FITO Museum
Explore Vietnam's rich healing traditions at FITO Museum, featuring ancient artifacts, a replica pharmacy, and stunning traditional architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
FITO Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Vietnam's rich healing traditions at FITO Museum, featuring ancient artifacts, a replica pharmacy, and stunning traditional architecture.
"A peaceful and fascinating stop for anyone curious about Vietnam's healing traditions and cultural heritage."
Bring Cash for Entry
Only cash is accepted for admission. Be prepared before you arrive! :moneybag:
Allocate Ample Time
With six floors of exhibits, take your time to absorb the history. :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 81-Drawer Pharmacy
3rd and 4th Floors
Mix your own remedies in a recreated 19th-century pharmacy. A hands-on experience with historical herbs!
Intricate Wood Carvings
Throughout the museum
Marvel at detailed mythical creatures and floral motifs carved into the traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Royal Medicinal Academy Replica
2nd Floor
Step back in time to witness the ornate decor of a historic royal clinic and learn about ancient healthcare.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Calm: Timing is Key
Cash is King: Payment & Tea
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Entry
Only cash is accepted for admission. Be prepared before you arrive! :moneybag:
Allocate Ample Time
With six floors of exhibits, take your time to absorb the history. :clock:
Enjoy the Herbal Tea
A complimentary cup of tea awaits after your self-guided tour. :tea:
Interactive Pharmacy Fun
Don't miss the chance to mix your own remedies! :herb:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Entry
Only cash is accepted for admission. Be prepared before you arrive! :moneybag:
Allocate Ample Time
With six floors of exhibits, take your time to absorb the history. :clock:
Enjoy the Herbal Tea
A complimentary cup of tea awaits after your self-guided tour. :tea:
Interactive Pharmacy Fun
Don't miss the chance to mix your own remedies! :herb:
Ask About Guided Tours
Inquire about guided tours, as they may not be offered to all groups. :information_desk:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The FITO Museum is praised for its unique focus on Vietnamese traditional medicine, its beautifully preserved traditional architecture, and intricate wood carvings. Visitors appreciate the interactive pharmacy and the complimentary herbal tea. However, some reviews note potential inconsistencies in service and the need to inquire about guided tours, with one reviewer citing discriminatory treatment.
"FITO Museum is Vietnam’s first private museum dedicated to traditional medicine. Set in a beautifully crafted traditional-style house, it features over 3,000 artifacts like herbal tools, ancient texts, and old pharmacy items. Visitors can explore serene wooden interiors, learn about famous Vietnamese physicians, and even join educational activities. It’s a peaceful and fascinating stop for anyone curious about Vietnam’s healing traditions and cultural heritage."
Maricar Custodio
"The only star is for the museum itself. However, I saw huge discrepancies in the way my family was treated and how 2 other guys (also European) were treated. While we were just handed out some plastic pamphlets explaining in short the history of the Vietnamese tradition medicine, the other two guys got a free of charge guided tour (it was free as I went to ask them whether they had paid for it) by one of the ladies working in the museum. The guy that sold us the tickets tucked us in a dark room and played a movie about the traditional Vietnamese medicine. After this he gave us the pamphlets and left us on our own. No introduction whatsoever. I followed a bit with the other two guys and confronted the guide regarding the tour we have not been offered and she just mumbled back that it depends on the group?! What group? They were 2 single guys and I came with my husband and daughter. So families are considered a burden for their staff and a huge responsibility if they are not even offered the option of having the tour. The lady went out of her way regarding her tour with the guys: so much that she was telling them how to stand and where to look in order to take their perfect pictures. Am I missing something here? Were they influencers this place was desperately needing in order to attract a crowd? So to sum it up: we paid 180 000 per adult and 90 000 for the 6 years old child, we were offered each one cup of free tea at the end of the tour and we were given plastic pamphlets explaining the history of the place. Nothing more for this high price. This in the Western world is clearly called discrimination. I came because I was sure there was at least one activity for the kids - obviously the same activity was very popular for adults too: to change clothes into the traditional Vietnamese ones and pretend to be an old days pharmacist mixing herbs and making medicines. We had to specifically go and ask our supposedly dedicated guide about it- he simply showed into the direction where the place in question was located, without any further explanation.
