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What to buy in Vietnam for the perfect souvenir? Whether you want something culturally rich, delicious, or simply beautiful, Vietnam offers a treasure trove of affordable and authentic gifts. Let’s explore the best things to bring home from Vietnam, sorted into easy categories from fashion and food to handmade crafts.
Vietnam’s bold flavors are not only found in its cuisine but also in its world-famous coffee and herbal teas.
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, and coffee here is not just a drink - it’s a daily ritual and a window into local life. Bold, strong, and aromatic, Vietnamese coffee is typically brewed using a phin filter, resulting in a rich, slow-dripped beverage often served over ice with condensed milk (ca phe sua da).
Vietnamese coffee is unlike any other. Its intense flavor, high caffeine content, and smooth finish make it ideal for espresso lovers and adventurous palates alike. A bag of Vietnamese coffee also makes a meaningful, easy-to-pack souvenir that reflects the country’s agricultural pride and distinctive culinary identity.
Vietnamese coffee use a filter (or phin) for strong coffee extract (Source: Internet)
When shopping for coffee in Vietnam, consider these popular types:
Where to buy:
Price range: For regular Robusta/Arabica beans, price starts from VND 120,000 - 300,000 (USD 5 - 13) per 250g. Weasel coffee is usually more expensive, but still cheaper comparing to other places, from VND 500,000 (USD 22) per 100g and upwards, depending on authenticity
Tips for buying:
Tea culture in Vietnam is as ancient as it is diverse. From sipping fresh lotus tea beside West Lake to brewing herbal infusions in the highlands, Vietnam’s teas reflect its geography, climate, and centuries-old traditions.
Vietnamese teas are not only delicious but deeply connected to the country's spiritual and cultural roots. Their lightness, floral notes, and natural health benefits make them popular gifts for tea lovers and wellness seekers alike.
Here are some must-try varieties:
The most popular Vietnamese tea is green tea (Source: Internet)
Price range: Depending on the types of tea, here are the price references:
Vietnam’s fashion heritage is a fusion of elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural symbolism. If you're looking to bring home a wearable memory, start with these beloved styles.
Few garments in the world embody a country’s spirit as completely as the Ao Dai. Worn for both formal occasions and modern celebrations, the Ao Dai reflects Vietnamese femininity, poise, and tradition.
The Ao Dai makes for a meaningful and wearable souvenir. It's a showstopper at cultural events, and also makes a unique gift for loved ones. It can be tailored to fit perfectly and personalized in terms of fabric, color, and embroidery.
You can have your own ao dai custom-made in 2 days in Vietnam (Source: Internet)
Here are types of ao dai you should check out:
Price range: Ready-to-wear ao dai usually starts from VND 500,000 (USD 22), while custom-made can vary greatly depending on the designer and the quality of silk used, from VND 1,200,000 - 7,000,000 (USD 50 - 300)
Vietnamese silk is celebrated for its softness, delicate sheen, and deep cultural significance. Woven from carefully raised silkworms, it has long been associated with elegance and artistry - appearing in everything from royal garments to modern home décor.
Silk makes a versatile and premium souvenir. Whether you're buying a scarf, tailored clothing, or raw fabric, Vietnamese silk is affordable compared to global prices, and a great gift for those who appreciate craftsmanship.
Here are popular silk items to consider:
You can find silk in all forms, quality and budget (Source: Internet)
Price range:
A symbol as iconic as the Ao Dai, the Non La - or conical hat - is both practical and poetic. Originally worn by farmers and market vendors for sun and rain protection, it’s now a beloved symbol of Vietnamese heritage and a favorite among tourists. Besides, it’s so affordable even among those cheap things to buy in Vietnam.
There are traditional non la villages specialized in producing handmade, high quality conical hat (Source: Internet)
Lightweight, compact, and instantly recognizable, the Non La makes for a charming souvenir or photo prop that captures the essence of daily life in Vietnam.
Types of Non La to consider:
Price range: As cheap as VND 10,000 – 50,000 (USD 0.40 – 2.20), depending on design and quality.
