Exploring the Vietnamese Dong: A Comprehensive Guide

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND), denoted by the symbol "₫". The term "dong" is derived from the Vietnamese word for copper, which was the material used to make the country's earliest coins. The dong has been the sole legal tender in Vietnam since 1978 and is issued by the State Bank of Vietnam.

As of October 2023, the Vietnamese dong is the second-lowest valued currency unit in the world, with one United States dollar equaling 24,385 dong. This means that $100 US is equivalent to 2,438,500 VND.

From the humble 200 dong note to the grandeur of the 500,000 dong bill, each denomination holds a unique story, reflecting Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and economic achievements. As you explore the intricate designs and captivating imagery adorning these notes, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of the Vietnamese dong as a symbol of national identity and pride.
The following 11 coins are currently in circulation in Vietnam:

• 500,000 VND
• 200,000 VND
• 100,000 VND
• 50,000 VND
• 20,000 VND
• 10,000 VND
• 5,000 VND
• 2,000 VND
• 1,000 VND
• 500 VND
• 200 VND

Each banknote features an image of a famous landmark in Vietnam.

• 500,000 VND: The back side has a picture of the offshore oil rig Bach Ho (White Tiger) in Vung Tau province.
• 200,000 VND: The back side has a picture of the Tri An Hydropower Plant in Dong Nai province.
• 100,000 VND: The back side has a picture of the Hoi An Bridge Pagoda, an ancient and iconic bridge in Hoi An town.
• 50,000 VND: The back side has a picture of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a home to many caves and karst formations in Quang Binh province.
• 20,000 VND: The back side has a picture of the Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of Vietnam in 1945.
• 10,000 VND: The back side has a picture of the Kuang Si Falls, a scenic waterfall near Luang Prabang in Laos. This is the only banknote that features a foreign landmark, as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
• 5,000 VND: The back side has a picture of Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina, located in Lao Cai province.
• 2,000 VND: The back side has a picture of the Nam Dinh Textile Factory, one of the oldest and largest textile factories in Vietnam, located in Nam Dinh province.
• 1,000 VND: The back side has a picture of timbering in Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands), an activity that supports the livelihoods of many ethnic minorities in Vietnam.
• 500 VND: The back side has a picture of Haiphong Port, an important trading port in northern Vietnam that contributes to the economic development of the country.
• 200 VND: The back side has a picture of a tractor plowing a field, representing the role of agriculture in Vietnam's economy.

The image of  farmers working in rice field - 200 VNĐ

Vietnam is an agriculture country. Make productive farm once was the top priority to develop this country.

The picture on one side of the 500 VND note is Hai Phong Port located in Hong Bang district and Ngo Quyen district, Hai Phong province. Established in 1876, over 142 years of development, the Hai Phong port is considered the important border gate to exchange, import and export goods of Vietnam.

On the 1,000 VND note is the image of exploiting forest products (wood) of Tay Nguyen ethnic people.



Nam Dinh Fibers Factory was the largest factory in Indochina and it was also the place of the revolutionary workers' movement. The production background at the Nam Dinh Fibers Factory was chosen by the State Bank of Vietnam to print on 2,000 VND note, issued in 1988.



Tri An hydro-power plant was built in 1984 and put into operation in 1991. This is an important project providing billions of Kwh per year for the southern key economic region.

White Tiger Oil Field (Bach Ho Oil Field) is shown on the back of the 10,000 VND note. Bach Ho Oil Field is located in the Mekong Basin, 145 km from Vung Tau, with an estimated reserve of 300 million tons’ oil.

Hoi An Bridge (also known as the Japanese Covered Bridge or Lai Vien Kieu) is the unique architectural heritage built by Japanese traders in the 17th century. The image of this famous bridge is printed on one side of 20,000 VND note.

Nghenh Luong Dinh (Luong Dinh Welcome Pavilion) and Phu Van Lau (Pavilion of Edicts) on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue were built under the Nguyen dynasty. Luong Dinh Welcome Pavilion is the rest place for the King in summer days while Pavilion of Edicts is the place used to publicize court announcements and examination results.

The pavilion in Temple of Literature, the symbol of Vietnam Education

Dinh Huong islet in Halong Bay ( Quang Ninh province). The rock formation has shape of Incense burner, the holy rock erected on the jaded sea water.

Image of traditional house of former president HCM in Sen Village, Nghe An province.

Last updated on 2023-10-21 03:57:13.