What to Buy in Vietnam: Top 13 Must-Have Souvenirs!

1. Conical Hat

If there's one gift to bring back from Vietnam, it's undoubtedly the famous conical hat, known as 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 can find finer but very elegant models, which are more objects of art than everyday items. They are decorated with images or poems that are revealed in the sunlight. If you visit the city, you can find them at Dong Ba Market or Phu Cam Village, also called Phuoc Vinh District, located in the neighboring province. A typical and traditional Vietnamese souvenir that will bring a touch of exoticism to your home décor.

Price: $2 – $3 /piece

Place to Buy:

• Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Chuong Conical Hat Village, Thanh Oai, Hanoi
• Phu Cam Conical Hat Village, Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Nhuan, Hue
• Dong Ba Market, Phu Hoa, Hue
• Ben Thanh Market, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

>>> Explore Tourist map of Vietnam

2. 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.

Price: $25/package

Places to Buy:

• Café Lâm: 60 Nguyen Huu Huan St., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Giảng Café: Nguyen Huu Huan Alley, 39, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Trung Nguyên Legend Café: C/Ly Quoc Su, 5, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• The Inner Hoi An: C/Phan Boi Chau, 54, Hoi An

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.

Tea Price: $2/50 grams

Places to Buy:

• Ninh Hương Bánh Mứt: 22 Hang Dieu St., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Trà Cung Đình Huế Đức Phượng: Nguyen Hue St., Vinh Ninh, Hue
• Tân Cương Xanh: 288A3 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

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3. Candied Fruits, Coconut Candy, and Vietnamese Mooncakes

3.1 Candied fruits or Ô mai

If you're ever at a loss for ideas on what to buy in Vietnam?, consider Candied Fruits or "ô mai" in Viet phrase, an exemplary fruit candy in Vietnam. In Vietnamese culture, it holds deep meaning related to family togetherness. During holidays, especially New Year's, people often prefer 'ô mai' as a gift.

In the past, people in some traditional Vietnamese families invited guests to taste 'ô mai' while having tea. It would also be a beautiful present to take home.

Another interesting thing is that for travelers and people traveling by car or bus, 'ô mai' is sometimes used as a remedy to avoid seasickness.

Known as a sweet, sour, spicy, and salty appetizer, 'ô mai' really is a delight to many, but of the hundreds of varieties, not all can be considered the best. For your first taste, try places like Ô Mai Tiến Thịnh, Ô Mai Hồng Lam, Ô Mai Gia Bảo, and Ô Mai Hàng Đường, all within the Old Quarter area of Hanoi. Our guides usually take tourists to the oldest of these places. Indeed, Hanoi is the most famous in the whole country for making Vietnamese candied fruit.

3.2 Coconut Candy

Coconut candy, known in Vietnam as 'kẹo dừa,' is a specialty that one must try when visiting Bến Tre—the coconut land of the Mekong Delta. This sweet is composed chiefly of coconut pulp and malt syrup. It is sweet to taste and has a little stickiness when chewed. The candy is traditionally wrapped in rice paper so that it doesn't stick to itself and lasts longer. It is considered an ideal gift for people of all ages. If you ever have a chance to visit Bến Tre, do not forget to visit the artisan village where this delicious 'kẹo dừa' is made.

3.3 Vietnamese Moon Cakes

Have you heard of the mooncake? If you have the opportunity to be in Vietnam from September to October, coinciding with the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival, or 'Tết Trung Thu,' do try to purchase a 'bánh trung thu' or mooncake, as it is the very hallmark of this festival.

Heck, there are so many flavors of mooncakes that one can get at various price ranges. One can simply pick up an individual cake or even a whole box of cakes from the streets or well-established bánh trung thu shops. Just ensure the point of sale is reliable and check the expiration date. It would be an added advantage if you had an experienced local, such as a tour guide, to help steer you toward good buys.

Note: Be careful when buying food, making sure it complies with customs regulations.

4. Ao Dai, Vietnam's National Costume

When tourists ask 'What to buy in Vietnam?', the Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese costume, usually appears as one of the most popular Vietnamese souvenirs that you should grab. Considered the national costume since the eighteenth century, it has undergone changes over time to resemble the current model, with long sleeves, a mandarin collar, and loose pants, usually made of silk. The price of Ao Dai is determined by the quality of the fabric and embroidery.

💡Vietnamese women often wear the Ao Dai on important occasions, including the Lunar New Year or the Vietnamese Tet Festival. Would you like to admire the colorful Ao Dai in real life? Learn more about this holiday in February.

