You will find the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History at 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm in District 1. Designed by French architect Auguste Delaval and inaugurated on January 1, 1929, alongside the neighboring Temple of Hùng King, this historic institution offers you a comprehensive journey through Vietnam's rich past. Formerly known as the Musée Blanchard de la Brosse and later The National Museum of Vietnam in Saigon, it received its current name in 1979.
When you visit, you can explore exhibits showcasing artifacts from every major period of Vietnamese history. Your journey spans from prehistory 500,000 years ago through the Metal Age, featuring relics from northern Vietnam's Dong Son culture and central Vietnam's Sa Huỳnh culture. You can examine displays detailing the era of Chinese domination, the Mekong Delta's Óc Eo culture, and impressive Champa stone and bronze sculptures.
The collection also includes Cambodian stone sculptures from the 9th to 12th centuries alongside rich displays covering Vietnam’s powerful imperial dynasties, running from the Ngô, Dinh, Anterior Lê, and Ly eras all the way through to the Tây Sơn and Nguyễn dynasties ending in 1945. Pop culture fans might even recognize the grounds from its appearance as a pit stop on The Amazing Race Asia 3.
What to see at Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History
- Metal Age artifacts from the Dong Son and Sa Huỳnh cultures
- Stone and bronze sculptures representing Champa and Cambodian heritage
- Exhibits covering ancient Vietnamese dynasties through to the Nguyễn dynasty
- Historic 1929 building designed by French architect Auguste Delaval
- Displays detailing the prehistoric era and the Mekong Delta's Óc Eo culture
Visiting tips
Be sure to pair your visit with the nearby Temple of Hùng King, which was inaugurated alongside the museum in 1929.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History is easy to reach on Ho Chi Minh City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Saigon Opera House. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Ho Chi Minh City travel guide.
See the full Ho Chi Minh City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.