Of all the museums in Vietnam that chronicle the gruesome events of the wars with France and the USA during the 20th century, this is the hardest hitting. As such it’s the one must-see museum in Saigon, but with the proviso that it is not for the squeamish. The display of war planes, tanks and exploded ordnance outside is dramatic enough, but the photographs and jars of deformed foetuses on display inside make it clear what a nightmare this country experienced during the war years.
At the back of the museum is a reconstruction of the ‘tiger cages’ that were built on Con Dao Island by the French to imprison and torture the Viet Minh. Of course, these were late used by the South Vietnamese army to do the same despicable thing with the Viet Cong.
As you might expect, there’s a patriotic tone to the display, though the final gallery focuses on the anti-war movement and leaves visitors wishing these conflicts could have been avoided. 28 Vo Van Tan, (08) 3930 5587, open daily 07:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00, fee 15,000D.
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