Price: 16-60$

Places to Buy:

• Vinh Trạch (Relic Tailor) Shop: 23 Luong Van Can St., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Thao Trang Shop: C/Quoc Su Quan, 1, Phu Hau, Hué
• Minh Tan Store: Nguyen Sinh Cung St., 57, Vy Da, Hué
• Bebe Tailors: 05-07 Hoang Dieu / 95 Phan Chau Trinh / 40 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An

5. Get Custom-Made Clothing in Hoi An

Thinking about a truly special gift for yourself or someone awesome in your life? How about a custom-made piece of clothing from Hoi An? This super charming city in central Vietnam is famous for its bespoke tailoring service, and honestly, it's the perfect pick if you're looking for something unique and totally personalized.

The tailors here are seriously talented, and they can whip up high-quality garments in a surprisingly short time, usually just 24 to 48 hours! Whether you're dreaming of a traditional áo dài, a fancy ball gown, or a perfectly fitted suit, they'll make sure it's exactly right for you. Plus, customers get tons of great advice on designs, fabrics like silk, linen, or cotton, and colors, so you know the final product will look absolutely flawless.

You'll find many of the best shops packed together on Tran Hung Dao Street. The speed, professionalism, and totally reasonable prices make getting something custom-made here a truly unforgettable part of your Vietnam trip. Trust me, giving a custom garment from Hoi An is such a special touch. It's a cool blend of tradition, personal style, and genuine authenticity!

>>> Read More: Best tailors in Hoi An Vietnam

6. Vietnamese Lanterns

If you visit this city, you will already know what to buy in Vietnam as a typical souvenir. It is impossible to stay in the city of lanterns without taking at least one home. Lanterns were introduced to Hoi An in the 16th century by Chinese merchants traveling along the Silk Road. Since then, Hoi An has been considered the birthplace of Vietnamese-style lanterns and attracts many travelers every year, who almost always take the lanterns home as a souvenir of Vietnam.

The Vietnamese lanterns sold in Hoi An are made of silk, have a bamboo frame, and are foldable, making them very easy to transport. There is a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, so prices vary greatly.

A medium lantern (the most purchased size) usually costs between 3 and 3.5 dollars for the simplest models. For the color, a large lantern will cost between 4.5 and 9 dollars or more. The best place to get one is the Lantern Market on Nguyen Hoang Street, which opens at 6 pm. If not, you can always try to make one yourself; many workshops offer this activity in Hoi An.

Price: from $3

Place to Buy:

• Hoi An Old Town: 19 Tran Phu St., Cam Chau, Hoi An

7. Handmade Ethnic Embroidery

In keeping with this artisanal spirit, embroidery is an excellent gift to take home from Vietnam. Known for their originality and delicacy, Vietnamese embroideries are available on all kinds of objects, from tablecloths and placemats to stunning hand-embroidered checks. Simple creations cost between 5 and 6 dollars. If you want to learn more about this technique, we recommend a visit to the Da Lat Embroidery Museum.

Price: 5 – $7/item

Place to Buy:

• Sapa Market, Luong Dinh Cua St., Sapa, Lao Cai
• Can Cau Market, Can Cau, Si Ma Cai, Lao Cai
• Ta Phin Brocade Village, Ta Phin, Sapa, Lao Cai

8. Silk

Trying to finalize where to shop in Vietnam? Browse the crafts. The silk, which was once used for trading in the past, has played an important role in the culture and economic development of the people of Vietnam. It is derived from the cocoon of the silkworm and woven into fabric. There are over 3,000 silkworms that consume almost 104 kilograms of mulberry leaves before spinning 1 kilogram of silk.

Considered a luxury good in ancient times, silk is now available to the average person. The cost is approximately 3 dollars for a meter of ordinary silk and 4 dollars for a meter of high-quality silk. The best fabrics can be found in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Pricing: 3 - $4/m²

Places to Buy:

• Van Phuc Silk Village, Van Phuc, Ha Dong, Hanoi
• Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Bebe Tailors: 05-07 Hoang Dieu / 95 Phan Chau Trinh / 40 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
• Hoi An Silk Village: 28 Nguyen Tat Thanh St., Cam Pho, Hoi An
• Ben Thanh Market, Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• An Dong Market, 36 An Duong Vuong St., District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

9. Ceramics

Pottery is an art that has been perpetuated by the Vietnamese people for thousands of years. This traditional craft experienced a great boom in its search for identity during the Le dynasty (1428 - 1788) with the production of the Bat Trang kiln, located not far from Hanoi, on the banks of the Red River. Even today, this village enjoys an excellent reputation for ceramics, with more than 600 kilns still in operation. Bat Trang tableware is exported all over the country and abroad.

Despite the massive arrival of plastic objects, which are gradually replacing ceramics in the daily life of Vietnamese families, this ancestral art has seen its cultural and historical values continue to bear fruit through time and across places. In addition to Bat Trang, beautiful works can be found in the village of Chau Dau (still in the Red River Delta), in Than Ha (in Central Vietnam, near Hoi An), or in Bau Truc (in Central Vietnam, south of Hoi An). It is a gift from Vietnam that must be brought with care, so careful packaging is recommended.

