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Museum of War Victims
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

i recommend checking out the cultural performances if they’re happening during your visit. they’re usually at specific times and really add to the experience.

Plan to spend at least 3 hours there if you want to see everything. I didn’t expect it to be so extensive and ended up rushing through some exhibits.

Make sure to take your time to explore the outdoor exhibits. They’re super cool and you might miss them if you rush inside first! I suggest starting outside when you arrive.
Hanoi Hilton

I recommend going early, like around 8 AM, to beat the crowds and really soak in the history. It gets super busy later!

Plan on spending at least 1.5 to 2 hours there. I rushed through and totally missed some cool details.

I think taking a few minutes to read about each exhibit beforehand can help a lot. It made the experience so much richer for me!

Pack some water and snacks. You might not find a good place to chill after the museum, and a quick snack can make all the difference!
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

I suggest hitting the museum on a weekday if you can, it was way less crowded when I visited on a Tuesday. You’ll have more space to enjoy the art, I promise.

My advice is to take the time to explore the gift shop. They have some amazing local art and souvenirs that won’t break the bank. I grabbed a unique painting for a reasonable price!
The Museum of Cham Sculpture

I suggest getting there right when it opens at 8 AM to beat the crowds. The peace and quiet let you really appreciate the sculptures and take cool photos without people in the way.

Make sure to check out the art workshops they sometimes have. I wasn’t aware of this, and if I had been, I would have loved to try my hand at creating some Cham-inspired art!
Vietnam Military History Museum

if you want to save some cash, grab a bite at the street food stalls just outside the museum. you can get a tasty meal for under 50k vnd, making your visit way more budget-friendly!

I recommend spending some time reading the descriptions near the exhibits. Some are super informative! It really helped me understand the context better and I didn't feel rushed.

My advice is to bring a water bottle! I got a bit thirsty and ended up spending more on drinks inside than I planned. Plus, it was hot walking around!
Vietnamese Women's Museum

I suggest getting the audio guide for just a few bucks. It really gives you more depth about the exhibits and made my experience way more enriching!
I think it’s worth checking out the temporary exhibitions too. They often have unique themes that aren’t in the permanent collection, so you might discover something new!

If you want to save a bit of cash grab lunch at the nearby street stalls instead of the museum cafe. The local food is delicious and way cheaper than the sit-down place!
Zia Long Palace

I suggest checking out the little café inside for some drinks. I got a yummy Vietnamese coffee that gave me an energy boost for more exploring!

I recommend getting there around 9 AM to beat the crowds. After that, it fills up fast, and you can enjoy the exhibitions at your own pace.
Ho Chi Minh City History Museum

Make sure to bring some water! The museum can get pretty warm and you might find yourself parched after wandering around for a while. A couple of small bottles can save you from feeling drained

I recommend visiting on weekdays, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, to avoid the weekend crowds. It makes for a more relaxed experience and you can take your time exploring the exhibits.

I think it's smart to start in the outdoor sections with the sculptures first. They are stunning and catching them early means you'll have better light for photos before the heat kicks in.

If you're on a budget, check out the museum's discounts for students and seniors. I saved a little cash for some local snacks later!