Vietnam offers a plethora of souvenir options, encompassing both decorative items and culinary delights. These souvenirs possess unique charms that make them truly worth purchasing. This article will provide you with a list of 20 must-buy items in Vietnam, along with helpful information. Each item is a worthwhile acquisition for both international tourists and domestic travelers exploring Vietnam.
Ao Dai
The Ao dai is Vietnam’s national dress. It is a combination of an elegant, form-fitting tunic and stylish trousers. The Ao dai is a highlight of Vietnamese fashion, following both traditional and contemporary styles, and symbolizes the feminine beauty of Vietnam.
Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City are the four most famous places for Ao dai. The Ao dai suits women of all ages. It would be a surprising gift for your mother, sister, or grandmother. The price of an Ao dai can vary, depending on the design, material, quality, and different colors.
Vietnamese Silk
When it comes to Vietnamese silk, you can easily access several traditional villages where silk is still produced by hand, resulting in the finest textiles.
Silk are widely sold in Vietnam, and you can find them in any market or silk shop, especially on Hang Gai Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to silk scarves, shops also sell other silk items such as silk scarves, handbags, ties, and more.
Vietnamese Conical Hat
The conical hat has long been a symbol of Vietnam, originating from a legend related to Vietnam’s rice-growing culture. With its pyramidal, round shape, the conical hat is made from palm leaves and is an ideal souvenir for tourists visiting Vietnam.
This gift is very versatile as it can be used in all weather conditions to help the user feel more comfortable. Additionally, today, there are many types, diverse in styles, along with sizes and quantities, making it easier for you to choose.
Hand Embroidered Paintings
Vietnam is renowned for its embroidery art. Products include embroidered blankets, bed sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, handbags, clothing, scarves, wallets, pajamas, and more. Hanoi is an excellent place to purchase these items due to its wide selection, quality, and reasonable prices.
In addition, if you visit Sapa, you can explore the various villages in the valley, where you can witness handcrafted embroidery products being made and buy them at local markets. The best items are often found on special cotton and linen fabrics, featuring exquisite designs.
Wood and Bamboo Products
Bamboo is a familiar symbol in Vietnamese culture, representing the will and spiritual strength of the Vietnamese people. Souvenirs made from wood, bamboo, and rattan come in a wide variety of styles. These items are very appealing to tourists. They are decorated and carved with beautiful images of Vietnamese villages, landscapes, and famous landmarks in Vietnam.
Vietnamese Ceramics
Ceramics are another ideal Vietnamese souvenir that you can bring home. There is a wide range of ceramic products, including vases, bowls, plates, cups, and more, which are very attractive and beautiful with various colors and patterns. All of these ceramic items are handcrafted based on traditional methods.
Ethnic Brocade Handicrafts
Ethnic handicrafts are a form of art that includes products made by minority groups living in Vietnam. Each Ethnic group has its own distinct culture, depicted in their patterns and clothing styles. The most popular items are scarves, handbags, textiles, paintings, clothing items, and even wooden furniture, all of which are unique and impressive things to buy in Vietnam.
Vietnamese Paintings
Vietnamese paintings are a unique product that impressively depict the people, culture, and country of Vietnam. Vietnamese paintings use various materials for painting, such as oil paints, and offer a diversity of designs, each with its own distinct characteristics and beauty. These paintings are rich in colors, images, and meaning.
Vietnamese Calligraphy
Vietnamese calligraphy has long been a meaningful custom in daily life, as well as on special occasions. During the Tet holiday, displaying this form of writing is believed to bring happiness and wealth to families. Offering calligraphy during Tet is said to bring families happiness and wealth, and the art is also featured at several famous festivals. An integral part of Vietnamese culture, calligraphy is commonly printed and sold on street sidewalks and in bookstores. Hue and Hanoi are the two most famous centers for this art form.
Vietnamese Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are also a popular souvenir in Vietnam, known for their sweet melodies and the distinctive character of Vietnamese music. Among them, the bamboo flute (Sao truc) and the two-stringed fiddle (Dan nhi) are among the most popular choices. These instruments are sometimes handcrafted and easy to tune. They are widely used, so you can find them in Vietnamese musical instrument shops.
Vietnamese Tea
Tea is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture and widely enjoyed by people of all ages. The three most common types are green tea (Tra xanh), black tea, and the aromatic scented tea. While young people prefer scented tea, green tea and black tea are appreciated because people believe they bring unique and pure flavors, combining both sweetness and bitterness.
Vietnamese coffee
Vietnamese Coffee – Vietnam has long held its reputation as a leading global coffee exporter, and its coffee stands out distinctively. Vietnam is also renowned for its rich coffee culture, making it a thoughtful gesture to gift Vietnamese coffee to friends and family.
Vietnamese young green rice (Com)
Com is a culinary specialty of the Northern region of Vietnam. While Com can also be found in Central and Southern Vietnam, each region has its unique processing methods and distinctive flavors. The main ingredient for this dish is young glutinous rice, which is then handcrafted through multiple stages. There are many ways to enjoy Com. You can eat it directly or use it to cook other related dishes such as ice cream, soup, etc. Vong Village, located on the outskirts of Hanoi, is the most famous place for producing Com.
Dried fruits and Nuts
Vietnam is renowned for its wide variety of fresh fruits and nuts. These items are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. Giving them as gifts to family and friends is a thoughtful gesture. Popular choices among tourists include cashew nuts, dried jackfruit, dried mango, and many more.
T-Shirt
T-shirts printed with the Vietnamese flag or images of tourist destinations you’ve explored are considered practical gifts on the must-buy list for foreign tourists visiting Vietnam. You can easily purchase them at souvenir shops at affordable prices.