Vietnam is a country that has arguably gone through much conflict over the years. As such, much military equipment were collected as a result.
A key attraction of this museum is the presence of quite a few war vehicles and machines! The unmistakable US Army UH-1 Huey helicopter is situated right in the middle of the museum. Alongside it, is a plane that was once used to ferry President Ho Chi Minh around on official visits. In the building itself, is the very tank that was used to enter the Presidential Palace in Ho Chi Minh city in 1975. Now that, is a real piece of history!
A key attraction of this museum is the presence of quite a few war vehicles and machines! The unmistakable US Army UH-1 Huey helicopter is situated right in the middle of the museum. Alongside it, is a plane that was once used to ferry President Ho Chi Minh around on official visits. In the building itself, is the very tank that was used to enter the Presidential Palace in Ho Chi Minh city in 1975. Now that, is a real piece of history!
Besides the vehicles and other equipment, including artillery, on display, the museum talks about the numerous conflicts that Vietnam went through, from their point of view. Regardless of whichever side one favours, the reality is that war kills, and war destroys. In this sense, the museum seeks to show how they attempted to, and ultimately succeeded, in putting an end to their enemy. It shows the reader another side of the story that is rarely told, on how the Vietnamese needed to do whatever was necessary to unite their country against foreign foes.
Displays showcase how they fought tirelessly against the French and the Americans. Captured American machines are on display, including pieces of American warplanes that were shot down. Local strategies and tactics are also shown to explain how they were able to defeat the mighty war machine in USA.
Of course, as in many other countries’ military museums, one needs to take all the information with a pinch of salt. However, try to stay objective, and ponder over what these Vietnamese would have needed to do to defeat some of the most powerful armies in the world! When you realise the magnitude of it all, it does make you respect the Vietnamese military!
Of course, as in many other countries’ military museums, one needs to take all the information with a pinch of salt. However, try to stay objective, and ponder over what these Vietnamese would have needed to do to defeat some of the most powerful armies in the world! When you realise the magnitude of it all, it does make you respect the Vietnamese military!
INSIDER TIP:
As many of the vehicles and machines are located outdoors, try to head to the museum first thing
in the morning to avoid the intense tropical sun in the afternoon!