Dragon House Harbor - Ho Chi Minh Museum

The Dragon House Harbor (Bến Nhà Rồng) is a historic building in Ho Chi Minh City that now houses the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Located on the Saigon River, this colonial-era structure was originally a French shipping company terminal built in 1863. It earned its name from the dragon statues adorning its roof. The museum chronicles the life and revolutionary activities of Ho Chi Minh, from his early travels abroad to his role in Vietnam's independence. Exhibits include photographs, documents, and personal artifacts. The building itself is a landmark, with its distinctive French architecture and riverside setting. Visitors can explore the museum's two floors, then stroll along the riverfront. The site is significant because Ho Chi Minh departed from this very harbor in 1911 to seek ways to liberate Vietnam. The museum offers a deep dive into modern Vietnamese history in a compact, well-curated space.

Don't miss

• See the room where Ho Chi Minh worked as a kitchen helper on ships
• View the collection of photographs from Ho Chi Minh's travels
• Admire the French colonial architecture and dragon motifs on the roof
• Walk along the Saigon River promenade adjacent to the museum
• Learn about Ho Chi Minh's early life and revolutionary activities

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Dragon House Harbor - Ho Chi Minh Museum

Cheapest way inHo Chi Minh City: Highlights & Hidden Gems - Free Walking Tour4.8★ · 248 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$1 per personSee dates →Most bookedHo Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep4.9★ · 1,301 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$71 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleHo Chi Minh City Shore Excursion Private Tour From Phu My Port5★ · 12 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$2 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• Exhibits are primarily in Vietnamese, but English translations are available for key displays.
• Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash may be restricted near sensitive documents.
• The museum is closed on Monday afternoons. Check the official site for exact hours.
• Combine your visit with a walk along the Saigon River or a trip to the nearby Binh Tay Market.

A bit of history

The building was constructed in 1863 by the French shipping company Messageries Maritimes. It was from this harbor that a young Ho Chi Minh (then Nguyen Tat Thanh) left Vietnam in 1911 aboard the ship Amiral Latouche-Tréville, beginning his 30-year journey abroad.