The War Remnants Museum is located in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam. It was formerly known as ‘The Exhibition House for US and Puppet Crimes’. It was renamed to its current title in 1995 following a shift towards understanding, reconciliation and Vietnam’s diplomatic relations with the USA. This museum is a testament to Vietnam’s turbulent past and offers its visitors a clear picture of the harrowing years of the Vietnam War (second Indo-China War). Visit this place to journey through history and understand the profound effects of war on the nation and its people.
Must See Things At War Remnants Museum
War Remnants Museum in Vietnam has a three-story exhibition building and an outdoor exhibit area. The exhibits are artefacts, photographs, and personal testimonies from the war era, evidence of the brutal impact of the war. The museum currently has 20,000 documents, artefacts, and films in a series of thematic rooms, each depicting specific items from the war era.
1. Outdoor Military Marvels
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On entering the museum premises through the front gate, the military equipment used by the US Army during the war is the first exhibit you come across. In the courtyard, you can find the US Air Force helicopter- UH-1 “Huey”, an F-5A fighter jet, a BLU-82 “Daisy Cutter” bomb, an A-1 Skyraider attack bomber, an M48 Patton tank and an A-37 Dragonfly attack bomber. Apart from this, there are several unexplored weapons, such as missiles, bombs and mines, that used to be active and had their detonators disarmed before being displayed in a corner of the open space.
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2. The Ground Floor Gallery
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On the ground floor, you can understand the world’s support for Vietnam during the resistance war. With a specific section dedicated to this theme, you can find around 100 photos and 145 artefacts as evidence of the support by people worldwide in solidarity with the Vietnamese people during the war. The museum displays many remnants that American soldiers donated to express their regret for their involvement in the Vietnam War. On entering the museum, on the ground floor, to the left, is also an area dedicated to the victims of Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide which was used by the US military during the war.
3. First Floor Fascination
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On this floor you get to see the two galleries featuring photographs and testimonials of Vietnamese people during the war. The first collection showcases the “Aftermath of Agent Orange in the Devastating War”, while the second exhibit is based on “Aggressive war crimes”. A separate section displays photographs and personal accounts of prisoners and people and the atrocities they faced during the war. There are detailed accounts of the crimes committed during that time, and it is tough to imagine the amount of suffering that the people of Vietnam had to endure. The exhibition presents a collection of 125 photos, 22 documents and 243 artefacts under the “War Crimes” category.
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4. Second Floor Spectacle
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Specific themed exhibits, such as “Vietnam War and Peace,” “Historical Truth,” and “White Dove,” give visitors an overview of the Second Indo-China War. The Exhibition “Historical Truths” accounts for the French and American invasion of Vietnam. The area designated “Memories” presents photos of correspondents of different nationalities who lost their lives during the war. This section honours the sacrifices of these war correspondents. The thematic room, “Vietnam War and Peace, ” emphasises the war’s aftermath through various photographs. The highlight of the second floor is the exhibition titled “White Doves”. The images in this section are sure to move you to tears. The exhibit features the innocence and aspirations of Vietnamese children for a peaceful nation. The second floor also features a ‘Requiem exhibition’ by the legendary war photographer Tim Page. The collection of documents presents the work and story of photojournalists, including Larry Burrows and Robert Capa, who were killed during the conflict.
5. Con Dao Chronicles
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An outdoor section features an extensive recreation of the war prison on Con Dao island. Vietnam’s prominent national leaders were kept as prisoners in these areas by the French and then by the US forces. This area also has tiger cages, which were used as a means to torture political Vietnamese activists who were against the war. Statues of malnourished prisoners inside cells and tools of torture tell harrowing truths about the war and the unimaginable suffering endured by the Vietnamese people.
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War Remnants Museum Opening Hours And Entrance Fee
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War Remnants Museum’s opening hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The museum is open throughout the year, all days of the week, even on Vietnamese holidays. The last entry is at 4:30 p.m., so be mindful while booking your tickets.
The War Remnants Museum entrance fee varies for adults, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Here are the details:
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- Adults: VND 40,000
- Children (6 – 15 years): VND 20,000. Entry is free for children under 6.
- The entry fee is VND 20,000 for senior citizens, Disabled persons, Persons Eligible for Government Benefits and Preferential Treatment, and Persons who served in the Vietnamese Revolution.
- Persons with extreme disability and people from poor households are exempted from any entry fee.
How To Reach The War Remnants Museum
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The best way to reach the War Remnants Museum is by taxi from the city centre. The Vinasun (White with Red and Green trim) and Mai Linh (Green) are reasonably priced. Choose either of these taxis and avoid other taxi services, as they charge exorbitant tourist rates. The museum’s central location makes it easily accessible. Near the museum, there are other places you can visit, such as Independence Palace, City Centre, Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, Bitexco Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
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War Remnants Museum: Tips To Follow
- Visitors should dress appropriately while visiting the museum
- Toxic substances, weapons, etc., are prohibited on museum premises.
- It is advisable to take photos and videos after obtaining permission from the museum authorities.
- Respect the exhibits and the remnants, and do not touch any items on display.
- Smoking is not allowed inside the museum.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Vietnam
The War Remnants Museum should be visited to recollect Vietnam’s past and understand the testing times of the Vietnam War. Visit this place of historical significance to revisit the struggles faced and sacrifices made by the people of Vietnam. This museum will make you realise the human spirit’s endurance during conflict through its moving displays and exhibits. Ensure to include a stop at this significant museum when planning your trip to Vietnam.
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Frequently Asked Questions About War Remnants Museum
Are guided tours available at the museum?
Yes, guided tours are available for visitors who wish to gain more insight into the history of the exhibits and the documents dating to the war era.
Is photography allowed inside the War Remnants Museum?
Photography is usually allowed inside the museum. However, in some areas, it may not be. Visitors are requested to respect the guidelines regarding photography.
Is the museum suitable for young children?
The museum covers sensitive topics related to war and may contain graphic images and exhibits relating to the horrors of the Vietnam War. Parents should assist children at all times while they browse through the exhibits in the museum.
Which is the best time to visit the museum?
January is the best month to visit the museum as the weather is favourable for exploring the museum and nearby attractions.
Is there a gift shop which contains souvenirs that can be purchased?
There is a gift shop with a collection of books, souvenirs, and other items related to the museum artefacts, which you can choose from and purchase.
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