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The War Remnants Museum is an important museum in Ho Chi Minh City that shows the effects of war on its people. First operated in 1975, it has changed its name a few times, most recently in 1995, after relations between the USA and Vietnam were more normalised, and just in time before President Bill Clinton made a visit to the city.
Regardless of the name of this museum, one thing that has not changed is the reality of war and what it does to people. For sure, one should take some exhibits and their explanations with a pinch of salt, especially when certain exhibits seem to put the blame entirely on American forces. However, the truth is that in war, no one wins, and the pictures and artefacts clearly show that. Regardless of whose side one is on, there are bound to be victims and casualties. American soldiers and Vietnamese civilians both lost huge numbers. There were atrocities committed by both sides, and each picture painted a thousand words.
Regardless of the name of this museum, one thing that has not changed is the reality of war and what it does to people. For sure, one should take some exhibits and their explanations with a pinch of salt, especially when certain exhibits seem to put the blame entirely on American forces. However, the truth is that in war, no one wins, and the pictures and artefacts clearly show that. Regardless of whose side one is on, there are bound to be victims and casualties. American soldiers and Vietnamese civilians both lost huge numbers. There were atrocities committed by both sides, and each picture painted a thousand words.
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The entire museum consists of three storeys, each separated into different sections, including one on the effects of Agent Orange. Take special note that certain exhibits may be disturbing, but this just further proves the point that war is absolutely painful.
There is also an outdoor exhibit that one should explore, which shows how locals were initially imprisoned during the period where Vietnam was run by the French. Once again, it shows the unacceptable conditions humans were placed under, a reminder that no country and indeed, its people, should be placed in such a situation again.
There is also an outdoor exhibit that one should explore, which shows how locals were initially imprisoned during the period where Vietnam was run by the French. Once again, it shows the unacceptable conditions humans were placed under, a reminder that no country and indeed, its people, should be placed in such a situation again.
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For many, there are also the numerous military equipment on display to look forward to. These belonged to the Americans during the Vietnam War, and are now on display at this museum, where one can take a look at what the Vietnamese were up against during those years. Check out the war icon UH-1 Huey, CH-47 Chinook, as well as the A-1 Skyraider that were used during the war.
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As you leave the museum after exploring these equipment, do take a moment to realise that these fearsome looking helicopters, planes, and tanks, were once used during the Vietnam War, and you get a sense of what it must have been like during those days.
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Address: 28 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Opening hours: 7.30am to 6pm
Cost: 40,000 VND
Opening hours: 7.30am to 6pm
Cost: 40,000 VND