Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City

Even if just barely interested in Vietnamese history, this grand neo-classical building is worth a look and if you have the time, once there, it would be silly not to pay the dollar to get in. I know, that’s two meals on the street but hey, you came all this way, so give it a try. What you’ll get is a true study in contrast. Photos of anti-colonial activists being executed jar your reality as you stroll carelessly through the ornate 19th century ballrooms that more than hint at the decadent lifestyle of the French colonists. America doesn’t fare much better, with the requisite Soviet tank on display in the otherwise tranquil garden in the rear of the museum. It is also an evidently very popular place to take your wedding photos as we saw numerous wedding parties very smartly attired having it done.

open: 9:00-16:00 daily
admission: 1$

This museum, situated in a grand historical structure built in the 1880s, is one of many in Vietnam exploring a familiar theme: the struggle of the nation against the French and Americans. It is probably the best of its breed, with various photos, documents, models, and military artifacts detailing local activism as well as long military struggles. The signs are in Vietnamese only at the moment, which actually doesn't present much of a problem. There is a model of the Cu Chi tunnels, the underground network built by the North Vietnamese for weapons transport and living quarters during the American war. Outside are the typical but always interesting captured U.S. fighter planes, tanks, and artillery. Underneath the building is a series of tunnels leading to the Reunification Palace, once used by former president Ngo Dinh Diem as a hideout before his eventual capture and execution in 1962.

Ho Chi Minh was born in 1890 in the village of Kimlien, Annam and given the name of Nguyen Sinh Cung. He worked for a short time as a school teacher, then travelled the world as a sailor. Ho was inspired by the Russian Revolution and he even visited Moscow and thought that all Vietnamese communists should return to their country to fight for freedom and independence from French Colonial rule.

Ho Chi Minh went on to become the leader of the Communist forces during the Vietnam War. He was one of the most influential political leaders of the 20th century. The statue shows Ho holding a child and sits in the park in front of City Hall.

This Museum is housed in a former colonial adminstration building known as Gia Long Palace . The museum focus mostly on the war although in the lower floors it does have some decent art/ history exihibits. The main attraction however is the building itself. It is also a favortie spot for couples to have their wedding photos taken