Vietnam's largest antique weapons museum is located in Vung Tau.

While the lighthouse, night market, and Bai Sau beach are familiar attractions in Vung Tau city, the museum of ancient weapons is still relatively unknown to many tourists, including locals. Few would imagine that a seaside tourist city in Vietnam could possess such a unique and unusual treasure trove.

Following the winding slope leading up to Vung Tau city's famous lighthouse, visitors will be overwhelmed by a building that resembles a newly built castle. This is the location of the Worldwide Arms Museum, which opened in early 2012 and holds the record for the largest private antique arms museum in Vietnam.

The museum is located in a luxurious villa on the way up to the lighthouse.Photo: quangduc20

Located on a hilltop just 50 meters from the sea, the museum truly offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. The first impression is the spacious courtyard surrounded by a fortified wall and a classic Western-style watchtower. Besides the cannons mounted on the wall, the courtyard is dotted with dozens of gun emplacements pointing towards the sea. This alone is enough to give visitors the feeling of touring an ancient European architectural masterpiece.

Stepping inside, whether you're a museum enthusiast or simply curious about the collection of antique weapons, you can't take your eyes off the exhibits. Spanning 300 square meters, the museum allows visitors to see firsthand the uniforms and weapons of armies from around the world, including Japan, China, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Russia, spanning many centuries.

Panoramic view of Vung Tau from the museum.Photo: quangduc20

To give visitors a clearer understanding of the military history of many countries around the world, the museum space is divided into themed rooms in chronological order. Room 1 is dedicated to the ancient and medieval periods, featuring Viking warriors, Spartans, Chinese warriors from various eras, Japanese samurai and shoguns, Roman soldiers, Hoplites, Crusader armies, gladiators, and more. Notably, there are also some swords and guns from the Muong people (Vietnam) from the 19th century.

Room 2 is dedicated to the British military during the modern era, featuring messengers, buglers, infantry, cavalry, sailors, and the Queen's cavalry. On the same floor, but in Room 3, is an exhibition space showcasing firearms from the British, French, German, and Dutch armies of the 17th-19th centuries, such as revolvers, pistols, rifles, and muskets.

Room 4 is where visitors can admire the military equipment and weapons of modern European countries. Visitors can even see some modern weapons from Russia and Britain right here in the museum.

Mannequins with rare antique weapons in the museum.Photo: quangduc20

A few hours' tour of a weapons museum might seem dry and rigid at first glance, but it's incredibly interesting, taking visitors from one surprise to another. It's a chance to discover the unique culture of each country through the weapons and the intricate carvings on the exhibits.

Not only are the weapons in the museum impressive in their richness and diversity, but they also offer interesting lessons through detailed historical narratives annotated in both Vietnamese and English. If you don't like lengthy history lessons, you'll surely find passion or interest in this subject here.

Although a highlight in Vung Tau's tourism landscape, this private museum is currently facing some ownership disputes and has had to temporarily close, leaving many visitors disappointed.

The Thanh