Ho Chi Minh Museum - Dragon House Wharf

Built in 1862 by the French, the Dragon House Wharf, or “Nhà rồng” harbor, was initially a large trading harbor of Saigon (former name of Saigon), a harbor to meet the demand of transportation between the colonized Vietnam and southeast Asian area. 

Location

Situated by the bank of the Saigon River, the construction of the Dragon House took more than one year to be completed (1862-1863). Today tourists can find it at the beginning of Nguyen Tat Thanh Street. 

On June 5, 1911, Ho Chi Minh (at the time named Nguyen Tat Thanh) departed from the Dragon Wharf on the French ship Admiral Latouche Treville for a 30-year journey around the world. Therefore, in 1979, the old headquarters building of the commercial port was rebuilt into a memorial park in Ho Chi Minh City. 

History

Ho Chi Minh is a significant figure in Vietnam's modern history, being the first president of the country. His legacy is celebrated throughout Vietnam, particularly in the city named after him—Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. The most significant moment of his life, often associated with this city, occurred on June 5, 1911. On that day, he left the Dragon Wharf aboard the French ship Admiral Latouche Treville, beginning a 30-year journey around the world.

In September 1979, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City transformed it into a branch of the Ho Chi Minh Museum located in the city named after him.

Architecture

The ancient and elegant combination of the Vietnamese and French architectural styles has created the Dragon House Wharf. This characteristic is reflected through the design of a main French-style building that contained 2 Vietnamese dragon statues on the rooftop. This detail can be easily found in Vietnamese temples and pagodas. It is this kind of decoration that becomes a source of inspiration for the name of the wharf. 

This historical site is a preservation exhibition of a rich collection of 3,00 pictures and 700 artifacts relating to the Ho Chi Minh president, comprising his personal belongings and journals as well as various scripts and publications documenting his wondrous life. 

Nowadays, though this destination no longer plays the role of a dock, it has become a tourist magnet that attracts millions of domestic and foreign visitors. It is a place where tourists can expect to learn about the rich culture and history of Vietnam and bring along endless inspiration for travel lovers. 

How to get there

Since “Nhà Rồng” Harbor or Dragon House Wharf is right at the end of Ham Nghi, interfacing with Nguyen Hue Street, visitors are suggested to get there by motorbike or by taxi. 

This historical site is open daily (except for Monday) from 8 am to 11.30 am and 1.30 pm to 5 pm  

>>> Read more about Attractions in saigon