Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is an interesting destination for those who love to learn and experience the reality of national history. Here, you can witness with your own eyes the hardships that national heroes went through in the last war, the colonial war to liberate the South and unify the country. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum, from historical significance to practical tips for your visit.
General information of Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum
- Address: No. 2, Le Duan Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 07:30 – 16:30
- Ticket Price: Free
With a prime location right in the city center, the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is a place to preserve and recreate the entire Saigon liberation campaign, as a symbol of victory in the resistance war against the US, saving the country. In particular, this place is also an attractive destination, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists every time they visit Saigon.
The museum displays artifacts and documents such as images, sand tables, … to recreate the General Offensive and Uprising in Spring 1975, ending with the victory of April 30, 1975. This is an event that marks the complete victory of the resistance war against the US, unifying the country. The unique architecture of the museum is also a highlight that attracts tourists. Built in the late 19th century by a French architect, the building has a strong neoclassical style with delicate, sturdy lines.
Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum
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History and the importance of Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum
History of the museum
The museum was founded on July 27, 1987, by a French architect in the early 20th century. During the Republic of Vietnam period, the museum used to be the National Defense College, where high-ranking officers were trained for the Saigon government. On April 14, 1975, to affirm the determination to fight and win of the heroes in the final battle, Politburo approved the proposal to change the name to the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum.
After the war, this place was used as a gallery to display the remaining vestiges of the Ho Chi Minh campaign, the campaign that made the country independent. Through the process of construction and development, the museum has been increasingly expanded, the display system has been upgraded and has become a familiar destination for traditional education activities, fostering patriotism for generations.
The importance of the museum
Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum was established to recreate the period of liberation of the South, and at the same time honor the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, the historic campaign that helped the country achieve complete victory. This museum is also a place to mark the steadfast revolutionary soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the nation. It appears as a vivid testament to the steadfast fight of the Vietnamese army and people throughout the resistance war.
Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is not only a place to promote patriotism and the steadfast will of the nation, but also an important address for learning about the history of the Vietnam War. Visits to the museum help visitors better understand historical artifacts and heroic feats. From there, lessons about patriotism, resilience and perseverance in the struggle to protect independence and freedom will always be remembered and kept in everyone’s heart.
> > > Love history and culture? Discover the top 10 museums in Ho Chi Minh City for a deeper look into the city’s past and heritage here!
What to see at Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum
Indoor thematic gallery
The indoor exhibition area has a total area of up to 1,000m², with more than 2,881 original artifacts and 500 documentary images. All artifacts reflect the developments of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign as well as the 1975 Spring General Offensive. Standing out in the middle of the exhibition area is a miniature model depicting the developments of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, scientifically arranged for visitors to easily follow and feel the atmosphere of the war. In particular, the sand table and large movie screen recreate the most realistic emotional historical moments in 3 different languages: English, French and Vietnamese.
The artifacts and documents are also displayed in separate topics according to each stage of historical development. In addition, wartime propaganda paintings with bright colors and slogans calling for “Determined to fight and win” make the atmosphere more solemn. In particular, you will be deeply moved by the black-and-white photos capturing the heroic yet equally painful moments of war.
The indoor exhibition of the museum
Outdoor display area
Not only confined to the indoor exhibition space, the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum also expands to an outdoor area to preserve large artifacts and war vehicles that participated in the campaign such as powerful T-54 tanks, armored vehicles, artillery of all kinds, etc. In addition, the mighty Mig-21 aircraft that once roamed the skies of the South became a symbol of air power.
In addition, the outdoor exhibition area also features anti-aircraft artillery and infantry weapons. Each artifact has been carefully restored and preserved, becoming a silent witness to a heroic historical period. The special highlight of the area is the April 30 Victory Monument. This is a symbol of the great victory of the Vietnamese army and people, marking an important historical event when the country was unified after more than 30 years of war.
The powerful tank 848 had participated in the campaign
Other artifacts and documents
Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum also preserves some extremely important objects such as the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Duty Book, recording moments of the war, the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Determination Map that has been restored. In addition, the museum also displays hundreds of photos and maps, vividly recreating the events of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. These artifacts truly reflect the strength of national unity and military art in the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising.
Not only stopping at images, the exhibition area also gives you the opportunity to directly interact with some original artifacts such as a backpack containing cold rice, a faded military uniform over the years or a helmet with deep bullet holes. All bear the mark of time, telling the story of the heroic sacrifice of soldiers.
Some important subjects during the war
Nearby attractions you can visit beyond the museum
After visiting the museum, you can continue your journey to explore the city at famous nearby destinations such as:
- History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City (300m): is a place to preserve and display tens of thousands of valuable artifacts, reflecting the history and culture of Vietnam from prehistoric to modern times. It provides a broader historical context beyond the war, covering the cultural and economic development of Saigon. With unique architecture and rich exhibition themes, the museum has become an attractive tourist and check-in spot in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Nguyen Van Binh Book Street (900m): is a unique cultural space, gathering many prestigious publishing units and bookstores. This destination also has a cool green space and regularly organizes many exchange activities and exhibitions.
- Reunification Palace (1.3km): is a historical symbol associated with the event of national reunification. In addition to its great historical value, the building also leaves its mark with its unique architecture and rich artifacts. You can explore the war command rooms, underground bunkers and preserved meeting halls that were once the workplaces of the South Vietnamese government. In addition, the building is directly connected to the events of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign and provides a deeper insight into the end of the war.
- Ben Thanh Market (2km): is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City. This is the perfect place to experience the most authentic local culture and shop for souvenirs or handicrafts. Or just stop by to enjoy delicious street food and take a break before heading to your next destination.
Nearby attractions you can visit after Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum
Some tips for your first visit to the museum
Because the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is a solemn place that preserves national history, when entering here, you need to note the following:
- Although there are no strict requirements on clothing, you should choose polite and gentle clothing, suitable for the sacred space of the museum.
- Follow the museum’s regulations such as maintaining general hygiene, not littering, paying attention to walking and speaking softly in the museum grounds. Turn off your cell phone to avoid disturbing other visitors. Only take photos and videos in permitted areas. Do not use flash when taking photos of artifacts.
- You can hire a tour guide or use translation applications to get more detailed information about the artifacts and historical stories on display.
- ID or passport verification may be required for entry, so have a copy of your passport handy, especially if you’re a foreign traveler.
In short, the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is not only a place to preserve the history of war but also a symbol of patriotism and the indomitable will of the nation. The artifacts displayed here are a powerful testament to the brave spirit and indomitable will of the Vietnamese army and people in the struggle for independence and freedom. Hopefully, with this detailed guide, your journey to explore the museum will become more meaningful and complete.
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