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Located at 4 Tran Phu Street, the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial Museum stands out as a modern architectural masterpiece, a "gateway" to centuries of history. Within the expansive 18,000 m² grounds of the Bach Dinh complex, the seven-story building (four main floors and three lower floors) of the museum is distinguished by its grand yet refined design, offering an inspiring exploration experience.
The museum's outdoor space offers views of Bai Truoc Beach.
Although now part of Ho Chi Minh City after the merger, Ba Ria - Vung Tau still preserves the unique characteristics of a coastal region. The provincial museum is a vivid testament to this, a place that preserves and tells the story of its distinctive history and culture in a way that cannot be replaced anywhere else.
Step into the "memory archive" of the seaside city.
Upon entering the reception area, visitors are given a brief overview of the locality by a guide: from administrative boundaries and key national highways to major economic regions. This introductory presentation serves as a "map" to help viewers plan their upcoming exploration before proceeding through the scientifically and logically arranged exhibition floors.
A diorama showcasing the former administrative boundaries of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province is placed in the center of the lobby on the first floor.
The first floor marks the beginning of the journey, taking viewers back to three fundamental themes: "The Land and People of Ba Ria - Vung Tau," "Ba Ria - Vung Tau in the Pre- and Early History Period," and "Ba Ria - Vung Tau during the period of land reclamation from the 17th to the mid-19th centuries." Here, vivid photographs, artifacts, and models recreate the natural landscapes of the islands, the abundant mineral resources, and the community life of the Kinh and Ch'ro people.
This area recreates the daily life of the Chơ Ro ethnic community.
The collection of 243 archaeological artifacts from nine sites dating back over 3,000 years clearly demonstrates that this land has been inhabited since very early times. Then, the traces of the pioneering era, with images of crafts, market activities, and community culture, help viewers clearly feel the vitality and resilience of the inhabitants in the process of reclaiming the land.
A 1:1 scale reconstruction of the burial jars at Con Hai Dang on Con Dao Island is displayed on the floor.
Glorious pages of history on the second floor
While the first floor tells the story of the region's formation, the second floor guides visitors through a turbulent period: from the resistance against French colonialism (1859-1954) to the years of resistance against American imperialism (1954-1975). The space is divided into two large exhibition areas, vividly recreating each period.
The Long Phuoc tunnel system has been restored.
The exhibition area dedicated to the resistance against the French houses over 200 images and more than a hundred artifacts, recounting the time when this land fell under colonial rule, then rose up to fight under the banner of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Moving on to the area dedicated to the resistance against the Americans, ten exhibition sections along with nearly 200 images and artifacts recreate the fierce battles, major campaigns, and indomitable spirit of the people and soldiers of Ba Ria - Vung Tau. The eyes of the soldiers in the photos, the worn-out backpacks, or the letters sent back to the home front… all leave viewers speechless, deeply appreciating the value of peace today.
Reconstructing Con Dao prison and the tiger cages used to torture prisoners during the resistance against the French.
The mark of the integration era and treasures at the bottom of the sea.
The third floor features two distinctive exhibition areas: one focusing on the process of national construction and defense from 1975 to the present; and the other showcasing a collection of artifacts salvaged from the waters of Ba Ria - Vung Tau.
In the first part, each historical period following the reunification of the country is clearly depicted: from the initial steps on the path to economic, cultural, and social recovery (1975-1985), to the 1986 reform period and the outstanding achievements in the marine economy. Viewers will realize that Ba Ria - Vung Tau is not only a land of coastal and island tourism but also an important center for oil and gas, seaports, and aquaculture.
Oil and gas industrial complex – DK1 platform
The exhibition of ancient artifacts offers a completely different journey – a deep dive into the seas of centuries past. In a space designed like the cabin of an ancient ship, soft lighting and sounds simulating waves transport viewers back to the time when merchant ships from China, Thailand, France, and other countries docked or encountered difficulties at sea. From the 14th to the 19th centuries, this sea region witnessed countless bustling trades, and today, 710 selected artifacts, including celadon ceramics, bronze objects, and glass, tell the story of the maritime Silk Road and the international trade position of Ba Ria - Vung Tau in the past.
Ancient artifacts from Hon Cau – 17th-century China
Experience a panoramic view of history and connect the journey.
What makes the museum special is that every topic is presented not only through physical artifacts but also through 3D paintings, models, and vivid perspectives. This allows visitors to not only "hear" or "read" history, but also "see" and "feel" the context of each period. Spending a few hours here is like traveling along a river of time, from the primitive times to the present day, gaining a deeper understanding of the culture, people, and enduring vitality of this coastal region.
The museum attracts a large number of visitors, especially on weekends.
And the journey of discovery doesn't need to end at the museum gate. Nearby, the Bach Dinh Historical Site, Ho May Tourist Area, the Robert Taylor Museum of Ancient Weapons, or Bai Truoc Park are all ideal destinations to extend the experience. Each place offers a different story and perspective, making the picture of Ba Ria - Vung Tau even more complete.
In the modern world, museums are not only repositories of memories, but also "bridges" connecting the past and present. Walking through each floor and exhibition space, we realize that history doesn't lie dormant in books; it is alive, breathing, and continues to be written in every breath of this coastal city today.
