What to Do with Plenty of Money? Decoding the Landmarks Printed on Vietnamese Currency

'What to do with plenty of money?' is a question that never ceases on social media. With plenty (or slightly too much) money, #teamKlook can easily fulfill travel dreams or at least explore the famous landmarks featured on the Vietnamese Dong. You'll surely be surprised by the cultural values embedded in the circulating Vietnamese currency.

Issued on December 17, 2003, the 500,000 VND note is made of polymer material with a blend of deep purple and light green colors. The simple stilt house nestled amidst lush coconut groves is easily recognizable; in the foreground, rows of green vegetables are neatly arranged, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the Northern countryside.

The prototype of this image is the simple stilt house in Uncle Ho's hometown - part of the Kim Lien Historical Site in Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province. This place still preserves many important documents about Ho Chi Minh's youth and revolutionary life. History enthusiasts in #teamKlook can visit here to broaden their knowledge and enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere.

Introduced on August 30, 2006, the ₫200,000 note impresses with its dominant red-brown color and the image of a 'gigantic' rock formation resembling a massive incense burner, standing majestically amidst picturesque landscapes. This site is actually Incense Burner Islet - the famous 'green gem' in Halong Bay. With its unique shape, Incense Burner Islet is considered by locals as a sacred object worshipped by both heaven and earth. Besides Incense Burner Islet, Halong Bay is also the 'home' of many other remarkable islands and limestone caves such as Drum Cave, Swan Cave, Duck Islet, Stone Dog Islet...

Though historically less prominent, you've surely heard of the Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy. Located in the southern part of the city, the Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy is a complex of historical relics and a famous tourist destination in the capital city. Divided into three main areas: the Lake of Literature, the Temple of Literature (dedicated to Confucius), and the Imperial Academy's Garden, this was Vietnam's first university, nurturing many outstanding talents from the Northern region.

To this day, many students have a habit of visiting the Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy to pray for success in their studies and exams. Featured on the ₫100,000 note - issued on September 1, 2004, the Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy represents the longstanding tradition of respecting teachers and valuing education in Vietnamese culture.

Built in 1852, Nghenh Luong Pavilion serves as a resting place for royal dignitaries from the reign of Emperor Tu Duc to the era of Emperor Khai Dinh. Despite weathering the passage of time, Nghenh Luong Pavilion, also known as Nghenh Luong Tạ, still retains its ancient architecture with one main chamber and three wings, elevated nearly 1 meter above the ground with a glistening tiled roof. Visiting Nghenh Luong Pavilion allows you to leisurely enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the tranquil flow of the Perfume River. Apart from Nghenh Luong Pavilion, the 50,000 VND bill also features the image of Phu Van Lau, historically significant for issuing important decrees from the imperial court or announcing examination results for scholars, dating back to the reign of Emperor Gia Long.

Covered in moss, the Japanese Covered Bridge stretches over the Thu Bon River, connecting with the youthful memories of many #teamKlook members. Printed on the 20,000 VND bill, this image reminisces about a bustling Ancient Town, where boats crowded the river and rows of tiled-roof houses stood shoulder to shoulder. Symbolizing the cultural fusion between Japan and Vietnam, the Japanese Covered Bridge stretches about 18 meters, once praised by Lord Nguyen Phuc Lai with the phrase 'Vãn Lai Kiều' (meaning 'You Come From Afar'). Perhaps due to this golden phrase, even over 400 years later, the Japanese Covered Bridge remains a beloved tourist spot for visitors to Hoi An.

The reverse side of the 10,000 VND bill features the scene of oil extraction at the White Tiger Oil Field, located in the Cuu Long sedimentary basin, approximately 145km southeast of Vung Tau coastline. This is one of the largest oil fields in Vietnam, with reserves of up to 300 million tons. Observing the modern infrastructure at offshore oil drilling platforms will offer you a fresh perspective on the coastal city of Vung Tau.

Issued on January 15, 1993, the 5,000 VND note retains its original design with dark blue hue and cotton material. The reverse side features the Trị An Hydroelectric Plant - an internationally acclaimed hydroelectric project constructed on the Dong Nai River in 1984. Spanning a total area of 32 hectares, Trị An Hydroelectric Plant holds up to 2.5 billion cubic meters of water, generating 1.7 billion KWh - thereby ensuring stable energy supply for the national grid, promoting flood control, and guaranteeing water supply for agriculture and people's livelihoods. Additionally, Trị An Lake, adjacent to the hydroelectric dam, is a 'sparkling magical' check-in spot adored by many #teamKlook enthusiasts.

Reviving a location that has existed for over a hundred years, the Nam Định Textile Factory depicted on the 2,000 VND note - with its female workers wearing overalls and fabric hats - is an image you won't find in any other modern factories.

Built during the reign of Governor Paul Doumer in 1898, the Nam Định Textile Factory was once the largest textile facility in Indochina. During the revolutionary period, this location witnessed numerous struggles and labor movements. In 2016, the Nam Định Textile Factory was partially demolished and renovated for the new Textile Industrial Park.

The 1,000 VND note, introduced on October 20, 1989, depicts the daily labor life of the Central Highlands people at that time; mostly spent on logging and elephant riding. Today, despite logging restrictions, tourists can still experience meeting, playing, or feeding elephants when traveling independently in the Central Highlands.

Featuring an eye-catching red hue, the 500 VND note was issued on August 15, 1989, showcasing the vibrant Hai Phong Port. Second only to Saigon Port, Hai Phong Port - located in the districts of Hong Bang and Ngo Quyen - is the second largest comprehensive seaport cluster in Vietnam. With a history of over 142 years, Hai Phong Port serves as a crucial hub for import-export activities, trade, and commerce nationwide.

Ta-da! Now you've unlocked the mysteries behind the famous landmarks depicted on Vietnamese currency. So, why wait? Start planning your visit to these remarkable destinations now! Don't forget to regularly check out the Klook Blog for more travel tips and exciting life hacks.