The Vietnam Museum of Nature is tucked away inside the Academy of Science and Technology of Vietnam in Hanoi. Although extremely compact in size, it showcases more than 1,000 specimens covering a broad range of natural history.

Acting as Vietnam’s foremost natural history museum, this site is an important center of research and education.

Exhibits at the Museum of Nature

The National Museum of Nature is an illuminating place for curious youngsters, especially with a T-Rex dinosaur welcoming visitors at the entrance.

Vietnam Museum of Nature in Ha Noi. Photo: Bao Tang Thien Nhien

Due to its modest size, exhibits are packed fairly tightly together, so it can seem a little confusing figuring out where one section ends and the next one begins. That said, most exhibits have descriptive information cards that are generally easy to understand for all ages.

There are various thematic sections focused on insects, plants, reptiles, animals, and marine life. Most sections have a 3D film as well as various organized activities for children including making animal masks and dinosaur robots.

Exhibit at Vietnam Museum of Nature in Ha Noi. Photo: Bao Tang Thien Nhien

The human evolution displays are among the most interesting things to see, showing the different evolutionary stages through the changes in skeletal formation. There is also a comprehensive collection of fossils.

Despite its small size, the museum works hard to cover a broad range of subject matter, although about one hour is sufficient to see everything at a leisurely pace. Plan a visit between Thursday and Sunday, as the museum is reserved exclusively for school and educational groups on other days.

Vietnam Museum of Nature in Ha Noi. Photo: Bao Tang Thien Nhien

Getting There

The museum is located on the campus of the Academy of Science and Technology of Vietnam. It can be reached in about 20 minutes by taxi from the Old Quarter and is on several bus routes including the no 14 and no 33.

It is a 15-minute walk away from the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, making it easy to visit both in a day.