A day of museum touring, all four places marked have aircraft.
Each museum has a F-5 representing the F-5E which Nguyễn Thanh Trung, real name Đinh Khắc Chung, was flying when he bombed the Reunification Palace on 5-Apr-75 and three weeks later in an A-37, Tan Son Nhut airbase (Saigon airport). He wanted to avenge the US bombing of Hanoi in 1972 and was encouraged by the Viet Cong to sign up for the South VN Air Force, which included training in the USA.Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum.
One of the most useful aspects of sightseeing in Vietnam is that every single shop – well, the physical, immovable shops – has its address written clearly on the frontage. Road signs at intersections were present, but it just helps with map reading old-school style. Google Maps works just fine too and there are wifi networks everywhere.
Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum
To be honest I’m not entirely convinced that this says ‘Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum’ but it was on the wall outside the compound. If it says ‘zoo this way’ or is advertising a bar, please let me know.
The inside of the museum is filled with strategic displays, probably of more interest to war gamers and dedicated historians.
Outside are a few intact aircraft and a wreck or two.
New Year decorations!
Ho Chi Minh City Museum
UH-1H 541
F-5A 71-0271
A-37B 3724
The captions say it all. The museum goes way back in history; their take on the outside displays is here.
War Remnants Museum
Douglas A-1H Skyraider 139674
Cessna A-37B 70-1285
F-5A 66-9170
66-0086 CH-47A
It’s by far and away the most popular (aviation) museum in Vietnam and rightly seems to be on every tour group’s itinerary as it realistically describes the horrors of war. On a trivial note, I don’t actually like the freshly painted schemes on the aircraft exhibits, although the CH-47 is authentically sun-bleached and worn.
71-1448 Cessna U-17B
One has to contend with a lot of other humans in shot. Or wait. Too hot for that!
Reunification Palace
In the grounds of the palace amongst the shade of some trees is this F-5.
Not sure what the true ID is of this aircraft.
Vietnam aircraft xmas 2015 