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The Lam Dong Museum, ranked 15 out of 36 “things to do” by the renowned travel destination Lonely Planet, is a fascinating and impressive stop for visitors, including students and scholars, eager to explore and study the rich cultural traditions of the Central Highlands.
Photos of Lam Dong Museum (Image: ST)
This is a comprehensive museum showcasing historical artifacts and traditional cultural exhibits from the highland region of Lam Dong. The museum houses over 15,000 artifacts, including many rare and unique collections.
Lam Dong Museum has become a captivating and impressive destination for visitors, particularly students and scholars who come to study, learn, and engage in scientific research. The museum boasts a diverse and extensive collection of nearly 10,000 items made from valuable materials such as bronze, iron, and pottery, representing the cultural richness of the Southeast Asia region.
Lam Dong Museum is located on a high hill at 4 Hung Vuong Street, approximately 3 km northeast of Da Lat’s city center.
Admission to Lam Dong Museum is priced at 10,000 VND for adults, and children can enter for free.
Relics excavated burial (Image: ST)
Lam Dong ethnic minority traditional house (Image: ST)
Introduction to Lam Dong Museum
The Lam Dong Provincial Museum is a former mansion of the ex-mayor, Nguyen Huu Hao (the paternal uncle of Queen Nam Phuong), situated atop a winding and majestic hill. The winding road leading to it is aptly named the “Love Path.”
Ranked 15 out of 36 “things to do” by the renowned travel guide Lonely Planet when visiting Da Lat, this museum is even more well-known among international tourists than domestic ones. To make your visit more convenient, consider booking a hotel in Da Lat near or along Hung Vuong Street to save commuting time.
Archaeological exhibition area of Cat Tien (Photo: ST)
The museum temporarily ceased operations from October 1990 to December 1996, and the main exhibition building was officially reopened at the end of 2010.
The museum’s exhibits include the following main sections:
1. The people of Lam Dong in the construction and defense of the Socialist Homeland
2. The army and people of Lam Dong in two resistance wars against foreign invaders
3. The distinctive cultural characteristics of indigenous ethnic groups (Mạ, Cơ Ho, Chu Ru)
4. Discoveries in archaeology in Lam Dong
5. Da Lat then and now
6. The nature of Lam Dong
7. Da Lat then and now
War artifacts (Image: ST)
In addition to the above sections, the museum introduces two traditional stilt houses of the Cơ Ho and Mạ ethnic groups, constructed and decorated authentically. Visitors will experience the feeling of living in a Cơ Ho or Mạ house, listening to the graceful guide from the Cơ Ho ethnic group explain the lifestyle and customs in their traditional dwelling.
Exploring Lam Dong Museum: What’s Inside?
Wondering what Lam Dong Museum has to offer? That’s a question many travelers are eager to answer. Here’s a quick rundown of the top 7 exciting activities to make your museum exploration even more memorable:
Themed Exhibition Spaces
If you’ve heard about Lam Dong Museum before, you’ll know about its exceptional themed exhibition spaces covering a variety of subjects, including:
– Nature of Lam Dong Exhibition Room: Dive into the unique flora and fauna of Lam Dong province.
– Cultural Exhibition Room of Mạ, Cơho, Churu Ethnic Groups: Explore the distinctive cultures of the Mạ, Cơho, and Churu ethnic groups in Lam Dong.
– Vintage Da Lat Exhibition Room: Immerse yourself in the images and artifacts showcasing the old charm of Da Lat.
– Revolutionary Movements Exhibition Room in Lam Dong: Learn about the revolutionary struggles in Lam Dong province.
– Archaeology Exhibition Room of Lam Dong: Discover the rich archaeological findings in Lam Dong.
– People of Lam Dong in Nation-Building and Defense of the Socialist Homeland Exhibition Room: Gain insights into the contributions of the people of Lam Dong in nation-building and defense of the socialist homeland.
