Vietnam Souvenirs for travelers – What and where to buy in your trip Vietnam?
Vietnam souvenir shopping is also a cultural experience. There is a large variety of things you should buy when traveling to Vietnam, including Ao Dai Vietnam, conical hat Non La, silk products, ceramic and pottery, art works, Vietnamese snacks and food… Vietnam is also famous for its high quality handicrafts (hand embroider, scarves, dresses, lacquerware, woodwork…). So, here is a list of top 17 Vietnam souvenirs which you can gift family members, friends, and all others.
1. Ao Dai
This custom is the national garment for males and females (more for females nowadays) in Vietnam. It’s a tight-fitted long dress worn over long pants. The style and traditional variety may have seen an evolution over the years, but the same is still being used by Vietnamese women.
Vietnamese Ao Dai could be worn by male, female and kids
The Ao Dai we see today is tight-fitting, which brings out and flatters the women’s curves. Nowadays, Ao Dai is only worn by men or women in special occasions such as festivals or formal events such as wedding, graduation… Ao Dai and conical hat are known as the signatures of Vietnam culture. It also have the male style and kid style. Ao Dai is an ideal gift among Vietnam souvenirs for international tourists to remember of this beautiful country.
Where to buy Ao Dai?
In Hanoi, you should purchase the material first on Hang Gai street in the Old Quarter or Cho Hom market. Then you could bring the material to a local tailor to get it made. Some famous local tailors are:
- Ao Dai Minh Duc: 41 Dang Tien Dong, Trung Liet, Dong Da, Hanoi +84 24 6276 2064
- Ao Dai Thanh Mai: 428 Bach Mai, Truong Dinh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi +84 24 2212 2859
- Van Phuc Silk Trade Village: Van Phuc, Ha Dong, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Luong Van Can Street
In Ho Chi Minh City, you could purchase the fabric at Ben Thanh market, Tan Dinh market, Binh Tay market, An Dong market… Then bring it to one of these shops to get made:
- Nhat Nguyet (28 Mac Dinh Chi, District 1 +84 28 3823 4985)
- Huong Collection (67 Thu Khoa Huan, District 1 +84 83 603 1137)
- Nice Silk (237 Le Thanh Ton, District 1 +84 90 399 6331)
- ABC AoZai Fabric Shop (19 Ly Chinh Thang Street, District 3 +84 83 848 3823)
Price: The price of Ao Dai are various ranging from $25 to several hundred dollars. The more expensive Ao Dai usually means better fabric quality and tailor skill. The best thing to do is to get a tailor-made one. It will have better quality and will fit you perfectly.
2. Bamboo and wooden products
Bamboo and wooden products as Vietnam souvenirs
These things in Vietnam are all hand woven and available in a large variety of colors. You can buy the same as beautifully carved bamboo hats or salad bowls, trays, baskets and more such items made out of bamboo and wood. Also, bamboo baskets are another specialty made by the Vietnamese people. Apart from being cheaper alternatives, they are also eco-friendly in nature. Bamboo dragonfly is also a very unique souvenir that will make great decoration in your house.
Where to buy:
In Hanoi:
- Bamboo Village Shop at 108 Xuan Dieu street, Tay Ho district, Hanoi
- Bamboo Shop at 4B Hang Hang Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
In HCMC:
Life Impress – An Tuong at 49 Ton That Thiep, District 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam +84 28 3821 4521
Mekong Creations at 1st Floor, 68 Lê Lợi, District 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam +84 28 2210 3110
Price: The price of bamboo and wooden product are various depend on the size and complexity of the object.
3. Ceramic and pottery
These are another popular souvenir which you can take home from Vietnam. Ceramic and pottery are a form of Vietnamese art. In the beginning, Vietnamese pottery and ceramics had an influence by Chinese ceramic. But over time, the art also incorporate ceramic features from Cambodia and India as well as developed its own style. The beautiful variety one can find here is simply appealing, but just traveling can be tricky where you must handle the same very carefully. You can easily find here ceramic vases, lacquer vases and more such variety in a plethora of sizes, shapes, and colors. All these ceramic items are handcrafted by trained Vietnamese people who still rely on the traditional methods.
Bat Trang pottery village and Phu Land pottery village are the most famous ones. Bat Trang is the one closest to Hanoi City. The history of this village started since 14th century. Today, Bat Trang pottery village still produce bowls, dishes and vases for the domestic market and for export. It also welcome tourists to come visiting and experience making their own pottery product.
