📍 Address: 65 Lý Tự Trọng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
🕰 Open daily from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
💰 Admission fee required
🌐 Website: hcmc-museum.edu.vn

Among the many colonial-era structures built by the French in Vietnam, few are as visually striking as the former Gia Long Palace. Constructed in 1886 as the residence for the governor of Cochinchina, this magnificent building stands just a block west of the Ho Chi Minh City Hall (formerly Hôtel de Ville) and remains one of the most historically significant landmarks in the city.

A Palace with a Turbulent Past

In 1962, following an airstrike that severely damaged the Independence Palace, President Ngô Đình Diệm took refuge here. He spent his final hours in office in the underground tunnels beneath the building before fleeing to Cha Tam Church in Chợ Lớn, where he was eventually captured and executed. Today, the palace serves as the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s past through a vast collection of photographs, documents, and artifacts detailing the country’s struggles against French and American forces.

Even if war history isn’t your main interest, the architectural grandeur of the museum is worth experiencing. The building’s ornate neoclassical design, high ceilings, and beautifully maintained gardens make it a popular spot for wedding photoshoots, adding a touch of elegance to the historic setting.

Exploring the Museum’s Collection

Ground Floor: A Cultural Tapestry

The first floor presents an eclectic mix of exhibits, ranging from ancient artifacts and antique collections to displays on Vietnamese ethnic cultures and natural history. Traditional clothing, tools, and everyday items provide insight into the country’s diverse heritage.

Upper Floor: The American War & Vietnamese Ingenuity

The second floor shifts focus to the Vietnam War, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people. Some of the most fascinating exhibits include:

  • Improvised weaponry, such as bicycle parts repurposed into mortars.
  • A Suzuki motorbike used to smuggle secret documents inside its inner tubes.
  • A false-bottomed boat designed to conceal weapons.
  • Wool sweaters knitted by female prisoners on Côn Đảo Island, featuring Vietnamese words for peace and freedom.

Visitors can also explore a detailed model of the Củ Chi Tunnels, as well as a powerful gallery documenting the Ho Chi Minh Campaign and the Fall of Saigon in 1975.

War Relics in the Museum Garden

Like many historical museums in Vietnam, the grounds feature military hardware from past conflicts. Nestled among frangipani trees and well-manicured hedges, visitors will find:

  • A Soviet tank
  • An American helicopter
  • An anti-aircraft gun
  • Two decommissioned fighter jets displayed near the entrance

A Must-Visit for History Enthusiasts

Whether you’re a history buff eager to learn more about Vietnam’s past or simply someone who appreciates stunning colonial architecture, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum offers a captivating experience. Its combination of historical artifacts, war relics, and beautiful surroundings makes it one of the most fascinating cultural sites in Ho Chi Minh City.