Top 15 Authentic Vietnamese Souvenirs to Bring Home

Vietnam has so much to offer when it comes to souvenirs, revealing its highly valued history, vibrant culture, and skillful craftsmanship. From traditional crafts to mouth-watering snacks, this guide will help you in selecting the perfect mementos of your trip.

You need to have at least one souvenir from Vietnam, else what are you gonna answer to your family/friends when you get hit with the “what did you bring for me?”

Non La, Conical Hat

The Non La is one of the most iconic symbols in Vietnam: very stylish, yet super useful. Majorly lightweight, these handwoven hats have served their purpose: protection against the scorching sun and even rain. You could get them in Hanoi's Old Quarter or in Ho Chi Minh City's Ben Thanh Market. Usually, they have cool patterns and are awesome to show off. Prices are about $1-2 for simple models to several dollars for artisan-made ones.

Vietnamese Coffee and Phin Filter

If you're a coffee lover, you definitely have to try Vietnamese coffee, especially the robusta kind. Get yourself a phin, this cool, traditional Vietnamese drip filter, and make that real-deal coffee at home. You can find really good brands like Trung Nguyen or go to the local markets for some quality beans that start at $3-5 per pack. There's a bunch of flavors, too, like that awesome egg coffee and coconut coffee.

Silk Stuff

Vietnamese silk is super famous for being soft and shiny. You should check out Hanoi’s Hang Gai Street or Van Phuc Silk Village if you want some top-notch silk scarves, ties, and clothes. Hoi An's also a big deal for custom silk outfits, so you can totally make your own style. Prices range from around $6 for little accessories to over $80 for those tailored dresses.

Handmade Lanterns

Hoi An's handmade lanterns are such a cool addition to any home. These bright, foldable lanterns represent good luck and happiness in Vietnamese culture. You can snag them for like $2-$10, depending on their size and quality. You should totally check out Hoi An's lantern-making workshops for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Ao Dai: Traditional Costume

The Ao Dai - Vietnam's national costume - is an eloquent gift. These flowing garments can be tailor-made in places such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Ready-to-wear Ao Dài costs from US$25 while tailor-made versions are much pricier depending on the quality of the fabric and complexity in the design.

Lacquerware

Lacquerware is another interesting craft, made under the inspirations of the techniques of French colonialism. Bowls, trays, and vases come with intricate designs, ideal to be taken home by art-loving tourists. Prices vary from $2 for small pieces up to over $100 for more elaborate ones.

Bamboo and Wood Stuff

Bamboo straws, baskets, and carvings - most attractively in the form of dragonflies and bowls - will impress the eco-conscious traveler. These sustainable, long-lasting products are to be found at the marketplace and specialty shops like the Mekong Creations. Prices begin at 2 dollars.

Ceramics and Pottery

Pottery traditions are alive and well in places like Bat Trang outside Hanoi, for example. Visitors can shop for stunning handmade vases, bowls, and plates - or even try their hand at crafting their own in a workshop. Prices start at US$2 for smaller items.

Dry Fruits and Coconut Sweets

Coconut candy and dried fruits like mango or plum are other sweet souvenirs originating from the Mekong Delta. They can be found almost everywhere in local markets and cost around $2 to $10 depending on the quantity.

Art, Propaganda, and Posters

A quirky souvenir, the propaganda posters of Vietnam are colourfully ubiquitous relics of its history. Copies can be had from the many art galleries of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from as low as US$5. A nice gift for a history buff.

Tribal Textiles

Ethnic minority groups in Sapa or Ha Giang are making very nice textiles with special designs, from scarves up to table runners. Their purchase helps the local population and the traditional craftsmanship is maintained. $4 and up.

Vietnamese Tea and Spices

Vietnam also produces high-quality teas like lotus and jasmine that are found in the market or tea shops. The other items which would make good culinary souvenirs are spices like cinnamon and star anise. Tea prices start from $3, while spices start depending on quantity and quality.

Hand-Stitched Stuff

Beautifully hand-embroidered tablecloths, pillowcases, and clothing are done by Vietnamese artisans. Each reflects generational craftsmanship. Simple designs begin at $5.

Snake Wine

Daredevil gifts are snake wines that are made by infusing snakes or scorpions into rice wine, which supposedly have healing powers. It's available in specialty stores, but as a conversational piece, it's pretty controversial.
A lot of tourists count it among the must do things in Vietnam but to bring it home, you will have to check with the customs of your country first.

Pearls and Jewellery

Vietnam has very affordable and high-quality pearls, generally made into necklaces or earrings. Of course, you can find those in markets or relaxed seaside places like Halong Bay.

Where to Buy Some Souvenirs?

• Hanoi: The Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market, and Bat Trang Pottery Village.

• Hoi An: Lantern shops, tailoring boutiques, and handicraft villages.

• Ho Chi Minh City: The Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square.

Tips for Shopping for Souvenirs in Vietnam

• Haggle smartly: bargain, but don't overdo it; after all, this is a market.

• Make sure that silk and handicrafts are genuine.

• Wrap fragile items, such as ceramics, well to avoid damage.

Vietnam’s souvenirs offer something for everyone, blending practicality, artistry, and cultural significance. Happy shopping!

FAQs

• What are the nicest souvenirs from Vietnam?
  Non La, coffee, silk stuff, and ceramics are the best choices because they're both culturally cool and super useful.

• Where do I get the real Vietnamese coffee?
  Opt for well-bred coffee beans at brands like Trung Nguyen or at markets like Ben Thanh and Dong Xuan. We can not stress this enough, just buy Trung Nguyen coffee!

• What's so unique about Vietnamese lacquer?
  It combines traditional and French-inspired designs, making it a collector’s delight.

• How much do Ao Dai dresses cost?
  Off-the-rack dresses go for 25 dollars upwards and tailor-made ones are more expensive.

• Are Vietnamese lanterns brittle?
  Most are foldable so it is easy to pack up and transport.

• How can I have some handicrafts made of textiles?
  Buy directly from artisans either from Sapa or from Ha Giang markets, through cooperatives.