What to Buy in Vietnam: Top 16 Must-Have Souvenirs!

Bringing something back from the vacation destination is, if not obligatory, arguably one of the most alluring activities associated with a holiday. Most enter the destination with certain gifts in mind for either themselves or their loved ones, then return home only partially empty-handed.

The difference in culture between Asia and, especially, Vietnam has been opened up for travelers so that they can discover some pretty solid gifts to take home. The list of all these available items is long, and it may become difficult to choose the right souvenirs to bring home. Hence, through our travel tips, we present the top 15 recommendations to answer the question of what to buy in Vietnam?

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 06-12-2024

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Conical Hat, Vietnam's Cultural Icon

If there's one gift to bring back from Vietnam, it's undoubtedly the famous conical hat – nón lá in Vietnamese – a true emblem of the country. This iconic hat serves a dual purpose, acting as a stylish accessory while also providing protection from the sun and rain. Widely used in the countryside, it's made of bamboo and covered with palm leaves. You can purchase it anywhere in the country, but styles vary by region. In the North, the village of Chuong, located west of Hanoi, is renowned for making these products.

In Hue, you are going to discover some models, thinner, extremely elegant and more like works of art than everyday objects. Indeed, these fans are ornamented attractively with images or poems into real works of art. During your trip to Hue, you can find them at the Dong Ba Market, one of the most famous markets in the city, famous for its traditional non-the-traditional symbols of Hue.

• Price: $2 – $3 /piece

>>> Explore Tourist map of Vietnam

Vietnamese Coffee and/or Tea

Vietnam is the second-biggest exporter in the world after Brazil. It mainly offers Arabica or Robusta coffee beans. The beans that one may find there are quite dissimilar to those offered in France, as they involve a different brewing technique from what is generally known in France, besides having different accessories to be used.

Introduced by the French during colonization, coffee became very popular in all its different forms in Vietnam, like "ca phe sua da," which is a combination of black coffee and sweetened condensed milk poured over ice cubes, or the well-known "egg coffee," which is coffee mixed with eggs and originates from Hanoi. This drink was developed around 1920 during the Indochinese War. The eggs were a substitute for the very rare milk used in a cappuccino, and this drink is now highly recommended in Hanoi.

Robusta coffee is widely appreciated because of its caramel and chocolate flavor, which is why it is easily found across the country at very cheap rates. You will need to consider about 1 Dollar to 2 Dollars for 100 grams and a coffee maker costing around 1 Dollar to complete the accessories for a perfect present from Vietnam.

Otherwise, for tea lovers, there is also a wide selection that you probably do not find in France, such as lotus tea, the most symbolic of the country, chrysanthemum tea, or just plain green tea. Heavier tastes can also be found, like jasmine or artichoke tea. Vietnam is ranked as the 5th largest tea producer globally, and as such, it is easily accessible, either in bulk or in beautiful packages.

• Price of coffee: From $2/100 grams
• Price of tea: From $2/50 grams

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Spices

If you're unsure what to buy in Vietnam, consider spices! They undoubtedly make for an original and useful gift that will delight cooking enthusiasts. Spices play an essential role in Vietnamese cuisine, adding an explosion of flavors and aromas to traditional dishes. Among the must-have spices in Vietnamese cuisine are star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, cardamom, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. The advantage of buying spices in Vietnam is their availability in all markets across the country. You can stroll through colorful stalls, where spices are displayed in bulk, filling the air with an enchanting fragrance.

• Note that: Phu Quoc pepper is among the world's best. If you travel to Phu Quoc, don't miss this world-class spice! Discover more about Phu Quoc island.
• Price: From $1

Lacquerware

When thinking of typical cultural souvenirs of Vietnam, lacquered objects surely come to mind. This type of material has been one of the most important parts of the heritage of working with this material in Vietnam through centuries. Craftsmen are always looking for ways to improve their technique; hence, it is not unusual to find some objects inlaid with mother of pearl, gold shells, and sometimes even gold leaf. Prices vary according to the size and craftsmanship of the object.

