The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME) is widely considered one of the most interesting and important museums in Vietnam. It offers a deep dive into the customs, languages, and unique ways of life of the country’s distinct ethnic groups, making it a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts.
I. General Overview and Spaces
The VME is notable for its expansive layout, which is divided into three main exhibition spaces:
The Indoor Exhibition (Bronze Drum Building): This multi-story building focuses on the traditional clothing, handicrafts, rituals, social organizations, and daily life tools of the groups. Exhibits are well-labeled in Vietnamese, French, and English.
The Outdoor Exhibition (Architectural Garden): The highlight for many visitors. This park area features full-scale, authentic replicas of traditional ethnic minority houses, including the communal house of the Bana, the long house of the Ede, and the stilt houses of the Tay and Thai. Visitors can walk inside these structures and climb the steps (where permitted).
The Kite Building (Temporary Exhibits): A modern wing dedicated to rotating temporary exhibitions, often focusing on anthropological themes, specific ethnic groups, or cultures from Southeast Asia.
II. Cultural Experiences and Activities
The museum is focused on immersive cultural education, offering several unique features:
Water Puppet Shows: On weekends (typically Saturday and Sunday), the outdoor stage hosts traditional Vietnamese water puppet performances, which are free with admission. Check the museum schedule for specific showtimes (e.g., 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM).
Folk Games and Events: The museum frequently hosts folk games and special cultural events, particularly around major holidays like the Lunar New Year (Tết) and the Mid-Autumn Festival, offering hands-on experiences.
Children’s Discovery Room: A dedicated space designed for younger visitors to learn about different cultures through interactive games and educational activities.
III. Practical Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Nguyễn Văn Huyên Street, Cầu Giấy District, Hà Nội, Vietnam. |
| Getting There | Located about 7 km west of the Old Quarter. Best reached by taxi, ride-hailing app (Grab), or public bus (Bus #14 is a direct route from Hoàn Kiếm Lake). |
| Opening Hours | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday). |
| Closed: Mondays and during the Lunar New Year holiday. | |
| Admission Fee | Adults: 40,000 VND per person (approx. $1.6 USD) |
| Students/Pupils: Discounted rates (e.g., 10,000 VND to 15,000 VND with valid ID). | |
| Tour Guide Fee | English/French Indoor Guide: 100,000 VND (additional fee). |
| Phone Number | +84 24 3756 2193 |
IV. Traveler's Tips
Prioritize the Outdoor Area: Allocate at least half of your visit time to the Architectural Garden. It’s expansive and requires a good amount of walking.
Best Time to Visit: To fully enjoy the outdoor exhibits and to catch a water puppet show, aim for a clear-weather weekend morning.
Sun Protection: If visiting the outdoor area, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as there is limited shade outside the main buildings.
Combined Itinerary: The VME is an excellent destination to pair with the nearby Hanoi Museum (though they are in different districts, they are geographically closer to each other than the Old Quarter).
