Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: A cultural journey in the heart of Hanoi

Discover the diverse cultural spaces of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups at the Hanoi Museum of Ethnology, from the unique Rông house architecture to vibrant artifacts.

Báo Lâm Đồng•05/11/2025

Where is the Museum of Ethnology located?

Located at 1 Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Nghia Do Ward, Cau Giay District, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a must-visit cultural destination when traveling to Hanoi. It houses and displays the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the 54 ethnic groups across Vietnam.

Explore the diverse spaces within the museum.

Spanning a total area of 4.5 hectares, the museum is divided into three main exhibition areas, each with a distinct theme, offering visitors a rich and immersive experience.

Bronze Drum Tower: A place where Vietnamese identity converges.

The Bronze Drum Building, designed by Tay ethnic architect Ha Duc Linh, mimics the shape of the Dong Son bronze drum. Spanning 2,000 square meters, it serves as the main exhibition space showcasing the culture of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Visitors can admire thousands of diverse artifacts, from clothing and jewelry to tools and religious objects, all arranged in a scientific and engaging manner.

Architectural Garden: A miniature Vietnam outdoors

Stepping into the approximately 2-hectare Architectural Garden, visitors feel as if they have wandered into a miniature Vietnamese village. This lush green space recreates 10 characteristic folk architectural structures of various ethnic groups, such as the communal house (Rong house) of the Bana people, the longhouse of the Ede people, the stilt house of the Tay people, and the rammed earth house of the Ha Nhi people. Each structure is a vivid testament to the diversity and uniqueness of the residential cultures of these ethnic groups.

Kite Tower: Connecting Southeast Asian Cultures

Inaugurated in 2013, the Kite Building is a space dedicated to the cultures of Southeast Asian and global cultures. With its modern design, the building displays themed collections such as "Southeast Asian Culture," "A Glimpse of Asia," and "Around the World," opening a gateway to international cultural exchange right in Hanoi.

Experience vibrant culture

The Museum of Ethnology is not only a place to display artifacts but also a vibrant cultural space. During holidays such as Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, the museum regularly organizes performances of intangible cultural heritage, attracting a large number of visitors.

Especially on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), visitors have the opportunity to enjoy traditional water puppet shows performed by artisans from folk puppet troupes in Northern Vietnam. In addition, demonstrations of traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery making, and Dong Ho painting offer authentic and interesting experiences.

Information you need to know when visiting

Opening hours and ticket prices

Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday every week.

Entrance fee:

Object	Ticket price (VNĐ/trip)
Adult	40,000
Student	20,000
Pupil	10,000
The elderly, ethnic minorities, and people with severe disabilities.	50% off ticket prices
Children under 6 years old, and people with severe disabilities.	Free of charge

Guided tour service

For a more in-depth tour, visitors can hire a guided tour service at the following rates:

Vietnamese: 50,000 VND (indoor or outdoor area), 100,000 VND (entire museum).
English/French: 100,000 VND (indoor area).

Helpful tips for travelers

It's best to go in small groups for the best sightseeing experience.
No food or drinks are allowed in the exhibition area.
Please maintain cleanliness and avoid making noise that might disturb other guests.
Please adhere to the rule of not touching the artifacts to protect cultural heritage.
Leave bulky items at the counter and do not leave valuables behind.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/bao-tang-dan-toc-hoc-chuyen-du-hanh-van-hoa-giua-long-ha-noi-400534.html