Top 20 Things To Buy In Vietnam

Everyone that travels like to buy presents for their family and friends on their trip. In addition, shopping is a way to wallow yourself in local cultures during holidays. Vietnam is a well-known tourist destination for its diversity of culture features, alongside thousands of specialties. Therefore, there is a wide range of choices for souvenirs, including the decorative and the food ones. This writing is giving you the 20 most popular things to buy in Vietnam.

Conical Hat Or Non La In Vietnam Tracy

1. Conical hats – a symbol of Vietnamese agriculture

The Conical hat (Vietnamese: Non la) has been the symbol of Vietnam for a long time. Being in the shape of a circular cone, conical hats are made of palm leaves, bamboo tubes, and is an ideal souvenir for tourists traveling to Vietnam. This product is very versatile, which can be used in any weather conditions so as to help users feel more comfortable. In addition, in the present, there are a variety of types, varying in designs, alongside with sizes and quantity, which makes the Conical hat easier to chose.

The conical hat is the most suitable for those who like outdoor activities such as farming. You can find this souvenir at almost all souvenir shops in over the country at a cheap price. However, We advise you to buy directly at some craft villages such as Chuong conical hat village in Hanoi, Phu Cam conical hat village, and Tay Ho conical hat village in Hue. One conical hat costs from VND 30,000 to VND 50,000

Where to buy conical hats in Vietnam?

Where to buy conical hats in Hanoi? – Dong Xuan Market – Hang Khoai Street, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Where to buy conical hats in Hue? – Dong Ba Market – 2 Tran Hung Dao, Phu Hoa Ward, Hue City

Where to buy conical hats in Ho Chi Minh City? – Ben Thanh Market – Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

2. Ao dai – The traditional costume of Vietnamese women

Ao dai is the traditional dress of Vietnamese women. It symbolizes for Vietnamese feminine beauty of Vietnamese women and is a highlight in Vietnamese fashion.

It is easy to find a suitable Ao dai for yourself or for gifts because it is available at many stores throughout Vietnam. Normally, this costume is already in the ready-to-buy form, but if you want to make the material and the design according to personal hoppy, you can buy the cloths first and then order at some tailor’s, but it has a higher price. Hanoi, Hue, Hoian, and Ho Chi Minh are the 4 places that are the most famous for Ao dai in the country.

Ao dai is appropriate for all women of all ages. It will be an interesting present for your grandmother, your mother, or your sister. The price of a set of Ao dai (including pants) may vary, depending on different materials, designs, quality, and colors. In the present, a set of Ao dai has a price about from VND 500,000 to 2,000,000/set.

Where to buy Ao dai in Vietnam?

Where to buy ao dai in Hanoi?

  • Thanh Mai Shop
    • 428 Bach Mai Street, Truong Dinh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District
    • 435 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Co Nhue 1 Ward, Tu Liem District
  • Huu la la – 2 Nha Chung  Street, Hang trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
  • Ao dai Minh Duc – 41 Dang Tien Dong Street, Trung Liet Ward, Dong Da District

Where to buy Ao dai in Hue?

  • Ao dai Bich Thuy
    • 47 Vo Thi Sau Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City
    • 15 Chu Van An Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City
  • Ao dai Minh Tan – 57 Nguyen Sinh Cung Street, Vy Da Ward, Hue City

Where to buy Ao dai in Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Ao dai Lien Huong – 111 Pasteur Street, Ward 6, District 3
  • Ao dai Ngoc Chau – 148 Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, Ward 3, District 3

3. Silk – The high-fashion and charming material

Vietnamese silk (Vietnamese: lụa), which used to be considered as a luxurious material, was worn by the Imperials and high class. Ao dai, which is the traditional costume, is often made of silk. Nowadays, Vietnamese designers use it to create high-fashion items that are to appear in famous fashion shows. Although Chinese, Japanese, Italia silks are famous, Vietnamese silk gains its own distinctive attraction.

If you want to buy Vietnamese silk, you can go to some traditional villages where silk is still made on conventional handlooms which gives the best textiles. It is highly recommended that you buy it at Van Phuc silk village in Hanoi. You can also find it on Hang Gai Street of Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoian Ancient Town, Tan Dinh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, and many other markets in Vietnam. Besides silk fabric, the stores sell ready-made silk items such as a scarf, bag, tie, etc. One meter of Vietnamese silk costs VND 150,000.

Where to buy Silk in Vietnam?

