Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh: Discover Vietnam’s Rich Herbal Medicine Heritage

Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh, the first private museum in Vietnam dedicated solely to traditional medicine, was established with a deep passion for preserving, honoring, and promoting the values of Vietnam’s rich medical heritage. Join us as we explore in greater detail the museum’s history, location, architecture and the unique experiences that await inside Fito Museum in the article below.

1. Essential Information about The Fito Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

If you're planning to explore Vietnam’s traditional medicine, The Fito Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is an unmissable destination. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit, from location and opening hours to how to get there easily.

1.1. Location

Just about 3.4 kilometers from Independence Palace, the Fito Museum is located at 41 Hoang Du Khuong Street, Ward 12, District 10. Though situated in one of the busiest districts of Ho Chi Minh City, the Fito Museum is a bit of a hidden gem, quietly tucked away in a small alley. Its discreet location gives it a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere and a stark contrast to the energetic streets outside.

Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh is located in District 10, offering convenient access from the city’s central districts (Source: Internet)

1.2. Opening Hours And Entrance Fees

The Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh is open to visitors daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays, making it an accessible destination for both tourists and locals any day of the week.

When it comes to ticket pricing, the museum offers a tiered entrance fee system to ensure inclusivity for different visitor groups:

• Adults/Photography fee: 180,000 VND
• Students, Children (aged 2 - 15), Seniors: 90,000 VND

Children under 2 years old may be eligible for free entry, but it’s recommended to confirm this upon arrival.

Notably, visitors also have the opportunity to receive a free traditional pulse diagnosis and health consultation from an on-site practitioner. However, this service requires advance booking due to limited availability.

1.3. Ways to Navigate Yourself to The Fito Museum

The Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh sits at the heart of one of the most vibrant areas of the city, surrounded by lively shopping streets and local eateries. Getting to the museum is convenient no matter where you’re staying in Ho Chi Minh City. Here are some practical transport options for visitors:

• By motorbike: You can rent a self-driving motorbike for around 100,000 VND - 150,000 VND per day, which is ideal if you prefer flexibility and independence while exploring the city. Alternatively, you can book a motorbike ride via mobile apps, typically costs 20,000 VND - 40,000 VND (USD 0.8 - USD 1.6) and takes under 15 minutes.
• By taxi: You can opt for a local taxi by hailing one on the street or calling a reputable taxi company. Alternatively, ride-hailing apps offer a convenient and often cheaper solution, with rides from central districts (within 3 or 5km) typically costing 50,000 VND - 100,000 VND (USD 1.93 - USD 3.87), depending on traffic and time of day.
• By bus: Buses number 10, 13, 14, 65, and 91 all have stops near the museum. Fares are very affordable, ranging from 5,000 VND - 10,000 VND per person (roughly USD 0.3 - USD 0.4).

2. Key Historical Highlights of The Fito Museum

The Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh City, also known as the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, was officially opened to the public in 2007, following years of meticulous preparation since its initial construction in 2003. The museum is the brainchild of Mr. Le Khac Tam, a veteran in the pharmaceutical industry with a lifelong passion for traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Motivated by the belief that traditional medicine embodies not only healing but also the cultural soul of Vietnam, Mr. Tam envisioned a space to preserve, educate and inspire. His dream was to create a place where the public could explore centuries of herbal knowledge rooted in the country’s rich natural heritage.

Fito is the first private museum of medicine in Vietnam, known for its unique architectural design (Source: Internet)

Over decades of collecting and curating, Mr. Tam brought together nearly 3,000 artifacts representing tools, manuscripts and remedies used throughout Vietnam’s medical history. Influenced by his visits to museums around the world, he aspired to build something equally meaningful for Vietnamese culture.

The result is a museum that doesn't merely display objects but also tells a story of compassion, wisdom and respect for nature. It is a tribute to generations of Vietnamese healers and an invitation for modern audiences to rediscover the depth and humanity of traditional healing arts.

