A retired lecturer in Ha Tinh Province has opened a museum with more than 4,000 artifacts, reportedly ranging from prehistoric tools to decades-old motorbikes. 

Dr Nguyen Quang Cuong, 64, set up the 1,500-square-meter Hoa Cuong Museum in Binh An Commune, Loc Ha District in November 2020 at a cost of tens of billions of dong (VND10 billion = $435,000). It is divided into 13 sections.

The idea of building a museum initially came to the former professor (pictured) at Binh Dinh Province’s Quy Nhon University in the 1970s after losing some certificates. He thought he would showcase the best of the past for his family and society.

"Over the last few decades I have traveled to many places to collect or buy artifacts," he said.

In the museum yard, Cuong has miniatures of Vietnam's Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands and boats made more than a century ago.

Jars, porcelain, china, and ancient mortars are also displayed in the yard.

Cuong said there are more than 100 jars, some of them almost 500 years old. The Ha Tinh Museum has certified some as being made during the Le Dynasty (1428 - 1789) era.

"Some jars were kept as treasures by local families. Whenever I visited them, they would avoid me. I patiently convinced them to sell those jars to me," he said.

There are 20 old motorbikes and bikes on the first floor, each costing VND30 - 100 million ($1,300 - 4,350). There are also documents and photos on display on the first floor.

The second floor has more than 300 prehistoric artifacts, according to Cuong, including agricultural and home tools.

There are more than 200 agricultural tools dating back to hundreds of years ago. In the photo, Cuong holds a stick that was used to carry offerings.

Many measuring tools are on display, including this balance made of ivory centuries ago.

Old sewing machines made in the U.S, Japan, Australia, and Russia.

A vase made during the Ly Dynasty (1009–1225) era with a distinctive concave bottom.

Cuong employs four people to welcome guests and explain about the artifacts. "I do not ask for entrance fees. My children would maintain the museum in future," he said.

A few groups of visitors visit the museum every day.