Buzz
Preparing for Tet wouldn't be complete without lucky money envelopes. But holding those crisp new bills in your hand and admiring them, did anyone ever wonder about the landmarks printed on them? Let's review!
Exploring Vietnam through... lucky money bills
100 dong: Pho Minh Pagoda - Nam Dinh
The image on the 100 dong bill depicts the tower at Pho Minh Pagoda (in Tuc Mac village, Nam Dinh). Along with Tran Temple, Pho Minh Pagoda is a prominent relic in the Tran dynasty historical site system in Nam Dinh province and the whole country. It's a major religious and cultural center in the Red River delta region. It's one of the remaining vestiges of the Dong A spirit during the Tran dynasty reign. Pho Minh Tower was built in 1305 with 14 stories, 21.2 meters tall, majestic and solid. As it goes higher, the floors gradually narrow and end with a pinnacle in the shape of a multi-faceted wine cup.
Every year, various festivals take place here, featuring unique folk cultural activities, commemorating and honoring the Tran dynasty era. Pho Minh Pagoda also used to possess a large bronze bell - one of Vietnam's Four Treasures (An Nam tu dai khi).
20,000 dong: Cau Pagoda in Hoi An
The 20,000 dong polymer bill features the image of Cau Pagoda in Hoi An, with its ancient and venerable architectural beauty. According to legend, the pagoda is likened to a sword thrust into the back of the mamazu monster, causing it to stop wriggling and thus preventing earthquakes. In 1653, an additional part of the pagoda was built, connecting to the northern railing, protruding into the middle of the bridge. Since then, locals have referred to it as Cau Pagoda.
The bridge is about 18 meters long, with a roof, arched over the stream flowing into the Thu Bon River. Both the pagoda and the bridge are made of intricately carved painted wood, with the front of the pagoda facing the riverbank. It's considered a symbol of cultural exchange between Japan, China, and Vietnam in Hoi An, attracting numerous tourists.
50,000 dong: Historical site of Nghenh Luong Pavilion - Phu Van Tower
The cluster of historical sites, Nghenh Luong Pavilion - Phu Van Tower in Hue, is depicted on the 50,000 dong polymer bill, representing architectural structures closely associated with the Nguyen dynasty history.
Nghenh Luong Pavilion on the banks of the Perfume River served as a resting place for the kings before descending to the riverbank to board dragon boats or as a cool retreat. Phu Van Tower was built during the reign of King Gia Long, serving as a place to post important decrees of the king and the court, or the results of examinations organized by the court.
100,000 dong: Temple of Literature - National University
Appearing on the 100,000 dong polymer bill is the image of the Temple of Literature - National University. This is considered a symbol of the essence of cultural preservation, education, the tradition of respecting teachers, promoting virtues, and nurturing talents of the Vietnamese people.
As a famous cultural tourism destination in the capital city, the Temple of Literature attracts millions of visitors annually and hosts cultural activities and festivals such as honoring the valedictorian, ethnic arts, poetry contests, calligraphy exhibitions, spring poetry introductions, etc.
200,000 dong: Ha Long Bay
Appearing twice on the surface of the banknote, the old 10,000 dong bill and the 200,000 dong polymer bill, Ha Long Bay, a world natural heritage site, is a famous tourist destination. Ha Long Bay is likened to a great work of art created by nature with the presence of thousands of limestone islands of various shapes and sizes, with many fascinating caves gathering to form a vivid and mysterious world.
On the 200,000 dong polymer bill is Dinh Huong Islet in Ha Long Bay. The rock resembles a giant incense burner standing in the middle of the sea like a sacred object worshiping the heavens and the earth.
500,000 dong: Lotus Village
The 500,000 dong bill is currently the highest denomination in our country, featuring the image of a five-compartment house in Lotus Village (Nam Dan, Nghe An), evoking the simple Vietnamese countryside. The house is part of the Kim Lien historical site, a tourist center preserving artifacts, documents, and cultural-historical spaces related to the youth of President Ho Chi Minh and his family.
The Kim Lien historical site has been listed as a special national monument and is one of the four most important monuments in Vietnam related to President Ho Chi Minh.
In addition to the famous tourist destinations mentioned above, other denominations of Vietnamese currency also feature images of workers at the Trị An hydroelectric power plant, Nam Định textile factory, Central Highlands, etc.
According to Depplus
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourFebruary 11, 2015
