The best art galleries in Vietnam offer a window into the country’s evolving creative identity. From traditional techniques to contemporary installations, they reflect Vietnam’s complex past and bold artistic future.

In cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, you’ll find galleries that support emerging artists, host experimental performances, and celebrate local heritage.

This guide brings together the top places to experience Vietnamese art—whether you’re a casual visitor or a curious collector. Each gallery was selected for its cultural value, distinctive atmosphere, and meaningful contribution to the national art scene.

Right in the heart of the Old Quarter, Apricot Gallery presents a more traditional perspective on Vietnamese art—but not without depth. The gallery specializes in lacquer paintings, oil on canvas, and detailed figurative works that draw from Vietnam’s rural landscapes, mythology, and daily life. It’s an ideal stop if you’re looking to understand classic Vietnamese aesthetics through a curated lens.

What makes it special: Apricot Gallery is one of the longest-running commercial galleries in Vietnam, with a focus on established artists and collectable works.

Traveler tip: While it leans commercial, you’re under no pressure to buy. The knowledgeable staff are happy to share stories behind the pieces, even if you’re just browsing.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Daily

Tucked into a colonial villa near Hanoi’s Truc Bạch Lake, Manzi is more than just a gallery—it’s a gathering space for artists, thinkers, and curious travelers. This multidisciplinary venue showcases contemporary works that often challenge convention, ranging from bold photography exhibitions to socially conscious installations. Many events here lean into dialogue: artist talks, film screenings, and even experimental music nights.

What makes it special: Manzi doesn’t shy away from difficult questions. Expect art that addresses censorship, identity, and Vietnam’s evolving relationship with modernity.

Traveler tip: After browsing the gallery, grab a drink from the café downstairs. The setting is peaceful, with creative energy in the air—perfect for journaling or sketching.

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday

Backed by the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies, VICAS is a bold experiment in public-meets-independent art. This government-supported space gives surprising freedom to artists working in performance, video, and mixed media. Its exhibitions often tackle contemporary social issues—gender, migration, urbanization—without veering into propaganda.

What makes it special: It’s rare to find a state-affiliated space with such a progressive curatorial voice. VICAS bridges the gap between institutional support and creative autonomy.

Traveler tip: Check for live events or performance art evenings—these are some of the most immersive and thought-provoking experiences in Hanoi’s art world.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Sunday

Located in District 2, The Factory is Vietnam’s first purpose-built space for contemporary art—and it shows. This architectural marvel of stacked shipping containers offers a rotating program of exhibitions from emerging and established Vietnamese artists, often with a strong curatorial narrative. As one of the best art galleries in Vietnam, it also houses a co-working area, library, and open garden, making it a true cultural hub.

What makes it special: The Factory is committed to storytelling. Each exhibit feels like a chapter in Vietnam’s evolving art journey, complete with context and interpretation.

Traveler tip: Check their website before visiting. They frequently host art tours and panel discussions that enrich the experience.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday to Sunday; Closed on Monday and Tuesday

In a quiet alley in District 1, Craig Thomas Gallery offers a refined look at Vietnam’s contemporary art scene, with a particular focus on local talent. Exhibitions rotate regularly, often spotlighting emerging Vietnamese painters and sculptors. The space itself is understated, allowing the art to speak. Many of the works explore daily life, urbanization, and the tensions between tradition and progress.

What makes it special: The gallery owner has spent years nurturing Vietnamese talent. This is where collectors and critics discover the next big name.

Traveler tip: If you’re interested in purchasing original Vietnamese art, this gallery is approachable and fair. They ship internationally and often host opening receptions.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Saturday; Closed on Sunday and Monday

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VinGallery began as a small independent venue and evolved into a polished, international-minded art space. Located in Thao Dien, it’s surrounded by a community of designers, studios, and creative businesses. The gallery presents a curated mix of Vietnamese and international artists, often with a minimalist, conceptual style. Think clean lines, smart installations, and quiet visual poetry.

What makes it special: The vibe is cosmopolitan yet rooted. Many exhibitions examine cross-cultural identity and urban tension.

Traveler tip: Combine your visit with a stop at one of the nearby cafés or design shops. Thao Dien is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s trendiest neighborhoods for a reason.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday; Closed on Sunday

This unique space blends photography, ethnography, and storytelling. French photographer Rehahn has spent years documenting Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, and this free-entry museum is the result—a visually rich journey through rarely seen traditions, textiles, and faces. Located in a colonial-era house in the Ancient Town, it’s both educational and visually stunning.

What makes it special: It’s one of the only places in Vietnam where you can explore ethnic minority culture through fine art and curated history in one experience.

Traveler tip: Allow at least 45 minutes for a full visit. The costumes on display are originals gifted by communities, and each portrait is accompanied by personal stories.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Daily

Vietnam’s art scene is constantly evolving—quietly in some corners, boldly in others. Whether driven by tradition, innovation, or the desire to tell a story, local artists continue to shape how the country sees itself and how the world sees Vietnam.

For travelers, exploring these creative spaces offers more than aesthetic pleasure—it’s a way to understand culture through the eyes of those who live and express it. Keep your curiosity open, and let art guide you deeper into the places you visit.