Editor's Pick: Inside Saigon's Heritage Museum, 160 Years of Vietnamese Currency History
I visited the State Bank of Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City branch in District 1 today. The building is normally closed to the public, but it is currently hosting a rare exhibition on Vietnam's monetary history. If you are interested in Vietnamese history, architecture, or financial development, this is worth a visit.
The building was completed in 1930 and is one of Saigon's defining Art Deco landmarks. Inside the main hall, visitors can view intricate stone carvings featuring the Khmer sacred bird (Garuda) and the serpent deity (Naga), alongside rare artifacts that trace Vietnam's economic history from the colonial era to the present day.
Key Milestones in Vietnam's Monetary History
1862–1955, French Indochina: The exhibition documents the establishment of the Banque de l'Indochine and the history of the Indochinese piastre. In colonial Saigon, all financial trade centered on this building along the Bến Nghé riverfront.
1946–1951, Early Independence: On display are the first "treasury notes" issued by Ho Chi Minh's government — a symbol of the new independent state. People affectionately called them "Giấy bạc Cụ Hồ" (Uncle Ho's banknotes).
1951–1978, Building the Central Bank: The State Bank of Vietnam was formally established and went through multiple currency reforms. In 1959, old notes were exchanged at a ratio of 1:1,000 to build a new credit system.
1975–1985, Reunification: After the liberation of the South in 1975, the country unified its currencies. A major monetary reform in 1985 replaced 10 old dong with 1 new dong.
2003–present, Modernization: Vietnam fully switched to polymer banknotes, greatly improving security and durability — a marker of the country's economic modernization and stability.
Visitor Guide: Rules and Practical Tips
The exhibition is held inside a government building, so rules are strict. Please take note:
- Booking confirmation: The online registration system does not send a confirmation email. Take a screenshot immediately after registering — you will need to show it at the entrance.
- - ID requirements: Foreign visitors must bring their original passport for inspection by security guards at the door.
- - Dress code: This is an active government office. Shorts, sandals, and flip-flops are not allowed. Dress neatly or risk being turned away.
- - Language: All exhibition panels and guided tours are in Vietnamese only.
Interactive Experience: Step Inside a Banknote
The exhibition uses AI technology to let visitors scan a QR code and merge their photo with a historic banknote design, creating a one-of-a-kind digital souvenir.
Exhibition Details
- Location: State Bank of Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City Office
- - Address: 8 Võ Văn Kiệt, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, TP. Hồ Chí Minh
- - Opening hours: Friday 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 (group bookings); Saturday and Sunday 9:00–11:00, 14:00–16:00
- Registration link: https://dangky.sbvkv2.vn/
- This is a rare chance for a deep dive into Vietnamese history — well worth a visit.
