Housed in a former American administration building, the War Remnants Museum contains exhibitions that are designed to show the effects of the Vietnam War on the Vietnamese people. It was opened only a few months after the end of the war and used to be known as the Museum of US and Puppet War Crimes. While many of the exhibits have an anti-American slant, the museum’s main goal is to show the horrors of war.
The museum traces the history of Vietnamese warfare from French Vietnam through to the post-Vietnam War era. The ground floor has displays showing international support for the Vietnamese resistance. This exhibition sets the tone for the museum, which is claimed by some international visitors to present a one-sided view of the war.
On the top floor you’ll find an exhibition by Japanese war photographer Ishikawa Bunyo, who covered the Vietnam War throughout the conflict. The exhibition contains more than 250 photographs of soldiers and civilians affected by the war and is considered by many to be a highlight of the museum.
Throughout the museum there are more graphic displays showing the effects of Agent Orange on the Vietnamese population. These exhibitions hold an incredible array of photographs and specimens recounting the human cost of war. If traveling with young children, you might want to skip some of these exhibitions, as they can be quite distressing.
The courtyard is more suitable for children, with displays including former prison cells and a range of American military equipment including tanks, helicopters and planes. There are also a number of unexploded weapons, with charges removed, on display in the courtyard.
Although graphic at times, the museum is one of the most visited attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. The War Remnants Museum is open daily.
War Remnants Museum Tours and Activities
Plan a trip to see War Remnants Museum
Au Lac Charner Hotel
Reviewed on Sep. 26, 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 49 activitiesOpens in new tabCity Sightseeing Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Shows & concerts
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tabHo Chi Minh: Water Puppet Show Ticket
Cruises & boat tours
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabHo Chi Minh City: Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings
Reviews of War Remnants Museum
5/5 - Excellent
Americans caused a lot of deformities in the children
4/5 - Good
Don’t give any money or buy anything from random people walking around. Only inside at the gift shop or the coffee shops
5/5 - Excellent
Loved the photos.
5/5 - Excellent
A must see - would recommend a visit
3/5 - Okay
Interesting although very limited information. The place looks rundown for sure and it certainly needs A/C (or at least fans)
Popular places to visit
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre
You can get tickets for a performance at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre on your trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.
Independence Palace
Get an appreciation for the years of conflict and unrest that plagued Vietnam during the 20th century at this fascinating palace.
Tao Dan Park
Relax in one of Ho Chi Minh’s best city parks where there’s a children’s playground, plenty of open space and beautiful manicured gardens.
Diamond Plaza
Immerse yourself in some of the city’s best shopping and entertainment at this modern retail center.
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
Christianity may not be the dominant religion in Vietnam yet this stunning cathedral is considered by many to be Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmark.
Notre Dame Square
You can learn about the history of Ho Chi Minh City with a stop at Notre Dame Square. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.
Best Lodging Options Near War Remnants Museum
Check availability on hotels close to War Remnants Museum
- Vacations and getaways similar to War Remnants Museum
- Other Hotels near War Remnants Museum, District 3
- Hotels near popular Ho Chi Minh City Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Ben Thanh Market
- Bui Vien Walking Street
- Dong Khoi Street
- Vincom Center Shopping Mall
- Pham Ngu Lao Street
- Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden
- Saigon Central Post Office
- Independence Palace
- Vinhomes Central Park
- Dam Sen Water Park
- Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
- Saigon River
- Ho Chi Minh City Hall Square
- Vietnam National Museum of History
- Benthanh Street Food Market
- Hotels near Ben Thanh Market
- Hotels near Bui Vien Walking Street
- Hotels near Saigon Square
- Hotels near Pham Ngu Lao Street
- Hotels near Saigon Central Post Office
- Hotels near Vincom Landmark 81
- Hotels near Dam Sen Water Park
- Hotels near Ho Chi Minh City Hall
- Hotels near Saigon River
- Hotels near An Dong Market