Places to buy ceramic and pottery product?
Besides purchasing from Bat Trang Pottery village, you could purchase from many Bat Trang Pottery shops in Hanoi or HCMC.
In Hanoi:
- No 12, Dang Thuy Tram, Cau Giay, Hanoi
- 393 Kim Nguu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
In HCMC:
- 21 Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phong, District 7, HCMC
- 6 Che Lan Vien, Tay Thanh, Tan Phu, HCMC
Read more about Bat Trang Ceramic village:
4. Conical Hats
Referred as leaf hat or Non La, these conical hats symbolized Vietnam and appeared on drums as old as 3000 years. People often use it as an umbrella during rains and sun protector during summers as well. Attaching with the agricultural origin of Vietnam, Non La is associated with farmers’ lives on rice paddies as well as boat men and women. Nowadays, they are still worn frequently by farmers or used as an accessory when going to festivals and pagodas.
Non La is a typical and beautiful Vietnam souvenirs to gift yourself, friends and family
It is made with simple natural materials such as palm leaves and bamboo. However, the process of making it is 100% hand-made and take quite a long time (5-6 hours) to finish making one. The conical hats are available in a large variety (some main types are “Non Ba Tam”, “Non Quai Thao”, and they could have different designs on them). Conical hat is a unique Vietnam gift restricted to only this part of the globe.
Where to buy Non La?
In Hanoi:
- Souvenir shops in Old Quarter, Hanoi
- Dong Xuan Market in Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
In HCMC:
- Binh Tay Market
Price: conical hat Non La ranges about $5 – $10 each.
5. Do paper and Dong Ho’s folk paintings
Do paper is made from the bark of the Do tree, a wild plant commonly found around local riverbanks. It was popular for many years before the modern paper came. The process of making this paper is very complex, which takes up to three months. But the results are soft, light and durable paper. There are archeologist finding of Do paper that is 800 years old (according to BBC).
Nowadays, Do paper has the use to make Hanoi’s ethnic greetings cards, water color, folk paintings and bamboo-bound notebooks. You could use this type of postcards to send friends back home as a gift from your Vietnam travel.
Where to buy Do Paper?
In Hanoi:
- Zo Paper Shop no 27, Railroad, 10A Dien Bien Phu Street, Hang Bong
- The Old Quarter Area
In HCMC:
- Ngan Thong Craft Supply 64 Le Loi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Price: Do paper cards with embroidered squares, hemp-covered notebooks cost more or less $2, bamboo bound notebooks are from $1.5. They could be found in most book stores in major cities.
6. Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is well-known for its preparation (drip coffee) as well as putting condensed milk or egg into very strong coffee (Vietnamese iced milk coffee, Egg coffee). The majority of Vietnamese coffee is Robusta, which carries a stronger amount of caffeine than Arabica and tastes a bit bitter. Combine these two and you will have a unique strong taste and thick brew cup of Vietnamese coffee.
Vietnamese filter, grounded coffee, condensed milk and 10 minutes – Voila, Vietnamese Ca Phe Sua Da
Besides enjoying coffee in Vietnam, you could purchase it as a gift to bring back home. With a Vietnamese coffee filter, some Vietnamese coffee and a recipe (could be found online), you and your friends back home could together enjoy Vietnam famous styles of coffee.
Where to buy coffee bean or ground coffee in Vietnam?
In Hanoi:
- In the Old quarter area
- Le Van Huu street
- Oriberry Coffee 25 Xuan Dieu
- Highlands Coffee shop opposite the KFC near Hoan Kiem lake
In HCMC:
- At any Phuc Long coffee shop
Price: the price of Vietnamese coffee ranged from $5 to $18 for 250 gram (Trung Nguyen coffee).
7. Hand Fan/Paper fan
Practically, paper fan is a familiar item in Vietnamese daily lives. Symbolically, paper fan is considered as one of eight artsy and luxurious objects one could have in their houses, including a quill pen, gourd bowl, an orchid, a Ty Ba (4 string guitar), a chess-set, a feather duster and a sword.
These fans have origins from sturdy bamboo and paper or silk. Their uses are for fanning or decorative in your house. The size of fan are various, it could be hand size or even bigger. You can see Vietnam scenic views or calligraphy drawing on their surfaces. If you want to visit and experience the process of fan making, you should visit Thach That, the most famous paper fan-making village in Vietnam.
