The national military museum reopened on 1 November 2024 in a purpose-built complex on Thang Long Boulevard, replacing the cramped Dien Bien Phu street site in Ba Dinh. Indoor galleries run from the resistance against Chinese and Mongol invasions through the wars against France and the United States, and include four designated national treasures among them the MiG-21 that shot down a B-52. The outdoor field holds captured and Vietnamese aircraft, tanks and artillery, including the wreckage sculpture assembled from downed American aircraft; a 45-metre Victory Tower dominates the site.
The Vietnam Military History Museum reopened on 1 November 2024 in a purpose-built complex on Thang Long Boulevard in Nam Tu Liem district, about 12 km west of Hanoi's Old Quarter near the National Convention Centre. It replaced the older, cramped site on Dien Bien Phu street in Ba Dinh, and the new campus is far larger, combining indoor galleries with a substantial outdoor exhibition field.
The indoor galleries follow the history of Vietnamese armed resistance chronologically, beginning with the struggles against Chinese and Mongol invasions and continuing through the wars against France and the United States. The collection includes four objects designated as national treasures, among them the MiG-21 that shot down a B-52 bomber. Displays combine weapons, uniforms, documents, maps and photographs, and they give visitors a Vietnamese perspective on twentieth-century conflict that is rarely presented in Western museums.
Outside, the exhibition field holds captured and Vietnamese aircraft, tanks and artillery pieces that visitors can walk among and photograph up close. One of the best-known works is a sculpture assembled from the wreckage of downed American aircraft. A 45-metre Victory Tower dominates the site and is the most recognisable landmark of the complex; it is best photographed from across the open field so that the full height and the surrounding aircraft appear in one frame.
A visit typically takes two to three hours, more if the outdoor field is explored thoroughly in warm weather. The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 16:30, and it is closed on Mondays and Fridays, so the schedule matters when planning. Admission is 40,000 VND, and children under 16 enter free. Weekday mornings are calmer; since the move to the new site, weekends have been busy with Vietnamese families. Access is by Grab car from the Old Quarter, which costs about 150,000 to 200,000 VND and takes 30 to 40 minutes, or by bus 71B or 87, which stop on Thang Long Boulevard. Because the site is out of the centre and largely open-air, visitors should bring water and sun protection.
| Admission | 40,000 VND (~$1.54); under 16 free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 08:00-11:30 and 13:00-16:30; closed Monday and Friday |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; weekends are busy with Vietnamese families since the move to the new site |
| Getting there | Grab car from the Old Quarter about 150,000-200,000 VND (~$5.77-7.69), 30-40 minutes; bus 71B and 87 stop on Thang Long Boulevard |
| Address | Thang Long Boulevard (Dai lo Thang Long), Tay Mo and Dai Mo, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi |
Location
Thang Long Boulevard (Dai lo Thang Long), Tay Mo and Dai Mo, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi
21.0026, 105.7452 View on map
Highlights
- MiG-21 that shot down a B-52, among four national treasures
- 45-metre Victory Tower dominating the site
- Outdoor field of aircraft, tanks and artillery
- Sculpture assembled from wreckage of downed American aircraft
- Chronological galleries from early invasions to the wars with France and the United States
Tips for visiting
- Check the schedule: the museum is closed on Mondays and Fridays
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid family crowds at weekends
- Allow 30 to 40 minutes each way by Grab from the Old Quarter
- Bring water and sun protection for the outdoor field
- Children under 16 enter free; adults pay 40,000 VND
- Note the lunch break between 11:30 and 13:00
When to visit
Weekday mornings, when crowds are smallest and temperatures cooler for the outdoor field. Weekends are busy with local families.
Accessibility
The complex is purpose-built, and level indoor galleries should suit most visitors. The outdoor field is spread over a large area with limited shade, which may be tiring for those with limited mobility.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend two to three hours, including time in the outdoor field of aircraft and vehicles.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes. Children under 16 enter free and can walk among tanks and aircraft outdoors, though the indoor galleries are text-heavy.
Is this the same as the old museum on Dien Bien Phu street?
No. The museum moved to a new complex on Thang Long Boulevard, which reopened on 1 November 2024.
Which days is it closed?
It is closed on Mondays and Fridays and open the remaining five days.