Visiting the Fito Museum feels like stepping back into 19th-century Vietnam (Source: Internet)

3. The Captivating Architecture of The Fito Museum

The Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh spans six floors and 18 exhibition rooms, covering a total area of nearly 600 square meters. The Fito Museum has carefully recreated traditional medical scenes through detailed models, engravings, images and authentic artifacts. Let’s now explore how the Fito Museum vividly brings to life the traditional healing practices of Vietnamese herbal doctors and royal physicians from ancient times to the present day.

3.1. The First Floor

The first floor of the Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh is where visitors begin their journey into the world of Vietnamese traditional medicine. This level features two key rooms designed to introduce the foundational values, history, and cultural significance of this centuries-old practice:

• Cinema room: This 50-seat screening room offers a 15-minute documentary available in multiple languages, including Vietnamese, English, French, German and Russian. The film introduces the history and development of Vietnam’s traditional medicine, offering viewers a deeper understanding of how the field has evolved through centuries of cultural and scientific advancement. Watching this documentary is highly recommended before continuing the museum tour, as it provides valuable context for what follows.
• Pharmacy and souvenir shop: Located near the entrance and typically explored at the end of the visit, this room allows guests to sample and purchase traditional herbal products such as medicinal teas, healing wines, and plant-based remedies. The space also offers a variety of thoughtfully crafted souvenirs, allowing visitors to bring home a piece of Vietnam’s rich medical heritage.

The first floor serves as both the gateway and the closing touch to the museum experience, offering a compelling introduction at the start, and a chance for personal connection through taste and memory at the end.

The pharmacy and souvenir shop at Fito offers traditional herbal products such as medicinal teas, healing wines, and various themed souvenirs (Source: Internet)

The entrance to the museum is designed in a distinctly Vietnamese style, featuring intricate and elaborate carvings (Source: Internet)

3.2. The Second Floor

The second floor of the Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh stands out as the most distinctive level in the entire building, housing a single yet strikingly grand room. This space offers a rare window into the world of traditional medicine as practiced within Vietnam’s royal court.

This room is a faithful replica of the Royal Medicinal Academy, which once served as the royal clinic for Vietnam’s imperial family. Lavishly decorated with gold-plated wooden paintings and exquisitely carved wooden furniture, the room reflects the opulence and refined aesthetics of the royal era. Every detail, from the layout to the ornate decor, is designed to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of medical practice reserved for emperors and nobles.

The interior is decorated in a royal court style (Source: Internet)

3.3. The Third Floor

The third floor of the Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh offers visitors a rich visual experience through its collection of traditional medical instruments and everyday objects used in Vietnamese herbal medicine:

• Herbal tincture jug exhibition room: This room displays an impressive array of wine bottles, jars, and pots used to store herbal tinctures. The designs span centuries, from Han Viet pottery (1st - 3rd century) to modern ceramics of the 20th century, reflecting the evolution of Vietnamese ceramic art in medicine.
• Metal teapot exhibition room: A sophisticated collection of teapots made of various metals, originating from regions such as Ha Dong, Hoi An, Lai Thieu, and more. These objects not only served practical purposes but also embodied the artistry of their time.
• Scale and mortar exhibition room: This room features traditional Vietnamese and Western-style scales, mortars, and pestles dating back to the French colonial period in the 19th century. Many of these tools were commonly found in old pharmacies and herbalist shops.
• Ceramic teapot exhibition room: A beautifully curated space displaying ceramic teapots, medicine cups, and bowls, alongside mosaic paintings depicting traditional scenes like herbal gathering, decoction, pulse diagnosis, and prescription writing – all reflecting the daily life of herbal practitioners.

These rooms collectively highlight the precision, artistry, and deep-rooted rituals behind the practice of traditional Vietnamese medicine.

The exhibition room showcases teapots crafted in various regions across Vietnam (Source: Internet)

Various types of scales are used for measuring medicinal ingredients (Source: Internet)

3.4. The Fourth Floor

The fourth floor of the Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh presents a complete picture of traditional medicine preparation, from raw ingredients to specialized tools. This floor houses four themed Exhibition Rooms showcasing medicinal herbs, processing tools, ceramic wine jars, and a full replica of a 19th-century Vietnamese pharmacy.

