Inside Saigon's State Bank: A Rare Exhibition on 160 Years of Vietnamese Currency

The Ho Chi Minh City branch of the State Bank of Vietnam — a building normally closed to the public — is hosting a rare exhibition on the history of Vietnamese currency. If you're interested in Vietnam's history, architecture, or financial development, this is worth a visit.

The building itself, completed in 1930, is one of Saigon's finest Art Deco landmarks. Step inside the main hall and you'll find intricate stone carvings blending Khmer Garuda and Naga motifs — and, for a limited time, a curated collection of artifacts tracing Vietnam's economic journey from the colonial era to today.

Key milestones in Vietnamese currency history

1862–1955, French Indochina era: The exhibition documents the founding of the Banque de l'Indochine and the issuance of the Piastre. In colonial Saigon, all financial activity revolved around this riverside building.

1946–1951, early independence: On display are the first "fiscal banknotes" issued by Ho Chi Minh's government — a powerful symbol of sovereignty. The public affectionately called them "Giay bac Cu Ho" (Uncle Ho's banknotes).

1951–1978, building a national banking system: The State Bank of Vietnam was formally established. Multiple currency reforms followed, including a 1959 exchange at a ratio of 1:1,000 to restructure the credit system.

1975–1985, reunification and integration: After the fall of Saigon in 1975, the country unified its northern and southern currencies. A major reform in 1985 exchanged old notes at a rate of 10:1.

2003 to present, modernization: Vietnam adopted polymer banknotes, dramatically improving durability and anti-counterfeiting features — a symbol of the country's economic modernization.

Visitor tips

Since the exhibition is inside a government building, rules are strict. A few things to keep in mind:

Booking confirmation: The online registration system does not send email confirmations. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page immediately — you'll need to show it at the entrance.

ID requirements: Foreign visitors must bring their original passport. Security will check it at the door.

Dress code: This is a working government office. No shorts, sandals, or flip-flops. Dress neatly or you'll be turned away.

Language: All exhibit descriptions and guided tours are in Vietnamese only.

AI-powered souvenir

The exhibition uses AI technology to let visitors scan a QR code and merge their photo with historical banknote designs, creating a one-of-a-kind digital keepsake.

Exhibition details

Venue: State Bank of Vietnam — Ho Chi Minh City Branch
Address: 8 Vo Van Kiet, Phuong Nguyen Thai Binh, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hours: Friday at 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 (group bookings); Saturday and Sunday 9:00–11:00, 14:00–16:00
Registration: https://dangky.sbvkv2.vn/