Food & Flavors to Bring Home
Vietnamese Coffee: Robusta, Arabica, Weasel & Egg Coffee Kits
Vietnam is a coffee behemoth, and for good reason. With Buon Ma Thuot in the Highlands producing the best Robusta beans and Da Lat famous for its sophisticated Arabica, Vietnam has a coffee culture unlike any other.
What to Buy:
- Robusta Buon Ma Thuot: intense, strong, chocolatey flavor
- Arabica Da Lat: smooth, less bitter, floral
- Weasel Coffee (Ca Phe Chon): unusual & pungent, specialty item
- Egg Coffee Kits: Egg cream mix + phin + coffee—make the Hanoi favorite in your own home!
Price Guide:
- Robusta/Arabica: 80,000 – 180,000 VND (250g)
- Weasel Coffee: 250,000 – 500,000 VND (100g)
- Egg Coffee Kits: 150,000 – 250,000 VND/box
Where to Buy (High Quality):
- Trung Nguyen Legend Café – Flagship: 12 Alexandre de Rhodes, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Nguyen Coffee Supply – Specialty coffee & gifts
- Phuc Long Tea & Coffee – Widely available across Ho Chi Minh City
- Hoi An Roastery – For curated gift sets and egg coffee kits
Robusta Coffee of Phuc Long Tea & Coffee (Source: shopee)
Packaged Vietnamese Snacks & Sweets
In the mood for a bright, playful, and delicious souvenir to bring along that has no trouble fitting in your carry-on? Vietnamese sweets and snacks are an instant crowd favorite. They’re also great bulk gifts to share with friends, colleagues, or relatives.
Top Picks:
- Banh dau xanh (Green Bean Cake) – Crunchy and tender, a Hai Duong favorite
- Mut Dua (Coconut Candy) – Chewy, vibrant, sweet, especially from Ben Tre
- Kho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Jerky) – Sweet-savory with a spicy kick
- Hat Dieu Binh Phuoc (Vietnamese Cashews) – World-class, honey-glazed or roasted
Price Guide:
- Green bean cake: 25,000 – 40,000 VND/box
- Coconut candy: 35,000 – 60,000 VND/200g
- Beef jerky: 120,000 – 180,000 VND/250g
- Cashews: 90,000 – 150,000 VND/200g
Where to Buy:
- Ben Thanh Market – District 1, Ho Chi Minh City: Best for variety, fun shopping
- Annam Gourmet – High-end gift-ready packaging
- Hoi An Night Market – Perfect for coconut candy, sesame bars
- Hapro Mart Hanoi – Gift sets in secure packaging
Mut Dua in Ben Thanh Market (Source: thanhnien)
Vietnamese Spices & Sauces
Vietnamese food is the stuff of legend—and it begins with spices. If your pantry lacks some oomph and some flair, these staples are the ideal Vietnamese souvenir to send off proudly.
What to Buy:
- Star Anise (Hoa Hoi) – Sweet and fragrant; vital in the preparation of Pho
- Cinnamon (Que) – Spicy-sweet and aromatic from Quang Nam
- Fish Sauce (Nuoc mam Phu Quoc) – Umami bomb, check protein content for quality (35°N or above)
- Chili Salt (Muoi ot) – Great for grilled snacks or tropical fruits
Price Guide:
- Star anise: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/100g
- Cinnamon: 20,000 – 35,000 VND/100g
- Fish sauce: 80,000 – 200,000 VND/bottle
- Chili salt: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/jar
Where to Buy:
- Nam An Market – District 3, Ho Chi Minh City: High-end spice collections
- Maison Marou – Chocolate & spice gift sets: Calmette St, District 1
- Co-apart or Big C – For Red Boat, Thai Long, and other branded sauces
- Hoi An Central Market – Artisan salt & spice mixes
Chili Salt in Hoi An Central Market
Handcrafted Treasures with Cultural Soul
Lacquerware – When Art Meets Elegance
Step into Vietnamese lacquerwork’s realm, where trays, vases, or jewelry boxes glow with layers of resin and love. This ancient art form—most renowned in Hanoi and Hue—requires weeks of painstaking work with centuries-old traditional Vietnamese techniques handed down from generation to generation.
