Shop for beautiful pearls, silk, coffee, and more authentic gifts to remember your trip.
Let’s grab the best local finds and unique Vietnamese gifts for family and friends!
Thao Vo
Apr 08 2025
14m
Related reading
Ever wished you could bring home the vibrant spirit of Vietnam? The good news is, you absolutely can! Beyond the stunning landscapes and delicious food, Vietnam offers a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and shopping experiences. But with so much to choose from, you might be wondering, "What to buy in Vietnam?" That's where this list comes in.
We'll give you the most authentic and captivating items, from exquisite silks and handcrafted jewelry to fragrant spices and traditional artwork. Imagine yourself sipping Vietnamese coffee from a hand-painted mug or adorning your home with a vibrant silk painting. Get ready to discover the best souvenirs that will not only impress your friends but also transport you back to Vietnam long after your trip ends. Let’s read on with TravelThru!
Water puppetry is an amazing and unique theatrical form that originated in the rice fields of North Vietnam. You won't want to miss this incredible show featuring handcrafted puppets that move and perform on water. Traditional music and storytelling accompany the performance to bring Vietnamese folklore to life.
Each puppet is carefully and skillfully made, making them incredible pieces of art. They would be amazing decorations, but they are also unique souvenirs that represent Vietnam's folk culture.
Even if you haven't quite figured out how to use chopsticks during your trip to Vietnam, they make a great souvenir!
Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and exciting, especially the world-famous street food. A set of chopsticks is a useful souvenir that will remind you of all the delicious food you ate in Vietnam.
Chopsticks are usually made from bamboo, wood, or coconut palm, and you can find them in any souvenir shop or street market.
The Non La, a traditional Vietnamese hat, is a fashionable and functional souvenir. They're practical too! Farmers and workers use them for protection from the sun and rain. You can even see people using them as baskets in the market. The Nón Lá is also an important part of traditional clothing for performances and festivals.
You'll look amazing posing with a Non La in front of Vietnam's beautiful scenery. And the best part is that they're very affordable!
If you're looking for a truly unique Vietnamese souvenir, consider buying lacquerware. These beautiful pieces include bowls, vases, jewelry boxes, and paintings.
Lacquerware production began in Hanoi in the 1930s. It's a complex process involving mosaics, engravings, and gold leaf patterns, all sealed under layers of tree sap resin for a glossy finish.
You'll find lacquerware for sale all over Vietnam. If you want to see some truly impressive pieces, visit galleries like the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi, which displays both antique and contemporary lacquerware.
Dong Ho paintings are among the most unique and culturally significant souvenirs you can buy in Vietnam. Originating from Dong Ho Village in Bac Ninh Province, these traditional folk artworks have been crafted for centuries using natural materials. The paintings are created on “dó” paper, a special type of paper made from the bark of the “dó” tree, and are printed using hand-carved wooden blocks. Vibrant colors are derived from natural sources like rice paste, coal, and leaves.
These iconic artworks often depict scenes of everyday life, historical events, folklore, and traditional symbols that resonate deeply with Vietnamese cultural identity. Popular themes include lucky animals like carp, chickens, and buffaloes, as well as scenes of agricultural work, festivals, and mythological narratives.
Bamboo crafts are a great choice for souvenirs in Vietnam. They're colorful, handmade, and good for the environment! You'll find them everywhere, from hats and bowls to baskets and decorations. Keep an eye out for the cool bamboo dragonflies that balance on their mouths. You can also find bamboo chopsticks and furniture. And if you're looking for something similar, check out the wood crafts, which are also very affordable.
Vietnam has a long and rich history of pottery making, dating back to the Bronze Age. More recent styles have been influenced by China and France.
One of the most famous Vietnamese ceramics is "Bleu de Hué," a blue and white style that became popular during the Nguyen Dynasty in the early 1900s. You can find it all over Vietnam, but the village of Bat Trang, near Hanoi, is especially known for this style.
To find beautiful pottery and support local communities, visit the small villages known for their ceramics. Phu Lang, one of the oldest pottery villages near Hanoi, is a great place to see how pottery is made in Vietnam.
Pottery from Phu Lang usually has a brown glaze and features images of landscapes and animals like elephants and horses. You'll find all sorts of handmade pots, jars, and vases that make perfect souvenirs.
Vietnamese lanterns are more than just pretty decorations. They symbolize good luck, love, and happiness. These authentic lanterns are handmade from silk and bamboo and come in many bright colors and intricate patterns.
