The 10 Best Places in Vietnam to Learn About The Vietnam War

This is an absolute must for history buffs who visit Ho Chi Minh City. The military hardware on display brings the conflict to life, and the images inside speak of the horrors of war. This museum was originally built to showcase American atrocities, but the government has since eased its message. Now they want nothing more than a lasting peace for Vietnam.

Americans will know this museum by its famous nickname: The Hanoi Hilton. The original prison held Vietnamese prisoners who were campaigning for independence from the colonial French. Later, during the war with the American-backed regime in Saigon, the north held prisoners of war here – most famously, American Senator John McCain. Today, only the gatehouse remains, converted to a museum to show this site’s tortured past.

While the claustrophobic among you may want to avoid this excursion, it’s definitely one of the best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. These tunnels are a visceral example of the kinds of sacrifices that people made during the war. You definitely won’t forget this experience.

The equipment on display at this little museum is fascinating, from tanks to old jet fighters and pretty much every gun ever fired in this country. The propaganda is a bit strong, but that’s to be expected. Finish your visit with a trip up the old tower for a fantastic view of the city.

This building was where the South Vietnamese government operated from during the war, and it has been remarkably well-maintained. You can see where foreign dignitaries were hosted, as well as the bomb bunker in the basement where the military leadership communicated with its forces. Even the maps are still hanging on the walls.

During the Tet Offensive in 1968, this combat base, located near the demilitarized zone north of Hue, was a name known around the world. It was a pivotal battle between American forces and troops from the north who slipped in through nearby Laos. Though much of the base has been lost to the jungle, there are still bunkers and part of the original air strip to see, as well as some American military hardware.

The life of Ho Chi Minh is the story of modern Vietnam. He is Uncle Ho, the revered figurehead of this country, and the face of national independence. This museum showcases his life, accomplishments and some of the coolest Soviet era art you’ll ever see.

This historic site, which predates the Vietnam War by many years, was where one of the fiercest battles took place during the war, known as the Battle of Huế. Probably the most telling part of the Imperial City, aside from the bullet holes in the walls, is just how many of the original structures American bombers destroyed. The large empty spaces are a testament to how much was lost in this war.

Whereas the more famous Củ Chi Tunnels were used for military purposes, the tunnels at Vịnh Mốc were used by civilians. Approximately 300 people lived and worked in this multi-tiered system of tunnels for over six years, staying underground to avoid American bombers. Trips here are often included as part of a package to other popular DMZ sites, such as the base at Khe Sanh.