| Museum | Adult ticket | Hours (according to guides) | Time needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoa Lo Prison | 50,000 VND | 8:00-17:00 | 1 h to 1 h 30 | colonial history and war |
| Women's Museum | 40,000 VND | 8:00-17:00 (Monday to check) | 1 h 30 | everyone, rain or heat |
| Museum of Ethnology | 40,000 VND | 8:30-17:30, closed Monday | 2 to 3 h | families, the country's cultures |
| National Museum of History | 40,000 VND | 8:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00 | 1 h 30 | history fans |
| Fine Arts Museum | 40,000 VND | 8:30-17:00 (Monday to check) | 1 h to 1 h 30 | art, lacquer, silk |
| Military History Museum | 40,000 VND | 8:00-16:30, closed Monday and Friday | 2 h | war, new site 15 km away |
| B-52 Museum | free or 30,000 VND depending on source | sources disagree | 30 min | the 1972 bombings |
Our pick by time available
- Half a day: Hoa Lo then the Women's Museum. Both are close to the Old Quarter; a guide linking the two saves detours (see below).
- A full day: add Ethnology, by Grab (the museum is in Cau Giay district).
- With children: Ethnology, with its traditional houses in the garden; see Hanoi with kids.
- Vietnamese history: the National Museum of History, before or after the Opera House; for the imperial citadel, ticket 100,000 VND, see Thang Long citadel.
- War buffs: Military History and the B-52; check the hours before going, they change.
Traps to avoid
- Monday: several museums close or sources contradict each other; keep Monday for outdoor sights like the lake or the temples.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: free but closed in 2026 from 4 September to 2 November; see its page.
- Cash: carry notes for the ticket desk.
- Lunch break: the National Museum of History closes from 12:00 to 13:30.
FAQ
What is the best museum in Hanoi? The Museum of Ethnology for its richness and houses, the Women's Museum for its modern display.
To book ahead, see also the water puppet show in Hanoi.
How much do Hanoi's museums cost? Usually 40,000 VND; Hoa Lo 50,000 VND; the imperial citadel 100,000 VND.
Which museums close on Monday? Ethnology and Military History (also Friday); for the others sources disagree: check.