Vietnamese embroidery is an exquisite blend of craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Using delicate silk threads and time-honored techniques, artisans stitch images of daily life, folklore, landscapes, and traditional symbols into fabric - creating art you can wear or decorate your home with.
Embroidery makes a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind souvenir. Whether you choose a finely detailed tablecloth or an embroidered bag, you're carrying home a piece of Vietnam’s artistic heritage.
Hand embroidery art in Vietnam is usually passed down from generation to generation (Source: Internet)
Popular embroidery items to look for include:
Price range: VND 50,000 – 1,000,000 (USD 2.20 – 44), depending on size, detail, and whether it’s handmade or machine-stitched.
Vietnam’s mountainous northern regions are home to diverse ethnic minority communities like the Hmong, Dao, and Tay, many of whom are master weavers and textile artists. Their handmade textiles are rich in color, tradition, and symbolism, often created using techniques passed down for generations.
These textiles are not just beautiful, they also tell stories of heritage, identity, and resilience. Buying them helps support rural artisans and preserve endangered craft traditions.
Tribal textiles have unique patterns and colors, usually found in the northern mountains of Vietnam (Source: Internet)
Types of tribal textile products to buy:
Price range: Prices range from VND 100,000 (USD 4.40) for handicrafts to VND 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 (USD 44 – 65) for larger pieces, depending on materials and detail.
Vietnam is a treasure trove of traditional artistry, where ancient techniques meet everyday utility. Let’s dive into the most iconic forms of Vietnamese handicrafts you shouldn't miss:
Lacquerware is one of Vietnam’s most visually stunning crafts. Created through a labor-intensive process involving multiple layers of natural resin and hand-polished surfaces, each piece can take up to three months or more to complete.
Vietnamese lacquerware is renowned for its durability and elegance. From serving trays to jewelry boxes, it adds an artistic flair to any space. Its high-gloss finish, often decorated with mother-of-pearl or eggshell inlay, makes every item a conversation piece. It is indeed one of the cool things to buy in Vietnam that surprise everyone in your hometown.
Popular lacquerware items:
You can find unique patterns on lacquerware (Source: Internet)
Price range: From VND 180,000 (USD 7.70) for small bowls or trays to VND 1,500,000+ (USD 65) for detailed artwork or large pieces
Vietnam has a long tradition of ceramic production, with regional styles that reflect both indigenous and Chinese influences. Bat Trang Village near Hanoi is particularly famous for its high-fired pottery, which ranges from practical kitchenware to ornate decorative art.
Vietnamese ceramics combine functionality with timeless design. Their vibrant glazes, intricate patterns, and durability make them ideal for both display and daily use.
Pieces to consider include ceramic pots, bowls, dishes, vases, cups, and figurines. You can also opt for hand-painted wall tiles or sculptures.
Vietnam is famous for the handmade pottery (Source: Internet)
Price range: Small decorative items are only from VND 20,000 (USD 0.85), medium vases/bowls can vary from VND 700,000 – 2,000,000 (USD 30 – 87), and large pieces can be several hundred to thousands of dollars.
These iconic silk lanterns brighten up Hoi An’s Ancient Town at night, and taking one home means bringing a little of that magic with you. Believed to bring good fortune and happiness, lanterns are a symbol of hope and celebration.
Hoi An lanterns are light, foldable, and full of charm. They’re perfect for home décor or as festive gifts, especially during Lunar New Year or mid-autumn celebrations.
You can take a picture at lantern shops in Hoi An (Source: Internet)
Popular styles to choose from:
Price range: VND 10,000 – 200,000 (USD 0.40 – 8.50), depending on size, material, and design complexity.
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable and versatile materials in Vietnam, used for everything from homes and furniture to delicate crafts. Artisans transform this humble plant into lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly souvenirs that celebrate the country's connection to nature.
Bamboo products are affordable, functional, and stylish. Their earthy aesthetic blends well with modern interiors, and many are compact enough to carry home easily.
Bamboo products are diverse, ranging from accessories to home decor (Source: Internet)
Items worth buying:
Price range: From VND 30,000 (USD 1.30) for small items to VND 500,000 (USD 22) for larger baskets or multi-piece sets
From delicate silk paintings to bold rice paper prints, Vietnamese visual art captures the country's landscapes, legends, and daily life with vibrant charm. Many styles blend traditional techniques with modern themes, making them perfect for collectors and casual buyers alike.