• Medicinal wine jar exhibition room: This room displays ceramic jars used for fermenting herbal wine, an essential method in Vietnamese medicine. These jars were often buried underground for extended periods, as it was believed this process enhanced the wine’s healing properties while minimizing contamination.
• 19th-century pharmacy exhibition room: A life-sized reconstruction of a classic pharmacy featuring a large wooden cabinet with 81 labeled drawers, each storing a different herb. This setup offers insight into how herbalists organized and dispensed remedies in the 1800s.
• Apothecary tool exhibition room: Highlights essential instruments such as the apothecary’s mortar for grinding herbs into powder and the medicine root slicer, used to prepare ingredients with precision. These tools reflect the craftsmanship and care involved in traditional medicinal practices.
• Herbal ingredient exhibition room: This exhibit features over 300 specimens of medicinal plants, minerals, and animal-derived substances traditionally used in Eastern medicine. A standout highlight is the “Vietnam Ban Thao” – a rare illustrated manuscript containing nearly 2,000 medicinal plant entries, including 20 hand-drawn pages that vividly reflect the depth of Vietnam’s botanical and traditional pharmacological knowledge.

Visitors can also enjoy an interactive experience at the pharmacy model by selecting from 81 types of herbs to create their own traditional remedy, under staff guidance.

"Vietnam Ban Thao" showcases over 300 specimens of medicinal plants, animals, and minerals used in traditional remedies (Source: Internet)

A large wooden medicine cabinet recreates a traditional 19th-century pharmacy in Vietnam (Source: Internet)

The exhibition area showcases the herbalist’s mortar and root slicer used in traditional medicine preparation (Source: Internet)

3.5. The Fifth Floor

The fifth floor of the Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh is dedicated to honoring the history, philosophy, and influential figures of Vietnamese traditional medicine. This level features precious artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and ceremonial spaces that reflect the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual values of the profession.

• Vietnamese traditional medicinal tree exhibition room: The highlight of this room is the intricately carved wooden artwork titled "Vietnam Bach Gia Y", depicting a majestic tree. On its branches are the names of 100 renowned physicians who contributed to traditional medicine from the 12th to early 20th century, a powerful symbol of medical legacy and unity.
• Prehistoric medicine instrument exhibition room: Showcases Stone Age and Bronze Age artifacts believed to be associated with early medicinal practices. These items provide a rare look into the ancient roots of healing in Vietnamese history.
• Ancestral hall of medical founders: At the heart of this solemn space is an altar dedicated to two legendary figures: Tue Tinh and Hai Thuong Lan Ong (Le Huu Trac) – both regarded as the founding fathers of traditional Vietnamese medicine. The altar is flanked by traditional lacquered calligraphy panels, evoking the respectful ambiance of ancestral worship in noble families.
• Traditional medicine history exhibition room: Features a detailed timeline of Vietnamese traditional medicine, highlighting key milestones, developments, and the lives of major historical figures. This room offers a comprehensive view of how Vietnamese medicine evolved through different dynasties and cultural influences.

"Viet Nam Bach Gia Y" is a wooden artwork intricately carved with the names of 100 renowned Vietnamese physicians (Source: Internet)

The altar dedicated to Tue Tinh and Hai Thuong Lan Ong (Source: Internet)

3.6. The Sixth Floor

The sixth floor of the Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh serves as a cultural and historical summary, offering a broader view of oriental medicine and the key figures who shaped Vietnamese traditional medicine. This floor not only honors great physicians but also reflects the architectural and medical influences from neighboring cultures.

• Overview of oriental medicine room: This room presents a comparative history of traditional medicine in Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan. Visitors, especially foreign tourists, often express great admiration for the artifacts and scholarly materials that reveal the diversity and common roots of Eastern healing philosophies.
• Cham tower replica area: A unique architectural feature modeled after the Cham tower, showcasing traditional design elements from various Vietnamese regions. On the opposite side, there's a symbolic recreation of the Thang Long Medical Temple in Hanoi, offering a historical connection between regions and eras.
• Exhibition room of Vietnamese physicians: This gallery displays 15 portraits of renowned Vietnamese traditional medicine physicians from the 13th to 18th centuries. The artworks are crafted using traditional Vietnamese techniques, particularly painted on yellow parchment paper, a nod to the artistry and reverence given to medical figures throughout history.

