Museum of Vietnamese Women, Hanoi (must see)

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum, set within a leafy courtyard on Ly Thuong Kiet Street in central Hanoi, offers a fascinating look at the lives, traditions and achievements of women throughout Vietnam’s history. Established in 1987 under the Vietnam Women’s Union and opened to the public in 1995, the museum was created to preserve and celebrate the contributions of Vietnamese women to their families, communities and country.

The idea for the museum was championed by Nguyen Thi Dinh, a prominent revolutionary and former president of the Vietnam Women’s Union, while its collections were assembled through years of research. The museum building was designed by female architect Tran Xuan Diem. Visitors are welcomed by an imposing 3.6-metre-high sculpture of a Vietnamese mother, created by artist Phu Cuong.

The museum’s extensive collection includes thousands of objects, photographs, documents and personal belongings. Its permanent exhibitions explore several major themes. Women in Family examines marriage, childbirth, motherhood and domestic life, while Women in History highlights women’s contributions during Vietnam’s struggles for independence and reunification, as well as their involvement in the development of modern Vietnam. Photographs and personal objects illustrate women’s work in fields ranging from education and healthcare to industry and transport.

Another particularly colourful section, Women’s Fashion, showcases traditional clothing, jewellery and textiles representing Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Elaborate embroidery, batik and weaving techniques reveal the remarkable craftsmanship behind these garments.

Rather than focusing solely on famous historical figures, the museum also tells the personal stories of ordinary women, providing a more intimate perspective on Vietnamese history and society. With its combination of history, ethnography, fashion and individual experiences, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum offers visitors an engaging introduction to an important side of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.