Price: 1.5 – 40$

Places to Buy:

• Bat Trang Pottery Village, Bat Trang, Gia Lam, Hanoi
• Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Pham Phan, Thanh Ha, Hoi An

10. Water Hyacinth Bag

A water hyacinth bag also makes an excellent gift. Handmade from natural fibers, it embodies traditional craftsmanship and is 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: simple (unadorned) and decorated with Vietnamese images such as women in ao dai, flowers, Vietnamese landscapes, etc.

Compared to buying in your home country, the prices of water hyacinth bags in Vietnam are generally more affordable. Thus, you can take home a quality souvenir at an advantageous price while supporting local artisans. Whether it's for your shopping, a stylish clutch, or even a roomy beach bag, the water hyacinth bag will meet your needs with style and practicality.

Price: from 10$

Places to Buy:

• Vietnam Night Markets

11. Vietnamese Decorative Souvenirs

11.1 Dong Ho Folk Painting

The works of Dong Ho's paintings, dating back to the 17th century, from the quaint village of Dong Ho in Bac Ninh province, are a genuine souvenir of Vietnam. These colorful works preserve natural shades on Do paper through woodblock printing with other natural pigments and feature innumerable colors and vibrant folkloric themes portraying festivals, scenes from village life, and historical legends.

>>> Learn more about Dong Ho painting here!

The artistry of Dong Ho has been regarded as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation since 2013, and it is being nominated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, having survived for over 400 years. Despite the fact that this tradition is now maintained only by two families, the art of Dong Ho maintains strong vibrancy in the preservation of Vietnamese culture. This is one souvenir you ought to grab when visiting the village of Dong Ho!

11.2 Tò He

The Tò he, brightly colored figurines made from rice paste, is one type of childhood innocent toy that exists in the deep-rooted tradition within Vietnamese children. Coming from a village called Xuân La, which is close to Hanoi and was once known a long time ago, about 400-500 years ago, this art remains a tradition that is unique to Vietnam.

It can be made from edible dough of glutinous rice and sugar. These require a lot of precise technique, creativity, and time in making the innumerable bright colors and shapes. Although simple-looking, making Tò he is art itself; the only evidence of skills and adaptation to the weather for dough preparation with the right consistency.

Nowadays, Tò he is not just a cherished toy; it has become an antique gift for decoration or for children, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese nation.

Price: 1$ and above
Place to Buy: The Tò he village of Xuân La, Phương Đức, Phú Xuyên, Hanoi, or the pedestrian street of Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

11.3 Vietnamese Figurines Made of Stone Powder, Wood, and More

Vietnamese figurines stand out for their diversity of shapes and types, depicting characters in traditional costumes, symbolic animals, and typical Vietnamese landscapes. You can easily find small statues of farmers, women in traditional ao dai, and more. In addition to their captivating aesthetic beauty, these figurines are affordable and easily accessible, making them perfect gifts available in souvenir shops across the country.

Price: from 2$

Place to Buy: Any souvenir shop

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

11.4 Lacquer

If you want to bring back a typical and cultural souvenir of Vietnam, choosing a lacquered object is an ideal choice. Lacquer has been part of Vietnamese heritage for centuries. Artisans are constantly striving to improve their techniques, so it is not uncommon to find objects inlaid with mother-of-pearl, gold shells, and sometimes even gold leaf. Prices vary depending on the size and craftsmanship of the object.

Price: from 5$

Place to Buy:

• Ha Thai Lacquer Village, Duyen Thai, Thuong Tin, Hanoi

12. Exclusive Products Found Only in Specific Destinations

12.1 Phu Quoc Cultured Pearls

Famous for its pearl production, Phu Quoc Island 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 a chance to bring back a nice local gem as a souvenir of Vietnam. As for prices, you can find a simple pearl, without setting or jewelry, for about 10 dollars, but prices rise quickly depending on the quality of the pearl, the work done, and the materials used for decoration and setting. In this sense, you can find earrings for $30, as well as pearl necklaces that are around $7,000.

Price: 10$ - 7,000$

Place to Buy:

• Phu Quoc Ngoc Hien Pearl Installation: Group 1, Duong To Village, Duong To, Phu Quoc
• Phu Quoc Quoc An Pearl Farm: Suoi May Village, Duong To, Phu Quoc

12.2 Indigo fabric and rice alcohol in Sapa

In the mountains of northern Vietnam, you can find indigo fabrics made by local ethnic minorities. This characteristic colored fabric is the work of the Hmong. The women weave hemp or cotton fabrics, which they then dye navy blue with indigo and embroider after drying them in the sun.

If you're looking for an original, local gift to take home from Vietnam, lace up your slippers and head out to explore the northern mountains on a trek where you can admire the splendid Vietnamese rice terraces. The harvested rice is also used to make the iconic Vietnamese alcohol, rice alcohol. Try it at least once in your life!

13. 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.

14. 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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