Where to buy Silk in Hanoi?

  • Kenly Silk – 108 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District
  • Lua Ha Silk – 538 Thuy Khue Street, West Lake District
  • Phuc Hung Silk – 29/75 Lua Street, Ha Dong District
  • Le Minh – 104 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District

Where to buy Silk in Hoian?

  • B’lan Silk – 23 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward
  • Bao Khanh Silk – 101 Tran Hung Dao Street, Son Phong Ward

Where to buy Silk in Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Kenly Silk – 132 Le Thanh Ton Street (near Ben Thanh Market)
  • Thai Tuan Silk – 419 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 8, District 3

4. Ethnic handicraft products – Reflexion of Vietnamese ethnic cultures

Ethnic handicraft is a type of art including products made by ethnic minorities living in Vietnam. Each group has its own culture, so their handicraft products also have their own character. The most popular items are scarf, bag, textiles, paintings, clothing items, and even woodworks, all of which are unique and impressive.

This is an ideal gift for those who are interested in strange cultures. Normally, these products are widely sold in almost every site; however, if you want to buy the real ones, find some stores that provide the true handmade items, although they are maybe more expensive. If you have a chance to travel to the Northern region or the Central Highland region, you can observe the making process and then buy these products directly. Traveling, mainly, is to experience. The price depends on different products: scarves, bags, painting, clothing items, woodworks, etc, but in general, it ranges from VND 30,000 – VND 500,000.

Where to buy ethnic handicraft in Vietnam?

Where to buy ethnic handicrafts in Hanoi?

  • Indigenous – 36 Au Trieu Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
  • Shop Craft Link – 43 & 51 Van Mieu Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District

Some stores in Sapa

Where to buy ethnic handicraft in Quang Binh?

  • Tree Hugger Café – 30 Nguyen Du Street, Dong My Ward, Dong Hoi City

5. Hand embroidery – The special gift for your precious ones

The embroidery art is famous in Vietnam. The products include embroidered bags, clothes, scarfs, purses, nightdresses, quilts, bedsheets, pillowcases, table runners, etc.
Hanoi has a wide range of selection about design, quality, and price, so it is a great place to purchase this kind of product. In addition, having a chance to visit Sapa, you can get access to different villages of the valley, where you can see how handmade embroidery products are made and buy them in the local markets. The best items are usually found on special cotton and linen and the best designs. Anyone who appreciates hard work and culture will definitely like these beautiful handmade presents.

This is an ideal gift for those who are passionate about culture or just simply the special ones in your life such as mother, wife, girlfriend. The price is ranged from VND 50,000 to VND VND 1,000,000 depending on different products (bags, clothes, pillowcases, bed sheets, etc).

Where to buy hand embroidery in Vietnam?

Where to buy hand embroidery in Hanoi?

  • Ninh Khuong Hand Embroidery – 76 Hang Gai Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
  • May Store – 7 Nha Tho Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
  • Tan My Design – 61 Hang Gai Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Where to buy hand embroidery in Hoian?

  • XQ Hoi An – 27 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street – Minh An Ward

Where to buy hand embroidery in Ho Chi Minh City?

  • XQ Sai Gon
    • 147 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
    • 106 Le Loi Street (near Benh Thanh Market)
    • 4A Tran Hung Dao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
  • Ninh Khuong Hand Embroidery – 42 Le Loi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

6. Pottery – An appealing and handmade kind of souvenirs

Pottery is another ideal kind of Vietnamese souvenirs you can bring back to your home country. There are a variety of ceramic products, including vase, bowl, dish, cup, and so on, which are so appealing and beautiful in different patterns and colors. All of these ceramic items are hand-crafted according to the traditional way.

You can find pottery at many stores in Vietnam, but if you have a chance, we advise you to pay a visit to some traditional villages such as Bat Trang (Hanoi), Phuoc Tich (Hue), Thanh Ha (Hoian) so as to buy them directly, as well as experience the process making these products.

The price is reasonable, but sometimes high because of the quality and size. By the way, be careful when moving them because they are easily broken. The price depends on different products: bowl, dish, cup, vase, etc, ranging from VND 20,000 to VND 10,000,000.

Where to buy pottery in Vietnam?

Where to buy pottery in Hanoi?

