18 best gifts and souvenirs from Vietnam

Want to know what to bring back from Vietnam?

I ended up sending home a box of souvenirs from Vietnam the last time I was there.

In this post, I’ll share the most authentic Vietnamese souvenirs that you can use as gifts or a reminder of your trip.

Let’s dive in.

🇻🇳 Souvenirs from Vietnam

Traditional crafts & fabrics

1. Lacquerware

Have you ever heard of Vietnamese lacquerware?

It’s a meticulous art form that involves several layers and intricate hand painting.

On markets and in shops around Vietnam, you can find exquisite bowls, vases, and jewellery boxes perfect for special occasions or as standout pieces in your home.

2. Silk

Vietnam takes its silk seriously, with a tradition that spans centuries.

Sapa is particularly famous for its indigenous groups weaving textiles that pop with color.

I recommend getting a silk scarf, they’re lightweight (easy to fit in your suitcase), and quite practical for chilly evenings.

3. Conical hats (Non La)

The iconic conical hat, known as Non La, is not just practical for sun protection – it’s a cultural symbol.

It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and among the cheap things to buy in Vietnam.

4. Hand embroidery

Hand embroidery is a delicate and detailed craft practiced across Vietnam.

It’s one of the best souvenirs from Vietnam that you can use as personalized gifts such as handkerchiefs, pillowcases, and artwork.

5. Bamboo and wooden crafts

Bamboo is a big deal in Vietnam when it comes to eco-friendly souvenirs that last.

They turn this sturdy yet lightweight material into all sorts of things, from handy baskets to solid furniture and guoc moc (those wooden clogs).

6. Ao Dai fabric

Textiles for the Áo Dài, Vietnam’s traditional attire for both men and women, are a popular souvenir.

The fabric can be silk or other high-quality materials, often purchased at local markets and made-to-measure at tailor shops.

This cloth is a symbol of Vietnam’s culture, regarded as one of the best Vietnamese souvenirs.

7. Handmade lanterns

In Vietnam, handmade lanterns are a staple during festivals.

Hoi An is particularly famous for its lanterns, so this is a great place to find unique souvenirs from Vietnam and Vietnam gifts.

Hang them on your front porch for a warm, inviting light.

8. A tailored suit

A tailored suit is a fantastic souvenir from Vietnam.

It’s practical, you get it made just for you, and it’s a cool way to remember your trip to Vietnam.

I got a suit and a few dresses from a tailor in Hoi An, which is the best place for it.

Food & Beverages

9. Vietnamese coffee

Vietnamese coffee is one of the top food souvenirs from Vietnam.

Primarily made from Robusta beans, it’s known for its strong flavor and is traditionally brewed with a metal drip filter (phin).

Get it from popular brands like Trung Nguyen and Vinacafe.

10. Tea

Lotus tea is an exquisite traditional Vietnamese gift.

The highlands, especially areas like Moc Chau and Ha Giang, are known for their premium teas.

11. Spices

Vietnamese spices are fantastic souvenirs to buy in Vietnam.

You can find many different spices in local markets, including unique Vietnamese herbs found in Vietnamese food.

Some of the most popular spices to take home are star anise, cinnamon, and Vietnamese mint.

12. Vietnamese snacks

Snack your way through the best of flavors with Vietnamese snacks.

You can find traditional Vietnamese candy and dried fruits in both bartering markets and fixed-price shops. Try coconut candy or banana chips.

13. Vietnamese snake wine

If you’re after a unique gift from Vietnam that’ll get people talking, check out their wines and spirits.

Take snake wine – it’s not every day you see an actual snake staring back at you from inside a bottle.

To be honest, it tastes terrible, but it’s still a fun souvenir 🙂

Cultural & artistic gifts

Here’s a taste of what to look for in the markets and souvenir stalls when you’re souvenir shopping in Vietnam.

14. Ceramics

When you’re on the hunt for gifts from Vietnam, don’t miss out on the ceramics, especially from Bat Trang pottery village.

You’ll find vases, bowls, and teapots with some seriously detailed designs that can class up your place or make for a sophisticated present.

15. Paintings from local artists

If you want a piece of Vietnam’s heart and culture, grab a painting by one of the local artists.

Silk paintings and everyday life scenes are like a sneak peek into the country’s artistic core.

16. Musical instruments

Take a bit of Vietnam’s tunes back with you by picking up traditional musical instruments like bamboo flutes or the đàn bầu.

17. Pearls

For a touch of class, Vietnam’s pearls are the way to go.

Whether it’s a classic string of pearls or an ornate jewelry box, these gems are the perfect mix of Vietnamese luxury.

18. Propaganda art

For a piece of history you can take home, check out the propaganda art from Vietnam.

These posters are colorful, impactful, and really give you a sense of the country’s past.

They’re among the most interesting Vietnamese souvenirs you could pick up.

🇻🇳 Where to buy souvenirs in Vietnam

You can find Vietnamese souvenirs in many places, but these spots are some of the best:

The Old Quarter, Hanoi

The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a maze of streets with endless shops selling everything Vietnamese. From traditional silk clothing to lacquerware, you’ll find plenty of souvenirs here.

It’s quite the tourist hot spot, but for a good reason – if you want a wide selection of local gifts, this is your go-to place.

Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

The Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling market that’s less touristy than you’d expect.

Here, you can find handcrafted jewelry, vibrant fabrics, and aromatic coffee. It’s perfect for finding unique and authentic Vietnamese souvenirs.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City

Left your souvenir shopping until the last minute? No problem.

The airport has a good range of Vietnamese products, from high-quality teas to beautiful ceramics.

You might pay a little more, but for the convenience and variety, it’s worth a look to grab those final gifts.

FAQ – Vietnam souvenirs

What is the best souvenir from Vietnam?

Some of the best Vietnamese souvenirs are silk products, such as clothing and scarves, or traditional items like the Non La (conical hat). My favorite gift from Vietnam is chopsticks.

What is worth buying in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, it’s worth buying silk textiles, Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), lacquerware, bamboo products, Vietnamese coffee, pearls, and handcrafted items like the Non La (conical hat) and wooden clogs.

What is a traditional Vietnamese gift?

A traditional Vietnamese gift could be a set of handmade chopsticks or a bottle of locally produced wine or spirits.

Which item is famous in Vietnam?

Vietnamese coffee is another famous item from Vietnam, known for its strong flavor and unique preparation methods.

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• 7 days in Vietnam itinerary

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