From bustling markets to charming alleyway boutiques, Vietnam offers an array of authentic treasures that reflect its rich culture, craftsmanship and culinary heritage. Whether you’re wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An or exploring cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find Vietnam souvenirs that are beautiful, practical and deeply rooted in tradition.
Here are the top 10 souvenirs to bring home from Vietnam.
1. Handcrafted Lanterns
Hoi An is famous for its vibrant silk lanterns that illuminate its ancient streets at night. These delicate lanterns come in a variety of shapes, colors and patterns, many inspired by symbols of luck and prosperity. Artisans still craft them by hand using bamboo frames and colorful silk, and many shops even offer custom designs you can pack flat and reassemble at home. They make stunning decorations or gifts that capture the spirit of Vietnam’s most atmospheric town.
2. Vietnamese Coffee & Coffee Filters
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, and its signature style is rich Robusta beans brewed with a metal drip filter (called phin). Locals enjoy it hot or poured over ice with sweetened condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá). You can find vacuum-sealed packs of beans from iconic brands like Trung Nguyên or Cà Phê Phố in local shops and grocery stores. Pair them with a traditional phin filter for the ultimate Vietnam coffee souvenir.
3. Tailored Clothing From Hoi An
Known as the tailoring capital of Vietnam, Hoi An is the place to get custom suits, dresses or jackets made in just a day or two. Skilled tailors will guide you through fabric selection, fitting and finishing, all at surprisingly affordable prices. Whether you want a sharp linen suit or a flowy silk dress, this bespoke experience is a memorable and practical souvenir.
4. Vietnamese Lacquerware
Lacquerware is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated crafts, dating back centuries. Using layers of resin from lacquer trees, artisans create trays, bowls, vases and decorative boxes, often inlaid with mother-of-pearl or eggshell. Each piece can take weeks to complete. The glossy, colorful designs range from traditional motifs like lotus flowers and cranes to modern abstract patterns. Lightweight and durable, lacquerware makes a striking keepsake or gift.
5. Ao Dai (Traditional Dress)
The ao dai is Vietnam’s elegant national dress, a long high-neck tunic worn over pants. While modern versions come in stylish cuts and bright hues, the classic design remains a symbol of Vietnamese identity. You’ll find ready-made or custom options in boutiques across the country. Even if you don’t plan to wear it daily, an ao dai is a beautiful cultural souvenir that looks stunning on display.
6. Cinnamon & Star Anise
Vietnamese cuisine relies heavily on aromatic spices, and two of the most prized are cinnamon and star anise. Grown in the central highlands, Vietnamese cinnamon is known for its intense sweetness and aroma. Star anise, with its licorice flavor, is a key ingredient in pho broth. You’ll find both at markets and spice shops in vacuum-sealed pouches perfect for travel. They’re great gifts for foodie friends or your own kitchen adventures.
7. Embroidered Linens
Hand-embroidered tablecloths, pillowcases, napkins and garments are a staple of Vietnamese markets. These delicate linens often feature floral designs, animals or scenes of rural life stitched in vibrant thread. Some of the finest embroidery comes from the hill tribes in Sapa and Da Lat. Lightweight and easy to pack, embroidered linens are a soft and stylish souvenir that reflects Vietnam’s artisanal tradition.
8. Conical Hats (Nón Lá)
You’ve seen them in every iconic image of Vietnam: the conical hat made from palm leaves. More than just a souvenir, the nón lá is a symbol of Vietnamese life, especially in the countryside. While decorative versions with hand-painted designs or poems tucked inside are available, many are also functional and comfortable to wear under the sun. Pick one up in a local market for a practical and photogenic memento.
9. Vietnamese Ceramics
Vietnamese pottery is both artistic and functional. In villages like Bat Trang near Hanoi, ceramic workshops produce hand-painted teapots, bowls, plates and vases in both traditional blue-and-white and modern styles. Many feature scenes from folklore or nature. While fragile, many shops will carefully pack them for travel. These beautiful ceramics are perfect for upgrading your tea time or adding a touch of Vietnamese design to your home.
10. Sand Art Bottles
One of Vietnam’s most charming modern crafts is sand art, delicate glass bottles filled with colorful sand layered into detailed landscapes, animals or messages. You can often request a custom name or design. Found in Ho Chi Minh City and coastal markets, these souvenirs are inexpensive, portable and guaranteed to delight kids and adults alike.
Shopping Excursions in Vietnam
These shore excursions offer excellent opportunities to browse local shops, markets and boutiques while exploring the cultural heart of Vietnam:
- Panoramic of Ho Chi Minh City
- Explore French colonial landmarks, Chinatown and the Central Post Office before enjoying free time along Dong Khoi Street, where upscale boutiques and riverside cafés await.
- Hoi An on Your Own
- Wander the cobbled lanes of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town at your own pace, visiting historic temples, sampling street food and shopping for lanterns, silk and handcrafts.
What To Buy in Vietnam for the Perfect Souvenir
If you're wondering what to buy in Vietnam, consider things like handcrafted lanterns, lacquerware, traditional ao dai dresses, Vietnamese coffee and embroidered linens. Each item captures a different aspect of Vietnamese culture, from culinary traditions to centuries-old craftsmanship. Whether it’s a bag of aromatic spices from a local market or a tailored outfit from Hoi An, Vietnam souvenirs are memorable, meaningful and easy to bring home.
