January
17.3°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Hanoi
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
A museum and open-air garden that introduces the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Entry fee
- 40,000 VND
- Best months
- Oct – Dec
- Best time
- Morning
Overview
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is one of the best museums in the country and a good way to understand the many communities that make up Vietnam. The main building has displays on clothes, tools, festivals and daily life of the 54 ethnic groups.
Outside, the garden has full-size traditional houses brought from different regions, such as a Tay stilt house and a Bahnar communal house. You can walk inside and see how families lived. It is a quiet visit, and a good choice for a family or for a hot day.
Highlights
- Learn about all 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam
- Walk inside full-size houses in the open-air garden
- See traditional clothes, tools and festival objects
- Pick up crafts in the museum shop
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Tue – Sun 8:30 – 17:30 Closed on Monday and Lunar New Year |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 40,000 VND |
| Time needed | 2 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning |
| Good for | Families, culture lovers, photographers |
| Accessibility | Flat main building with ramps; outdoor houses have steps |
| Facilities | Cafe, gift shop, toilets, parking |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Hanoi by month.
February
18.3°C ~ 65°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.7°C ~ 71°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.7°C ~ 82°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
29.6°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
29.1°C ~ 84°F
20 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
28.4°C ~ 83°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.4°C ~ 81°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.1°C ~ 72°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
December
17.9°C ~ 64°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
From Hanoi centre
The museum is in Cau Giay district, about 8 km from the Old Quarter. By Grab or taxi it takes 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tips before you go
- Allow two hours; the outdoor houses need extra time
- It is too far to walk, so use Grab or a taxi
- Check that it is open: it is closed on Mondays
- Bring water and a hat for the garden
Location
Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay, Hanoi
About 8 km west of the Old Quarter
More attractions in Hanoi
FAQs
How long should I spend at the museum?
Plan about two hours: one hour inside and one in the garden.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The outdoor houses and the hands-on displays are popular with families.
Is the museum open on Monday?
No, it is usually closed on Monday. Plan your visit for Tuesday to Sunday.