Hoi An's Old Town is the best place in Vietnam to find these beautiful lanterns. At night, the town is filled with colorful stalls selling lanterns. You can find the perfect lantern at Hoi An's night market or in small shops on Tran Phu Street, like Thuy Tam or Ong Canh.
The lanterns are woven and painted by hand with delicate patterns or flowers. Each color has a special meaning: red for luck and love, yellow for wealth, blue for hope, and purple for nostalgia. Most lanterns fold up, so you don’t need to worry about hassle transport process.
Hand fans are a popular souvenir from Ho Chi Minh City. You'll often see them used in traditional Vietnamese dances. Made from bamboo and silk or paper, they come in different sizes and are great for cooling off or decorating your home. Many fans are decorated with pictures of Vietnamese landscapes, making them a lovely reminder of your trip. When you visit Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to pick one up!
Vietnam is famous for its delicious coffee. In fact, it's the second-largest coffee producer in the world! Vietnamese coffee has a unique flavor because of the local Robusta beans and the slow-drip brewing method. When you're in Vietnam, try "ca phe sua da," a popular drink made with strong coffee and sweetened condensed milk, served hot or iced.
Coffee lovers should definitely take home some Vietnamese coffee beans and a "phin" filter as a souvenir. This special metal filter combines elements of a French press and pour-over.
When in Vietnam, you absolutely have to explore the world of Vietnamese tea. One of the most popular choices is lotus tea, known for its delicate floral fragrance and subtle sweetness. If you prefer something bolder, try artichoke tea. This earthy and slightly bitter brew is believed to have health benefits and is a favorite among locals.
For a truly unique experience, seek out shan tuyet tea, a rare variety grown in the high mountains of northern Vietnam. Its complex flavor profile and lingering sweetness will impress even the most discerning tea connoisseur.
Dried fruits are the perfect snack to enjoy while you're out exploring or relaxing on the beach. They come in lots of tasty varieties like mango, jackfruit, and even lotus seeds! These snacks are not only delicious but also healthy and easy to pack, so you can easily take some home without exceeding luggage weight limits.
Rice paper is one of the cheapest things to buy in Vietnam. Crafted from finely ground rice flour and dried in the sun, it offers a taste of rural Vietnam with its delicate, translucent, and pliable texture. As a key ingredient in classic dishes like fried spring rolls and fresh summer rolls, it lets you recreate authentic Vietnamese meals at home.
Mung bean cake is a delicious and affordable treat you can find in Vietnam. This sweet and smooth cake has a wonderful mung bean flavor and is perfect with a cup of tea. It was even a favorite of Vietnamese royalty, often decorated with a golden dragon! Don't miss out on trying this special treat.
If you're looking for delicious souvenirs to buy in Vietnam, don't miss coconut candy from the Mekong Delta. Made with fresh coconut, it has a rich, sweet flavor with hints of pandan leaf and a satisfyingly chewy texture. You can even join a workshop to learn how to make it yourself! It's the perfect gift for friends with a sweet tooth.
Pia cake, from Ben Tre province, is a must-try treat and a popular souvenir from Vietnam. The thin, crispy pastry is made with glutinous rice flour and sugar and filled with delicious mung bean paste. Some varieties even include durian! The combination of flavors and textures is simply unforgettable.
In Hanoi, dried fruits called "O mai" are a popular treat. They make a healthy snack and are often given as gifts for special occasions, enjoyed with a cup of hot lotus tea. Fruits like apricots, plums, kumquats, mangoes, and peaches are dried and seasoned with sugar, salt, and spices for a delicious flavor. If you're looking for a good brand, try Hong Lam or Tien Thinh.
Beyond mere clothing, these t-shirts represent a meaningful way for travelers to connect with Vietnamese national pride. The design is deeply symbolic, with the yellow star representing the unity of the country's workers, peasants, and intellectuals. For tourists interested in cultural souvenirs that go beyond typical trinkets, a Vietnamese flag t-shirt offers a wearable piece of national history and contemporary identity.
The Ao Dai is a traditional Vietnamese garment that is still worn today for school uniforms, work attire, and special occasions like Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year). This elegant outfit consists of a long, flowing tunic worn over stylish pants and is flattering on women of all ages. Male Ao Dai, while less common, offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional Western menswear, typically featuring more structured cuts and muted color palettes that maintain the garment's elegant essence.
You can buy ready-made Ao Dais or have one custom-made with your own fabric using a quick tailoring service. Ready-made Ao Dais are generally more affordable. You can find them in major cities like Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Hanoi, with prices ranging from 500,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND ($22 to $110).
