Can Tho Museum is one of the biggest museums of the Mekong Delta and also displays the province’s diverse history, culture, and way of life covering thousands of years of interesting artifacts and modern presentations.
Introduction To Can Tho Museum
Can Tho Museum, situated in the center of Can Tho, is indeed one of the best places to discover the history and culture of the Mekong Delta. The museum houses more than 5,000 relics that present the history of the Delta from the past to the present day. Inside the museum is a fascinating journey through ancient people, traditional crafts, and the daily lives of the local ethnic groups.
This museum is not only a monument but also a vibrant exhibition of the identity of the Mekong people. With a series of exhibits, each with its own introduction, value, and description, travelers can gain a higher value of the harmony between humans and nature in this land of richness and fertility. This visit generates both understanding and inspiration, making it a necessary part of any trip to Can Tho.
History Of Can Tho Museum
The Can Tho Museum was established on July 31, 1980, under the name Hau Giang Provincial Museum by the People’s Committee of Hau Giang Province. The museum completed its first exhibition hall on December 3 of that year, which displayed the revolutionary struggles of the Party, the army, and the people of Hau Giang. The collection increased steadily to 1,157 artifacts in 1981 and 1,500 artifacts in 1986, supporting the museum’s role as a repository of local heritage.
After Hau Giang Province was divided into Can Tho and Soc Trang cities in 1992, the museum was renamed Can Tho Provincial Museum. From June 24, 1998, the new museum was constructed with an area of 1,200m2 and an investment of 17.8 billion VND. On August 31, 2001, the museum was officially inaugurated and opened to the public, with many delegates invited to celebrate the occasion.
The museum was renamed the Can Tho City Museum on January 1, 2004, when Can Tho officially became a centrally governed city; however, the museum continued with the responsibility to preserve and promote the region’s historical and cultural values.
Unique Architecture Of Can Tho Museum
Every floor displays a distinct journey based on the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Mekong Delta. This place surely belongs on your bucket list when seeking to experience Can Tho from its origins. Let’s discover the highlights on each floor and see if it meets the hype.
Floor 1: Learning about Can Tho’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
The first floor provides an introduction to Can Tho’s geography, climate, and daily life. This area offers a nice representation of Can Tho’s rivers, landscapes, flora, and fauna through high-quality photographs alongside short documentary films. The Oc Eo Culture area is another highlight of this floor.
This ancient civilization existed from the 1st to the 7th century, and the artifacts recovered from this era offer valuable information about the early cultural and trading development of southern Vietnam. The daily life, beliefs, and traditions of the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer community organizations are also collected on this floor. From ancient agricultural tools, models of temples, and traditional musical instruments to dress costumes, you can take the kaleidoscope of cultural diversity and harmony found in this region.
Floor 2: Re-experiencing the Heroic Resistance Period
The second floor focuses on Vietnam’s resistance against French and American colonialists. Visitors can view some war artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, and personal items that belonged to native soldiers. Histories and photographs visually display stories of the courage and resilience of the people of Can Tho and Hau Giang during the resistance period. This floor offers an emotional experience, elevating understanding of the courage and sacrifice that formed modern Vietnam.
4 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
From interactive galleries to cultural workshops, everything here allows you to connect with the heart of the Mekong Delta. Here are some exciting experiences you should definitely try while you are there.
Explore The Modern Exhibition Space
The Can Tho Museum wows visitors with its neat and spacious exhibition spaces featuring state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. In a modern and cool building, visitors can learn the exciting story of the history and people of the Mekong Delta through interactive displays, screens, video gameplay, and 3D model displays.
Each section is thoroughly organized by the theme or storyline, complete with everything from ancient culture to some phenomenally impressive scientific advancements. Whether you’re a history buff or simply interested in the region, visiting this contemporary, bright museum allows local heritage to present itself in a rich and entertaining way.
Appreciate A Rich Collection Of Artifacts
The museum contains over 5,000 artifacts. The collection has examples of ancient tools, textiles and clothing, fine art, and even scientific advances. Each artifact tells a story, a story about struggles, creativity, and the everyday life of the cultures and peoples who have shaped this land.
There are opportunities to get involved and take part in hands-on experiences such as pottery making or weaving, allowing you to better appreciate and understand traditional crafts. Ultimately, this experience connects you to the rich cultural heritage and roots of Can Tho.
Explore The History And Culture Of The Area
The museum has a strong connection to the past and present of Can Tho. You can see the transformation of this land, from early prehistoric life, a period of struggle and independence, to present-day life.
