Why Vietnam Military History Museum draws large crowds

On Nov. 10, around 40,000 visitors came to the museum on Thang Long Avenue in Nam Tu Liem District, marking the highest turnout since its opening on Nov. 1. This figure is comparable to the busiest day at France's Louvre Museum in 2019, which saw 45,000 visitors.

The museum welcomed 25,000-30,000 visitors during its first two days.

"My grandfather wanted to relive his past," said Tran Ngoc Lan Huong, 20, who accompanied her 86-year-old grandfather to the museum, an hour's drive from her home.

A former youth volunteer, her grandfather was excited to explore the museum.

Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of Hanoi-based AZA Travel, said the museum's accessible location is a major factor in its appeal as it provides a more spacious alternative to the smaller, often crowded military museum on Dien Bien Phu Street.

With its large-scale displays and wider range of artifacts, the new museum naturally attracts a larger crowd, Dat said.

Built by the Ministry of National Defense, the museum spans 386,600 square meters and features the iconic 45-meter Victory Tower at its entrance. Its main building, with four floors above ground and a basement, was constructed with an investment of approximately VND2.5 trillion (US$9.88 million).

The museum's expansive grounds showcase tanks, aircraft, and other military vehicles alongside video displays recounting Vietnam's rich history, making it an attractive destination for history enthusiasts.

Two MiG-21 fighter jets at Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi draw students on a school tour on Nov. 1, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

The museum's popularity is further boosted by extensive media coverage and cool November weather, which makes outdoor excursions more appealing.

"If it had opened in summer with scorching heat, the number of visitors might not have been as high," Dat said.

Nguyen Van My, chairman of the Hanoi-based tour operator Lua Viet Tourism, said social media has contributed to the museum's rapid rise in popularity.

Many visitors shared photos of the museum's military vehicles online, sparking curiosity and prompting others to visit.

My described this "crowd effect" as beneficial, saying it encourages public interest in history.

However, My also observed that such large numbers can lead to unintended consequences.

Overcrowding and certain visitor behaviors, such as using tanks and cannons as photo props or even drying clothes at the entrance, have created some "unpleasant" impressions.

Visitors flood Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi, November 10 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Chinh

For better visitor management, My recommended the museum limit daily admissions and introduce online registrations with QR codes for easier control.

Dat believed that interest in the museum will remain strong for the next two to three months, bolstered by free admission. He expects it to become a key destination for international tourists, noting, "The world is always impressed by Vietnam's victories over powerful empires; they’ll visit to learn more about this history."

Tourism experts anticipate that the museum will soon be on the "must-visit" list for international travelers and included in tour programs.

"Next month, we'll add this location to our tour schedule," Dat said.