VietnamHo Chi MinhHo Chi Minh Campaign Museum

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum

Built in the early 20th century by a French architect, the building was initially a college for military defense during the Republic of Vietnam. It was not until 1986 that the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum was established to preserve and exhibit critical historical artifacts used during the Ho Chi Minh Campaign (started in the spring of 1975). This is the best museum in Ho Chi Minh City for a realistic, in-depth lesson to understand the Vietnam War.

Address: 2 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

With a central location in District 1, on the corner of Nguyen Binh Khiem and Le Duan Streets, you can also access other famous attractions nearby after visiting the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum. On the opposite side of Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, you can immediately spot the Museum of Vietnam History, the city’s Green Lung, the Saigon Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens. Just a few blocks down Le Duan Street is the biggest and most ancient Catholic church in Vietnam, the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday (The museum only opens on Saturday for tourist groups with advanced booking)
Morning: 7:30 AM – 11 AM
Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

The museum is still relatively new, and recently discovered artifacts are constantly added to the collection. As a result, the museum may sometimes be closed without prior maintenance notice.

Entrance fee: Free

What to See at the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum

The museum has two areas. A 2,200-square-meter outdoor exhibition displays vehicles used during the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. Meanwhile, a 1,500-square-meter, two-story building showcases historical items such as clothes, weaponry, pictures, and battle plans.

Outdoor Exhibition Area

Right after your entrance, you will immediately see the outdoor exhibition area of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum. There are various kinds of military vehicles for both combat and transportation purposes used by the People’s Liberation Armed Forces of South Vietnam during the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, including tanks, aircraft, jeeps, bulldozers, mobile cannons, and missiles.

Most war machines in this exhibition have a solid historical value as many generals and troops used those in essential battles. Some of them even became inspirations in many famous authors’ poems. The exhibition also showcases the remaining parts of a broken enemy aircraft that was shot down.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum f5 fighter plane
The F.5 Fighter Plane used to bomb the Presidential Palace
Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum tank
T54 tank numbered 848 that entered the Independence Palace on April 30th, 1975

There is also a statue honoring the soldiers who significantly contributed to the victory on the 30th of April in 1975.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum statue
The statue of People Liberation Armed Force’s soldiers celebrating the victory

Indoor Exhibition Area

The indoor area is divided into different sections, each exhibiting crucial phases of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. The Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum doesn’t just put historical artifacts on display for visitors but also includes life-like, realistic figures for a more vivid experience. There is also a detailed battle plan map to explain the campaign’s developments and strategy.

Phuoc Long Campaign

After entering the main door of the building, to your right is the section dedicated to the Phuoc Long Campaign. It was a significant battle between the Liberation Armed Forces, led by Lieutenant General Du Quoc Dong, against the Republic Military Forces. The original purpose of this battle was only to gather intel on the enemy bases, compare the strength of both sides, and test the reaction of international communities, specifically the United States and former President Richard Nixon himself. The success of this campaign sparked a fire of revolution, increasing the soldier’s morale and leading them to victory in the following movements.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum model 3
Model of the Phuoc Long Campaign Battle

Tay Nguyen Campaign

Next to the Phuoc Long Campaign section is the door that leads directly to the Tay Nguyen Campaign exhibition.

Also known as Operation 255 among military members, this vital battle was the mistake of a general of the Republic Vietnam Army. He deliberately ignored critical information regarding the sighting of the People’s Army of Vietnam, which ultimately contributed to the destruction of the II Corps Tactical Zone.

Within ten days, the People’s Armed Forces in South Vietnam regained control of the Central Highland Area. Many objects showcased in this section, like the mechanical saw, reflect Southern soldiers’ difficulty and danger when fighting in the highland forest.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum logistic
Soldiers trailing through the dangerous forest to deliver supplies

Hue-Da Nang Campaign

Exiting the room, you will see the Hue-Da Nang Campaign section. The Hue-Da Nang campaign resulted in the demise of the Republic Vietnam Army’s final important line of defense, I Corps Tactical Zone. The People’s Army of Vietnam surrounded their territories, many units turned to surrender, and a large number of weapons and firearms were confiscated.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum model 2
Model of the Hue-Da Nang battle

Ho Chi Minh Campaign

The last section on the ground floor displays the entire Ho Chi Minh Campaign picture. This is where the museum puts its most significant piece: the giant battle plan model of the whole operation. It is impressive not only for its size but also because the model lights up to show the developments of the war through different stages, narrated by the museum guide.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum model 1
Giant model of the battle plan

However, the museum’s most prized possession is the Diary of Ho Chi Minh Campaign. The handwritten notes are a national treasure, containing vital intel, like battle strategies, military food supply, and crucial targets.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum diary
Diary of Ho Chi Minh Campaign

The Demise of the Republic Vietnam Regime

On the first floor of the building, you will find an exhibition of the downfall of the Republic Regime of South Vietnam. Many artifacts were left behind or confiscated from high-ranking officials of the previous government, including medals, stamps, and personnel records.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum stamps
A series of stamps used in the previous regime

There is also a human-size figure reenactment of the famous photograph when President Duong Van Minh of the Vietnam Republic walked out of his building to surrender unconditionally on the afternoon of April 30th, 1975.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum surrender
President Duong Van Minh walks out to surrender

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Base of Operation

The final room, to the right of the stairs on the first floor, displays items from the base of operation of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign with pictures of meetings, essential maps of battle strategy, records, and personal clothing. Last but not least is a figurine reenactment of the historical moment when high-ranking officials of the campaign listened to President Duong Van Minh’s surrender on the radio, signaling the end of the Vietnam War.

Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum reenactment
The reenactment of President Duong Van Minh’s surrender broadcasted on the radio

Summary of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum

The battle plans in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum are evidence of the resilience and intelligence of the People’s Liberation Armed Forces of South Vietnam in their victory against both the Americans and the Vietnam Republic Armed Forces in the Vietnam War.

If you are a history enthusiast, don’t miss out on these amazing historical museums around Ho Chi Minh City, like the War Remnants Museum or the Museum of Vietnam History in Ho Chi Minh City. A great tour to learn more about the Vietnam War is the half-day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels to get insights into the hardship and battle strategies used.

- Advertisement -

More Vietnam Travel Guides

3D Art Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is an extraordinary metropolis where you can find all the...

11 Free Things to Do in Saigon

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is considered to be a must-visit city in Southeast...

What to Expect from Vietnamese Tet (Part 1)

Vietnamese Tet or Lunar New Year is the biggest celebration of a year in...

Staying Productive whilst Working from Home in Vietnam

The idea of working from home, so foreign to some, has become a hard-learned...

Staying at Home in Vietnam – Healthy Tips and Fun Ideas

As COVID-19 progresses all over the world, self-quarantine has become common. We are so...

Cultural Shows in Vietnam Worth Checking Out

Vietnam’s a country with 54 different ethnic groups, each has its unique traits and...
Powered by 12Go system