Best Vietnam Souvenirs: Unique Gifts and Local Finds to Buy

Vietnam, a country that can offer you a chance to experience breathtaking beauty, explore a new culture, click memorizing pictures and more, also offers you an opportunity to know the locals more closely. It is by the souvenir shopping that Vietnam has to offer. Every country has a special list of products which tourists must buy as souvenirs, and Vietnam too has these, which you must buy when you travel to Vietnam.

So, here is a list of the top 10 souvenirs that you can gift family members, friends, and others.

Top 10 best souvenirs from Vietnam

1. Silk

Vietnamese silk - delicate, luxurious, and undeniably stylish. The villages of Van Phuc in Hanoi and Hoi An are famed for their silk weaving traditions. This fabric, used for everything from áo dài to decorative wall art, is incredibly lightweight yet durable, with a natural sheen that exudes elegance.

Whether you're picking up a scarf, tie, or even bedsheets, you’re investing in a product that’s been spun with care and dyed using time-honored techniques. Look for natural silk over synthetic blends to ensure authenticity. Give it to friends, or better yet, indulge yourself in its soft caress.

2. Ceramic

Ceramic products are another popular souvenir that you can take home from Vietnam. The beautiful variety one can find here is simply appealing, but just travelling can be tricky, as you must handle it very carefully. You can easily find here ceramic vases, lacquer vases, and more such varieties in a plethora of sizes, shapes, and colors. All these ceramic items are handcrafted by trained Vietnamese people who still rely on traditional methods.

Bat Trang village near Hanoi is the hub of Vietnamese ceramics. The craftsmanship here dates back centuries, and the village is still bustling with potters producing both utilitarian and decorative pieces.

You can find tea sets, incense burners, vases, and dinnerware - all delicately painted and glazed. Pottery workshops even let you make your own keepsake. The blend of tradition and creativity makes these souvenirs unforgettable.

3. Bamboo and wooden products

Bamboo is as Vietnamese as it gets - symbolic of resilience, humility, and versatility. It’s no surprise that artisans have turned this humble material into beautiful, eco-friendly products that tourists love.

Bamboo and wooden products 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. Bamboo baskets are another specialty made by the Vietnamese people. Apart from being cheaper alternatives, they are also eco-friendly in nature.

From woven baskets and chopsticks to picture frames and even lamp shades, bamboo wares are lightweight, biodegradable, and sustainable. Villages like Phu Vinh and Kim Son are famous for bamboo weaving, with patterns that require years of mastery. These items blend functionality with aesthetics, making them perfect for conscious travelers looking to support green living.

4. Silk Paintings

Silk paintings in Vietnam are a very unique product and depict an iconic art form of the artisans living here since ancient times. The mystical, simple, and poetic themes used in silk paintings make these particularly attractive. 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).

5. Musical instruments

Musical instruments here are handcrafted, which include mini T’rung, which are xylophones, and bamboo flutes. Carrying these is very easy and can make that perfect souvenir for all music lovers, reminding you of your Vietnam tours for a long.

6. Lacquerware

Lacquerware in Vietnam is distinct in its style of using resin from the son tree. The art links to the French influence in Vietnam, and it is a work-intensive art form. It’s said that high-quality lacquer products go through 20 stages of development and can be used to craft dishes, bowls, vases, and more in beautiful colors and intricate designs. There are some galleries exclusively dedicated to this art where you can find some really great collections.

7. Vietnamese embroidery

An art passed down from ages, embroideries in Vietnam make use of Chinese techniques largely. It’s said that one can become a master in this art in a span of 8-10 years. You can find a museum dedicated to embroidery in Nha Trang and can see embroiders working here live. The mastery and explicit craft is bound to amaze you. So, when on a Vietnam trip, don’t forget to buy at least one embroidered piece from there.

8. Guoc Moc

Guoc Moc, or wooden clogs, are traditional footwear for males and females in Vietnam. Females in Vietnam wear these with the traditional Ao Dai to add to their gratefulness. Now the use might have faded away, but you can still buy these at some traditional stores in Vietnam.

9. Conical Hats

Referred to as a leaf hat or "nón lá", these are a symbol of Vietnam and can be seen on drums as old as 3000 years. The same can be used as an umbrella during rains and a sun protector during the summer. The conical hats are available in a large variety, which you can buy as a souvenir, which is restricted to only this part of the globe.

Ever seen those iconic cone-shaped hats in travel documentaries? That’s "nón lá" - the Vietnamese conical hat. Originally crafted to protect farmers from the sun and rain, it’s become a national symbol.

Made from palm leaves, bamboo, and bark, "nón lá" is both a practical and symbolic souvenir. Some hats even come embroidered or painted with poetic scenes. Ideal for wall displays or as quirky fashion accessories, these hats evoke a sense of nostalgia and national pride.

10. Ao Dai

Recognized as a national garment for females 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.

Few garments are as quintessentially Vietnamese as the áo dài. Elegant, form-fitting, and culturally symbolic, this dress is worn during festivals, weddings, and other formal occasions. More than just a fashion statement, it's a historical artifact that reflects Vietnam's colonial past, Buddhist influences, and Confucian modesty.

Tailored to perfection in silk or brocade, you can have one custom-made in Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. It's not just a souvenir - it's an heirloom.

Shopping tips in Vietnam

• Bargain respectfully: Haggling is part of the culture, but always do it politely.
• Check for authenticity: Buy from reputable stores or certified handicraft shops.
• Cash is king: Many vendors prefer Vietnamese dong.
• Support local artisans: Buy directly from craft villages or cooperatives.

How to pack and preserve souvenirs

• Wrap fragile items in clothes or bubble wrap.
• Use airtight bags for food products.
• Label everything if you're carrying liquids or sauces to avoid customs issues.
• Carry delicate items in your hand luggage when possible.

FAQs about the best souvenirs

• Where can I buy the best souvenirs in Vietnam?

The best places include Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market, and craft villages like Bat Trang and Sapa.

• Are souvenirs from Vietnam expensive?

Not at all! You’ll find quality items across various budgets, from a few dollars to luxury crafts.

• Can I bring food items like fish sauce back home?

Yes, but check your country’s customs regulations. Always pack them in sealed, spill-proof containers.

• What’s the most popular souvenir among tourists?

Vietnamese coffee tops the list, followed closely by lacquerware and silk products.

• Are Vietnamese souvenirs sustainable?

Many are. Look for eco-friendly tags or buy directly from social enterprises and green brands.

• Is bargaining considered rude in Vietnam?

Not at all - it’s expected in markets! Just keep it friendly and respectful.

Conclusion: Top 10 best souvenirs from Vietnam

Vietnam, from Ha Noi to Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City is flooded with diverse markets and an amazing mix and match of culture and tradition. Each place offers a distinct experience, which can be more closely seen with its souvenir collection. So, stop by when on your shopping spree to get amazed and enticed with the exotic and beautiful yet distinct delights that await you as top Vietnamese souvenirs.