The War Remnants Museum is the one stop in Ho Chi Minh City that almost every visitor makes, and it is rarely forgotten. The collection covers the wars in Vietnam from the Vietnamese perspective, with the American war at its core. Outdoors in the courtyard stand tanks, planes, helicopters and bombs, which are easy to photograph and easy to read. Inside, the three-storey main building holds photographic exhibitions, including work by war photographers from many countries, and displays on the use of chemical defoliants such as Agent Orange, with a continuing exhibition on their consequences. Among the most affecting images are those taken by journalists who died covering the conflict, and the famous photo by Nick Ut that won a Pulitzer Prize. The tone is direct and unsparing, so the museum can be hard going, but it rewards a slow visit. The former prison cages recreated in the grounds and the photography galleries are the sections that stay with people longest. For many visitors this is the most moving two hours of their trip to Vietnam.
How it works: the museum is at 28 Vo Van Tan Street. Since February 2026 it has used an online ticketing system, where you pick a visiting time, pay online and receive a QR code by email to scan at the gate, which cuts the wait. Open hours are 7:30 to 17:30 every day, with the ticket counter closing at 17:00. The entry fee is modest, children under six are free and students pay half price. Check the official visit page before you go, since special exhibitions and rules can change.
What to expect: allow at least two hours and start with the courtyard, then go upstairs to the photographic galleries. Several displays include graphic images of casualties and the effects of chemical weapons, and the museum itself warns that some visitors may find them disturbing. Captions are in Vietnamese and English. The exhibitions present one side of a complicated history, so many visitors choose to read about the broader context before or after their visit.
Making the most of it: go early, when the rooms are quiet and the day is cooler, or late in the afternoon after the tour groups leave. Dress modestly, carry water and take your time in the galleries rather than rushing. Families with young children should preview the exhibits and decide which rooms to skip. A short walk takes you to the Independence Palace, so the two make a natural pair, with a break for coffee in between.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit through an outdoor courtyard of military hardware and three floors of photographic, documentary and thematic exhibitions.
Best time
Early in the morning at 7:30 or late in the afternoon, when the tour groups have gone and the rooms are calmer.
How long
At least two hours, and up to three if you read the captions and watch the films.
Tips
Book a timed e-ticket online, dress modestly and prepare for graphic images in several galleries.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to understand how Vietnamese people remember the war, and who is prepared for strong images.
- Families
- Better for teenagers than small children, since many displays are graphic and some rooms are upsetting.
- Couples
- A thoughtful shared visit, best followed by a quiet coffee to talk it over.
- Pair with
- The Independence Palace and a stroll through the nearby streets, or the Cu Chi Tunnels on another day.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours, plus time to decompress afterwards.
Good questions
What are the opening hours of the War Remnants Museum?+
The museum is open every day from 7:30 to 17:30, and the ticket counter closes at 17:00. Check the official visit page for special closures before you go.
Can I buy War Remnants Museum tickets online?+
Yes, the museum launched online ticketing in February 2026, with a chosen visiting time and a QR code sent by email. You can also buy tickets at the gate, although queues can form at busy hours.
How much does the War Remnants Museum cost?+
Entry is a small fee in dong, in the region of a couple of US dollars. Children under six are free and students receive a discount.
Is the War Remnants Museum suitable for children?+
Parts of it are, such as the outdoor hardware, but many photographs are graphic. Parents should look over the galleries first and decide what suits their children’s age.
How long do you need at the War Remnants Museum?+
Plan at least two hours, and three if you want to read the exhibits closely. It is emotionally heavy, so do not schedule too much else around it.