  • Cerender Ceramics – 11A Trang Thi Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District
  • Quang Ceramics Store – 93 Ba Trieu Street, Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District

Where to buy pottery in Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Hey Camel Ceramics – 116/19A Tran Quoc Toan Street, Ward 7, District 3

7. Bamboo and woody products – The eco-friendly souvenirs

Two bamboo and wooden products are the most popular kinds of souvenirs sold in almost every tourist site in Vietnam. They are all handmade and available in a wide range of colors and design. The typical bamboo items are baskets, strays, bowls, hats, chopsticks, or even furniture such as tables, chairs. These two products are not both cheap and eco-friendly. They are such intelligent choices for your family. But do not forget to choose authentic stores. The price depends on the different items.

Where to buy bamboo and woody products in Vietnam?

Where to buy bamboo and woody products in Hanoi?

  • Dong Xuan Market – Hang Khoai Street, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Where to buy bamboo and woody products in Hue?

  • Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street – Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Phu Hoi Ward – Hue City
  • Dong Ba Market, 2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa Ward, Hue City

Where to buy bamboo and woody products in Hoian?

  • Reaching Out – 103 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward

Where to buy bamboo and woody products in Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Ben Thanh Market – Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

8. Vietnamese musical instruments –  Traditional and unique instruments

Musical instruments are also favorite kinds of souvenirs in Vietnam because of their sweet tones having the characteristic of Vietnamese music. Among them, bamboo flutes, Vietnamese violin (dan Nhi), and mini t’rungs are usually chosen. They are hand-craft products and easy to use.

It is difficult to find a Vietnamese musical instrument store. By the way, because there are many products not good as they may seem, check the instruments carefully when purchasing. The price depends on the kind of instruments like flutes, Vietnamese violins, t’rungs, drums, etc, ranging from VND 50,000 to VND 1,500,000.

9. Calligraphy – The meaningful and special word art

Vietnamese calligraphy (calligraphy means the art of making beautiful handwriting) has become a meaningful custom in daily life, as well as on some special occasions for a long time. It refers to works using scripts, including both the Chinese-based characters and Latin-based ones, in different types.

During the Vietnamese New Year (Tet), giving this form of writing is thought to bring happiness and good luck to families. In addition, the art of calligraphy is performed at some famous festivals. Calligraphy is an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture. This kind of artwork is printed and sold in bookshops or painting shop. Hue and Hanoi are the 2 most famous places for calligraphy in Vietnam. The price is from VND 200,000 to VND 500,000.

10. Vietnamese paintings – The storyteller about Vietnamese culture

Vietnamese painting is a unique product describin= every moment of Vietnam in an iconic artistic way. There are usually many painting materials such as silk, sand, and oil, each of which has its own characteristics and beauty. Also, these paintings are rich in colors and motives but they are all incredible for the story inside. To hang these pictures on the walls is one of the good ways so as to decorate your house. In Vietnam, it is not difficult to find a store providing these pictures; they are just sold at souvenir shops and bookstores. Although the price may be rather higher than other kinds of souvenirs, it is worth buying. The price is from VND 250,000 to VND 1,500,000.

Where to buy Vietnamese paintings in Vietnam?

Where to buy Vietnamese paintings in Hanoi?

  • Amazing Hanoi – 71  Hang Gai Street, Hang Gai Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Where to buy Vietnamese paintings in Hue?

  • Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street – Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City

Where to buy Vietnamese paintings in Hoian?

  • Hoian Fine Art Gallery – 42 Phan Boi Chau Street, Son Phong Ward

11. History printing products – Necessary for knowledgeable travelers

Vietnam is well-known for its historical architectural heritage such as Hue Citadel, Nguyen’s famous tombs, Hanoi Literature Temple. When visiting these sites, you should have a book or only a brochure to know more clearly the history. You can buy these products at some corners of each destination; they have not only the Vietnamese version but also the English one. Traveling would be more interesting and useful if you gained historical knowledge clearly on your trip. The price depends on the sizes and printing materials for books.

12. Lacquerware – The distinctive artworks of Vietnam

Vietnam has long traditions of lacquer craft. Indeed, lacquerware-making in Vietnam has been a unique art form for many years. Lacquer products in Vietnam consist of jewelry boxes, photograph albums, dishes, bowls, vases, etc, which all have distinctive styles and quality, compared to those from other Asian nations. It usually takes 20 stages and 100 days to make high-quality lacquer products, followed by hard and careful work of the lacquer makers. There are some galleries introducing this art where you can find really great lacquer products.