Kindly re-consider bringing kids here as your “group” will automatically be a low priority in the eyes of their staff. Note: ONLY CASH accepted! P.S. to see how the lady was positioning the guys for their perfect shot - check the last picture of the ones I have uploaded."
Lora Olsen
"What a great visit.
Historical Context & Architecture
Founded by Dr. Lê Khắc Tâm, the FITO Museum was constructed in 2003 and opened to the public in 2007
The architectural style is a textured blend of traditional Vietnamese wood carving (often influenced by Hue and Cham styles) with six floors and over 18 exhibition rooms designed to evoke an ancient herbal medecine
What You’ll Discover on Each Floor
Ground Floor & 1st Floor:
Cinema Room: A 15-minute multilingual documentary (Vietnamese, English, French, German, Russian) introduces visitors to the origins and stories of Vietnamese traditional medicine
Souvenir Shop & Herbal Pharmacy: Browse herbal teas, medicinal wines, essential oils, or sample wellness products
2nd Floor:
The Royal Medicinal Academy, recreated to represent the royal clinic with ornate decor, giving a window into historic royal healthcare systems
3rd and 4th Floors:
Rich displays of herbal tools—from metal teapots, mortars, grinders, tools for slicing herbs, scales to tincture jugs and medicine jars—offering insight into traditional preparation methods.
Interactive Experience: A model pharmacy (19th century style) with an 81-drawer wooden cabinet. Under guidance, visitors can mix their own remedies from the herbs provided
5th Floor:
Ancestral Hall & Medicinal Tree: An altar honoring legendary herbalists Tuệ Tĩnh (14th century) and Hải Thượng Lãn Ông – Lê Hữu Trác (18th century) with a carved “Vietnam Bach Gia Y” tree featuring 100 famed medical practitioners’ names.
Ancient Tools & Historical Timeline: Artifacts from the Stone and Bronze Ages and a chronological display of Vietnamese medical milestones
Vietnam Discovery Travel
6th Floor:
A comparative visual journey through traditional medicine systems of Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan.
Unique cultural features like a Cham tower replica and imagery of the Thăng Long Medical Temple from Hanoi, plus portraits of traditional Vietnamese medecine"
Paul Parent
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The FITO Museum is located in Ho Chi Minh City. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services like Grab. It's advisable to have the museum's address handy for your driver.
While specific public transport routes can vary, taxis and ride-sharing apps are generally the most convenient ways to reach the museum. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date information.
From District 1, a taxi or Grab is a straightforward option. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Information on dedicated parking facilities is limited, but if you are arriving by private car, inquire locally about available parking options nearby.
The museum has multiple floors, and while there are stairs, some areas might be accessible. It's recommended to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility features.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, but reviews suggest it's around 180,000 VND per adult and 90,000 VND for children. It's always best to confirm current pricing upon arrival.
No, the FITO Museum exclusively accepts cash payments for admission. Make sure to have enough Vietnamese Dong with you.
The museum is typically open daily, but hours can change. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most accurate opening times.
Tickets are generally purchased on-site upon arrival. There is no widespread information about advance ticket sales.
There is no strict dress code, but it's a place of cultural significance. Modest attire is recommended out of respect.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases over 3,000 artifacts related to traditional Vietnamese medicine across six floors, including ancient tools, texts, a replica pharmacy, and detailed wood carvings.
Guided tours may be offered, but their availability can be inconsistent. Some visitors reported receiving them while others did not. It's advisable to inquire upon arrival.
Yes, there's an interactive pharmacy where visitors, including children, can try mixing remedies. Some reviews suggest inquiring specifically about these activities.