Price: From $5 to $62

Water Hyacinth Bag

A water hyacinth handbag could be a great gifting option. It is handmade from natural fibers and, therefore, involves traditional craftsmanship, making it an authentic souvenir. It is, in fact, functional, long-lasting, and attractive since it enhances the style of your wardrobe while being eco-friendly. There are two broad classifications of water hyacinth bags: naked bags without any patterns, and bags that sport Vietnamese images such as women wearing ao dais, flowers, Vietnamese landscapes, etc.

Compared with buying in Western countries, a water hyacinth bag in Vietnam generally costs much less. Thus, you can have a proper souvenir within your budget while supporting the livelihood of local artists. Whether running errands, needing a chic clutch, or using it as an affordable beach bag, this water hyacinth bag can fulfill all these purposes with style and practicality.

• Price: From $10

Silk

Are you looking for purchases in Vietnam? How about exploring craft works? Silks once served as a currency for exchange, and now they have become quite essential in Vietnamese culture and its economic development. Silk originates from a silkworm's cocoon and is transformed into a piece of fabric. It takes about 3,000 silkworms, fed on 104 kg of mulberry leaves, to produce 1 kg of silk.

Previously regarded as a very expensive product, silk is no longer so. For classical silk, you need to pay around $3 per meter, and for premium silk, you would have to pay about $4 per meter. You may find and buy these finest silks in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.

• Price: $3 – $4/m2

Hand Embroidery Items

The original patterns and finesse of Vietnamese embroidery make it famous. It comes in a variety of objects, from tablecloths to doilies, and even impressive hand-embroidered paintings. Simple creations are usually inexpensive, costing about €5 to €6. If you want more information about this technique, we recommend that you visit the Embroidery Museum in Dalat.

• Price: From $5/item

>>> Read More: Discover Dalat, the city in the mist!

Ao Dai

The "Ao Dai," or this long traditional robe, tops the list very often for bringing back from Vietnam. Designated as the national costume since the 18th century, it has evolved over time into its current form with long sleeves, a Mao collar, and loose trousers—most often made of silk. An "Ao Dai" differs in price according to the fabrics and embroidery used. It stands for Vietnamese elegance and makes a genuine souvenir.

You can buy an Ao Dai ready-to-wear in stores, or opt for a custom-made Ao Dai by choosing your own fabric and taking advantage of 24-hour tailoring services. The former option is generally less expensive.

• Price: Starting from 20 USD to 83 USD

>>> Read More about Ao Dai:

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Vietnamese Statuettes

Vietnamese statuettes manifest an extremely rich variety of forms and types. They represent characters in traditional Vietnamese costumes, symbolic animals, and common Vietnamese landscapes. Beyond their aesthetic allure, most of them are inexpensive and make great gifts. One can easily find them in souvenir shops across the country.

• Price: from $2

Ceramics

Vietnamese statuettes have revealed a remarkable richness of forms and types. They evoke persons in traditional costumes, symbolic animals, and familiar Vietnamese landscapes. Apart from their aesthetic charm, most statuettes are affordable and make beautiful presents. They are easily found in souvenir shops across the country.

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While plastic objects increasingly replace ceramics in daily life for many Vietnamese families, this ancient art keeps culture and history alive across times and places. Apart from Bat Trang, you can also find beautiful pieces in the village of Chu Dau (also in the Red River Delta), in the village of Than Ha (central Vietnam, near the old town of Hoi An), or in the village of Bau Truc (central Vietnam, south of Hoi An). Invaluable treasures brought from Vietnam would certainly need careful handling, and proper packaging would be the best option.

• Price: $5 – $10/piece

Lanterns in Hoi An

You cannot go to Hoi An and not take home at least one of its lanterns. Lanterns were first introduced to Hoi An in the 16th century by Chinese merchants traveling along the Silk Road. It has long been the origin of Vietnamese-style lanterns, and almost every year, the city welcomes travelers who always return home with a lantern as a souvenir of Vietnam.

Hoi An lanterns, made of silk and bamboo frames, are very portable and can be folded. Additionally, they come in various colors, sizes, and shapes, resulting in widely varying prices.