Where to buy hand fan/ paper fan in Vietnam?
- Souvenir shops in the Old Quarter Area
- Chang Son, Thach That village, Hanoi, Vietnam
Price: depend on sizes and designs, the price of a fan could range from $3 (hand fan) to $100 (wall-hanging fan).
8. Hand embroidered item
An art passed down from ages, Vietnamese hand embroidery is a tradition with over 700 years old. In Vietnamese culture, traditionally, girls are expected to know how to do hand embroidery to decorate pillowcases, handkerchief, tablecloths… The mastery and explicit craft are bound to amaze you. So, when on a Vietnam trip don’t forget buying at least one embroidered piece from there.
There is a wide range of available hand embroidered products from painting, bed sheets, quilts, pillowcases, bed throw, place mats, napkins, table runners, cosmetic bags, night dresses…This could be the best gift for your mother and wife/girlfriend.
Where to buy hand embroidered item in Vietnam?
In Hanoi
- Around the Old Quarter Area
In HCMC
- Sh Vietnam 114A/7 Tran Quoc Toan, Sub-district 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Price: $5 to $13 per handkerchief. $2 to $6 per cosmetic bag. $8 per napkin.
9. Guoc Moc
Guoc Moc or wooden clogs are traditional footwear for males and females in Vietnam. Like Ao Dai or Non La (conical hat), Guoc Moc or wooden clogs have been an useful tools close to Vietnamese lives for thousands of year. This form of footwear was appeared and used before leather, fabric or plastic shoes and sandals become common. It also accommodate the hot and humid weather of a tropical country. Females in Vietnam wear these with the traditional Ao Dai to add to their beauty.
Today, wooden clogs have become famous internationally and domestically as a touch of fashion or used in performance art. They are made with diverse designs, colors and materials. The traditional usage of Guoc Moc might have faded away, but you can still buy these at many traditional stores here as lovely Vietnam souvenirs.
Where to buy Guoc Moc in Vietnam?
In Hanoi:
- In Old Quarter Area
- At Dong Xuan market
In HCMC:
- Hai Theu Sai Gon 285/6 Vo Van Tan, Sub-district 05, District 3, Ho Chi Minh city
Price: a pair of Guoc Moc could range from $5 to $15. There are wooden clogs for both males and females.
10. Lacquerware
Lacquerware in Vietnam is distinct in its style of using resin from Son tree. The art links to the French influence in Vietnam and the same is a work-intensive art form. It is a fact that high-quality lacquer products go through 20 stages of development and become craft dishes, bowls, vases, and more in beautiful colors and intricate designs. In the beginning, the ingredient of plastic latex owned its spectacular stickiness, durability and resistance to rain, sun, salt and even humidity.
- Lacquerware products come in with different sizes and designs
If you have an interest in visiting the shop and watch the complex process of making lacquerware, you can visit some traditional lacquer villages in Vietnam are Cat Dang village, Ha Thai village, Tuong Binh Hiep… There are some galleries exclusively dedicated to this art that you can admire and purchase Vietnam souvenirs. They areThu Huong Lacquer art, Lacquer Art Tay Ho, Vietnam Fine Arts museum…
Where to buy lacquerware in Vietnam?
In Hanoi:
- Hoa Lu Craft Shop – 17 Dang Dung – Ba Dinh – Hanoi
- Many shops in Old Quarter Area
In HCMC:
- Showroom My Nghe Viet – No 4 (Villa 704), Road 19, An Phu, District 2, HCMC
- Son Mai Hong Dao – 112 Le Duc Tho, Sub-district 6, Go Vap District, HCMC
Price: $2 for a small dish, $4 for large dish, $12 for a set of table mats,…
11. Musical instruments
Among good Vietnam souvenirs, handcrafted musical instruments here are a great option. The range you could choose from are mini T’rung, bamboo flutes or miniature bamboo xylophone. These all are great choices since they are inexpensive, carrying them is very easy and can make that perfect souvenir for all music lovers, reminding you of your Vietnam tours for long.
