Half the fun of a Vietnam holiday happens after the sightseeing is done, once you step into a market and start haggling over silk scarves. Vietnam rewards this kind of shopping well. Silk, coffee, lacquerware, and hand-woven textiles all come from centuries of local craft, not mass production lines. Knowing the genuine things to buy in Vietnam saves you from bringing home overpriced junk instead of something worth keeping.
In this guide, you'll read more about why Vietnam makes such a good place to shop, ten souvenirs worth your suitcase space, and a few practical tips on bargaining and customs before you fly home.
Why Vietnam Is a Great Place for Souvenir Shopping
Vietnam souvenirs are more than just gifts, because they let you take a piece of the culture with you. There is no shortage of famous things in Vietnam to buy that make shopping fun and meaningful. The lively markets, peaceful craft villages, and welcoming street vendors all help create a memorable experience, so every traveller can find something special to bring home.
1. Vietnamese Silk (Scarves, Fabric, Home Décor)
Vietnamese silk is known for being soft and shiny, crafted with weaving techniques that have been passed down for centuries. You can find scarves, table runners, ties, or buy fabric by the meter. It's one of the most famous things in Vietnam because the quality is excellent, especially considering how affordable it is.
- Price: ₹1,200 to ₹9,000 (US$15 to US$110), depending on quality
- Best places to buy: Hang Gai Street and Van Phuc Silk Village in Hanoi, or Hoi An Silk Village
Tribe Travel Tip: Genuine silk feels slightly rough and warm to the touch. If it feels slippery and cool like plastic, it's probably synthetic.
2. Ao Dai (Vietnam's National Dress)
The ao dai is Vietnam's elegant traditional dress, and having one made just for you is a memorable experience. In Hoi An and Hanoi, tailors can take your measurements and create a custom ao dai in just a day or two. It could be one of the best things to buy in Vietnam if you love adorning your dress with a traditional touch.
- Price: US$20 to US$100+ for a tailored silk ao dai; ready-made versions start from around US$15
- Best places to buy: Tailor shops in Hoi An Old Town or Hanoi's tailoring districts
It makes a beautiful wearable souvenir and a memorable keepsake from your holiday.
3. Conical Hat (Non La)
The non la is one of the most recognizable Vietnam souvenirs. Made from palm leaves, it's lightweight, practical, and instantly reflects Vietnamese culture. Some are plain, while others are hand painted with scenic designs.
- Price: US$1 to US$8
- Best places to buy: Chuong Village, Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi), or Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
Tribe Travel Tip: Buying directly from Chuong Village helps support the artisans who make these traditional hats.
4. Lacquerware (Decorative Boxes, Trays, Art)
Vietnamese lacquerware is made by coating wood with several layers of natural resin. This process creates shiny decorative items like jewelry boxes, trays, bowls, and wall art.
- Price: US$8 to US$55
- Best places to buy: Hanoi Old Quarter or Ha Thai Craft Village
Tribe Travel Tip: Choose pieces with a smooth, glossy finish. Lower-quality mass-produced items often look dull and uneven.
5. Vietnamese Coffee (Robusta, Arabica, Weasel Coffee)
Vietnam is one of the world's largest coffee producers, making coffee one of the best things to buy in Vietnam. Robusta offers a rich, bold flavor, while weasel coffee is a rare and premium specialty.
- Price: US$4 to US$15 for regular coffee; weasel coffee costs considerably more
- Best places to buy: Trung Nguyen stores, Highlands Coffee outlets, supermarkets, and local markets
Tribe Travel Tip: Buy from supermarkets or official brand stores to get authentic coffee at better prices.
6. Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam)
Nuoc mam is a key ingredient in Vietnamese cooking. Phu Quoc is well known for making some of the best fish sauce in the country.
- Price: US$3 to US$15 per bottle
- Best places to buy: Phu Quoc Island producers and local markets
Tribe Travel Tip: Choose factory-sealed bottles and pack them carefully in checked baggage to avoid leaks.
7. Ethnic Minority Textiles (Hmong, Dao, Tay Weaving)
Communities like the Hmong, Dao, and Tay create handwoven textiles using natural indigo dyes and detailed embroidery. These traditional patterns appear on bags, scarves, cushion covers, and wall hangings.
- Price: US$5 to US$40
- Best places to buy: Sapa markets, local cooperatives, and Craftlink in Hanoi
8. Hoi An Lanterns
Hoi An’s colorful silk lanterns are some of Vietnam’s most famous souvenirs. You can fold most of them flat, so they are easy to pack and take home.
- Price: US$4 to US$22
- Best places to buy: Lantern Street and Hoi An Night Market
Tribe Travel Tip: Test the folding mechanism before buying to ensure it opens and closes smoothly.
9. Vietnamese Ceramics
Bat Trang Village, just outside Hanoi, is renowned for handcrafted pottery. From tea sets and bowls to decorative vases, each piece showcases traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
- Price: US$2 to US$30
- Best places to buy: Bat Trang Ceramic Village near Hanoi
Tribe Travel Tip: Visit the workshops to watch local artisans make pottery before choosing your souvenirs.
10. Dried Fruits and Candies (O Mai)
O Mai is a Vietnamese preserved fruit snack that mixes sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Coconut candy from the Mekong Delta is also a favorite souvenir and is simple to take home.
- Price: US$2 to US$8 per pack
- Best places to buy: Ben Thanh Market, Mekong Delta towns, and supermarkets
Tribe Travel Tip: Choose vacuum-sealed packs if you're buying in bulk—they stay fresh longer and travel better.
Shopping Tips for Buying Souvenirs in Vietnam
Shopping in Vietnam is a fun experience, and having some tips can make it even better. Bargaining is normal at markets, and if you know what you can bring through customs, you can avoid problems at the airport.
- Begin by offering about 50 to 60 percent of the seller’s asking price, and then work your way up from there.
- Be polite and smile when you bargain. People expect it, and it can actually be enjoyable for everyone involved.
- You don’t need to bargain in fixed price shops, which usually have price tags.
- Don’t buy snake wine or items made from endangered animals, since many countries ban them when you arrive.
- Check restrictions on untreated wood or bamboo items, some countries require these to be treated or declared
- Bring small bills in Vietnamese dong to make bargaining at local markets easier.
- Hold on to receipts for valuable items like silk or lacquerware, just in case customs asks for them.
Tribe Travel Tip: If you are unsure whether you can bring something home, check your country's customs website before you buy it.
Wrapping Up Your Vietnam Souvenir Hunt
Vietnam offers something for every traveller, from silk scarves to fish sauce. Even if you love fashion, food, or handmade crafts, the best Vietnam souvenirs are those with a real story, not just a price tag. Take your time in the markets and villages, and you’ll return with more than gifts; eventually, you’ll bring home a piece of Vietnam’s culture.
Go through the aforementioned sections, and you will realise the best of the best things to buy in Vietnam for yourself. So, buying things of your preference is a part of the holiday, and for this immersive experience, planning everything beforehand is essential. For curating a perfect Vietnam getaway, advisors at holiday tribes can help you create an itinerary that leaves room for all this shopping and more.