These artworks are culturally rich and visually captivating. They make excellent décor pieces and meaningful gifts, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s artistic soul.
Dong Ho paintings reveal unique Vietnamese folk culture (Source: Internet)
Popular styles include:
Price range: Paintings range from VND 250,000 - 1,500,000 (USD 11 - 65). Dong Ho paintings range from VND 100,000 to VND 1,200,000 (USD 4.40 – 52), depending on size.
Water puppetry (mua roi nuoc) is a traditional Vietnamese performance art that originated in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta. The hand-carved wooden puppets used in these shows are not only charming collectibles but also a fun way to share Vietnamese folklore.
These puppets are rich in character and history. They represent iconic Vietnamese figures like farmers, dragons, and fairies, and serve as both souvenirs and cultural education tools.
Common puppet types:
Where to buy: It is a little harder to find these hidden gems, however, try follow these locations:
Price range: VND 100,000 (USD 4) for smaller puppets to over VND 1,000,000 (USD 40) for larger, detailed pieces.
Water puppet is the unique art of Vietnam (Source: Internet)
Calligraphy, or thu phap, is an art form that transforms written words into visual poetry, especially around Tet (Lunar New Year). Using elegant brush strokes and poetic verses, artists create visual expressions of blessings, wisdom, and good fortune.
These pieces serve as both aesthetic and spiritual gifts. The messages often feature Buddhist or Confucian sayings and are perfect for displaying in homes or offices.
What to look for:
Price range: From VND 100,000 (USD 4.40) for small works to over VND 1,000,000 (USD 44) for large framed or custom pieces.
This elegant tradition celebrates the beauty of ancient Vietnamese writing (chu Nom) (Source: Internet)
Small but stunning, Vietnamese pop-up cards are miniature works of paper engineering. Each card unfolds into a scene - temples, bicycles, dragons, or even the iconic Ao Dai - that surprises and delights.
These cards are perfect for sending to friends or keeping as mementos. They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and often handmade, making them easy to collect in multiples.
Types of cards you’ll find:
Price range: Pop-up cards cost between VND 12,000 – 35,000 (USD 0.50 – 1.50), while premium or layered designs can go up to VND 70,000 (USD 3).
Vietnamese pop up cards can be a great souvenir to bring back home (Source: Internet)
Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated around the world for its balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. Bringing home some of Vietnam’s culinary staples is the perfect way to extend your travel experience - or share it with others.
Vietnamese cooking is all about layering fresh herbs and vibrant spices to build deep, harmonious flavors. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just love the idea of making pho at home, local spices are a perfect (and lightweight) souvenir.
Vietnamese spices are aromatic, easy to transport, and affordable. They also allow you to bring the spirit of Vietnamese home-cooking to your own kitchen.
Must-try spices include star anise, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, lemongrass, Thai basil, mint, cilantro, Vietnamese coriander, and Tay Ninh salt. These spices are always among good things to buy in Vietnam for tourists.
Price range: From VND 20,000 (USD 0.85) for small packets to VND 150,000 (USD 6.50) for large jars or mixed spice sets
Vietnamese spices can be used in cooking, baking, cleaning, etc. (Source: Internet)
Vietnam is famous for its o mai (preserved fruits with sugar, salt, and chili) and mut (dried or candied fruits), often enjoyed during Tet and gifted year-round. These treats strike a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy.
These snacks are uniquely Vietnamese, delicious, and perfect for sharing. Their long shelf life and attractive packaging make them ideal for gifts.
Common varieties include:
Price range: VND 40,000 – 150,000 (USD 1.70 – 6.50) per box. Small bags start around VND 50,000 (USD 2.20) and can go up to VND 200,000 (USD 8.50) for larger packages. Higher-end varieties may cost 3–4 times more, reaching VND 600,000 – 800,000 (USD 26 – 35) depending on ingredients and packaging.