As the highest floor of the museum, this level offers a thoughtful conclusion to your journey, tying together the historical, regional, and human elements that define Vietnam’s medical heritage.

A replica of a Cham tower displayed at the museum (Source: Internet)

A replica of the entrance gate to the Thang Long Medical Temple (Source: Internet)

4. Important Insider Tips for Visiting The Fito Museum

Before exploring the rich heritage preserved at the Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh, here are a few helpful tips to ensure you enjoy a respectful and fulfilling visit. These notes cover etiquette, behavior, and how to make the most of your time at the museum:

• Wear appropriate attire: Avoid shorts or tank tops. Proper attire shows respect for the cultural and spiritual spaces inside the museum.
• Don’t make loud noises: Speak softly and avoid loud noises to maintain a calm, respectful atmosphere for all visitors.
• Keep the place clean: Keeping the museum clean helps preserve valuable artifacts and ensures a pleasant environment for others.
• Buy some organic tea as souvenirs: The museum offers high-quality, traditional teas that make meaningful gifts and support local craftsmanship. You can check out the list of products on their website or reach out to staff in person for additional information.

We encourage you to dress modestly and keep your voice low while exploring the museum (Source: Internet)

5. Nearby Attractions within Only 2km

After exploring the rich heritage of Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh, visitors can easily extend their cultural journey by discovering nearby landmarks. Within just a 2-kilometer radius, you’ll find iconic places that highlight the local lifestyle, spiritual traditions, and Vietnam’s modern history.

5.1. Ho Thi Ky Food Street

Known as Saigon’s “Little Cambodia”, Ho Thi Ky Food Street is a paradise for street food lovers. The narrow alley is packed with vendors selling everything from Cambodian sweet soups to Vietnamese grilled skewers. Aside from food, visitors can also explore the nearby flower market, which adds a colorful touch to the local culture. Located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Fito Museum, Ho Thi Ky Food Street can be reached in about 5 minutes by motorbike or taxi.

Ho Thi Ky Street Food is a popular culinary spot among tourists, located right in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Internet)

Ho Thi Ky food alley is always bustling with visitors coming to enjoy its diverse street food offerings (Source: Internet)

5.2. Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple

Located at 244 3/2 Street, Ward 12, District 10, Viet Nam Quoc Tu is just 500 meters from the Fito Museum, making it easily accessible within a 2 - 3 minute motorbike ride or a short walk. As one of the largest Buddhist temples in the inner city, Viet Nam Quoc Tu is known for its spacious layout and peaceful ambiance. The temple’s most iconic feature is the 13-story Da Bao Tower, rising 63 meters high, which symbolizes the presence of Buddha and Buddhist principles across all directions.

Viet Nam Quoc Tu Pagoda stands out with its 13-story tower (Source: Internet)

A solemn ceremony is taking place at Viet Nam Quoc Tu Pagoda (Source: Internet)

5.3. Independence Palace

Just 3.2 kilometers from the Fito Museum, the Independence Palace Ho Chi Minh is about 10 minutes away by motorbike or taxi. This landmark is one of the most historically significant sites in Vietnam, especially for those seeking to understand the country's modern history.

Once the residence and workplace of the President of South Vietnam, the palace played a central role in the events leading to the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Visitors can explore original war rooms, underground bunkers, and meeting halls that remain preserved to this day. For more insights, explore our comprehensive guide to visiting the Independence Palace.

The Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City is known as one of the most remarkable historical attractions not to be missed (Source: Internet)

Visitors can admire the meeting rooms, banquet halls, and other spaces once used by the former President of South Vietnam (Source: Internet)

The Fito Museum Ho Chi Minh is more than just a museum, it is a cultural journey into the heart of Vietnam’s traditional medicine and healing philosophy. With thousands of artifacts, beautifully reconstructed spaces, and interactive experiences, it offers deep insight into the country’s medical heritage. Don’t miss the chance to explore this hidden gem in the heart of Saigon.

Visit the Vietnam Airlines's website to discover more about local Vietnamese cuisine and unique food experiences across different regions.