After our meal at Vietnamese noodle restaurant,we headed out to War Remnants Museum on a cyclo. One of the drivers could carry out a conversation in English so we felt at ease. We agreed on the price he said for a one way trip.We exchanged pleasantries as the three drivers pedaled the three-wheeled vehicle.
Minutes later, they unloaded us in a secluded corner. My jaw dropped when the "friendly" guy charged each of us 500,000 Vietnamese Dong, about $25 (up to ten times the original price). I started to argue but sis didn't want to make a scene so she paid the amount he asked. There were no police nearby and there was nothing we could do but pay the other 2 drivers. What a rip off!!!!!!
Although my sis and I were here in December, we failed to visit the museum. It was closed for the Christmas celebration. This time our top goal was to see it.
The main building has 4 floors. In each floor there are 2 themed rooms.
The museum showcases graphic stills of Vietnamese war victims and brutal treatment of political prisoners, artifacts and declarations, photos of anti-Vietnam war protests staged in different corners of the world.
Mao Tse Tung expressing China's full support to the Vietnamese people.
A photograph of the anti-war demonstration in Manila, Philippines.
One of the eight themed rooms.
Ordnance lay in a corner at the museum.
Bombs on display
In another building, we found a replica of "tiger cage" ( prison).
Tiger cage housing a political prisoner.
French guillotine used to execute political prisoners
US Military equipment sprawled in the museum's yard.
Me and sis
A photograph by Goro Nakamura showing a mangrove forest destroyed by chemicals.
I almost bawled my eyes out learning about the atrocities during the US-Vietnam war. As we concluded our museum visit, I have developed a deep sense of respect and understanding of Vietnam's history.
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