What to Look For:
- Glossy trays, vases, boxes, and paintings with intricate designs
- Village landscapes, lotuses, dragons, or even modern flourishes such as propaganda posters
- Multi-layered finish (actual lacquerware uses 10–15 layers to achieve depth and durability)
Expert Tip: Real lacquerware is art—smooth, luxuriously glossy, and never peeling. Plastic or excessively shiny is typically the look of mass-produced fakes. Support excellent works by purchasing from established artists.
Where to Buy:
- Hang Gai Street – Ha Noi: Shopping heaven for authentic lacquerware
- Lacquer Art & Life – Ho Chi Minh City: Tiny souvenir shop operated and owned by artisans with custom designs
- Dong Khoi Street – District 1, Ho Chi Minh City: High-end galleries
Lacquerware in Lacquer Art & Lif (Source: thanglong)
Embroidery & Handmade Silk – Weaving Vietnamese Grace
What to Buy:
- Scarves, ties, ao dai, wall hangings, or framed silk embroidery
- Custom-tailored ao dai dresses or suits from silk boutiques
- Hand-embroidered silk art—each piece is made with thousands of stitches!
How to Store and Care:
- Keep silk in a cool, dry place
- Fold loosely to avoid creases
- Never hang in direct sunlight
Where to Buy:
- Van Phuc Silk Village – Ha Noi: Over 1,000 years of silk-making heritage
- Tan My Design – 61 Hang Gai, Ha Noi: Hand-embroidered silk, home decorations, scarves
- Saigon Kitsch – Ho Chi Minh City: Quirky silk gifts with a dash of modernity
- Hoi An Silk Village – Hoi An: Perfect for silk tailoring & classes
Handmade Silk in Hoi An Silk Village (Source: vietourist)
Bamboo & Rattan Craftwork – Nature Turned into Everyday Elegance
Looking for eco-friendly, top-notch, and beautifully functional presents? Vietnam’s rattan and bamboo masterpieces are the MVPs—their place in humble abodes and luxury resorts alike.
Popular Items:
- Handcrafted baskets, trays, coasters, lamps, even sofas
- Long-lasting yet lightweight—easy to take on the move, and stunning in any home
- Crafted with care by countryside artisans amidst Thua Thien Hue and Hoi An
These are the perfect souvenirs to grab for friends who love being sustainable, bohemian, or handmade beauty.
Cultural Insight: The majority of artisans learn this craft from generation to generation, sewing off-seasons when they are not farming. Other artisans now offer crafting lessons so you can craft your Vietnamese souvenir—how cool is that?
Where to Buy:
- Hoi An Central Market & Craft Link Ha Noi: Authentic, fair-trade goods
- Saigon Eco Store – District 3, Ho Chi Minh City: Fairtrade, hip designs
- XQ Vietnam – Embroidery + bamboo mix gifts
Rattan Craftwork in Saigon Eco Store (Source: vietnamplus)
Symbolic Vietnamese Cultural Gifts
Non la (Conical Hats) – Poetry in a Shape
More than a hat, the Non la is a symbol of Vietnamese poise, beauty, and resilience. Seen over rice fields, city sidewalks, and traditional verse, this unadorned cone-shaped hat is among Vietnam’s most recognizable and finest mementos.
Why It’s Special:
- Serves as protection from both rain and sun
- Represents the gentle poise of Vietnamese women
- Most often paired with flowing ao dai, a full cultural outfit
- Handcrafted from bamboo and palm leaves
Where to Buy:
- Hue Traditional Handicraft Village – Genuine full-size hats
- Ben Thanh Market – Ho Chi Minh City – Wonderful variety, including miniatures
- Hoi An Market – Locally made, often hand-painted or engraved
Non La in Ben Thanh Market (Source: thegioitiepthi)
Ao Dai & Ao Dai Miniatures – Timeless Vietnamese Elegance
Few garments in Vietnam are as emotionally resonant as the ao dai. This loose, knee-length tunic over trousers is not only traditional attire—it’s a symbol of cultural pride. Today, the ao dai is also cherished at weddings, school events, and national occasions, and is the locals’ and tourists’ favorite.