These products are used to present to the elders and friends. Although lacquer art is highly developed in Hue, Hoian, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, you can find this souvenir at many tourist sites. However, be careful when purchasing lacquerware because they may be of low quality. Each product costs from VND 180,000 to VND 1,500,000

Where to buy Lacquerware in Vietnam?

Where to buy Lacquerware in Hanoi?

  • Thu Huong Lacquer Arts – 118 Nguyen Khanh Toan Street, Cau Giay District
  • Minh Tam Lacquerware – 2 Hang Bong Street, Hang Gai Ward, Hoan Kiem District
  • An Duy Lacquer – 25 Hang Trong Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Where to buy Lacquerware in Hue?

  • Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street – Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City
  • Dong Ba Lacquerware store – 47 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa Ward, Hue City
  • Tinh Hoa Art Shop – 6B Vo Thi Sau Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City

Where to buy Lacquerware in Hoian?

  • Lam Kieu traditional lacquerware and sculpture, 41 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward

Where to buy Lacquerware in Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Minh Phuong Lacquer-ware Gallery – 40 Phung Khac Khoan Street, Dakao Ward, District 1
  • Ben Thanh Market – Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

13. Lanterns – A colorful symbol of health, happiness, and good luck

Japanese or Chinese lanterns are maybe familiar to you before, but Vietnamese ones are perhaps still strange to you. Because Hoian used to be a trading port, there is inter-culture in this ancient town, so lantern is a special product of Hoian ancient town. Once traveling there, you will be deeply impressed by the luxurious beauty of lanterns hanging in front of almost every house to bring health, happiness, and good luck.

Hoian lanterns are unique for its design and durability. They are usually made of brocade or silk. They are various shapes such as circle, diamond, garlic, etc, as well as the colors. You had better buy lanterns at night because of being able to check how they are when lit up. Lanterns are really suitable for decorating your house. You are able to buy them at many local shops in Hoi An. Also, there are many available shops in other cities such as Hue, Hanoi. Price varies because of the difference in size, material, and color. The price is from VND 30,000 to VND 150,000.

Where to buy Lanterns in Vietnam?

Where to buy Lanterns in Hanoi?

  • Lantern Lounge – 80 Ma May Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District

Where to buy Lanterns in Hue?

  • Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street – Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City
  • Dong Ba Market – 2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa Ward, Hue City

Where to buy Lanterns in Hoian?

  • Hoi An Lantern – 276/2 Cua Dai Street, Cam Chau Ward
  • Ngoc Thu Lantern shop – 109 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward

Where to buy Lanterns in Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Ben Thanh Market – Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

14. Fish sauce – A staple sauce of Vietnamese cuisine

Fish sauce, which is a spice fermented from salted fish, is a familiar and mainly one in Vietnamese cuisine. In Vietnam, fish sauce is easily found in any coastal area, but Phu Quoc is famous for its high-quality sauce for a long time. Therefore, Phu Quoc fish sauce may have a higher price than one in other areas.

However, carrying this kind of sauce may cause certain problems. You should be careful because if there is a leak, you will have a funky gift in your luggage. Moreover, it is not allowed to bring this type of liquid into the plane, so the best way is that you buy a product which is already exported to your nation. The price is from VND 150,000 to VND 180,000/650 ml.

15. Pepper from Phu Quoc – The great “King of Spices”

For a long time, pepper has been thought to be the “King of Spices”. Peper is a specialty of Phu Quoc, and it is produced on a large scale. There are 3 kinds of pepper there, including the black pepper, the white, and the red one, of which black pepper is such a famous brand for its quality. Coming to Phu Quoc, visitors usually buy it to bring back home. Also, this spice is rather cheap and easy to find. The price is from VND 60,000 to VND 100,000/kilogram.

In short, with its beauty, Vietnam will never disappoint tourists. Once visit Vietnam, you will have an opportunity to live in its wonderful cultural diversity. We hope you find the 20 mentioned-above souvenirs interesting and useful and easily chose for yourself some souvenirs that you love and can bring back home.

16. Vietnamese coffee grounds and beans – A Highland’s special gift

Being a fan of coffee, you will have a mistake if you don’t try Vietnam’s coffee. In fact, Vietnam has long been famous for being one of the biggest coffee exporting countries in the world and its coffee is distinctive from any other kind of coffee in the world. And as you may know, Buon Me Thuot’s coffee, which is produced in the Central Highland, is such a famous brand in the world’s coffee market.

