(08.00 to 11.30 and 13.00 to 16.30, closed Monday and Friday)
Officially the Museum of Military History, the Army museum is located in the south-west corner of the Hanoi Citadel.
A large assortment of military paraphernalia clutters up the front gardens, balefully overlooked by a statue of Lenin on the other side of the road.
The main exhibition covers events during the war against the French colonists from the 1930 uprising to the victory at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. The American War is described in a separate exhibition stall.
Putting aside a strong propaganda element, the rare photographs and video images of HoThe view from the top of the watchtower next to the Army Museum Chi Minh, the legendary General Giap, the battle of Dien Bien Phu and the Ho Chi Minh Trail makes a visit an unmissable experience for military history buffs as well as those simply interested in seeing the Vietnamese side of the conflict. However, you’ll need a guide with you to assist with language and contextual interpretation.
A bonus is an opportunity to ascend the Cot Co Watch Tower adjacent to the museum. Apart from being of considerable interest as one of the few remains of Emperor Gia Long’s mighty edifice, the view from the top includes the whole Citadel area and its surroundings.