Hanoi Attractions: #9 Vietnam Military History Museum

inseasia (61)in #travel • 7 years ago

The Vietnam Military History Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Hanoi. It was opened on 17th July 1956. It is a very important addition to Vietnamese cultural heritage being, in fact, one of seven national museums. It is quite large, covering 12,800 square metres (over 3 acres). You will find it in central Hanoi, close to the imposing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is considered one of the best museums in Vietnam.

The Vietnam Military History Museum provides a fascinating few hours
Among its many exhibits are: The wreckage of a B-52G jet, A Cessna A-37 Dragonfly helicopter. Whilst among the many weapons are both an M101 and an M114 155mm howitzer, an M107 Self-Propelled Gun. There is an M113 armoured personnel carrier, a T-34 and a T-54 tank and many others.

Museums are very popular among the Vietnamese people. Some visitors regard them as propaganda machines for the government. However all they do is relate the story of Vietnam’s history from their perspective. This is probably the same in every other country in the world. The fact is, many have tried but no-one conquers Vietnam for long.

The Vietnam Military History Museum cleverly juxtaposes the relatively simple armoury of the victorious Vietnam communists with the hugely sophisticated but ultimately defeated weapons of the French and the American war machines.

Part of the experience here is a visit to the adjacent Cot Co tower, part of Hanoi’s Royal Citadel. Dating to the early 19th century, it was built by Emperor Gia Long and modified by the French. It was used as a watchtower and is now included in the admission fee to the museum.

The Vietnam Military History Museum is a worthy addition to the list of attractions in Hanoi. As museums in Vietnam go, it is one of the better ones. It is also situated in a place that enables you to visit several Hanoi attractions at the same time.

Other Hanoi Attractions can be found here:

#1 Cua Bac Church Here: https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/hanoi-attractions

#2 Hoan Kiem Lake. https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/hanoi-attractions-2-hoan-kiem-lake

#3 Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/hanoi-attractions-3-ho-chi-minh-mausoleum

#4 The Vietnamese Museum of Ethnology https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/hanoi-attractions-the-vietnam-museum-of-ethnology

#5 Truc Bach Lake https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/hanoi-attractions-5-truc-bach-lake

#6 Quan Thanh Temple https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/hanoi-attractions-6-quan-thanh-temple

#7 Vietnam Museum of Revolution https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/hanoi-attractions-7-vietnam-museum-of-revolution

#8 Hanoi Opera House https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/hanoi-attractions-8-hanoi-opera-house