The history, customs, beliefs, and identity of this place and the people who have inhabited it are dynamically expressed visually and through interactive technology, through tangible artifacts, and the experience of community folk art. As travelers, each visitor will experience a greater understanding of local life, beliefs, and identity as they navigate through each gallery. The experience is enlightening for each traveler.
Enjoy Unique Exhibitions
The Can Tho Museum regularly provides themed exhibitions showcasing interesting history, culture, art, and science. Each exhibition is curated, bringing together technology and narratives through the use of 3D models, imagery, and immersive sound.
Additionally, you can take part in hands-on workshops, including pottery making and traditional weaving. These exhibitions will enhance your experience and put you in the mood by providing educational insight into the local culture while also having fun and engaging moments in the museum.
Entrance Fee
The cost to enter Can Tho Museum is very reasonable for everyone. Tickets are priced at 30,000 VND for adults and 15,000 VND for students. For a small price, it is a great way to experience the abundant culture and history of the city.
Opening Hours
The Can Tho Museum is available for visits every day of the week, so it makes a great addition to your itinerary. It is open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and again from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday through Thursday. Then, on weekends and holidays, the museum is open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and then again at night from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM for a unique night experience.
The ideal time to visit is during the dry season (December to April), when the weather is good for traveling and sightseeing. The early hours on weekday mornings are usually the least crowded, so you can enjoy the exhibitions at your leisure before the crowds arrive.
How To Get To Can Tho Museum
Can Tho Museum is situated approximately 1 km from Ninh Kieu Wharf and has good accessibility from the city center. You can travel there by motorbike, taxi, or even by bus, the route of Hai Ba Trung Street, taking a left onto Ngo Quyen Street, right onto Ly Thuong Kiet Street, and left onto Tran Quoc Toan Street.
If you want to go from Can Tho International Airport, take a taxi or private car via Truong Dai – Nguyen Van Linh – Ton Duc Thang Street, and it would take you about 10-15 minutes to reach. Alternatively from the Can Tho Bus Station, go towards Ton Duc Thang Street, situated on Nguyen Van Linh, and then exactly the same is true for travel time, about 10-15 minutes.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Can Tho Museum
Visiting the Can Tho Museum can be both a fun and informative experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make things as smooth and respectful as possible. Below are helpful tips so that you can make the most out of your experience during your trip.
- To prevent any damage or breakage, refrain from touching the displayed artifacts, as a number of the items are extremely valuable and very fragile.
- You may decide to join a guided tour if you want to learn about the stories, history, and meaning behind each exhibit.
- To keep the museum clean and safe, do not bring food, drinks, or flammable items into the museum.
- Minimize noise, don’t shout, run, or play in exhibition areas.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, because you may be walking through several different floors for a while.
- Photography will be restricted in some areas, so please check before taking a photograph.
- Combine your museum experience in Can Tho with excursions to nearby attractions, like Tay Do Night Market, Hoa Sung Ecological Garden, and My Khanh Tourist Village.
FAQs About Can Tho Museum
It’s understandable that before visiting Can Tho Museum, you might have a few questions regarding opening hours, tickets, and so forth. To help alleviate some of the uncertainty, here are some of the most common questions asked by travelers, and corresponding answers:
What does the museum have inside?
The exhibit at the museum has more than 5,000 objects centered around the culture, history, and inhabitants of the Mekong Delta. Highlights of the exhibit are about the Oc Eo civilization, the various ethnic communities, and the resistance wars. The museum also has interactivity displays and uses multimedia presentations.
How long will I need at Can Tho Museum?
Most visitors report spending one to two hours inside the museum. If you enjoy customs, history, and culture, you may stay longer to read the detailed displays and watch the documentary videos if you enjoy doing.
Can I take photographs inside the museum?
Yes, in most areas of the museum, taking photographs is fine, but flash and tripods are usually restricted or not allowed. You may want to check with the staff for their policy because sometimes individual exhibits have different rules regarding taking images.
Final Thoughts: Is Can Tho Museum Worth Visiting?
A trip to Can Tho Museum gives you a great opportunity to discover the unique culture and diverse history in the Mekong Delta area. The wonderful location highlights the spirit of the region through its collections of objects, which range from traditional crafts to ancient artifacts. The museum is just a calming and nice experience for visitors who are traveling through the area and want to appreciate the essence of southern Vietnam outside of the floating markets. Invite Seni World to explore the cultural gems of Can Tho that are unforgettable.
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