Located on the banks of the Saigon River in District 1, Ton Duc Thang Museum offers a fascinating look into Vietnam’s revolutionary history, attracting history buffs. Coming here, visitors will have the opportunity to learn and explore the country’s history with interesting experiences. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know before visiting this museum, from top highlights to useful travel tips.
General information of Ton Duc Thang Museum
- Address: No. 5, Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 5 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday
- Entrance fee: free
Ton Duc Thang Museum is known as a unique historical research and education space and is home to more than 16,000 rare documents and artifacts related to the life and revolutionary struggle of President Ton Duc Thang. In addition, it also displays relics and artifacts related to important historical periods of the country, from the period of resistance against France and the US to the process of construction and development after the August Revolution.
With modern and spacious architecture, divided into different display areas, Ton Duc Thang Museum not only attracts history lovers but is also an interesting place for cultural and educational tours. Coming here, you will have a multi-dimensional and profound view of the development process of the Vietnamese people, from the difficulties and challenges to the successes and victories in life and in history.
Ton Duc Thang Museum
> > > The Ton Duc Thang Museum is just one piece of Ho Chi Minh City’s rich history, explore more with our Ho Chi Minh City tours that take you through the city’s most iconic sites and cultural treasures.
History and significant of Ton Duc Thang Museum
The Ton Duc Thang Museum was established in 1988, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of President Ton Duc Thang’s birth (August 20, 1888 – August 20, 1988) to honor his life and revolutionary career. The museum’s original name was the Exhibition House of President Ton Duc Thang’s life and career to show the respect of the people of Ho Chi Minh City for the beloved leader. Then on August 13, 1990, the place was renamed the Ton Duc Thang Museum, marking the importance of preserving and transmitting historical heritage.
The Ton Duc Thang Museum is not only a historical destination but also has many profound meanings. The museum plays an important role in preserving historical artifacts associated with leader Ton Duc Thang. It also contributes to educating and fostering patriotic traditions, enhancing national pride among the masses and young generations of Vietnam.
The museum is built to show respects to the beloved leader – Ton Duc Thang
> > > If you’re interested in exploring more of Ho Chi Minh City’s rich history and culture, check out our guide to the top 10 museums that offer fascinating insights into Vietnam’s past and present.
What to see at Ton Duc Thang Museum
Permanent Gallery
The permanent gallery consists of 5 fixed spaces, each representing an important stage in the life journey of President Ton Duc Thang.
- The “Young Age of President Ton Duc Thang” gallery: Explore the process of growing up and the difficult years of studying and training that he experienced in his hometown of An Giang.
- The “Life and Career” gallery recreates Ton Duc Thang’s journey from his revolutionary years to becoming President. Here, valuable artifacts, images and documents will help you visualize his revolutionary career more clearly.
In particular, the “15 Years in Con Dao Prison” gallery will make you emotional, depicting the years Uncle Ton was imprisoned on the harsh Con Dao Island, reflecting his resilient struggle. - Uncle Ton at ATK – Viet Bac: This is a gallery displaying models of stilt houses and daily living items during the days when President Ton Duc Thang and other leaders worked at the ATK – Viet Bac base during the years of resistance against the French.
- Uncle Ton through fine artworks: This is a place to display works of art, paintings and sculptures about President Ton Duc Thang, created by artisans and groups with all their hearts, and depicted with many different materials. The works use materials with a strong flavor of the homeland such as sesame seeds, rice grains, ceramics, etc., which have made a strong impression on visitors.
Some spaces of the permanent gallery
Specialized exhibition rooms
Ton Duc Thang Museum also has specialized exhibition rooms, where special artifacts and documents are gathered, which are changed from time to time:
- President Ton Duc Thang’s gifts: This room displays gifts and items sent to President Ton Duc Thang by friends, comrades and international organizations during his term in office. These gifts contain important diplomatic significance, demonstrating friendship and respect between countries around the world. This is also an opportunity for you to admire unique objects imbued with the cultural styles of many different countries.
- Uncle Ton with the South: Reflecting President Ton Duc Thang’s concern and affection for the South in the struggle for national liberation.
- Uncle Ton with the 1st National Assembly (1946 – 1960): Through more than 60 documents, images and exhibits on display, the public will better understand Uncle Ton’s contributions to the country’s construction as Deputy Head and Standing Committee of the 1st National Assembly
- Short-term topics: Depending on the time, the Museum will organize short-term topics, introducing special and prominent topics in each historical period.