The coffee can be found anywhere in over the country, from local markets, coffee shops, shopping malls to coffee companies. We advise you to buy directly at retail stores, or order at some coffee shops if you find theirs good. However, be careful when buying because there may be fake coffee. The price may vary because of different types and qualities. The price is from VND 100,000 to VND 500,000/kilogram.

Where to buy coffee grounds and beans in Vietnam?

Where to buy coffee grounds and beans in Hanoi?

  • Punto Italia Café  – 62 To Ngoc Van Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District
  • Kim Lai Café – 99 Hang Buom Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District
  • Café Mai – 79 Le Van Huu Street, Ngo Thi Nham Ward, Hai Ba Trung District

Where to buy coffee grounds and beans in Hue?

  • Da Lat Chon Xua Café – 162 Phan Chu Trinh Street

Where to buy coffee grounds and beans in Hoian?

  • Hoian Roastery
    •  42 Bach Dang Street, Minh Anh Ward
    • 94 Le Loi Street, Minh An Ward
    • 135 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward
    • 31 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward
  • Cocobox Café Farm Shop

Where to buy coffee grounds and beans in Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Trung Nguyen Café – G7 Counter, 207 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District
  • Ben Thanh Market – Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

17. Tea – A pure and fresh beverage of Vietnam

Tea is one of the most favorite and familiar drinks of Vietnamese of all ages and plays an important role in Vietnamese culture. Being drunk at any period of the day, from early morning to evening, this drink always brings peace in mind to people, even they are in the busiest time. There are usually 3 main kinds of tea: green tea (tra xanh), plain black tea (tra man) and scented tea (tra uop huong). While the young prefer scented tea, green tea and plain black tea are appreciated because people think that they bring a unique and pure taste, which combines not only sweetness but also bitterness. Having a tea talk with friends insides on a gloomy day, or just serve yourself a pot of tea, along with some cookies and favorite music can definitely make you happy. In Vietnam, you can find tea at many stores and markets, especially Hue where there is Royal Tea, which used to be drunk by kings. The price depends on different kinds of tea, ranged from VND 100,000 – VND 300,000/kilogram.

18. Coconut candy – A sweet treat from Southern Vietnam

Coming from Ben Tre Province where coconut trees are, so indigenous, coconut candy is such a sweet specialty. There are lots of flavors such as the original one, durian, or chocolate. What makes this kind of candy extremely special is its great taste as well as the edible rice thin wrapper around it. This is a wonderful present for family members and friends or who like sweetness. The price is pretty cheap and it is sold throughout the country. The price is from VND 30,000 to VND 60,000.

19. Dried fruit (O mai) – A special gift of Hanoians

O mai is a specialty of Hanoi that is sugared or salted dried fruits, mixed with other spices in order to get a harmonious taste. The most common fruits used to make O mai are apricot, plum, peach, mango, and kumquat.

For many Hanoians, O mai is a kind of snack as well as a gift in some special occasions. Its flavor is the best when served with a cup of lotus tea.

This is the best gift for those enjoying dried fruits and who want to have interesting tea breaks. There are lots of O mai brands in Vietnam, but we highly recommend Tien Thinh and Hong Lam, which are the most famous and popular. These stores are available in every part of Hanoi and the price may vary, based on different types of fruits. The price is from VND 40,000 to VND/box.

Where to buy O mai?

Where to buy O mai Hong Lam?

  • 143 Cau Giay Street, Quan Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
  • 11 Hang Duong Street, Hang Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • 398 Le Van Sy, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh
  • 82-84 Ham Nghi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh

Where to buy O mai Tien Thinh?

  • 25 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
  • 21 Hang Duong Street, Hang Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

20. Young Green Rice – A rustic little thing of Vietnam

Vietnamese young green rice (Vietnamese: Com Vong) is a rustic specialty of Hanoi. It is a type of suburb rice freshly harvested and then toasted to gain its delicate flavor. Normally, they are wrapped in banana leaves. There are many ways to enjoy Com Vong:  you can eat it right away or use it to cook other related dishes such as ice-cream, soup. Vong village, which is in the suburb of Hanoi, is the most famous for producing Com Vong. Indeed, Com Vong from Vong village has a special position in Vietnamese hearts.

Coming to Hanoi in the fall, you can easily find this super fresh food sold by vendors at many streets in Hanoi because this is the Com season. The price is from VND 260,000 to VND 300,000/kilogram.

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