Saigon’s War Remnants Museum: Explore the Heroic Past of Vietnam 

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum is one of Vietnam’s most important historical landmarks. Known for its powerful and often sobering exhibitions, the museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the devastating impact of the Vietnam War, as well as the country’s enduring spirit and resilience.

1. A Museum of Profound Historical Significance

Established in 1975 shortly after the end of the Vietnam War, the War Remnants Museum serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s tumultuous past. It primarily documents the Second Indochina War (commonly known as the Vietnam War), but also includes exhibitions on earlier conflicts, including the French colonial era and tensions with China.

The museum’s exhibits include wartime photographs, personal accounts, preserved military vehicles, and graphic images depicting the horrors of war—many of which were taken by Western journalists. One of the most powerful areas is the Agent Orange Room, which shows the long-term effects of chemical warfare on generations of Vietnamese civilians.

The Requiem Exhibition, curated by the legendary war photographer Tim Page, honors the journalists—both Vietnamese and foreign—who lost their lives while covering the conflict. Another moving section is the display of international anti-war movements, showcasing global solidarity during Vietnam’s most difficult times.

2. Opening Hours & Entrance Fees

• 🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (including public holidays)
• 💵 Entrance Fee:
  • Adults: 40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD)
  • Children aged 5 and under: Free admission

3. Legacy and International Recognition

Since its opening, the War Remnants Museum has become one of the most visited attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, welcoming over 23 million visitors—more than half of whom are international tourists. As of today, the museum attracts more than 1 million guests annually, reflecting its global importance as a site of remembrance, education, and peace advocacy.

Through over four decades of growth and diplomatic evolution, the museum has shifted from a strong anti-American tone to a more balanced, reflective narrative that focuses on the universal tragedy of war and the importance of reconciliation.

4. Convenient Location & How to Get There

📍 Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Just a 5-minute walk from the Independence Palace and about 10 minutes from Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, the museum is ideally located in Saigon’s city center.

🚖 Transportation Options:

• Taxi: Available across the city; a ride from District 1 costs less than 50,000 VND (~$2 USD).
• Public Bus:
  • From Ben Thanh Market: Bus #28
  • From Mien Dong Bus Station: Bus #14
  • From Cho Lon Bus Station: Bus #06
• Ride-hailing Apps: Grab and Uber (where available) are affordable and convenient options.

Why You Should Visit

The War Remnants Museum is not just a museum—it’s a profound journey through one of the most impactful wars of the 20th century. It offers insight into Vietnam’s painful yet heroic past, honors the resilience of its people, and reminds the world of the cost of war. A visit here is emotional, thought-provoking, and ultimately unforgettable.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, student, or curious traveler, the War Remnants Museum is a must-see stop in Ho Chi Minh City that will leave a lasting impression.