The Fito Museum, also known as the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, is a captivating destination in Ho Chi Minh City that delves into the rich history and practices of traditional Vietnamese medicine. Housed in a beautifully restored French colonial building, the museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts, ancient remedies, and exhibits that highlight the country’s traditional healing methods.
You can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and other traditional therapies, gaining insights into the deep-rooted cultural beliefs and practices that have shaped Vietnam’s medical heritage.
Address and opening times of Fito Museum
- Address: 41 Hoang Du Khuong Street, Ward 12, District 10
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- Entrance Fee:
- Children under 1.2m: VND 90,000/person
- Adults: VND 180,000/person
- Suggested visit duration: 1 hour
How to get there?
Taking a taxi is the most convenient way to reach the museum. From the city center in District 1, the distance is around 2 to 3 kilometers, depending on your exact location. You can easily hail a taxi or use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek. Ensure that the taxi driver uses the meter or agrees on a fair price before starting the journey.
Please note that the Fito Museum is not situated in the main tourist area, but it is still relatively close, making it a short taxi ride away. The approximate travel time is around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.
The museum building
The Fito Museum is housed in a unique and captivating building that reflects the charm of ancient Vietnamese architecture. The structure, built in 1995, spans a ground floor and five upper stories, covering an area of 600 square meters.
The museum building showcases the intricate craftsmanship of late 19th-century Vietnamese houses, as it incorporates reclaimed wooden frames from old houses across Vietnam. Each floor exhibits a distinct style, with walls, tiles, and furniture crafted from various materials to replicate different antique house designs.
Not only does the building boast a rich historical ambiance, but it also offers modern amenities such as elevator access and visual devices.
What to see and experience in Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
The first floor
Start your journey in the cinema room, where you will get to watch a 15-minute documentary about Vietnamese traditional medicine. The film introduces you to the cultural values of the practice as well as two prominent practitioners.
The other room will await you at the end of the visit, where you can try or buy herbal products like medicine, wine, tea, etc.
The second floor
This is the most special floor in the entire museum because it has only one room, and it is arguably the most grand-looking one.
It is a replica of the Royal Medicinal Academy, which is the equivalent of the royal clinic. This room will give you a glimpse into the splendor and luxurious lifestyle of the royal family.
The third floor
This is where you can feast your eyes on the intricate details of more medicine instruments like tea pots (both metal and ceramic), scales, mortars, and tincture jugs.
Much like the exhibits on the fourth floor, they are collected and kept in mint condition by Mr. Tam and the museum staff.
The fourth floor
This floor will let you see the full package of ingredients and tools for herbal medicine. There are four rooms, and they host four different types of exhibits: ingredients, tools, herbal wine jars, and a replica of a 19th-century pharmacy.
Additionally, the pharmacy is where you can try your first interactive activity. With proper instructions provided, you can choose from the 81 herbs available to make your own remedies.
The fifth floor
As you ascend to the fifth floor, you’ll be greeted by an array of historical artifacts and documents related to traditional Vietnamese medicine. Explore the collection of ancient books, manuscripts, and medical documents that offer insights into the development and practices of traditional medicine over the centuries.
Other highlights
Throughout your visit, you’ll encounter various displays showcasing traditional medicine preparation tools, such as knives, mortars, pestles, and medicinal wine jars. Admire the craftsmanship and learn about their significance in the traditional medicinal practices of Vietnam.
Don’t miss the opportunity to watch a fascinating documentary in the cinema room on the first floor, which sheds light on the cultural values and prominent practitioners of Vietnamese traditional medicine.
Before you leave, you can stop by the room where you can try or purchase herbal products like medicine, wine, and tea, allowing you to take a piece of traditional Vietnamese medicine home with you.
