Southern Women’s Museum: The Largest Memorial Site in Central Saigon

The Southern Women’s Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is home to thousands of historical artifacts and documents that celebrate the beauty, resilience, and contributions of Vietnamese women throughout history. This iconic museum has become one of the must-visit attractions for travelers exploring Saigon.

1. About the Southern Women’s Museum

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Southern Women’s Museum was established to honor the cultural heritage, traditional values, and revolutionary struggles of Vietnamese women, particularly those from the southern region. With extensive collections and engaging exhibits, the museum offers visitors a deep dive into the lives of Vietnamese women across different historical periods.

Address: 202 Vo Thi Sau Street, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City (just 2.6 km from Ben Thanh Market)
How to get there:
- By motorbike or car: From the city center, take Truong Chinh Street, turn into Cong Hoa Street, and continue straight until the end of Vo Thi Sau Street.
- By bus: Available bus routes passing by the museum include 04, 30, 54, 91, 150, and 152.
Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Entrance fee: Free of charge

2. What to Expect When Visiting the Museum

2.1. The History of the Southern Women’s Museum

Originally, the site was the private residence of Nguyen Ngoc Loan, the Director General of the National Police under the Republic of Vietnam. On April 29, 1985, the building was transformed into the Southern Women’s Traditional House with six exhibition rooms covering an area of 200 square meters.

Recognizing the need for a larger space to fully showcase the contributions of southern Vietnamese women, the museum underwent expansion. On March 8, 1986, construction began on a new building, which officially opened on May 18, 1990, as the Southern Women’s Museum.

2.2. Impressive Facts & Figures

Spanning a total area of 5,410 square meters, the museum features a 1,000-seat auditorium and a storage area exceeding 700 square meters. It houses over 31,360 artifacts, 15,000 photographs and videos, and 12,000 books related to Vietnamese women. The exhibits focus primarily on revolutionary warfare and cultural heritage.

Notably, two special exhibition rooms pay tribute to legendary female revolutionaries such as Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Le Thi Hong Gam, Vo Thi Sau, and Nguyen Thi Dinh.

2.3. 11 In-Depth Exhibition Themes

Visitors can explore 11 permanent exhibition themes, including:

The role of Vietnamese women before the establishment of the Communist Party
President Ho Chi Minh’s relationship with southern women
The development of the Vietnam Women’s Union
The contributions of southern women to national defense and construction
Women in political struggles and the armed forces
Women in diplomacy and in colonial prisons
The worship of the Holy Mother deity in Vietnam
Traditional costumes and jewelry of ethnic women in southern Vietnam
The art of traditional hand-weaving

2.4. High-Tech 3D Exhibition Hall

On October 9, 2020, the museum launched its state-of-the-art 3D Exhibition Hall on the second floor, covering 400 square meters. The exhibition applies cutting-edge technology, including holographic displays and augmented reality, allowing visitors to view historical artifacts in floating 3D projections without needing special viewing equipment.

Additionally, all exhibition descriptions are available in Vietnamese, English, and French, making the museum highly accessible to international visitors. This modern upgrade has positioned the museum as a top cultural attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.

3. Essential Tips for Visitors

Check the opening hours before your visit to avoid unnecessary waiting.
Dress appropriately in a respectful and neat manner, as the museum is a place of cultural and historical significance.
Keep noise levels low to maintain a quiet atmosphere for all visitors.
Photography is allowed, but refrain from taking pictures in restricted areas.
Do not touch the artifacts to help preserve the museum’s valuable collections.
Hire a tour guide if you want an in-depth understanding of the museum’s history and exhibits.

A full tour of the museum typically takes just one morning or afternoon. Visitors can conveniently combine their trip with other nearby attractions such as Independence Palace or Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

4. Why You Should Visit the Southern Women’s Museum

For over 30 years, the Southern Women’s Museum has welcomed millions of visitors annually, offering them an inspiring journey through the history, courage, and legacy of Vietnamese women. More than just a historical site, it stands as a symbol of empowerment, heritage, and resilience. If you’re exploring Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to add this remarkable museum to your itinerary!