Museums in Hoan Kiem (Hanoi)

Happy Days Tour

This tour will take visitors to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, where Ho Chi Minh spent much of his time, and then the One Pillar Pagoda, which is one of Vietnam's architectural gems. The first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, is the last stop before a lunch that is part of the tour package. In the afternoon, sites include the Museum of Ethnology and the Hoan Kiem Lake. The tour finally culminates with an hour tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter, free time for shopping in Old Town, and a traditional water puppet show. The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking tour guide, all entrance fees, and lunch. You can book tours through their website.

The Apricot Gallery

Nestled between silk shops and handicraft peddlers, the Apricot Gallery highlights the works of both new- and old-generation Vietnamese artists. A stone waterfall trickles into a small pool on the ground floor of the serene three-story space. Items on display rotate and feature several mediums and styles, from the more traditional lacquer scenes to abstract oil paintings. The gallery has a reputation for attracting foreign dignitaries in search of a souvenir.

Dong Son Gallery

Recently moved from Van Ho, this spacious two-floored gallery has a number of large paintings on show by established Vietnamese artists. Works are contemporary in style, while originality prevails with emotive interpretations of common cultural themes. Particularly impressive, are the roughly finished traditional scenes of Hoang Hong Cam, and the triptychs of Ha Tri Hieu. All works are for sale. This gallery also designs and makes its own furniture, ranging from classical copies to an ingenious line in practical under-the-stairs storage. Prices vary according to size and style.

Van Gallery

This gallery housing some of Hanoi's finest painters should not be missed. The Van Gallery displays a number of different varieties of art including incredible lacquer work from artist Dinh Quang. Also featured is a series of oils by Thanh Binh, famous for his images of white ao dais and school girls. All the pieces in this gallery ooze experience and maturity. Dinh Quang originals will set you back thousands of dollars, so if you are looking for a momento, small prints are available at more affordable, 'souvenir' prices.

Codogallery

Covering two floors and a patio, this Old Quarter art space has a few surprises to offer. Ceramic sculptures in the window give a sample of what is to come, their frog like stances uncannily mimicking early Max Ernst. As you walk in, a huge lacquer fresco by Nguyen Quang Duc assaults your gaze with its vast sweeping techniques. A massive ceramic wind chime by Nguyen Bao Toan beckons from above, with what appear to be dangling human figures. Further ceramic work covers much of the floor inside, while outside on the patio wall, Myself and the Number 49 pays tribute to Miro in cement relief and natural oxides. Call for open hours before you plan to make a visit.

Army Museum

Directly opposite a park featuring a large stone statue of Lenin is the Army Museum. Outside the museum sits Russian, American and Vietnamese weaponry left behind from the French and American wars. The museum itself mostly displays models, photos and information about battles. You will also see personal possessions of people involved on all sides of the disputes. Though the Russian jet fighter at the entrance will be what immediately catches your attention, the whole museum is worth a peek.

Museum of Vietnamese Revolution

The rustic Museum of Vietnamese Revolution houses mostly photos that document the country's various struggles for independence and the history of the Communist Party. Aside from capturing revolutionary moments, the images, which date from 1858 to the present, provide a glimpse of the changing rhythm of Vietnamese streets spanning across three centuries. The objects on display offer a creative and multi-dimensional insight. Some of the more original artifacts include a 1920s jar that stored revolutionary documents, a Japanese Buddhist drum used to rally support for the Party in the 1960s and Vietnam's first sewing machine.

Geological Museum

Housed inside a stately French building constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, the Geological Museum displays thousands of rocks and minerals. Sketchy blurbs provide basic information for the geo-novice. Multicolored maps, which look like works of art, offer a visual glimpse of Vietnam's complex geological history and resource makeup. Samplings of fossils, ores and gemstones provide students and researchers with an extensive array of practical material. Rubies, Vietnam's most abundant gem stone, can be bought for a small price at a shop next door to the museum.

Vietnam History Museum

From prehistoric tools to dynastic thrones to a bust of Uncle Ho, the Vietnam History Museum showcases items that mark the country's historical developments. The second floor displays more than 50 sets of remains from the Champa Kingdom, which flourished in central Vietnam between the 2nd and 15th centuries. A hall packed with detailed seals, stone tablets and sculptures of mythical creatures provides a glimpse of dynastic life. As descriptions of exhibits are brief, a local escort is recommended.

The Antique Chinese House

The streets of the Old Quarter are so fascinating that you often forget to keep your head up and can end up stumbling over a small child or fruit basket. Towering above all this mayhem are the tiled roofs and ancient motifs, a daily reminder the area was settled by the Chinese. The Old Quarter Management Board realized the tourist potential of an antique Chinese house when they renovated this double-story teak house. It even has a central courtyard that once offered natural light to the balcony where the family played chess.

Viet Art

Located right next to the University of Fine Arts, in the hall of its exhibition center, Viet Art café is the go-to place of Vietnamese aspiring young artists. Decorated as artistically as you can expect in red, white, glass, and crystal, it's all-too-easy to be swept in and get lost watching the many exhibited works, from paintings, to photography, to installation art. The café has a selection of more than 40 kinds of cocktails to help get your creativity flowing, or a conversation with your favorite artist going. Jazz music and a quiet, serene atmosphere certainly help too. The café also has breakfasts and lunch buffet. - Van Le

Vu Gia

Vu Gia is famous for its leaf-pictures, a traditional, lost-and-restored style of picture-making from meteria leaves that produce smooth, light, and surreal colors, highly appreciated in Vietnamese fine art community. It has now expanded to include various handmade products made from bamboo, brocade, lacquer... It's quite a unique experience that is worth a visit just to experience the images.