All You Should Know Before Coming the War Remnants Museum

Tucked away in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 3, the War Remnants Museum is not your typical sightseeing stop. It’s powerful, emotional, and at times, difficult. But it’s also one of the most important places to understand Vietnam’s modern history - through the eyes of those who lived it.

As local guides who have accompanied countless travelers here, we know this museum leaves a mark. It's not about glamour. It's about truth - raw, sometimes painful, always thought-provoking.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect at the War Remnants Museum, how to prepare for your visit, and why it remains a must-see for travelers looking for more than just beautiful landscapes in Vietnam.

Why the War Remnants Museum Is Worth Visiting

If you’re looking to understand Vietnam’s modern history beyond the guidebook gloss, the War Remnants Museum is the place to start. It’s not just a collection of artifacts, it’s a powerful storytelling space that gives voice to the people who lived through one of the most painful chapters in the country’s past.

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this museum offers a raw, unfiltered look at the Vietnam War (or the American War, as it’s called here) from the perspective of those who were most affected: the Vietnamese people. Through deeply moving photojournalism, preserved war machinery, and haunting personal accounts, visitors are invited to reflect on the devastating human consequences of war from the battlefield to the family home.

One of the most compelling reasons to visit this museum is its emotional honesty. There is no attempt to sanitize the experience. You will see the faces of children affected by Agent Orange. You’ll read personal letters, see war-era protest posters from around the world, and walk through spaces that recreate the conditions of wartime prisons.

Rather than glorifying military might or politics, the museum centers the victims - civilians, farmers, prisoners, and soldiers from both sides. It’s a deeply human experience, and that’s what makes it so unforgettable.

For many visitors, especially those from countries involved in the conflict, this museum can be confronting. But it also fosters deeper understanding, respect, and reflection - qualities that make travel truly transformative.

Check out our best Full-day and Half-day Ho Chi Minh guided tours (with over 500 5-star reviews) by local experts which include the War Remnants Museum.

Essential Visitor Info of the War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is located in a central and easy-to-reach part of Ho Chi Minh City, making it a convenient stop during your time in District 1 or District 3. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit:

1. Location & Getting There

• Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• The museum sits on a leafy boulevard near Tao Dan Park, surrounded by cafes, bookshops, and quiet neighborhoods. It’s just a 10–15 minute walk from Ben Thanh Market or the Independence Palace.
• Getting there: You can easily reach the museum on foot if you're staying in District 1. Otherwise, Grab cars or taxis are cheap, reliable, and can drop you off right at the entrance. There is no large parking lot for private vehicles, but motorbikes can park along the sidewalk.

2. Opening Hours

• Daily: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Last admission: 5:00 PM sharp
• We recommend visiting in the morning (before 10 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy the exhibits while it's cooler and quieter.

3. Ticket Prices

• Adults: 40,000 VND
• Children aged 6 to 15: 15,000 VND
• Children under 6: Free of charge
• Payment: Both cash and card are accepted, though it’s always a good idea to carry some small bills for convenience.

Tickets are purchased directly at the entrance, and the process is usually quick and straightforward, even during busy times.

4. Facilities & Accessibility in the War Remnants Museum

The museum is designed to be accessible and traveler-friendly, with a layout that makes navigation easy:

• Air-conditioning: Some indoor exhibit rooms are air-conditioned or have ceiling fans, but not all areas are climate-controlled - dress lightly, especially during summer.
• Elevators: Available for reaching the upper floors, suitable for visitors with mobility concerns.
• Restrooms: Clean, well-maintained toilets are located on every floor.
• Coffee shop: There’s a small open-air café in the central courtyard - a peaceful spot for a drink and a breather after your visit.
• Vending machines: Located inside for cold water or snacks.
• Souvenir shops: Small shops on-site sell books, postcards, and other thoughtful items related to Vietnamese history and culture.

5. How Much Time to Allow

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours at the museum, depending on how closely they read the exhibits. It’s possible to move quickly through the outdoor displays and major rooms, but for a more meaningful experience, give yourself time to slow down and absorb the powerful messages inside.

If you're visiting with children or those who may be sensitive to graphic images, plan ahead and consider skipping certain sections. Many of the photographs, especially those related to Agent Orange or prisoner abuse, can be emotionally intense.

What You'll See: Highlights by Floor

The War Remnants Museum is spread across multiple levels, with each one presenting a different chapter in Vietnam’s modern history. While the exhibits are powerful and sometimes disturbing, they offer valuable insight into the resilience of the Vietnamese people and the global response to one of the most controversial conflicts of the 20th century.

1. Ground Floor & Courtyard – Military Machines and Prison Cells

Your visit begins in the museum’s courtyard - a shaded open area lined with relics from the war. You’ll see a striking collection of U.S. military vehicles, including M48 Patton tanks, F-5A fighter jets, a Chinook helicopter, and various artillery weapons. Standing beside these massive machines brings the scale of the war into perspective.

