If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers soaking up stories over snapping selfies at tourist hotspots, then you’re in for a ride (well, likely a GrabBike ride) through some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most fascinating museums. Whether you’re into war history, art, cultural treasures, or mysterious herbal medicine jars — yup, we’ve got those — this guide breaks down the must-visit museums in a city bursting at the seams with character (and motorbikes).
And here’s the best part: most of these gems are wallet-friendly and located near the action in Districts 1 and 3. So grab a coffee, kick back, and let’s explore culture, Saigon-style.
1. War Remnants Museum — Hauntingly Powerful
📍 Google Maps | 💸 Entry: 40,000 VND
🕘 Daily: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Planes at War Remnants Museum
Let’s kick things off with what is arguably HCMC’s most intense — and essential — museum. Located in District 3, the War Remnants Museum is just a short walk away from the Independence Palace. This place doesn’t sugarcoat history. It dives deep into the Vietnam War with raw, graphic exhibits that can stir up some strong emotions.
You’ll find:
- Chilling photographs in the Agent Orange and War Crimes rooms
- U.S. fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters in the courtyard
- Documentary-style narratives throughout three floors
🎧 Pro tip: You can grab an audio guide if you’re into the curated experiences (but it’s entirely optional).
⚠ Some content is visually graphic—especially on the second floor—so if you’re with kids, steer toward the more general exhibitions or the outdoor area packed with war vehicles.
🌟 Why it’s a must-see: It’s emotional, raw, and one of the best places to grasp Vietnam’s recent history.
2. Southern Women’s Museum — Quietly Wonderful (and Free!)
📍 Google Maps | 💸 Entry: FREE
🕘 Mon–Sat: 7:30–11:30 AM & 1:30–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Inside Southern Women’s Museum
If you love offbeat spots and untold stories, this museum will hit the sweet spot. Sitting quietly in District 3, the Southern Women’s Museum shines a loving light on the important role of women in southern Vietnam’s history.
Here’s what to expect:
- Traditional outfits like the elegant áo dài
- Handwritten letters, tools, photos, and wartime memorabilia
- A peaceful, uncrowded experience (like, seriously, you might have whole rooms to yourself)
It’s low-key, and yeah — a tad disorganized in places — but that’s part of the charm. No rush, no crowds, just stories waiting to be uncovered.
🌟 Why visit? It’s a heartfelt tribute to Vietnamese women, and did we mention it’s free?
3. History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City — Meet the Ancient Side of Saigon
📍 Google Maps | 💸 Entry: 30,000 VND
🕘 Tue–Sun: 8:00–11:30 AM & 1:00–5:00 PM
Courtyard of History Museum
Located right next to the (equally fab) Saigon Zoo in District 1, this museum is a serene break from the city chaos. It’s set around an old-school courtyard and is rich in both history and architecture.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Ancient sculptures, relics, and artifacts from Vietnam’s deep historical roots
- Multiple themed rooms circling that lovely courtyard
- Fans for breeze, but no A/C (bring that mini fan, folks!)
🌟 Why we love it? It’s chill, beautiful, and makes exploring Vietnamese history surprisingly zen.
4. Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine — Jars, Herbs & Heritage
📍 Google Maps | 💸 Entry: 180,000 VND (90,000 VND for students/seniors)
🕘 Daily: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Outside the Fito Museum
Ok, this one’s a little pricier and tucked away in District 10, but hear us out — it’s truly fascinating. Known locally as the Fito Museum, this place is a deep dive into centuries of Vietnamese medicine and healing practices.
Expect to see:
- Strange-but-cool tools and herbs
- Ancient medical texts and remedies
- Beautiful wood-carved architecture across five stunning floors
- A super aesthetic vibe throughout
Each ticket includes a short intro video and ends with a cup of complimentary hot herbal tea. It feels less like a museum and more like time-travel.
🌟 Worth the ticket price: if you’re curious about traditional wellness and want those Instagram-worthy wood-paneled shots, don’t skip it.
5. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts — Hidden Gem for Art Lovers
📍 Google Maps | 💸 Entry: 30,000 VND
🕘 Daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts Exterior
Tucked behind the buzzing Ben Thanh Market sits this unexpectedly calming art museum. With its striking yellow French colonial buildings and peaceful courtyard, this place is a total retreat.
Here’s the scoop:
- Three buildings (yes, you can wander them all!) featuring Vietnamese contemporary and traditional art
- Sculptures, massive oil paintings, and ornate detailing everywhere
- No A/C (except for a few ‘national treasure’ rooms), but very breezy and cool vibes overall
- Bonus: locals often sit and sketch quietly, creating a unique community feel
🌟 Art lovers, rejoice — it’s beautiful, mellow, and truly a place to slow down.
Quick Tips for Visiting Museums in HCMC
🎟️ Most museums are incredibly affordable — usually under 50,000 VND (around $2 USD).
📱 Download the Grab app for the easiest transportation.
🧃Bring water and dress light — many spots don’t have air conditioning.
🧒 Traveling with kids? The more intense museums (like the War Remnants) clearly indicate sensitive zones so you can avoid them easily.
🏨 Staying in District 1 or 3 puts you closest to most attractions (we love Mai House and Silverland Yen).
Wrapping It Up
Ho Chi Minh City is packed with museums of all kinds — from gut-wrenching war tributes to quiet art galleries and herb-filled archives of ancient medicine. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, carving out a little time for these cultural gems will give you insights into the soul of Vietnam that you won’t find on a food tour (although the food, not gonna lie, is also incredible).
Happy museum-hopping! Got questions about your trip? Join our travel planning Facebook group — it’s free and full of helpful tips from folks who’ve been there, done that.
🌟 Want more insider tips? Check out:
- Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
- How to Get a Vietnam SIM Card
- What’s the Deal with Saigon vs Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City Travel FAQs
See you in Saigon ✌️