Options to Explore:
- Custom-fit ao dai made of high-quality silk products – perfect for formal gifts or souvenirs
- Ao dai doll miniatures, moc khoa (keychains), or wall hangs
- Bookmarks or ornaments featuring ao dai and conical hats
Where to Buy or Order:
- Van Phuc Silk Village – Ha Noi: Source of authentic silk and tailoring
- Minh Tu Ao Dai – District 1, Ho Chi Minh City: Custom fitting with contemporary style
- Hoi An Tailor Shops – Highest rated for quality and turnaround
Ao Dai in Van Phuc Silk Village (Source: daidoanket)
Calligraphy Scrolls (Thu Phap) – Wisdom in Ink
Looking for a Vietnamese gift that mixes art, philosophy, and spirituality? Calligraphy scrolls, or Thu Phap, are favorite gifts, especially for Tet (Lunar New Year), for their positive messages and elegant calligraphy.
Popular Phrases:
- Phuc (Happiness)
- Loc (Prosperity)
- Tho (Longevity)
- Custom family names or inspirational quotes in Sino-Vietnamese script
Why They Matter: Each stroke is a meditation; each word is sacred. Scrolls are usually written on red, gold, or black paper, with wooden rollers or silk borders, making it a present and a work of art.
Where to Buy or Personalize:
- Thu Phap Dang Tien – Ho Chi Minh City: An Acclaimed master calligrapher
- Temple of Literature – Ha Noi: Authors gather before Tet to make scrolls personal
- Hoi An Art Galleries – Blending modern calligraphy with traditional form
Thu Phap in Temple of Literature (Source: laodong)
Artistic Keepsakes for Memory-Making
Dong Ho Paintings & Rice Grain Art – Art That Speaks Tradition
The crown jewels of Bac Ninh Province, Dong Ho paintings are hand-painted using natural dyes on homemade Do paper made from tree bark. These paintings often show the countryside, zodiac animals, or witty folk tales, rendering each one a mirror to the traditional ways of Vietnam.
At the same time, rice grain painting is a modern interpretation of tradition, where tiny grains are laboriously arranged to make portraits, landscapes, or maxims.
What Makes Them Special:
- Sustainable, symbolic, and storytelling
- Themes include: prosperity, happy families, rural life
- Rice grain painting is light and flat-packed—ideal as a keepsake to bring back
Where to Buy:
- Dong Ho Village – Bac Ninh: For authentic, signed artwork, Gai Street – Ha Noi: Most fine-art stores carry certified pieces
- Fine Art Market – District 1, Ho Chi Minh City: Framed versions for traveling
Dong Ho Paintings in Dong Ho Village (Source: vinwonders)
Ceramics & Pottery from Bat Trang – 700 Years of Glazed Perfection
No trip is ever complete without a visit to Bat Trang Village, located just on the outskirts of Ha Noi. More than 700 years old, the village produces some of Vietnam’s best souvenirs in the form of bowls, tea sets, incense sticks, and hand-painted tiles.
Why Travelers Love It:
- Classic style, elegant glazes, and meticulous designs
- Cheesy pieces sold alongside collector-quality ceramics
- Choose better pieces that are designed to be quickly packed
Shipping Tip:
Ask for double wrapping with foam and bubble paper; several shops in Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi offer international shipping for fragile pieces.
Where to Buy:
- Bat Trang Ceramic Village: Fresh from kilns and workshops
- Authentic Home – Ha Noi & Saigon: Modern ceramics with Vietnamese tradition
- Saigon Centre – District 1, Ho Chi Minh City: High-end boutiques
Pottery in Bat Trang Ceramic Village (Source: hanoimoi)
Handmade Jewelry & Accessories – Culture You Can Wear
Vietnamese handmade jewelry is in full bloom, thanks to local designers who are mixing tradition with contemporary flair. From horn, wood, clay, and gemstones, these accessories distill the textures of Vietnamese culture into wearable pieces.
Styles to Look For:
- Horn earrings, bamboo bangles, a lotus flower pendant, and embroidered clutches
- Hand-molded clay jewelry featuring propaganda poster designs
- Ethically made, fair-trade, and women-owned brands
- Why It Matters: Each item supports local artisans and sustainable production, making it a quality and responsible souvenir to bring home with pride.