In one corner of the courtyard, you’ll find the Con Dao Prison exhibit, featuring replica “Tiger Cages” - cramped, brutal prison cells used to confine and torture political prisoners during the war. Accompanying photographs and descriptions bring the inhumanity of these conditions to life. It’s a sobering and impactful start.

Inside on the ground floor, you'll find temporary rotating exhibits - usually focused on international peace movements, post-war consequences, or current humanitarian issues.

Tip from locals: Visit the outdoor courtyard early in the day when the temperature is cooler. The open layout provides less shade later in the afternoon.

2. First Floor – Global Protests and Solidarity Movements

This floor shifts the focus from combat to compassion. The main exhibit here, “The World Supports Vietnam in its Resistance,” showcases the widespread anti-war movements of the 1960s and 70s. You’ll see newspaper clippings, photographs, and artwork from across the globe - from the United States and Europe to Latin America and Asia - all calling for an end to the war.

It’s fascinating to learn how students, artists, religious groups, and governments rallied behind the Vietnamese cause, forming a rare moment of global unity around peace and justice.

There are also rotating temporary exhibitions on this floor, often featuring themes such as war journalism, children in conflict zones, or the modern impact of unexploded ordnance.

This floor is quieter emotionally but no less powerful in terms of message. It gives context to the war beyond Vietnam’s borders.

3. Second Floor – The Human Cost of War

This is the museum’s most emotionally charged section, and many visitors describe it as unforgettable.

One major gallery is dedicated to the long-term effects of Agent Orange, the toxic defoliant sprayed during the war. The photographs are graphic and personal featuring children born with birth defects, families torn apart by illness, and survivors who continue to suffer today. It’s not an easy room to walk through, but it gives a voice to victims who often remain invisible in broader war narratives.

Another must-see exhibit is “Requiem”, a haunting collection of war photography curated by legendary photojournalists such as Larry Burrows, Henri Huet, and Tim Page. The images show the war from all sides - Vietnamese civilians, U.S. soldiers, international correspondents and offer a deeply human perspective on suffering, loss, and courage.

Note: This floor contains explicit photos of violence and trauma. Some visitors may choose to skip or move through quickly. Others find it to be the most important part of the museum - a space for reflection, empathy, and a better understanding of what war really costs.

How to Prepare for a Visit to the War Remnants Museum

While the museum is open to all, a little preparation can make your visit more meaningful and respectful. Here's how to get the most from the experience:

1. Dress Appropriately

There’s no strict dress code, but this is a place of remembrance. Casual, respectful attire is best. Avoid beachwear or overly revealing clothing. Comfortable shoes are recommended if you plan to spend time walking through the courtyard and all three floors.

2. Be Emotionally Ready

Some content is distressing, especially for younger visitors or those sensitive to violence and suffering. Bring tissues if you’re the emotional type, and give yourself time afterward to decompress. Many travelers say they leave the museum with a mix of sadness and deep respect.

3. Stay Hydrated & Take Breaks

The museum is partially air-conditioned, but some rooms and the outdoor areas can get warm, especially midday. Bring a water bottle or take a break at the coffee shop in the courtyard when needed.

4. Combine With a Lighter Activity

To balance out the emotional weight of the museum, consider pairing your visit with something peaceful and enjoyable afterward - a walk through nearby Tao Dan Park, a visit to a quiet temple, or a coffee at a local café in District 3. This gives you a chance to reflect and gently transition back into your day.

5. Go Early for a Better Experience in the War Remnants Museum

The museum tends to get busier by late morning, especially during weekends or national holidays. Arriving before 9:00 AM ensures a quieter, more contemplative experience and more space to move at your own pace.

Final Thoughts from Local Experts

The War Remnants Museum isn’t about guilt or blame. It’s about remembrance, reflection, and understanding how war leaves scars that last for generations. It doesn’t glorify, but it doesn’t sugarcoat either.

As local guides, we recommend it not just as a historical site, but as a moral checkpoint - something every traveler should encounter to understand Vietnam more fully.

If you plan to visit, come with an open heart and a thoughtful mind. And if you have questions before or after your visit, we’re always here to help.

Planning a cultural itinerary through Ho Chi Minh City?
Reach out to us 24/7 for personalized authentic tours, local guide recommendations, or half-day excursions that include the War Remnants Museum - tailored to your pace and interests. Let history speak and let us help you listen.

• Office 1: 429A Cua Dai St, Hoi An City, Viet Nam
• Office 2: 14 An Nhon 10, Da Nang City, Vietnam
• Whatsapp/Zalo/Viber: (+84) 905 775 088 (English)/ (+84) 964 056 190 (Chinese)
• Email: venustravelvietnam@gmail.com
• Instagram/Youtube/Tiktok/Facebook: venustravel_vietnam
• Website: www.venusvietnamtravel.com
• Travelers' Choice in 2024 on Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.vn/Attraction_Review-g298082-d12261731-Reviews-Venus_Travel-Hoi_An_Quang_Nam_Province.html
• Top Rated on GetYourGuide: www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=supplier:87597