Gifts and items sent to the president by friends, comrades and international organizations
Ton Duc Thang Memorial Room
The President Ton Duc Thang Memorial Room was built to honor and commemorate his contributions to the nation. The room is decorated in the Southern worship style. On both sides of the wall are two lacquer paintings depicting the stilt house where Uncle Ton lived during his childhood. Located in the museum grounds, the memorial area of President Ton Duc Thang is a solemn and peaceful place for you to commemorate the beloved leader. Here, the bronze bust of President Ton Duc Thang is solemnly placed in the middle of the yard.
In addition, visitors can also see photos and everyday items such as books, pens, and other personal memorabilia on display, providing a deeper insight into his life and personality. Every year, on the occasion of the anniversary of President Ton Duc Thang’s birth, death anniversary and major national holidays, leaders of the city, districts and counties come here to offer incense in memory.
The President Ton Duc Thang Memorial Room
Other special publications
Ton Duc Thang Museum also offers a number of special publications, helping visitors better understand the artifacts and historical stories related to President Ton Duc Thang:
- Photo collection “Artifacts about President Ton Duc Thang”: This photo collection introduces valuable artifacts of President Ton Duc Thang, helping viewers easily access interesting stories about his life and career.
- Composition camp “Uncle Ton and An Giang homeland” through paintings for children: A program for children, where they will demonstrate their understanding of President Ton Duc Thang through paintings.
Photo collection “Artifacts about President Ton Duc Thang”
Attractions near Ton Duc Thang Museum
30/4 Park
Located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this is a green, peaceful destination in the heart of the city. With a large area and open space, the park is an ideal place for people and visitors to enjoy moments of relaxation and exercise. The rows of green trees, clear lakes and long walking paths through the park create an ideal space for fun activities, exercise and picnics with family and friends. This is also the place chosen as the venue for many cultural, entertainment and sports events of the city.
Experience Saigonese “sidewalk cafe” culture at the park
Bach Dang Wharf
About 1.6 km from Ton Duc Thang Museum, Bach Dang Wharf is a riverside area with vibrant entertainment activities both day and night. Visitors can enjoy the open space in the park, relax at cafes with cool river views or explore restaurants on yachts. This is also the departure point for cruise tours on the Saigon River.
A floating restaurant on a cruise at Bach Dang Wharf
Saigon Opera House
This is a striking architectural structure from the French colonial period. The theater hosts many art performances, from symphonies to modern art such as the famous AO Show. Even if you don’t like the performances, this is still a popular photo spot for any visitor here, with its grand facade and intricate interior.
Saigon Opera House
Dong Khoi Street
This street used to be the center of Saigon during the French colonial period, but it is now one of the most expensive and famous streets in the city, with a series of high-end shopping malls, restaurants and hotels. Strolling along this street, you can experience high-end shopping at luxury stores or enjoy international cuisine with a Vietnamese twist.
Dong Khoi Street
> > > For food lovers looking to indulge in the city’s best flavors, explore our list of the top 10 restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can savor everything from authentic Vietnamese dishes to world-class international cuisine.
Saigon Skydeck
Located just a 10-minute walk from the museum, Saigon Skydeck is located on the 49th floor of the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower. From the observatory, visitors can have the best panoramic views of the city, from the high-rise buildings, historic buildings to the winding Saigon River.
Saigon Skydeck is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of the city
Essential tips when visiting Ton Duc Thang Museum
To have a meaningful and complete visit to the Ton Duc Thang Museum, you can refer to some useful tips below:
- When visiting here, you should choose polite and discreet clothing to show respect when visiting the exhibition area and memorial area.
- If the museum is too crowded, follow the route to avoid congestion. Please follow the tour guide’s instructions when visiting the museum. Maintain a gentle, polite manner and do not make noise or cause disorder when visiting so as not to affect other visitors.
- When visiting the museum, take enough time to enjoy each gallery and understand the artifacts and documents on display. Most of the notes are in Vietnamese, you can use translation software or go with a local tour guide.
- Bring a notebook and pen to jot down important information or things that impress you. A camera is an indispensable item to preserve meaningful moments during the tour.
The Ton Duc Thang Museum is an ideal destination to learn about the life and career of one of the nation’s great leaders. Not only preserving valuable artifacts, the Museum is also a place to bring visitors meaningful cultural and historical experiences. With this information, you can make the most of your time and enjoy a complete historical journey right in the heart of the city. Take the time to visit to explore and appreciate more the historical values that the museum is preserving.
Read more:
