Here is a complete guide on what to buy in this country during your visit. It covers the best things to buy along with answers to common shopping questions. This guide will help anyone travelling to Vietnam shop smart and bring back quality souvenirs.
Why is Vietnam a Shopping Paradise?
It’s a great place to shop because it offers a mix of rich culture and low prices. Many people consider this country a shopper’s paradise due to the following reasons:
- You can find many unique and authentic handmade goods that are hard to find anywhere else.
- Their prices are low for quality especially when compared to Western countries.
- They offer unique items like coffee and spices that represent Vietnam’s famous cuisine.
- Shopping is easy because there are many large markets and shopping streets for tourists which offer plenty of choices.
You need to know what to buy and what to watch out for to shop smartly and have a great experience.
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15 Best Things to Buy in Vietnam
Vietnam is a great place to shop with its beautiful culture and low prices. And here are some great things to buy on your trip. It will help you find the best souvenirs and gifts there.
- Silk and Textiles
Vietnam is special because it is known for its excellent silk products like beautiful fabrics and shawls. Feel the silk to make sure it is smooth when shopping. And check the label to confirm its authentic silk and not a mixed fabric.
And look for items with bright colours and quality sewing. The best places to shop are Hanoi’s Silk Street or tailor towns like Hội An. Remember to allow extra time if you want personalised clothes.
- Lacquerware
It is a unique Vietnamese craft made using layers of tree sap which gives the final product a polished and shiny finish. Look for pieces with a smooth finish and no flaws when shopping. And make sure the item feels heavy and solid.
You must pack it carefully since it is fragile. You can find such items in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or specific craft villages. But remember that prices can significantly vary. Lacquerware makes a meaningful gift or souvenir rather than just a cheap item.
- Traditional Conical Hat
It is a special item that symbolises Vietnam’s rural culture. Such hats are woven from palm leaves or bamboo strips. Check for tight weaving and make sure it fits well if you want to wear it when you buy one.
They might take up room in your luggage even though they are very light. But they are excellent for hanging on a wall. They are affordable and can be easily carried which makes them a unique gift.
- Coffee, Tea, and Spices
Vietnam is a major coffee producer with its teas and spices being popular. Check roast or package date when buying such products. And make sure all items are sealed to keep them fresh.
If you are an Indian traveller then be sure to check the rules regarding things you can bring back to India. Such items are very cheap and make great gifts that people can actually use.
- Ceramics and Pottery
It’s a very special craft found in places like Bát Tràng village which has been practised for centuries. Make sure there are no chips or cracks and listen for a clear sound when you gently tap bowls or cups when you are looking to buy.
You will have to plan to pack them carefully or perhaps ship them home as ceramics are fragile and heavy. They make a great piece of art that you can use every day back home.
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- Lanterns and Decorative Light
Such items are very unique as they are beautiful and decorative, especially those found in Hội An. Look for foldable versions as they are much easier to pack in your luggage when buying.
Check how tight silk is stretched along with the quality of the hanging hook.. Choosing a smaller size will make it easier to fit into your bags. They are affordable and will add a decorative touch to your home.
- Ethnic Minority Textiles and Handicrafts
Such items are exceptional because they are handmade embroidered items made by ethnic groups in Northern Vietnam. Check that the embroidery is truly handmade and verify its origin when shopping.
You can find such items in villages around Sapa or in special craft shops in cities. They are reasonably priced which gives you good value for authentic work. And buying them means you are supporting local artisans and getting unique gifts.
- Fun and Quirky Gifts
Such items make great keepsakes since they are visually interesting and have a strong cultural feel like water puppets or wooden puzzles. Make sure puppets have proper packaging and check the overall quality of work when buying.
Puzzles are easy to put in your luggage. But puppets might need better packing. Prices vary a lot based on size and whether the item is genuine. Such items are great buys as they make for fun conversation starters back home.
- Fish Sauce and Regional Food Items
Such items are rare food souvenirs that offer authentic Vietnamese flavours. Look for a premium label on fish sauce like ones from Phu Quoc Island and make sure sweets and dried fruit are in sealed packaging with a precise expiry date.
Remember to check India’s rules for bringing food items back. Such gifts are usually very cheap and are great to enjoy with your friends and family. Double-wrap bottles or ask shops for airline-approved packaging.
