Log in
City Guide

Indochina's first biology museum opens to public in Hanoi

Rare animals from all over Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) are shown to the general public for the first time.

The Museum of Biology of Hanoi University of Science, located on the second floor of the Indochina University (now University of Natural Sciences) at No.19 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, was established in 1926.

The first museum of its kind in Indochina, it was originally conceived  for research and educational purposes. For the first time, the museum has opened its doors to the public during the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2024, offering a rare opportunity to explore its fascinating collections.

 The museum is housed in one of Hanoi’s most iconic examples of French colonial architecture.
 Nearly a century old, the institution remains remarkably intact, preserving hundreds of thousands of animal and plant specimens from Vietnam, collected from the late 19th century to the present.

 

Visitors are greeted at the entrance by the well-preserved skeleton of a large mammoth.
 The Museum of Biology houses 2,500 mammal specimens belonging to 136 species and subspecies, representing 70 genera, 26 families and 10 orders. 
 The exhibition represents 45% of the mammal species currently found in Vietnam, with 136 out of 300 species on display in the museum.
 The collection includes specimens of felines such as the Indochinese tiger, jungle cat, leopard and many others.
 It provides a vast collection of specimens and supports research in a range of life sciences, particularly in areas such as systematics and taxonomy, biodiversity and resource studies.
The Biology Museum was once a "natural laboratory". It was used exclusively for teaching and training purposes.
Over the nine days of the festival, the museum has become an exciting and popular destination for many in the capital, especially young people.
The exhibit space houses a collection of bird specimens, including the Emperor Penguin, one of the most iconic penguin species.
 The museum also draws international visitors, offering them the opportunity to explore and learn about Indochinese biodiversity.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Related news
Hoan Kiem launches cultural and historical space

Hoan Kiem launches cultural and historical space

17 Nov, 14:56

The district has created plans to restore and preserve several architecturally significant French-era buildings, aiming to protect the heritage that reflects the capital's historical development.

Hanoi's Sua flower season heralds summer

Hanoi's Sua flower season heralds summer

Every March, the charming streets of Hanoi come alive with the breathtaking bloom of Sua or Dalbergia Tonkinensis flowers.

Hanoi tourism posts significant growth in February

Hanoi tourism posts significant growth in February

Hanoi has seen encouraging growth in tourism, with an estimated 2.38 million visitors in February 2025, an increase of 9.6% year-on-year.

Hanoi one of the must-visits on travelers' Asian dream lists

Hanoi one of the must-visits on travelers' Asian dream lists

Vietnam's century-old capital, Hanoi, has earned a place on Lonely Planet's 'Ten Dream Trips to Take in Asia in 2025', captivating travelers with its wealth of ancient pagodas, temples and rich cultural heritage.

Two Hanoi destinations honored at ASEAN Tourism Awards 2025

Two Hanoi destinations honored at ASEAN Tourism Awards 2025

Hong Van is a suburban commune in Hanoi that sees tens of thousands of visitors every year, meanwhile, Duong Lam Ancient Village is a picturesque example of a traditional Vietnamese village.

Hoan Kiem Lake: Picturesque destination for ao dai photography

Hoan Kiem Lake: Picturesque destination for ao dai photography

Hoan Kiem Lake is a magnet for both tourists and, these days, young locals looking for a backdrop for their Tet photos.

Hanoi Christmas Fair 2024 warms with colorful products

Hanoi Christmas Fair 2024 warms with colorful products

The holiday gift and décor section of the show is bustling with a variety of eye-catching products at affordable prices.

Ba Dinh District burgeons in Hanoi’s night tourism scene

Ba Dinh District burgeons in Hanoi’s night tourism scene

Ba Dinh District has enveiled many appealing tourism initiatives, which incorporate cultural and historical values to the fullest extent possible.

Red River Tourism: Jewel hasn't sparkled yet

Red River Tourism: Jewel hasn't sparkled yet

Hanoi plans to launch new water-based tourism activities to tap potential of the Red River, which is essential to the city's tourism and sustainable environment and urban development to 2050.