Top 20+ Cool Things To Buy In Vietnam You Can’t Miss

Cool Things to Buy in Vietnam go far beyond the usual souvenirs; this is where traditional craftsmanship, local culture, and creative modern designs come together. This article of Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert explores the many things to buy in Vietnam, from iconic traditional garments and intricate handicrafts to delicious culinary specialties. These items not only serve as wonderful mementos of your journey but also reflect the country’s rich culture and skilled artistry, ensuring you find the perfect souvenir for yourself or loved ones.

1. Fashion & Textiles

1.1. Ao Dai

The Ao Dai is celebrated as Vietnam’s most iconic traditional garment and an exceptional souvenir. It consists of a form-fitting tunic with long sleeves, a high collar, and wide-legged trousers that flow gracefully. This garment skillfully blends traditional and modern elements, resulting in a design that is both flattering and culturally significant. Available for custom tailoring in a wide array of colors and patterns, the Ao Dai serves as both wearable art and a powerful symbol of Vietnamese femininity.

1.2. Silk Products

Vietnamese silk is renowned for its exquisite quality and craftsmanship. You can find a variety of products, including scarves, pajamas, and custom-tailored items that showcase this luxurious material. Silk scarves often feature traditional motifs with deep cultural meanings, such as lotus flowers and phoenixes, offering a touch of elegance. For the ultimate silk shopping experience, Hang Gai Street in Hanoi is a key destination for finding these beautiful items.

1.3. Conical Hats (Non La)

The conical hat, or Non la, stands as one of the most recognized symbols of Vietnam, embodying the nation’s cultural heritage. Made from simple materials like bamboo, palm leaves, and straw, its practical wide-brim design offers protection from the sun and rain. Reflecting Vietnam’s agricultural roots, this lightweight and affordable hat is worn by people of all ages and can be found in major markets across the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

1.4. Handmade Embroidery & Tribal Textiles

Handmade embroidery is a treasured handicraft tradition in Vietnam, showcasing intricate artistry and incredible skill. These designs are available on items like clothing, pillowcases, and bags, often featuring scenic nature or symbolic letters. Additionally, tribal textiles from Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups display traditional weaving techniques. These bright, unique patterns are crafted into various souvenirs, including handbags and wallets, representing a rich cultural tapestry.

2. Art & Handicrafts

2.1. Lacquerware

Lacquerware represents a traditional form of Vietnamese craftsmanship that can take up to four months to complete. This technique is applied to a variety of items, including furniture, dishes, vases, and paintings, which often feature detailed depictions of mythical creatures and scenes from daily life. You can find a wide selection of these beautiful and durable items in Hanoi’s Old Quarter at reasonable prices.

2.2. Ceramics & Pottery

Vietnamese ceramics are well-known for their smooth glazes and diverse designs. The Bat Trang pottery village, located near Hanoi, is a famous hub offering an exceptional variety of ceramic goods. While initially influenced by Chinese and Cham styles, Vietnamese pottery has evolved into its own distinct art form. Visitors can find unique cups, vases, and bowls, and even try their hand at creating their own ceramic pieces for a truly memorable experience.

2.3. Hoi An Lanterns

The handmade silk and bamboo lanterns are among the most popular souvenirs from the charming city of Hoi An. Available in a rainbow of vibrant colors and intricate patterns, each lantern’s color carries a special meaning: red for luck, yellow for wealth, and blue for hope. It is a local belief that lighting and floating these lanterns brings good fortune. They are also designed to fold up, making them easy to transport home.

2.4. Vietnamese Art & Painting

The art scene offers diverse options, from traditional folk art to modern prints. Dong Ho paintings, a classic art form from Bac Ninh Province, are created on special “dó” paper with natural colors to depict everyday life and folklore. Vietnamese silk paintings and rice paintings also showcase incredible artisan skill. For those interested in history, propaganda posters offer a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

2.5. Water Puppets & Bamboo Products

Water puppets are a colorful representation of a traditional Vietnamese art form, with each puppet depicting a character from local folktales and legends. They make for a vibrant and culturally rich souvenir. In addition, bamboo products symbolize the resilience and strength of the Vietnamese people. These eco-friendly items range from baskets to decorative boxes, are extremely affordable, and can be found throughout the country.