To fully appreciate the exhibits across six floors, plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Some visitors suggest taking your time to enjoy the details.
The museum is housed in a traditional-style house featuring a blend of Vietnamese wood carving, influenced by Hue and Cham styles, with six floors and 18 exhibition rooms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself doesn't have a full restaurant, but it does feature a souvenir shop that includes an herbal pharmacy where you can purchase herbal teas and wellness products.
Yes, visitors often receive a complimentary cup of herbal tea at the end of their self-guided tour.
The museum is located in Ho Chi Minh City, which offers a vast array of dining options. You'll find numerous local eateries and restaurants serving Vietnamese cuisine nearby.
Yes, the surrounding areas of Ho Chi Minh City are rich with cafes and restaurants. Exploring the neighborhood will reveal many choices for refreshments and meals.
It's a good idea to have a meal before your visit, as the museum focuses on its exhibits rather than extensive dining facilities. You can enjoy the herbal tea provided at the end.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While some visitors have shared photos, it's always best to check for signage or ask staff if photography is permitted in all areas.
The intricately carved wood details, the replica pharmacy, and the traditional architectural elements offer excellent photo opportunities.
There are no specific mentions of restrictions for social media, but general museum photography rules usually apply. Be mindful of other visitors.
Generally, photography of artifacts might be restricted to prevent flash damage. Always look for 'no photo' signs and respect them.
The museum has a mix of natural light and interior lighting. The wooden interiors can create a warm, atmospheric light, which can be great for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum offers a wealth of historical information, some reviews suggest that families might need to proactively ask for explanations or guided tours to ensure children get the most out of the visit. The museum's serene atmosphere and unique exhibits provide a different kind of educational outing, away from typical tourist attractions. Remember to bring cash for tickets and be prepared for a self-guided exploration, with the possibility of a complimentary herbal tea at the end.
🤔 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, focus on fully exploring all six floors and engaging with the interactive elements like the pharmacy. Since credit cards aren't accepted, ensure you have enough cash on hand for the entrance fee. Consider visiting during weekday mornings to enjoy a less crowded experience, allowing for a more thorough self-guided tour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Vietnamese Traditional Medicine
The museum's architecture itself is a testament to traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship, blending wood carving with a design that evokes an ancient herbal medicine house. Each floor offers a unique glimpse into different aspects of this practice, from the Royal Medicinal Academy to displays of herbal preparation tools. The interactive pharmacy, where visitors can mix their own remedies, provides a hands-on connection to the past.
Beyond the artifacts, the museum also highlights the cultural significance of traditional medicine, with displays comparing Vietnamese practices to those of China, Korea, and Japan. It's a peaceful and educational experience for anyone interested in cultural heritage and alternative healing methods.
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Details
Throughout the museum, you'll find large amounts of incredibly beautiful and intricately crafted historic wood carvings. These carvings are integrated into the architecture and interior, showcasing all kinds of mythical creatures and floral motifs. Unlike kitsch, the use of dark and raw wood lends a sense of magic and depth, allowing visitors to get lost in the detailed artistry.
This attention to detail extends to the recreated historical settings, such as the Royal Medicinal Academy and the model pharmacy. The overall aesthetic is one of serene elegance, making the exploration of traditional medicine a visually captivating experience.
Navigating Visitor Experiences: Tips and Insights
However, some reviews mention a discrepancy in how different visitors are treated, with suggestions that guided tours might not be offered universally. It's recommended to inquire about guided tours upon arrival to ensure you don't miss out on in-depth information. The museum exclusively accepts cash, so be prepared with Vietnamese Dong.
Despite these points, many visitors find the FITO Museum to be a peaceful and fascinating stop, offering a unique insight into Vietnam's cultural heritage and traditional healing practices. The complimentary herbal tea at the end of the visit is a nice touch that enhances the overall experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit