Hanoi Police Museum has caught tourists' attention not only for its spectacular exhibition of approximately 1,000 artifacts regarding Hanoi’s police forces, but also for its welcoming, modern, and eye-catching design. If you love to explore the historical aspect of Hanoi, this museum should be on your list of places to visit in Hanoi travel.
1. Overview of Hanoi Police Museum
1.1. Where is Hanoi Police Museum? How to get there?
- Location: No. 67, Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8 am - 11 am; 1:30 pm - 5 pm (Monday - Friday)
- Entrance fee: Free
Located at the corner of Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi Police Museum is close to the city center and other tourist attractions in Hanoi. The museum, with its valuable documents and artifacts, tells the stories of the police forces in Hanoi, recognizing their impactful achievements.
The most convenient way to get there is by taxi. From Hoan Kiem Lake, a taxi ride will cost you under 50,000 VND (approximately $2).
For a more adventurous experience, you can opt for the bus. If you start from Hoan Kiem Lake, choose the bus number 11 and get off on Ly Thuong Kiet Street.
If you want to save some money and take in the atmosphere of the streets, you can go on foot. From Hoan Kiem Lake, you can choose to take either Dinh Tien Hoang Street or Quan Su Street.
1.2. History of Hanoi Police Museum in Vietnam
Hanoi Police Museum was formerly known as the House of Traditions of the Hanoi Police at 87 Tran Hung Dao. In 1999, due to the deterioration of the house’s facilities, the authority relocated the artifacts and objects to Hanoi Police Museum. Undergoing some repairs and renovations, the museum was officially opened on August 18, 2015 to celebrate the 70th annual traditional day of the police forces.
With its modern and tourist-friendly design, clear display, and straightforward messages in 3 languages, Hanoi Police Museum has expanded its audience, from local officers and soldiers to people from all over the world.
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2. Explore 8 themed exhibition rooms in Hanoi Police Museum
Hanoi Police Museum has an area of 1,613 square meters, with 8 themed exhibition rooms captioned in three languages: English, French and Vietnamese.
2.1. President Ho Chi Minh with the Hanoi Police
Dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, this themed room shows his care and love for the police forces of Hanoi. After the country gained independence in 1945, Uncle Ho visited the Hanoi Police five times. He never forgot to commend and encourage the police officers. He also paid attention to their families on special occasions, like Tet Holiday.
2.2. Statues of All Hanoi Police Forces
Coming to Vietnam, you might be confused with so many different police forces. Here, you can have a chance to see the uniforms and works of all Vietnamese police forces, including the traffic police, fire police, riot police, and security police.
2.3. Uniforms of Hanoi Police Forces, 1945-2015
Through a display of attires and accessories, tourists can understand the development and organizational structure of the Hanoi Police. Before 1962, only one uniform was used for the whole police force. From 1962 to 1988, two new uniforms were designed exclusively for the people's police and traffic police. In 1988, the old uniform was completely redesigned, and the uniform for the security police was added. In 1998, the riot police received their official uniform.
2.4. Police Station Model Area
This space of Hanoi Police Museum is where visitors can see what a police station of Vietnam looks like. A police station is the most basic unit in the organizational structure of the People's Public Security, playing an indispensable role in the system.
Having the same function as police stations around the world, a police station works closest with Vietnamese inhabitants and is in charge of daily cases in residential areas. It reminds people to be aware of the laws and cooperates with them to ensure security and order.
2.5. Hanoi Police, 1945-1954
On the second floor, you will see the different periods in the history of Hanoi’s police forces. The first room will take you through the period from 1945 to 1954, which marked the birth of the Hanoi Police.
To defend the newly-gained independence, the police of the capital city pioneered to maintain security and order in the liberated zones. Their actions paved the way for many victorious campaigns in the resistance war against French colonialists.
2.6. Hanoi Police, 1954-1975
This room offers a glimpse into the way the Hanoi Police resolutely fought against counter-revolutionaries and criminals, firmly protecting political security and social order in the 1954-1975 period. At this time, the police forces of Hanoi had to overcome a lot of challenges, as the whole country entered a new stage of war against the US. They courageously served in combat to protect pivotal streets and ensure the basic living conditions for the local people.
2.7. Hanoi Police before Vietnam’s reformation period, 1975-1986
1975-1986 was the period when the Northern region and the Southern region of Vietnam were reunified. Social reunification became the ultimate goal which must be fulfilled as soon as possible to officialise the unification of Vietnam and create favorable conditions for the national unification in other fields. During this time, the Hanoi Police also took over new responsibilities to meet the new demands.
2.8. Hanoi Police, from 1986 onwards
The last exhibition room depicts the role of Hanoi’s police forces in peacetime, when Vietnam embarked on a new start with economic reforms. Their top priority was shifted to maintaining security, order, and safety for the people. Along with the development of the city, the Hanoi Police have been making steadfast progress.
3. Best places to visit near Hanoi Police Museum in Vietnam
If you are a history buff, Hoa Lo Prison will satisfy your curiosity. This is the remnant of one of the most brutal prison complexes in Indochina in the 20th century. Hoa Lo Prison is situated in the same area as Hanoi Police Museum, only 100 meters away from.
Residing on the same Ly Thuong Kiet Street, it only takes you a few minutes to walk to Vietnamese Women’s Museum from Hanoi Police Museum. As its name suggests, this museum showcases the roles of Vietnamese women throughout history via an extensive collection of pictures and exhibits.
Hoan Kiem Lake is well-known as a symbol of Hanoi. During the day, the lake is a stunning combination of natural landscapes and ancient vibes. When the sun goes down, it is full of vibrant public activities, such as folk games, live music, and dance performances.
>>> Read more: Hanoi Old Quarter: The FULL guide for your cultural exploration in 2024
While enjoying your time at Hanoi, it is advisable to spice up your trip with the entertainment complexes VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City.
- VinKE offers unique career-oriented activities for children. Here, they have an opportunity to experience various job simulation games and have fun at the modern game area with their parents.
- Vinpearl Aquarium takes pride in being one of the first underground aquariums in Hanoi. Here, visitors will see a huge underwater world where hundreds of species coexist.
>>> Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to make unforgettable memories with your loved ones in Hanoi!
Besides Hanoi, Vietnam boasts many more appealing places such as Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Ha Long. For the most convenient trip, you should plan ahead where to stay in each destination. It is highly suggested that you stay at the Vinpearl hotel and resort system - one of the top-tier brands of accommodation in Vietnam. Exquisite rooms and a variety of amenities await you, from outdoor swimming pools, kids’ playgrounds to bars, gyms and many more.
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Hanoi Police Museum is definitely an unmissable historical site for any tourist coming to Hanoi. If you are wondering what to see in Hanoi, this location is a great suggestion for you!
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An and Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to enjoy yourself to the fullest!
