Photo: Contiki
Ginormous caves, thrumming cities, gorgeous beaches: a Vietnam tour is the trip of a lifetime, so it makes sense you’d want to remember your time in the Southeast Asian country with some Vietnamese souvenirs.
The vast country is incredibly diverse, but there are still many potential gifts or mementos you can buy that symbolise Vietnamese culture as a whole. Best of all, there’s lots of opportunities to purchase sustainably produced items that will directly profit local.
On your way to enjoy some Vietnamese highlights soon? Check out our list of the 15 best Vietnamese souvenirs to take home with you.
1. Conical hats
A classic Vietnamese souvenir, these hats (Nón Lá in the local language) are ubiquitous. Often made out of palm leaves, they can be found pretty much anywhere in the country, from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. Try to buy the natural version, rather than a plastic imitation.
They’re great in the rain, and on hot days the palm leaf version ones can be dipped in cool water to help with the scorching sun. A real symbol of Vietnam, and also one of the cheapest things you can buy in the country.
Image source:Steve Douglas / unsplash
2. Silks
Vietnam is famous for its silk, whether it’s elegant clothing or stunning pieces for decorating your home. Silk weaving has a long history in the country, and it truly has become an art form. Local markets can offer good quality, but silk villages will ensure great craftsmanship. Probably the best souvenir from Vietnam, in terms of quality versus price, and the amount you will end up using it.
3. Bamboo products
Sustainable, lightweight, and available in most souvenir shops, bamboo products are great to buy in Vietnam because of their relatively low price, durability, and high quality. This is true whether it’s an intricately woven basket, a beautiful tea tray, or (if you’re willing to pay the shipping) some stunning furniture.
Make sure it’s handwoven, because then you know that your Vietnamese souvenir is unique. While they are available all over the country, Hang Gai Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is famous for these products.
4. Vietnamese coffee and accessories
Many visitors to Vietnam quickly fall in love with Vietnamese coffee. Made from the more bitter robusta variety of the plant, it’s brewed and mixed with condensed milk for one of the most addictive drinks in the country.
The coffee is made via drip method, and the tools to do so are small and portable, making them perfect Vietnamese souvenirs. Coffee beans can be found all over, and robusta beans are also relatively easy to find outside of the country – although they will be much more expensive.
5. Handicrafts made by different ethnic minorites
The Vietnamese population is made up of different ethnic minorities with their own cultural heritage that differs from the rest of the country. Many of those who continue these traditional lifestyles do so in the mountainous regions of the country, and you can support them by buying their handicrafts.
If you make sure to do this at villages lived in by ethnic minority communities, like those in Sa Pa, you’ll also be able to ask about the cultural significance of your new gift, allowing you to really understand its story.
6. Chopsticks
You might not be able to bring all your favourite meals home with you, but chopsticks are the perfect souvenir to remember your glorious foray into Vietnamese cuisine. Bamboo, wooden, lacquer, even metal: there are lots of different materials, in a number of different designs, and all lightweight and easy to transport back home.
7. Vietnamese tea
Vietnam loves its tea. With countless varieties planted throughout the land, the country has been enjoying the brew for thousands of years, and knows how to make a high quality cup. Tea time is a serious business too: it’s a traditional place to relax, recharge, and spend time with those you love. An excellent Vietnamese souvenir.
Image source:Joshua Earle / unsplash
8. Lacquerware
If you’re looking to bring back a famous product from Vietnam, few souvenirs are better than some locally made lacquerware. These products, whether they’re bowls, vases, or something else, can take years to craft, and also can have the benefit of being as useful as they are beautiful.
Try to buy from an artisan village, so you know you’re supporting local business.
9. Lanterns
Hoi An is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for a number of reasons, but one of the most memorable is the lanterns that line the street, giving the nights there a vibrancy that’s unmatched. Luckily, you can bring a taste of that magic home by purchasing your very own handwoven, elegant lamp. Each colour has its own meaning, and can be bought from Hoi An night market.
10. A tailored outfit
Aside from its lanterns, Hoi An is famous for its high quality tailoring at reasonable prices, so what better way to remember your trip than purchasing a handmade garment that’s made to fit? The process is surprisingly fast, too.
Getting fitted might not make a list of things to do in Vietnam, but the result is definitely a great Vietnamese souvenir.
Image source:Contiki
11. Sauces and spices
If you’re looking for something to buy in Vietnam that will bring back a taste of the country, then there’s nothing better than some local sauces and spices. Fish sauce, peanut dipping sauce, lemongrass: these souvenirs might not last long, but you’ll be happy you bought them so you can try to recreate the incredible Vietnamese food you experienced on your trip.
12. Pottery and ceramics
Aesthetically pleasing and useful, pottery and ceramics are a perfect memento of a trip to Vietnam. You can get everything from mugs to teapots, many of which will have some truly gorgeous designs that reflect Vietnamese culture and artistic sensibilities. These are also often culturally significant items, with each region of the country having its own unique designs.
13. Coconut candy
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then there’s no doubt you’ll love Vietnamese coconut candy. The sweets are made from coconut cream and milk, and flavoured in various ways to deliver a delicious treat that’s both moreish but not too heavy. These can be mass produced or made by smaller sellers, and are given as gifts during celebrations throughout the year. A perfect Vietnamese souvenir.
14. Rice wine
Rice wine is an important part of the lives of many Vietnamese folks, taking prime place at social occasions between friends and family. Don’t be fooled by the name: this is often much stronger than the grape variety, so should only be enjoyed alongside plenty of food and in small amounts. Mot, hai, bai, yo!
15. Pearl jewellery
Vietnam is famous for pearl jewellery, as the country’s lengthy coastline and calm, warm waters make for ideal growing conditions. It’s the perfect place to get a nice piece for yourself or a loved one.
Sold everywhere along the coast from Ha Long Bay to the southern Phu Quoc island, these are one of the best Vietnamese souvenirs.