Throughout history, silk has been a valuable product in Vietnam. Today, it's woven into all sorts of things like clothes, scarves, paintings, and home decor. Nha Xa, near Hanoi, and Ma Chau, in Quang Nam province, are two famous silk-weaving villages.
Silk is easy to find in Vietnam. You can buy colorful silk fabric or finished products like dresses and lanterns. In Hanoi, head to "Silk Street" in the Old Quarter to find family-run shops selling silk clothing, scarves, and more.
In Hoi An, check out the Cloth Market and the Hoi An Silk Village. You can even watch artisans using traditional methods to weave silk!
Lotus silk is one of the rarest and most luxurious souvenirs you can buy in Vietnam. Derived from the delicate fibers found in lotus stems, this silk is meticulously handcrafted through a labor-intensive process that reflects the dedication and skill of Vietnamese artisans. Unlike regular silk, lotus silk is incredibly soft, lightweight, and has a subtle, natural luster that sets it apart.
Due to its rarity and labor-intensive production, lotus silk is more expensive than traditional silk. However, for those seeking a truly special and unique souvenir, it's well worth the investment.
Getting custom-made clothing is a fantastic way to create a lasting memory of your Vietnam trip. You'll not only have a unique souvenir but also an unforgettable experience.
Hoi An is known for having some of Southeast Asia's best tailors. It's helpful to come prepared with clothes you want copied or pictures of desired designs. Yaly Couture and Pink Lotus Tailor are great choices for high-quality tailoring.
The process, from choosing fabric and getting measured to the final fitting, is surprisingly fast, whether you want a suit, dress, skirt, or jacket. Hang Gai Street in the Old Quarter, Ha Noi, is full of tailor shops, too.
When you think of souvenirs from Vietnam, intricate lacquerware or fragrant spices might come to mind. But don't overlook the humble "guốc," traditional Vietnamese sandals. These sandals were traditionally worn with the áo dài (Vietnam's national dress) and are admired for their simple elegance and timeless appeal.
The most iconic is the guốc mộc, crafted from wood and often featuring a single strap or thong. These sandals are surprisingly comfortable once you get used to them. For a more elegant look, consider guốc quai, which has fabric straps and is often adorned with intricate embroidery or beading.
Pearl jewelry is one of the most sought-after souvenirs to buy in Vietnam, especially for travelers looking for something elegant and timeless. With its long coastline and thriving pearl farms, Vietnam is renowned for producing high-quality pearls, particularly in regions like Ha Long Bay, Phu Quoc Island, and Nha Trang. These locations offer visitors the opportunity to see pearl cultivation firsthand, from farming to harvesting.
Vietnamese pearl jewelry is not only beautiful but also affordable compared to other global markets. You can find a wide variety of options, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings crafted from lustrous white, black, and golden pearls.
When shopping for pearl jewelry, it's helpful to understand the different types of pearls available. Freshwater pearls are generally more affordable and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Saltwater pearls, like Akoya pearls, are known for their perfectly round shape and lustrous shine.
Hmong jewelry typically features silver as the primary material, with designs that incorporate complex geometric patterns and symbolic motifs representing nature, spiritual beliefs, and cultural narratives. Red Dao jewelry, by contrast, often integrates silver with vibrant textiles and intricate beadwork, creating pieces that are both visually stunning and culturally significant.
While Vietnam is renowned for its silks, handicrafts, and coffee, don't overlook the allure of its semi-precious stones. The country boasts a diverse geological landscape, yielding a fascinating array of gems that make for unique and memorable souvenirs.
One of the most notable regions for gemstone mining in Vietnam is the Luc Yen district in Yen Bai province. Here, you'll find an abundance of ruby, sapphire, and spinel, often with distinctive colors and characteristics. The region has a bustling gem market where you can witness firsthand the trade and craftsmanship associated with these precious stones.
Beyond Luc Yen, other regions of Vietnam offer their own unique treasures. Central Vietnam is known for its blue sapphires, while the Central Highlands yield a variety of gems, including aquamarine, topaz, and garnet.
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So, there you have it – a treasure trove of ideas for what to buy in Vietnam! Whether you're seeking unique souvenirs to adorn your home, meaningful gifts for loved ones, or simply a taste of Vietnamese culture to savor, this diverse country has something for everyone.
From Hanoi's bustling markets to Hoi An's charming shops, your shopping adventure in Vietnam promises to be an unforgettable experience. Embrace the art of bargaining, immerse yourself in the local craftsmanship, and uncover those special finds that will forever remind you of your time in this beautiful country. Happy shopping!