As you explore each section, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the formation and development of Lam Dong province, the minority ethnic groups residing in the area, the unique flora and fauna of the highland region, and some renowned local artworks.
Objects of ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands (Photo: ST)
Reconstruction of Mạ and Cơ Ho Ethnic Stilt Houses
A distinctive feature at Lam Dong Museum is the reconstruction of Mạ and Cơ Ho ethnic stilt houses. Here, the traditional stilt house models are faithfully reconstructed using entirely wooden materials, thatched roofs made of leaves, and tall columns to prevent dampness and the intrusion of wild animals. Visitors can step inside these stilt houses for exploration or to capture memorable photographs.
Showcasing Unique Artifacts and Archaeological Sites
As the repository for over 15,000 ancient artifacts from Lam Dong province, the museum takes visitors on a vivid journey through different historical periods, showcasing exceptional archaeological sites. These include pottery, bronze, iron tools, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more. If you opt for a guided tour, you’ll receive insightful commentary about the Lam Dong Museum, delving deeper into the significance and value of these artifacts.
Enjoying Unique Artistic Flower Displays
Beyond ancient relics, Lam Dong Museum regularly hosts distinctive four-season flower exhibitions featuring beautiful varieties such as cẩm tú cầu, roses, and lilies. Local artisans meticulously preserve these flowers using Japanese technology, ensuring their freshness for 3-5 years. Visitors can explore, capture stunning photos, or purchase these preserved flower products as souvenirs.
Exploring the Nam Phuong Queen Palace
The Nam Phuong Queen Palace is a captivating attraction within the Lam Dong Museum complex. Built in 1932 with a French-Vietnamese architectural style, this structure was a gift from Nguyen Huu Hao, a nobleman, to his daughter (Nam Phuong Queen) upon her marriage to King Bao Dai. Upon your visit, you’ll have the chance to admire the palace’s elegant and refined beauty or take in panoramic views of Da Lat city from a lofty vantage point.
Doll of ethnic groups in the museum (Image: ST)
Engaging in Fun Folk Games
Lam Dong Museum frequently organizes traditional folk games that promise excitement, including tug-of-war, archery, spinning tops, and shuttlecock kicking. Through these games, you can have a blast and gain insights into the culture and distinctive activities of some ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands.
Transforming into Kings and Queens
Another activity worth experiencing at the museum is the opportunity to dress up as royalty. You can choose costumes and accessories to transform into your favorite historical figures in the historical costume photo area. This immersive experience offers a deeper understanding of local history and culture. It’s a delightful way to blend education with entertainment during your visit.
The display area of ethnic life objects (Photo: ST)
Tips for Visiting the Museum
When visiting the Lam Dong Museum, consider the following tips to enhance your experience:
1. Dress Appropriately: Opt for modest and comfortable attire, avoiding overly short or revealing clothing to respect the museum’s solemn atmosphere.
2. Read and Follow Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to Lam Dong Museum’s rules and guidelines, including restrictions on photography or videography in certain areas.
3. Maintain Silence: Keep noise to a minimum during your museum exploration to avoid disrupting others. Speaking quietly or maintaining silence contributes to a peaceful environment.
4. Respect Cultural Spaces: Remember that the museum is a cultural and public tourist space. Practice personal hygiene and avoid touching or disturbing exhibits in the display areas.
5. Follow Guided Tour Instructions: If it’s your first visit, listen attentively and follow the instructions of tour guides. This ensures you don’t miss out on essential and insightful information about the exhibits.
By adhering to these considerations, you’ll not only have a more enjoyable visit but also contribute to the overall positive atmosphere of Lam Dong Museum.
Lam Dong Museum serves as a comprehensive showcase of historical artifacts and traditional cultural elements from the highland region of Lam Dong. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this museum, where you can satisfy your curiosity by unraveling the mysteries of Central Highlands history, some dating back over 3,000 years!