Where to buy traditional Musical Instrument in Vietnam:
In Hanoi
- Hang Non or Hang Manh street in the Old Quarter
In HCMC
- Nguyen Thien Thuat street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Price: the musical instrument souvenir in Vietnam cost from $13 to $45
12. O Mai
In the beginning, this was a medical material in Vietnam. Nowadays, it is a popular snack/food. The main ingredients of O Mai are fresh fruit such as plum, lime, peach, star fruit, pineapple… After picking the good ones, they will be spiced, dried and add more spices. The flavors of O Mai are diverse with sweet, sour, salty, spicy…
Edible souvenirs are great idea
If you are wondering of any food to bring back among Vietnam souvenirs, this is a special snack from eastern culture. It will make a great gift since it is easy to carry, high-quality and bring a very different cuisine experience for Westerners.
Where to buy traditional O Mai in Vietnam:
In Hanoi
- O Mai Hong Lam – 11 Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- O Mai Tien Thinh – 21 Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
In HCMC
- O Mai Hong Lam – 82 Ham Nghi RD, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Price: O Mai could be purchased in markets, supermarkets or stores in big cities. Prices are from $2-$5 for 200 grams to $10 for 500 grams.
13. Product or the ethnic minorities
If you are wondering what to buy as Vietnam souvenirs in Sapa, Mai Chau, Moc Chau…, products of the ethnic minorities here could be a wonderful offer. There are more than 50 different ethnic group here in Vietnam with their own distinctive culture, which reflects into their clothing styles. For that reason, the product of ethnic minorities often come with very different woven patterns, colors and designs, which make a unique Vietnam souvenir to gifting. You can find these products not only on mountainous tribed hills but also in major cities of Vietnam.
14. Silk
Silk is a natural protein fiber in form of textiles and one of the best Vietnam souvenirs. They can produce silk by several insects such as silk worms, moth caterpillars, raspy cricket… Here, you can find gorgeous silk scarves for men and women, which are popular souvenir from Vietnam. The silk here is still made on traditional handlooms and the best place to buy this is at the silk village in Hanoi (named as Van Phuc) and Hoian as well. Silk in Vietnam is famous for brilliance and plays a role as an unique souvenir from Vietnam.
Silk dress – Smooth, cool and luxurious
Where to buy silk products in Vietnam?
In Hanoi:
- On Hang Gai street in the Old Quarter Area
In Ho Chi Minh city:
- At Ben Thanh market
- Toan Thinh Silk – 12 Pham Phu Thu, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam +84 28 3864 2402
15. Silk painting
Silk paintings in Vietnam are a unique product and depict an iconic art form of the artisans living here since olden times. The mystical, simple and poetic themes used in silk paintings make these particularly attractive Vietnam souvenirs. The paintings make use of the natural silk colors and textiles as the backdrop which is usually colorful. You can find such paintings on wall hangings, scarves and even on the traditional Ao dai (Long dresses).
Read more:
16. Snake wine or liquor
In case you want a unique Vietnam souvenir
Snake wine (or snake liquor) is bottles of medicinal rice wine with a dead cobra, scorpion, lizard or sea horse. As a matter of fact, this product raises many opinions relating to animal cruelty and it is completely understandable. However, this is still an aspect of Vietnam culture since Vietnam is a developing country that has superstition here and there. According to the wisdom of the elder, this liquor “makes man strong” (for recreational purposes). It seems bizarre to drink but it will make a great display. This is also one of the most unique Vietnam souvenirs. Just make sure to cover it up good so that it doesn’t leak out all over your suitcase.
Where to buy snake wine/ snake liquor in Vietnam?
In Hanoi
- On Trieu Viet Vuong or Mai Hac De or Pho Hue street
In HCMC
- Ben Thanh market
Price: depend on the size of the bottle, it range from $10-$20.
*Important: check with your local tour operator to see if you could bring this item through customs.
17. Tea
Vietnamese tea has been a traditional drink for Vietnamese in household and society in general. Back in the day, tea drinking accompanied aristocratic work or artistic work such as appreciating nature, spending quality time with one another, composing poem, calligraphy… Nowadays, it is rather a popular drink. Three most popular tea varieties in Vietnam are green tea, plain black tea and scented tea (jasmine, lotus scented tea…). This will make a great gifts as Vietnam souvenirs for your parents or friends. You can find high quality teain stores in big cities.
Where to buy tea in Vietnam?
Vietnamese tea are on purchase in any supermarket.
Price: the average price of tea in Vietnam is $4-$5 per kilogram.
