What to Buy in Vietnam: Traditional Gifts & Where to Find Them

Bringing back a piece of the country you've traveled to is a must when going on vacation. Whether for yourself or a loved one, few return empty-handed from a destination.

The cultural diversity in Asia, particularly in Vietnam, offers travelers the opportunity to discover and bring back wonderful gifts. However, the choice is vast, and it can be challenging to determine what souvenirs to bring back. That's why, through our travel tips, we unveil our top 15 recommendations to answer the question "What to bring back from Vietnam?"

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 11-11-2024

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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'll find models that are both thinner and extremely elegant, resembling more artistic pieces than everyday accessories. During your trip to Hue, you can find them at Dong Ba Market, one of the city's most famous markets, known for its traditional non la, symbols of Hue.

• Price: $2 – $3 /piece

>>> Explore Tourist map of Vietnam

Vietnamese Coffee and/or Tea

Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter globally after Brazil. There, you can mainly find Arabica or Robusta coffee. The beans used are different from those commonly found in France, and the brewing method as well as the variety of additives available are also different. Introduced by the French during their colonial period, coffee became a popular beverage in Vietnam, and you'll find it in various forms, such as "ca phe sua da," a mixture of black coffee and sweetened condensed milk served over ice cubes, or the famous "egg coffee," a Hanoi specialty.

>>> Read more: Vietnamese coffee ☕️🍫

Robusta coffee is highly regarded for its caramel and chocolate notes, and it's easy to procure throughout the country at a very reasonable cost. Expect to pay between $1 and $2 per 100 grams and $1 for an individual coffee filter to complete the perfect gift set to bring back from Vietnam. For those who prefer tea, you can opt for different varieties not often found in Western, such as lotus tea, the country's most iconic, or chrysanthemum tea, for example.

You'll also find classic green tea or bolder flavors like jasmine or artichoke tea. Vietnam is the 5th largest tea producer globally, so it's effortless to obtain, whether loose or beautifully packaged.

• 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

Lacquer is derived from the resin of the Rhus succedanea tree, found primarily in Vietnam's northern regions. Harvested in an intricate and sustainable process, this resin symbolizes the deep connection Vietnamese people have to their natural environment. 

Lacquer is yet another distinctive aesthetic practice in Viet Nam. To create one good lacquerware product, it take nearly 100days and 20 steps. The number of man hours spent by the artisans of Viet Nam is well appreciated in the artifacts. There are several types, sizes and colors of lacquer products made which include beautiful and stylized jewelry boxes, photo albums, vessels plates and even vases. 

For a typical and cultural souvenir from Vietnam, lacquerware is highly recommended. The work of this material has been an integral part of Vietnamese heritage for centuries.

Artisans constantly seek to improve their technique, so it's not uncommon to find objects inlaid with mother-of-pearl, gold shells, and even gold leaves. Prices vary depending on the size and workmanship of the object. 

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Lacquerware techniques are complex and require immense skill. Each piece embodies the spirit of generations of artisans.

• Price: From $5 to $62

Water Hyacinth Bag

A water hyacinth bag also makes an excellent gift. Handcrafted with natural fibers, it embodies traditional craftsmanship and represents an authentic souvenir. Practical, durable, and aesthetic, it adds a touch of style to your wardrobe while preserving the environment. There are two types of water hyacinth bags: plain bags and bags adorned with Vietnamese images such as women in ao dai, flowers, Vietnamese landscapes, etc.

Compared to buying in France, water hyacinth bags in Vietnam are generally more affordable. You can thus bring home a quality souvenir at an advantageous price while supporting local artisans. Whether for your shopping, an elegant clutch, or even a spacious beach bag, the water hyacinth bag will meet your needs with style and practicality.

• Price: From $10

Silk

Explore craftsmanship! Once used as currency in trade, silk has played a significant role in Vietnamese culture and economic development. Made from the cocoon of a silkworm, it is then woven into fabric. To produce 1kg of silk, 3000 silkworms feeding on 104kg of mulberry leaves are needed. Once considered an extremely luxurious product, silk is now more accessible. You'll pay around $3 for a meter of classic silk and about $4 for a meter of premium silk. You'll find the finest fabrics in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.

