Saigon Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
In this post we explore the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine in Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon locate in a restored tradition building and is part of the FITO Museum Group. The fascinating museum showcases traditional cures, old herbal and acupuncture traditions utilized throughout the country. With over 3,000 artifacts, herbal manuscripts and historic recipes and tools. I loved discovering the many rooms and galleries with beautifully designed collections and architecturally designed interiors to look like an old apothecary and private home.
It was a fascinating experience walking around a restored wooden structure utilizing traditional Vietnamese architecture and ornamentation with intricate displays, carvings and artwork to display these amazing collections in well-defined galleries.
Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine – tour ancient cures, herbal remedies, healers & herbalists
The collections illustrate how old Vietnamese healers used natural cures for a variety of daily ailments with beautiful displays, art collections and even a place where you can wear traditional clothing and do some fun selfies throughout the museum. The displays a cohesive blend of wellness, history and architecture in this repurposed building and documents Vietnam’s healing traditions. The museum preserves the legacy of ancient Vietnamese healers with influences of indigenous and Chinese practices done at that time. One of the most important was the 14th century herbalist, Tue Tinh along with royal physicians tools and herbal remedies.
A brief history of the Traditional Vietnamese Medicine Museum in Saigon
The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine in Saigon, also known as FITO Museum, was established by Dr. Lê Khắc Tâm and officially opened to the public in 2007. It was the first private museum in Vietnam dedicated entirely to traditional medicine, showcasing the country’s centuries-old practices of healing with herbs, acupuncture, and holistic treatments. The museum’s collection spans over 3,000 artifacts, some dating back to the Stone Age, including ancient tools, manuscripts, and medicinal plant specimens. Designed with traditional wooden architecture, the museum not only preserves the history of Vietnamese medicine but also highlights the influence of Chinese and regional practices that shaped its evolution. It serves as both a cultural archive and an educational center, allowing visitors to appreciate the depth and continuity of Vietnam’s healing traditions.
How to get to the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
Here’s how to get to the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (FITO Museum) in Ho Chi Minh City, plus what to expect and some tips.
Location
- Address: 41 Hoàng Dư Khương, Phường 12, Quận 10, Ho Chi Minh City (Scooter Saigon Tours)
- Open daily from about 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
How to get there
Here are your options depending on where you are in the city:
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Taxi / Ride-hailing (Grab, etc.) | Probably the simplest. From central districts like D1, rides take ~10-20 minutes, depending on traffic. |
| Bus | Some bus lines stop close by. For example: buses 02, 07, 54 have stops near the museum. |
| Walking | If you’re staying somewhat nearby (in District 10 or a bordering district), walking is feasible. Depending on your starting point, 10-30 minutes. |
| Motorbike | Renting a motorbike or using a motorbike-taxi is also quite convenient, especially if traffic is moderate. More flexible for weaving through streets. |
What to watch out for / Tips
- Go early in the morning to avoid traffic and crowds.
- Have a map or navigation app ready. The street (Hoàng Dư Khương) is a bit off many tourist routes.
- Carry enough cash for entrance (adult fee ~ 120,000 VND) and any small purchases in the shop/café.
- If you’re staying in District 1 or similar, plan how long transport might take—traffic can slow things down.
Here are some of the worthwhile things to do an see at the museum:
Enjoy some herbal tea
Tea can be served at the top floor teahouse with nice views of the district and enjoy a calming and healthy experience trying out the ginseng or red lingzhi mushroom tea
Watch the museum documentary
This documentary features monks, herbalists and healers talk about Vietnam’s medical history and ancient remedies
Explore Herbal Displays
Located on the first floor and replicating a traditional pharmacy with over 3,000 herbs showcased lie star anise, ginseng, lotus seeds and more. You’ll find panels and audio vistuals that explain the many uses for these herbs used to cure ailments and the prescribed traditional remedies.
Displays of Medical Tools
Located on the 2nd and 3rd floors are the variety of medicinal tools to include herbal manuscripts, scales, bronze acupuncture needles, 19th century mortars and an ancient wooden medicine chest typically showing the various ancient apothecaries.
Shopping gift store
Located on the ground floor is the gift shop featuring herbal teas, balms and essential oils. You can also find. Books on Vietnamese medicine and traditional recipes.
Dress up in traditional garb
You can dress up as a healer or drug store attendant and do some fun selfies in various galleries to capture and have a fun medicinal souvenir of the area.
Details to visiting the Museum
Details for visiting the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (FITO Museum) in Saigon:
Address
41 Hoàng Dư Khuơng, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Opening Hours
Daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
- Adults: ~ VND 120,000
- Children (or shorter than ~1.2 m): ~ VND 60,000
Website
http://fitomuseum.com.vn
If you want, I can pull up a map and suggest best times to visit to avoid crowds.
Further reading – Visiting Saigon and tours around the country
If you are planning on a longer visit to the rest of the country, check out these other locations and things to do below
Visit to Da Nang in Central Vietnam
Imperial Hue in Central Vietnam
Conclusion to visiting the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
Visiting the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine offers a thoughtful look into the country’s centuries-old healing practices, blending history, culture, and science in one place. From intricate displays of ancient tools to detailed explanations of herbal remedies, the museum provides a deeper understanding of how traditional medicine continues to influence modern life in Vietnam. If you’re looking for more than just sightseeing and want to walk away with cultural insight, this museum deserves a spot on your itinerary. Add it to your Saigon plans and experience a different side of the city’s heritage.
