Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a great place to explore the socio-cultural diversity of Vietnam. Built in 1995, the museum prides itself on housing and displaying relics of the South-East Asian culture.

It exhibits artefacts from the daily lives of the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups, including photographs, audiotapes, antiques and everyday objects such as baskets and knives. Information regarding the rituals and ceremonies of each group are 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 jewellery, and other items used for traditional weddings and spiritual rituals. A virtual tour is also available.

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 of the more interesting displays like the water puppet theatre, an art form unique to Vietnam!