The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is widely regarded as one of the best museums in the country. It presents the cultures of Vietnam’s 54 officially recognised ethnic groups — clothing, tools, crafts, music and rituals — with clear labels in English and French.
The highlight for many is the outdoor garden, where full-size traditional buildings have been reconstructed: a soaring Bahnar communal house, an Ede longhouse, a Tay stilt house, a Cham house and Giarai tombs with carved figures. A newer wing covers the cultures of Southeast Asia.
What to see and do: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Indoor galleries
Start with the main building for the overview of each ethnic group.
The garden of houses
Climb into the stilt houses and walk under the tall communal house roof.
Water puppets in the garden
Short water puppet performances are held at the museum on some days.
How to get to Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- By Grab: 20–30 minutes from the Old Quarter, more at rush hour. Ask for “Bảo tàng Dân tộc học”.
- With a tour: some city tours include the museum.
Insider tips
- Closed on Mondays (check current hours).
- Allow two to three hours.
- A good choice for a rainy day — but the garden is outdoors.
Best tours & tickets for Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
These GetYourGuide experiences include Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or pair well with it:
City tour from €29 Hanoi: Guided Half-Day City Highlights Tour with Transfers
A guided tour of the classic sights with transport between them. Check the listing for the exact stops on your date.
- Hanoi’s main landmarks with a guide
- Transfers included
- Half-day or longer options
Craft village tour from €14 Hanoi: Incense Village, Hat, and Lacquer Artisanal Tour
A trip to craft villages outside Hanoi: the photogenic incense village, conical hat makers and a lacquer workshop. Very popular and inexpensive.
- Incense-making village
- Conical hat makers
- Lacquer art
Village tour from €12 Hanoi: Incense Village, Hat or Duong Lam Village Small Group
A small-group village trip with the option of Duong Lam, the ancient laterite village west of Hanoi, or the incense and conical-hat villages.
- Small group
- Duong Lam ancient village option
- Incense and hat villages