O mai has a sour taste, but it is beneficial for gut health (Source: Internet)
Often called the "soul" of Vietnamese cuisine, fish sauce (nuoc mam) is a rich, fermented condiment made from anchovies and salt. Its deep umami profile is essential to local dishes like pho, bun cha, and dipping sauces.
No Vietnamese pantry is complete without it. Bringing home fish sauce means having the foundation of Vietnamese cooking at your fingertips.
Top varieties to look for:
Price range: A 650 ml bottle can cost between VND 150,000 and VND 180,000 (USD 6.50 – 8). Small bottles are a few dollars, premium varieties exceed VND 250,000 (USD 10).
Vietnamese fish sauce is packaged carefully in various sizes, easy to bring back home (Source: Internet)
Vietnamese desserts are a delightful mix of textures, colors, and ingredients - from mung bean and sticky rice to sesame, peanuts, and coconut. Many are individually packaged, making them easy to carry and share.
These treats reflect the flavor profile of Vietnamese food: balanced, aromatic, and never overly sweet. Many are seasonal or regionally specific, making them even more special.
Popular treats include:
Vietnam is famous for the variety of sweet treats (Source: Internet)
Price range: Depending on each types and quality, price can vary greatly, from VND 40,000 (USD 1.7) to up to VND 200,000 (USD 8.5).
Vietnam is not only rich in traditional crafts - it also surprises travelers with high-quality, locally made beauty products and artisan jewelry. These modern souvenirs are stylish, ethically produced, and perfect for personal pampering or thoughtful gifts.
Vietnam’s tropical climate and biodiversity provide the perfect ingredients for natural skincare. Many local brands now focus on sustainable, cruelty-free, and plant-based beauty products that reflect the country’s holistic wellness approach.
Handmade soaps and organic cosmetics from Vietnam are rich in essential oils, gentle on skin, and often beautifully packaged - ideal for gifting or self-care.
Products to consider:
Many Vietnamese beauty products are made from locally grown produces (Source: Internet)
Price range: From VND 50,000 (USD 2.20) for handmade soaps to VND 400,000 (USD 17) for full skincare gift sets.
Vietnamese jewelry blends traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Whether it’s handcrafted silver from Sapa or lacquered wood bangles from Hanoi, these pieces are personal, meaningful, and often handmade.
Jewelry is a great way to wear your travels - literally. It’s small, elegant, and makes for a lovely souvenir or gift for someone special.
Styles worth checking out:
High quality, handmade jewellery with unique designs (Source: Internet)
Price range: From VND 30,000 (USD 1.30) to VND 50,000 (USD 2.20) for basic costume jewelry. Silver jewelry typically ranges from VND 200,000 (USD 8.50) to over VND 2,000,000 (USD 85). Stone bracelets range from VND 100,000 (USD 4.40) to over VND 1,000,000 (USD 44).
Tips: Check customs regulations for bringing expensive jewelry back home.
To make the most of your shopping experience in Vietnam, it’s important to know when and where to buy, how to bargain, and what to avoid. Here are insider tips to help you navigate the markets like a local.
1 - Custom Tailoring
Vietnam is famous for its tailoring services - particularly in Hoi An. You can have a custom Ao Dai, suit, or dress made to measure within 24 - 48 hours. Here are some tips for success:
2 - Bargaining Etiquette
Haggling is part of the fun, especially in markets. But it’s also an art.
3 - Where to Find the Best Deals:
4 - Items to Be Cautious About:
Vietnam is a country of colors, textures, flavors, and stories - and nowhere is that more evident than in its markets and artisan shops. From the elegance of an Ao Dai and the strength of Robusta coffee, to fragrant teas, traditional art, and soul-warming snacks, the best souvenirs from Vietnam are those that carry meaning. In this article we have introduced you to more than 10 best things to buy in Vietnam.
To explore what to buy in Vietnam, book your Flight with Vietnam Airlines today! For more details on flights, baggage policies, and travel itineraries, contact Vietnam Airlines via their hotline at 1900 1100, or through Fanpage or Zalo for expert advice.
Passengers are required to have adequate travel documents for all flights on all concerned airlines and to abide by national laws and regulations. Vietnam Airlines does not take responsible if passengers are denied entry into any country.
Please visit here for more details.
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