3. Culinary Delights & Specialty Foods

3.1. Vietnamese Coffee

Famous for its strong and aromatic flavors, Vietnamese coffee is a top souvenir. It is available in various forms, including whole beans, ground coffee, and instant mixes. You can also purchase a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter, known as a “phin,” to brew coffee in the authentic local style. Popular brands to look for include Trung Nguyen and Highlands Coffee, ensuring you can enjoy a taste of Vietnam back home.

>>> READ MORE: Vietnamese Coconut Coffee: The Ultimate Recipe 

3.2. Local Spices & Fish Sauce

Vietnamese fish sauce is often called “the soul of Vietnamese cuisine” and is an essential ingredient in nearly every meal. Made from salted fermented fish, it has a rich, savory taste and a distinctive aroma. Prominent brands like Phu Quoc and Phan Thiet fish sauce are highly regarded. Bringing home local spices and a quality bottle of this sauce allows you to recreate authentic Vietnamese dishes.

3.3. O Mai

O mai, a specialty snack from Hanoi, is a centuries-old treat made from dried fruits blended with sugar, salt, chili, or ginger. This process creates a unique combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. These beautifully packaged treats have a long shelf life, making them a perfect and convenient gift to bring back. They also offer a unique taste experience that is distinctly Vietnamese.

3.4. Marou Chocolate

Marou is an internationally acclaimed bean-to-bar chocolate brand from Vietnam. The company uses locally sourced cacao beans from different regions, with each bar offering a unique flavor profile that reflects the country’s varied landscapes. The range includes everything from bold dark chocolate to milk chocolate with tropical fruit notes, capturing the essence of Vietnam in a high-quality, delicious product.

3.5. Traditional Vietnamese Sweets & Snacks

Vietnam offers a delightful variety of traditional sweets. Mung bean cake is a classic dessert with a smooth, creamy texture that was once favored by royalty. Coconut candy, a specialty from the Mekong Delta, is known for its deep sweetness and rich coconut aroma. Another popular item is green sticky rice, made from glutinous rice and pandan leaf extract, offering a sweet and fragrant snack.

>>> READ MORE: Visit Street Food Market Ho Chi Minh City for Food Lovers

4. Other Interesting Finds

4.1. Snake Wine

Snake wine is arguably one of Vietnam’s most unique and controversial souvenirs. This traditional beverage consists of whole snakes preserved in rice wine and is believed in Vietnamese culture to possess medicinal properties. While it may not be for everyone, it is a memorable and talked-about item that reflects certain traditional beliefs found in the region.

4.2. Handmade Soaps & Natural Beauty Products

There is a growing selection of handmade soaps and natural beauty products crafted from local ingredients in Vietnam. These items are often eco-friendly and support local artisans and sustainable practices. They make for thoughtful gifts that represent Vietnam’s natural beauty and wellness traditions, offering a refreshing and authentic alternative to mass-produced products.

4.3. Vietnamese Musical Instruments

For music enthusiasts, traditional Vietnamese instruments are an exceptional find. Instruments like the Dan Tranh, a 16-string zither, or the Trong Com (rice drum) allow you to experience and appreciate Vietnam’s rich musical heritage. They serve as both beautiful decorative pieces and functional instruments for those interested in exploring world music.

4.4. Custom-made Bags and Shoes

Vietnam is renowned for its skilled artisans who can create custom leather goods at affordable prices. Cities like Hoi An and Hanoi are particularly well-known for their bespoke tailoring services. You can have bags, shoes, and other leather items made to your exact specifications, resulting in a high-quality, personalized souvenir that is both practical and stylish.

4.5. Jewelry

Vietnamese jewelry offers a range of designs, from traditional to contemporary. Pearl jewelry is particularly sought-after in coastal cities like Nha Trang, where you can find necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Some tours even offer the chance to hunt for your own pearls. These pieces often blend Vietnamese cultural elements with modern aesthetics, making for a beautiful and lasting memento.

From elegant textiles and intricate handicrafts to flavorful culinary specialties, the variety of cool things to buy in Vietnam is truly impressive. Each item tells a story about the country’s rich history, artistic traditions, and vibrant local life. Hopefully, this guide from Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert has helped you discover the perfect souvenirs to commemorate your travels through this fascinating country.