• Price: $3 – $4/m2

Hand Embroidery Items

Fabrics of Vietnamese embroidery are much appreciated and it’s a bound that such sophistication comes along with different things such as red envelopes, table mats, bags and purses, night dresses, warm scarf. There is a wide range of good quality products offered in hanoi where they differ in sizes and designs and their prices are customer friendly. Sapa valley is another interesting place to purchase hand embroidery works and also watch the artisans in action. The finest embroidery is available on linen ob light cotton canvas.

If you want to learn more about this artistic technique, we recommend visiting the Embroidery Museum located in Dalat.

• Price: From $5/item

>>> Discover Dalat, the city in the mist!

Ao Dai

At the top of many people’s lists of items to bring back from Vietnam is the Ao Dai, the traditional long tunic. Worn since the 18th century and considered a national costume, it has evolved over time to take its current form: long sleeves, a Mao collar, and loose-fitting pants, usually made from silk. While most Vietnamese people wear Western clothes today, the Ao Dai is still worn at special events and occasions. Some schools and workplaces also have the Ao Dai as their formal uniform. The Ao Dai is a beautiful garment with a long, flowy, tight-fitting top and stylish pants that suit women of all ages, making it a lasting part of Vietnamese culture.

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.

You can find an Ao Dai in major cities like Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, or Hanoi. It's a symbol of Vietnamese elegance and an authentic souvenir to bring home.

• Price: Starting from 20.83 USD to 83.33 USD

Vietnamese Statuettes

Vietnamese statuettes stand out for their diversity of shapes and types. They depict characters in traditional Vietnamese costumes, symbolic animals, as well as typical Vietnamese landscapes. In addition to their charming aesthetics, Vietnamese statuettes are affordable, making them accessible gifts.

You can easily find them in all souvenir shops across the country.

Price: from $2

Ceramics

Ceramics have been an art perpetuated by the Vietnamese people for millennia. This traditional craft experienced a major resurgence in its quest for identity under the Le dynasty (1428-1788) with the production of the Bat Trang village kiln, located near Hanoi, on the banks of the Red River. Today, this village enjoys an excellent reputation for ceramics, with over 600 kilns still in operation. Bat Trang's ceramic decorations are exported throughout the country and internationally. Despite the mass arrival of plastic objects gradually replacing ceramics in the daily lives of Vietnamese families, this ancient art has seen its cultural and historical values continue to flourish through the ages and places.

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Thus, in addition to Bat Trang, beautiful works can be found in the Chu Dau village (also in the Red River Delta), the Than Ha village (in Central Vietnam, near the old town of Hoi An), or the Bau Truc village (in Central Vietnam, south of Hoi An). A gift from Vietnam to be handled with care, meticulous packaging is recommended.

Price: $5 – $10/piece

Lanterns in Hoi An

If Hoi An is on your list of destinations to visit, it's impossible to stay in the lantern city without bringing at least one home. Lanterns were introduced to Hoi An in the 16th century by Chinese traders traveling the Silk Road. Since then, the city has been considered the cradle of Vietnamese-style lanterns, attracting numerous travelers each year who almost always leave with a lantern as a souvenir from Vietnam. Hoi An lanterns are made of silk, have bamboo frames, and are foldable, making them very easy to transport. You'll be spoiled for choice in terms of color, size, and shape, so prices vary greatly.

A medium lantern (the most commonly purchased size) generally costs between $3 and $3.50 for the simplest models. A large lantern, on the other hand, will cost between $5 and $9 or more, depending on the colors. The best place to find one is the Lantern Market on Nguyen Hoang Street, which opens at 6 p.m. Alternatively, you can try your hand at making one yourself; many workshops offer this activity in Hoi An.

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's in the mountains of Northern Vietnam that you can get indigo fabric made by local people from minority ethnic groups. This fabric, with its characteristic hue, is made by the H'mong people. Women weave hemp or cotton fabrics, which they then dye navy blue using indigo before embroidering them after drying them in 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're looking for an original and local gift to bring back from Vietnam, lace up your sneakers and explore the Northern mountains on a trek where you can admire splendid terraced rice fields, to Bac Ha and Sapa. The harvested rice is also used to make Vietnam's emblematic alcohol, rice alcohol.

A must-try 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.

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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