Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi Overview

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a great place to explore the socio-cultural diversity of Vietnam. Built in 1995, it exhibits artifacts from the daily lives of the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups, including photographs, audiotapes, antiques, and everyday objects such as baskets and knives. A virtual tour is also available.

Information regarding the rituals and ceremonies of each group is also displayed, while the outdoor area houses replicas of Vietnamese homes. The indoor museum has a staggering collection of over 15,000 objects providing a fascinating insight into the lives of the different ethnic groups which include Viet, Muong, Tho, Khmer, Chut, and others, to name a few. The objects on display are many - ranging from old photographs to jewelry, and other items used for traditional weddings and spiritual rituals.

The outdoor museum, with its delightful gardens and fine architecture resembling the old houses of Vietnam, makes for a refreshing walk among the carefully preserved foliage, interspersed with little streams and bridges. Also, look out for some more interesting displays like the water puppet theatre, an art form unique to Vietnam!

Permanent Exhibits

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is home to two permanent exhibitions:

South-East Asian Culture

Gamelan Exhibit at Vietnam Museum of Ethnology — Gamelan, a Traditional Music Style from Indonesia, displayed at the South East Asian Culture Exhibition (Source)

The museum has many interesting permanent exhibits offering glimpses into the rich South-East Asian culture. The gable-roofed little stilt houses are very popular in this part of the globe, as are wood carving and lacquer art. With a slightly Islamic influence, they are intricately carved pieces generously adorned with motif patterns. Soldered gold and silver jewellery are also popular here.

Indonesian Glass Paintings

Indonesian Glass Painting at Vietnam Museum of Ethnology — Indonesian Glass Painting by Mr O'ong Maryono

The museum also hosts a rich and colourful collection of Indonesian glass paintings by Mr. O’ong Maryono, a reputed martial arts expert and his wife, Rosalia Sciortino. The paintings, considered by some to be lucky charms, display a myriad of culture, history and legend. There are paintings from the ancient kingdom of Java, pictures depicting the traditions of Indonesian and Islamic lives, as well as scenes from the Indian mythological epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. There also paintings depicting the legends on clowns called Punakwan, as well as beautiful drawings of nature.

Ticket Prices and Cost

Entry Fee:

Adults: VND 40,000,
Vietnamese Students: VND 15,000,
Students (6 - 8 years): VND 10,000,

50% discount is available to people with disabilities, elders, and ethnic minorities of Vietnam. ID for the same may be asked for to avail this benefit.

Free Admission is available for:

Children under 6 years of age
Special severe disabilities
Journalists
Donors

Tour Guides:
Vietnamese (indoor): VND 50,000
Vietnamese (outdoor): VND 50,000
Vietnamese (all exhibits): VND 100,000
French (indoor): VND 100,000
English (indoor): VND 100,000

Additional Charges
Camera: VND 50,000

Important Information for visiting

Luggage must be left behind in the deposit area. Do not leave your valuables in here.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology strives to maintain cleanliness. Food and Drinks are not allowed inside, and littering is strictly prohibited.
Do not touch the exhibits
Flash Photography is not allowed in the museum. However, a camera may still be used by tourists at an additional cost.

How To Reach Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is located in Hanoi, in Cau Giay district. Taxis would take around 20 mins to cover the 8 kms from the city centre.

A more budget-friendly option would be to take the minibus - number 14 from Dinh Tien Hoang Street, located next to the Hoan Kiem Lake. Get down at the Nghia Tan stop and walk two blocks to Nguyen Van Huyen Street in order to reach the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.