- Vietnamese Fashion
Clothing in Vietnam is very popular because you can find premium tailoring and stylish local clothes at great prices. Check the product’s material and fit when shopping. And agree on a pickup time and check stitching quality for custom items.
Be sure to allow enough time for custom items. Personalised suits can cost more. But they are a great value compared to what you pay back home. This is a good and practical purchase if you like good design and quality.
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- Jewellery and Accessories
Products like silver and bags are special because they offer good value. Check for materials such as looking for a stamp on sterling silver and check the finish on beads and leather items when you buy jewellery.
Make sure you like the style and plan how you will carry it home. Such items are affordable and make good gifts. They also help you buy a variety of things instead of just large gift items.
- Textile Art
Products like linens and bags are extraordinary but are usually forgotten by tourists. Check for clean edges and good quality fabric when buying. Such items are great for your home or for giving as gifts.
And they are much lighter than things like pottery to carry back home. They are usually affordable and offer a piece of home decor that truly represents local craftsmanship.
- Chopsticks and Wood Products
Such items are simple and useful like chopsticks and wooden toys. Look for a smooth finish on the wood or bamboo and check for safe coating when you buy them. Such items are fantastic for gift packs because they are very cheap and easy to pack. It’s a wise choice to buy them in small quantities as gifts for all your friends and family.
Note: Some woods may be subject to CITES restrictions (rosewood).
- Fun Vacation Wear
Such clothes are very precious because they are fun clothing items like shirts with fruit or tropical designs that match the holiday feeling. Check the fabric quality and print. And make sure the size fits you well when you shop.
Avoid purchasing something that you won’t actually wear later. Such shirts are great for fun gifts for yourself since they are affordable. They help you buy a mix of things so you don’t just end up with serious products back home.
- Retro Art Prints
Vietnam is a great place to purchase unique poster art or retro designs. This makes for impressive wall decor to bring back home. Check print and paper quality when you buy. Also check its condition if your poster is old or vintage.
You can also consider whether you want to frame it. Such posters are easy to carry and simple to hang up at home. But prices differ as copies are cheap while originals cost much more. This is great if you want a big and impressive item instead of a small souvenir.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a wonderful place for smart and thoughtful shopping. You can find something for everyone and every budget like beautiful silk clothes and rich coffee packs. You are truly experiencing their local culture when buying a delicate lantern in Hội An or looking through bags and crafts in big markets like Hanoi’s Đồng Xuân.
If you prepare a little by knowing what to buy and packing smartly then you can bring home quality cultural items that will be lasting reminders of your trip. You will enjoy such premium items for years to come.
FAQs
Q1. What souvenirs should I buy as a new visitor to Vietnam?
You can purchase products like
- Silk items
- Lacquerware
- Local fabrics
- Conical hats
- Coffee
- Pottery
- Lanterns
- Posters showing Vietnam’s culture.
They are easy to carry and are generally cheap.
Q2. Can I bring coffee or spices from Vietnam back to my home country?
Yes. You can bring home packaged coffee and dried spices. Just make sure the items are sealed and follow the import rules for your country.
Q3. Is bargaining common when shopping in Vietnamese markets?
Yes. It’s normal to bargain politely in street markets and small shops. And this can help you get a better deal.
Q4. What is a good budget for buying souvenirs in Vietnam?
A price range of INR 5000 to 9000 is enough for simple gifts. But if you want premium items like a silk dress then plan for a higher budget of INR 10,000 to 26,000 based on the product’s quality.
Q5. What should I avoid buying or bringing back home to avoid customs issues?
You should not buy fresh food or products that aren’t sealed. And many products made from animals or special woods might be banned from entering or leaving a country.
Q6. Where are the best places in Vietnam to buy real handmade crafts and local goods?
The best handmade crafts can be found in traditional markets and old parts of cities. Examples are silk shops and markets in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Also Read:
Best time to visit Vietnam from India
20 Best Things to Buy in Thailand
About Author
Awant Verma
Awant Verma, Head – Brand and Marketing at DU Digital Global Ltd., has over 20 years of experience in marketing and product management across diverse industries. He has worked with leading organizations such as Kantar Group, Reliance Capital, Apollo International, and Finstar (Russia). With a background in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA in marketing and finance, and advanced credentials in Digital Marketing and Brand Management from IIM-B, he brings both strategic insight and technical acumen.
