HCMC History Museum

The Ho Chi Minh City History Museum, located near the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, offers a comprehensive journey through Vietnam's past. Housed in a colonial-era building that blends French and Vietnamese architectural styles, the museum's exhibits are organized chronologically, covering prehistoric times, the Cham and Khmer civilizations, the rise of the Nguyen dynasty, and the French colonial period. Notable artifacts include ancient bronze drums, Cham sculptures, and royal regalia. The museum also features a section on the southern resistance during the Vietnam War. Visitors can see intricate Buddhist art, including a 14th-century wooden Buddha statue. The displays are well-labeled in Vietnamese and English, making it accessible to international visitors. The museum is less crowded than other city attractions, offering a quiet space to absorb the region's rich cultural heritage. A highlight is the outdoor display of stone steles and statues from various historical periods.

Don't miss

• See the ancient bronze drums from the Dong Son culture (circa 500 BCE)
• Admire Cham sculptures, including sandstone deities and linga-yoni
• View the Nguyen dynasty's royal costumes and furniture
• Check out the 14th-century wooden Buddha statue from the Mekong Delta
• Explore the outdoor garden with stone steles and statues

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit HCMC History Museum

Cheapest way inHo Chi Minh City: Highlights & Hidden Gems - Free Walking Tour4.8★ · 248 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$1 per personSee dates →Best full dayCu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour from HCM City - AM/PM Options4.9★ · 16,995 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$15 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleHo Chi Minh City Tour Highlights & Hidden Gems - Small group5★ · 17 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$29 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• Photography is allowed without flash; some special exhibits may restrict photos.
• Audioguides are available in English and Vietnamese for a small fee.
• The museum is closed on Monday mornings; check hours before visiting.
• There is a free luggage storage area near the entrance.

A bit of history

The museum was established in 1929 as the Musée Blanchard de la Brosse by the French colonial government. It was later renamed the National Museum of Vietnam and then the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum. The building itself is a heritage structure, reflecting early 20th-century French colonial design with traditional Vietnamese motifs.