,’ and ‘Uniforms of Hanoi Police Forces, 1945-2015.’ It’s slightly promotional, but the exhibitions are in good shape and informative. 

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