Location and history
Being the first President of the Social Republic of Vietnam, Uncle Ton is also the first of the country to be awarded Lenin Peace Award as well as the only Vietnamese to engage in the anti-war activities of 1917. The museum, located on number 5 of the riverside street which is also named Ton Duc Thang, was established in order to celebrate President Ton’s 100th birthday in 1988. Housed in the former residence of Tran Thien Khiem – Premier of the South Vietnam Government, this place is also near Ba Son Shipyard, where Ton Duc Thang used to work as a mechanic.
What to see there
Not really a big one, Ton Duc Thang museum has 8 display wards with artifacts and miniature that ceptured Ton Duc Thang’s life. Detailed record of his early upbringing, including pictures of his hometown in An Giang and O Moi Boat Station from where the president used to go to school, is exhibited in Ceremony room. Other rooms focus on his ongoing struggle for peace – the most significant phase in his life. Especially, “Con Son Pearl” Exhibition Room is where hell-on-Earth Con Dao Prison – in which he has spent 15 difficult years, is illustrated.
From rooms to rooms, the lively portrait of a simple but great president is clearly pictured: how he lived, how he worked, how he struggled and also how he’s loved and respected.
How to get there
The museum is just down from Ham Nghi or Nguyen Hue Street, about 1km from Dragon Wharf House and 500m to Saigon Square Shopping Center. It’s most convenient to stop here for a while during visitor’s walking city tour.
Address: 5 Ton Duc Thang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: (08) 38-297-542
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. with 2 hour lunch break from 11:30 a.m.; everyday except for Monday
Website:http://www.baotangtonducthang.com
