FITO Museum – the First Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
The FITO Museum (also known as the First Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine) is located at Hoang Du Khuong Street in District 10 of Ho Chi Minh City. The museum is housed in a unique traditional building in Saigon. Visitors coming to FITO Museum are able to examine a collection of almost 3,000 items related to Vietnamese medical practice, with some artifacts dating all the way back to the Stone Age.
The First Museum of Vietnamese Medicine offers an in-depth look at the fascinating world of traditional Vietnamese medicine, which is heavily influenced by Chinese philosophy. When in HCMC check out The FITO Museum and admire many documents and books on display that deal with traditional Vietnamese medicine. Visitors can also browse through the scales, cabinets, printing molds, spirit gourd, tea pot, lime pot and other ceramic pieces.
Unheard to even many locals, the hidden gem in here is humbly nestled in an alleyway of private homes, small businesses and cafés. Aside from the intensive and unique collection of artifacts, the façade itself is truly a piece of art. The entire building lends the vibe of a traditional Vietnamese Northern home, with a twist of Hue Style and Cham style from the Central Vietnam and Cambodia. The The 18 rooms of distinctive architectural charms on 5 floors are connected through a front as well as rear wooden staircase. Interestingly enough, at the end of the tour, tourists will be invited to enjoy a cup of wholesome herbal tea prepared by the lovely staff.
Just by 15 minutes taxi ride from the city center, visitors can reach FITO Museum, a mysterious and beautiful museum that and displaying nearly 3000 traditional Vietnamese artifacts medicine, dating back from the Stone Age namely medicinal herbs, tools and decorative containers, as well as books, medicinal charts, journals and wooden paintings. In addition, the First Museum of Traditional Vietnamese medicine (FITO) regularly screens a documentary about the history of Vietnam’s traditional medicine called “A Century of Health Care Experiences”.