In conclusion
Vietnam, from Ha Noi to Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City is full of diverse markets and an amazing mix and match of culture and tradition. As a result, each place offers a distinct experience which can go along with its souvenirs collection. Therefore, stop by when on your shopping spree to have a chance to admire the exotic and beautiful yet distinct delights that await you as top Vietnamese souvenirs.
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Thanks for sharing such an amazing & informative blog which will surely be a big help to those travelling to the vietnam. There are many amazing places to visit and out of many the beach resorts in the southern part of the country is very popular among the tourists.There one can find many beautiful beach resorts which provides top class hospitality.
We leave next week for a tree week stay in Vietnam (will be on Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, SaPa & HoiAN) want especially to purchase silk sleeping bag liners and silk pants (leggins) . Also wish to have a silk dance dress made while in Hoi An. Can you suggest good places to find these and a good taylor shop in Hoi AN?
Dear Madam,
Thank you for your comment. You can purchase silk sleeping bag liners and silk pants at any big supermarket or shopping mall in Vietnam such as Vincom, Big C, Seika Mart, etc.
Also upon your demands, here we suggest you visit these famous tailor shops while in Hoi An:
1. A Dong Silk
Address: 40 Le Loi, Hoi An
Tel: 0510 3910679
2. Thu Thuy
Address: 60 Le Loi, Hoi An
3. Yaly
Address: 358 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Hoi An
Tel: 0510 3914995
4. Bao Khanh Silk
Address: 101 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
Tel: 0510 3861 818
5. B’lan Silk
Address: 23 Tran Phu, Hoi An
Tel: 0510 386 1866
Regards,
Bich Ngoc
I want to buy Vietnamese Flag T-shirts in Hanoi. Can you please suggest some addresses?
Dear Fredricka,
It is easy to find this product at Hanoi Old Quarter street. You can come to Hang Bong, Hang Gai, or Hang Ngang to buy Vietnamese Flag T-shirts.
Regards,
Chi
Hi! Many thanks 🙂 Great article. Myanh Hoang
Hello guys, actually I am in hanoi right now, I would like to know where I can buy special postcards (as the ones in the video)? Thanks for the videos, they are very useful! Appreciate your effort!
Hi Harantine,
Thank you for your encouragement. I will surely share it with the marketing team here. The Do paper postcards in the video are special items could be found at Zo Paper Shop (no 27, Railroad, 10A Dien Bien Phu Street, Hang Bong). You could also contact the shop by calling 0168 432 9379. Hope you will find unique postcards for your friends and families.
Where can i buy Vietnamese coffee in Hanoi? No 3in1 pls. Thks for all the great ideas!
Hi Blake,
There are many Coffee Shop that sell coffee beans or grounded coffee in the Old quarter or on Le Van Huu street. Furthermore Oriberry Coffee 25 Xuan Dieu and Highlands Coffee shop opposite the KFC near Hoan Kiem lake… have very nice coffee with reasonable price as well.
Hello everyone,
I would like to buy souvenirs (I think Vietnamese handicraft would be best) back for lots of relatives, friends, co-workers, etc (40 plus people), as such I can’t afford to buy expensive souvenirs. Would you please recommend some Vietnamese souvenirs that you brought back to home country that people seem to enjoy? Any information on how much you paid and which store/market you bought from is greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance
Hi Adam,
For relatives and friends, you could buy Do paper postcards ($2 each at Zo Paper Shop no 27, Railroad, 10A Dien Bien Phu Street, Hang Bong) or small pottery cup ($2-4 each in Old Quarter Area). The bamboo dragonflies or small bamboo decorations are nice too as they could put on display on worktable ($1-3 each in Old Quarter Area).
For your coworkers, Vietnamese grounded coffee could be a good choice for the whole office ($5-10 per kilogram and you could find it in many coffee shop in the Old Quarter Area).
i regret i didn’t find this article when i was at vietnam…
Hi Fatine,
We are so honored to know that you adore Vietnam’s products as well as our company’s work. Don’t worry, next time when you travel to Vietnam, you will know for sure which souvenirs you like and where to find them. Keep checking our blog for more tips on traveling to Vietnam.
Thank you for the detail tips! I will buy the zo postcards and dragonflies. My families would love those!
Hi Julia,
You are absolutely welcome! We are glad that we could help out with souvenir idea. Zo postcards and bamboo dragonflies are unique gifts from Vietnam. Your families will enjoy them for sure.