A medium-sized lantern generally costs around $3 to $3.50, with price variations for other simple models. A larger lantern typically costs between €5 and €9, or more depending on the color. The Lantern Market, located on Nguyen Hoang Street and opening at 6 pm, is the best place to find one. Alternatively, you can try your hand at making one yourself, as many workshops in Hoi An offer this activity.

• Price: from $4

>>> Read more: Hue, Vietnam - 8 essential questions before going there

Pearl Jewelry in Phu Quoc

Renowned for its pearl production, the island of Phu Quoc has numerous pearl farms that you can visit to learn more about the pearl oyster technique. If you spend some time on the Emerald Isle, it's an opportunity to bring back a beautiful local jewel as a souvenir from Vietnam. Regarding prices, you can find a simple pearl, without setting or jewelry, for around $10, but prices quickly rise depending on the quality of the pearl, the workmanship, and the materials used for decoration and setting.

In this sense, you can come across earrings for $30 as well as pearl necklaces nearing $7000.

• Price: Starting from $20

Indigo Fabric

It is in those mountains of northern Vietnam that one can buy indigo fabric made by the local people of the ethnic minorities. Indigo fabric is produced by the H'mong people. The women weave hemp or cotton fabric and then dye it in an indigo color before embroidering the fabric once it has been dried under the sun. Learn more about the land of indigo fabric: Ha Giang.

• Price: Starting from $10

Rice and Corn Alcohol in Sapa - Bac Ha

If you want to bring home some souvenir gifts from visiting Vietnam, slip on your sneakers and go trekking through the Northern Mountains, where you can see those splendid rice terraces. The harvested rice is made into one of the most well-known spirits in all of Vietnam: rice wine. You should taste this at least once in your life!

Price: starting from $6

Shopping and Fair Trade

We've reached the end of our ranking, and you still don't know what to bring back from Vietnam? Did you know that fair trade is developing in the country? As Kampá Tour is deeply committed to responsible and sustainable tourism, we share a list of shops promoting fair trade that respects the environment and protects local populations. The prices of these Vietnam souvenirs are slightly higher but guarantee real commitment.

• Indigo Cat (Sapa), which offers beautiful local indigo fabrics handmade.
• Craft-Link (Hanoi), an association selling clothes and household items created by ethnic minorities and disadvantaged groups.
• Mekong Quilts (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), which provides employment to more than 300 women in the Northern provinces in quilt production.
• Zó Project Boutique (Hanoi), which seeks to preserve the craftsmanship of "dó" papers.

In Hanoi, especially in the old quarter, particularly in Hang Gai, Hang Bong, Hang Dao, Dinh Tien Hoang streets (all near Hoan Kiem Lake). In Ho Chi Minh City, it's at Ben Thanh Market.

Personalized Artisan Stamp

A handmade wooden stamp is a unique souvenir from Vietnam, embracing beauty, culture, and functionality. Crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations, these stamps feature intricate Vietnamese designs like lotus flowers, animals, or calligraphic symbols. Many can be personalized with names, dates, or meaningful icons, making them mementos that reflect Vietnam’s artistic heritage.

Rooted in Vietnamese culture, wooden stamps have been used traditionally for official seals, rituals, and decoration, encapsulating a small piece of the country's history in every single piece. Today, they provide travelers with a unique chance to bring home a highly personalized token imbued with meaning—one that is both functional and symbolic. Compact and lightweight, a personal wooden stamp is the perfect way to bring a piece of Vietnam with you, combining the beauty of traditional craftsmanship with the refreshing charm of a custom-made gift. This item is a symbol that represents the cultural soul of Vietnam—a gift that can't be missed when traveling to this energetic country.

• Price: From $3 to $20

Google Maps to find places to buy souvenirs in tourist cities:

Please click on the "[ ]" in the top right for better visibility of places to shop for souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, and Can Tho (Mekong). 

Don't worry because in tourist areas, you can find everything. There are many lovely shops on every street. Go ahead, and you'll have plenty of choices.

Our last words

In general, souvenirs in Vietnam are easy to find and buy at reasonable prices. We hope this list will help you find and purchase items that will satisfy you. To make your trip easier and customize each itinerary according to your preferences, we'll be happy to assist you in creating a tailor-made trip. Feel free to contact us!

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