Where to Shop:
- Marou Boutique – District 1, Ho Chi Minh City: Gifts + accessories with style
- Chie Handmade – Ha Noi: Ethnic minority women-created jewelry
- Lacquerware & Craft Markets – Hoi An: Pair jewelry with textile accessories
Hoi An Handmade Accessories & Crafts (Source: hoiancreativecity)
How to Pack & Travel with Souvenirs
Rules for Food & Liquid Souvenirs
If you’re bringing home some of the best food souvenirs from Vietnam, especially fish sauce, coconut candies, or Vietnamese spices, you’ll need to be mindful of a few travel regulations.
Quick Tips:
- Check your country’s customs laws for food, especially meats and liquids.
- Liquid limit in carry-on: 100ml per container, max 1 liter in total (for most airlines).
- Dry goods like cashews, green bean cake, or chili salt are usually fine in checked bags.
How to Pack Fragile Items (Ceramics, Lacquerware, Glass)
Those beautiful Dong Ho paintings, finely designed lacquer trays, and hand-painted pottery from local artisans need TLC.
Smart Packing Strategy:
- Guard fragile shapes with bubble wrap, tissue, or even clothes.
- Double-box ceramics, especially vases or tea sets.
- When purchasing at a good gallery or souvenir shop, ask if they offer foam-lined gift boxes or international shipping.
Eco-Friendly Packing & Customs Know-How
When preparing your souvenir for the journey home, it’s smart and green to pack with the earth and customs clearance in mind.
Eco-Packing Ideas:
- Wrap silk scarves, ao dai, or bamboo baskets in reusable tote bags or cloth gift wwrapsAvoid styrofoam; reuse local newspapers or paper bags from shopping instead.
- Label wood, horn, or seed jewelry—these are more closely inspected in some countries.
Customs Pro Tips:
- Declare souvenirs if in doubt—they’re generally allowed, but rather be safe than sorry.
- Don’t bring wildlife products, endangered wood, or unlabeled liquids.
Conclusion
Taking home Vietnam’s best souvenirs is not only about shopping, it’s about taking home moments, culture, and meaning. From Vietnam’s finest food souvenirs to handmade treasures by local artisans, each piece becomes a memory you can hold. So if you’re still wondering what to buy in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, look for gifts that tell your story. And for the more intrepid who wish to venture further, attempt finely curated Vietnam Package Tours that take you straight to the heart of authentic experiences, and unforgettable souvenirs to boot.
FAQ
What is the most popular souvenir in Vietnam?
The most popular Vietnamese souvenir is undoubtedly the Non la (conical hat). Lightweight, handwoven, and iconic, it represents the graceful spirit of traditional Vietnamese culture. Other favorites include Vietnamese coffee, silk products, and Dong Ho paintings, each offering a rich story behind its creation and cultural value. These items top every list of the best souvenirs from Vietnam, and you’ll find them in almost every souvenir shop and local market across the country.
What is worth buying in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a paradise of meaningful and high-quality souvenirs! The best things to buy are:
- Vietnamese coffee (particularly Robusta and Egg Coffee kits)
- Silk products from Van Phuc Silk Village
- Handmade lacquerware and ceramics from Bat Trang
- Ao dai (Vietnam’s national dress)
- Edible specialties such as cashews, Mut Dua, or fish sauce
What is a good gift to give someone from Vietnam?
If you’re looking to gift a friend or host from Vietnam, consider something meaningful yet respectful of local culture. Popular choices include:
- Calligraphy scrolls with messages of Phuc (happiness) or Loc (prosperity)
- Elegant handmade jewelry from local markets
- A custom-tailored ao dai
- Gourmet items like lotus tea or spice sets
- Small, handcrafted ceramic or lacquer pieces
What are Hanoi’s famous souvenirs?
Hanoi is famous for its long history of handcrafted and exclusive souvenirs. Some of the must-buy souvenirs are:
- Dong Ho paintings from Bac Ninh and Hang Gai Street
- Silk ties and scarves from Van Phuc Silk Village
- Lacquerware, embroidery, and propaganda posters
- Ceramics and bamboo handicrafts that are authentic
- Vietnamese traditional teas and herbal medicines