Discover the rich tapestry of Vietnam’s diverse cultures at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, a must-visit destination in Hanoi. Nestled in the heart of the city, this museum serves as a vibrant gateway to understanding the unique heritage of the country’s 54 ethnic groups. From captivating artifacts to immersive cultural experiences, embark on a journey that connects the past with the present, revealing the fascinating stories behind Vietnam’s ethnic identities. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, the museum promises an enlightening exploration of Vietnam’s cultural landscape.

Where is the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology ?

• Address: No. 1, Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Nghia Do Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam. (Google Map) 
• Opening Hours: From 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is one of the must-visit destinations in Hanoi. With profound cultural and historical significance, it is perfect for those who love to explore and learn about Vietnam’s diverse heritage. The museum serves not only as a repository of artifacts but also as a space to honor and preserve the cultural values of the 54 ethnic groups across the country.

Ticket Prices and Service Fees

• General Admission: 40,000 VND/person.
• Student Ticket: 20,000 VND/visit.
• Student Ticket (for schoolchildren): 10,000 VND/visit.
• 50% Discount: For senior citizens, people with severe disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
• Free Admission: For individuals with severe disabilities and children under 6 years old.

Additionally, you can hire a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the exhibits and their historical contexts. The guide fee is 100,000 VND for a full museum tour in Vietnamese, 100,000 VND for the indoor area in French/English, and 50,000 VND for the outdoor area in Vietnamese. This service enhances your visit by providing insightful information about what you are viewing.

History of The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is part of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and was established by the state as part of the national museum system.

• Formation Process: In the 1980s, during a challenging post-war period, the idea of establishing the museum emerged with the goal of preserving and promoting the cultural values of Vietnam’s ethnic groups.
• Official Establishment Date: On October 24, 1995, the Prime Minister officially announced the museum’s establishment, marking an important milestone in the preservation of ethnic culture.
• Inauguration Ceremony: On November 12, 1997, during the summit of countries held in Hanoi, the museum was inaugurated with the presence of French President Jacques Chirac, drawing attention both domestically and internationally to a museum dedicated to ethnic culture.

The museum is not just a place for displaying artifacts; it is also a space for research, education, and cultural exchange, contributing to raising community awareness about the diverse cultural values of Vietnam’s ethnic groups.

What is inside The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology?

The museum is divided into three main exhibition areas, each offering exciting experiences and rich knowledge about ethnic cultures.

The Dong Drum Hall – A Rich Cultural Identity

The Dong Drum Hall, designed to resemble the shape of the Dong Son drum, covers an area of 2,000 square meters and was inaugurated in November 1997. This is one of the two main exhibition buildings of the museum.

The hall is divided into various exhibition spaces where visitors can explore the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam through artifacts, images, documentaries, and lively recreations. The exhibits include clothing, tools, musical instruments, and many other objects, all reflecting the unique cultural identities of each ethnic group.

The tour route through the Dong Drum Hall is designed logically, divided into nine main sections, making it easy for visitors to access and learn about the culture of each ethnic group. Notably, there is also a space for temporary exhibitions, providing opportunities for artisans and researchers to showcase their latest cultural products.

The Kite Building – An Impressive Design

The four-story Kite Building, constructed from June 2007 and inaugurated in 2013, focuses on showcasing the cultures of ethnic groups outside Vietnam, particularly those in Southeast Asia.

The building’s design is inspired by the shape of a kite, a traditional cultural symbol of the region. Here, visitors can explore four main themes: Southeast Asian Culture, A Glimpse of Asia, Indonesian Stained Glass, and Around the World. Each theme is presented in a vibrant and engaging manner, helping visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the cultures and lifestyles of the ethnic groups in the region.

In addition, the Kite Building features temporary exhibition areas, a conference hall, a cinema, and educational activities, creating opportunities for visitors to engage in a variety of cultural experiences.

The Architecture Garden – A Lush Green Space

The Architecture Garden, built from 1998 to 2006, spans approximately 2 hectares and showcases ten unique folk architectural structures of various ethnic groups in Vietnam. Here, visitors can admire traditional houses of ethnic groups such as the Cham, Bana, Kinh (Vietnamese), Giarai, E De, Co Tu, Tay, Hmong, Ha Nhi, and Dao.

The Architecture Garden not only offers visitors experiences related to folk architecture but also serves as a relaxing space with lush greenery and artificial streams. This area is ideal for exploring the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culture while providing a perfect setting for outdoor activities.

Engaging Cultural and Artistic Activities

The museum frequently organizes cultural events, such as intangible cultural heritage performances during major holidays like the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lunar New Year, and International Children’s Day. These events attract large crowds and create opportunities for artisans to perform and showcase their cultural heritage.

Additionally, visitors can learn about traditional craft villages within the museum. This is a chance to appreciate the skill and artistry of artisans in crafts such as mat weaving, brocade weaving, bamboo and rattan weaving, pottery making, gun barrel drilling, do paper making, folk toy crafting, and Dong Ho painting.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the museum also hosts traditional water puppet shows, where visitors can enjoy captivating performances from rural puppet troupes of Northern Vietnam, adding a joyful and lively atmosphere to the visit.

Visiting Tips when you visits The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

To ensure a convenient and fulfilling visit, consider the following tips:

• Visit in Small Groups: Traveling in small groups allows for easier movement and interaction among members, enhancing the overall experience.
• Hire a Guided Tour: To gain deeper insights into the museum and its exhibits, consider hiring a tour guide. They will provide valuable information and interesting anecdotes.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Please help keep the museum clean by not littering and disposing of waste properly.
• Be Quiet: To avoid disturbing other visitors, keep noise to a minimum and avoid loud conversations.
• No Food or Drinks: To protect the artifacts and maintain cleanliness, refrain from bringing food or drinks into the museum.
• Do Not Touch Exhibits: To preserve the valuable artifacts, do not touch the displayed items unless permitted.

Guided Tour Fees:

• Indoor tour in Vietnamese: 50,000 VND.
• Outdoor tour in Vietnamese: 50,000 VND.
• Full museum tour in Vietnamese: 100,000 VND.
• Indoor tour in English/French: 100,000 VND.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is truly a wonderful destination for anyone looking to delve deeply into the culture and history of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. With its vast, diverse space, the museum not only preserves cultural values but also serves as a bridge between generations, connecting the past and present, and helping you understand the unique cultural identity of the Vietnamese people.