- Jul 24, 2025
From Vietnam with Love: 12 Thoughtful Gifts for Overseas Exploration
When your international friends ask "What special things can you bring from Vietnam?" you don't want to just offer coconut candy from Ben Tre, right?
The truth is, they're actually hunting for authentic "made in Vietnam" items - from vintage coffee drippers to handcrafted ceramic sets that Instagram influencers would love to show off.
These 12 Vietnamese gifts will turn you into a true "cultural ambassador"...
Join CHUS to discover these unique Vietnamese gifts that will surely bring joy to your recipients!
12 meaningful Vietnamese gifts for bringing abroad
Understanding the concerns in choosing gifts for international travel, CHUS is here to suggest 12 gifts to help you make a lasting impression:
1. Ceramic pottery
Vietnamese ceramic pottery is not just traditional handmade products but also a source of national pride with a long history. Nowadays, Vietnamese ceramic products are available in many international markets. However, a gift given by Vietnamese people themselves carries deeper meaning.
When taking Vietnamese ceramic pottery abroad, you are not only bringing a unique and valuable gift but also an opportunity to introduce and be proud of your country's culture and art.
Vietnamese ceramic has a long-traced tradition
2. Brocade items
Brocade products are deeply ingrained in the life and cultural activities of highland ethnic groups. Each brocade product is a vivid painting, a story about the country, people, and traditions of the Lac Hong descendants.
Moreover, brocade items are highly versatile, fashionable, and stylish when paired with different outfits. Especially at CHUS, you can choose terracotta products with diverse patterns and shapes, representing the characteristics of various ethnic groups.
3. Vietnamese paintings and photos
Every alley, every corner in Vietnam carries a beloved and nostalgic vibe. People often say that Vietnam is here to love and to remember. A painting depicting some unforgettable memory of Vietnam in the minds of international friends is an ideal choice.
Ha Noi street in a calm atmosphere depicted on a wall frame
4. Coffee
Coffee is not a beverage originating from Vietnam. However, after numerous encounters with the flow of time, Vietnamese coffee possesses a peculiar taste that is hard to describe. A cup of Vietnamese iced milk coffee, with its rich, intense flavor, plus a bit of creaminess on a summer morning, has stolen the hearts of foreign guests.
When bringing a part of Vietnamese coffee abroad, you are carrying a part of culture, nature, and the love of Vietnamese people for coffee.
5. Tea
Whether you prefer a refreshing, gentle taste or a strong, robust one, you'll find yourself immersed in the paradise of fresh, fragrant green tea leaves at CHUS. Notable teas include green tea, oolong tea, lotus tea, cinnamon tea, or artichoke tea. Each type of tea carries its own distinctive flavor, captivating even the most discerning guests.
Each tea drop makes a surprisingly relaxing feeling
6. Handmade gifts
Unique - creative, Vietnamese handmade items fully encapsulate the essence of traditional handicrafts. From silk sandals, bamboo bags to handmade glass products, each item showcases the dedication and passion of skilled artisans. This creates uniqueness and distinct value for each item, making it a unique and meaningful gift when you take it abroad.
7. Cooking spices
Vietnamese cuisine never ceases to be "hot" on international forums. To make a difference in each dish, in addition to the talented hands of local chefs, traditional spices cannot be missed. From traditional spices like chili, pepper, salt, sugar to special spices like fish sauce, shrimp paste, five-spice powder, soy sauce...
Bringing Vietnamese cooking spices abroad is also a great way for you to introduce and share with friends about Vietnamese cuisine. That this is not only the essence but also the soul of the nation that has raised many generations of people.
Vietnamese condiment and spices make its renowned culinary
8. Lacquerware
Lacquerware is a true work of art, combining sophistication and complexity in every line, color, and image. These works are created from natural materials such as rice husk, lacquer, with a variety of images: natural landscapes, phoenix, moon...
12. Honey
Harvested from rocky plateaus, primeval forests, or rural areas in Vietnam, Vietnamese honey carries the essence of the land, sky, and flowers. Honey is not only a delicious and nutritious food but also has many uses in health care and beauty. Choosing honey as a gift for your overseas travels is a sweet and delicate choice!
Honey brings various health benefits
10. Scented Candles with Essential Oils
Scented candles crafted from natural soy wax, blended with refreshing lemongrass essential oil, elegant lotus flowers, or fresh pomelo - distinctive fragrances carrying deep Vietnamese impressions. When lit, each wisp of smoke will transport the enjoyer to a dreamy and peaceful relaxation space.
These candles not only decorate living spaces but also bring mental relaxation effects, helping to dispel stress after long working days.
11. Handcrafted Wooden Chopsticks
Wooden chopstick sets meticulously crafted from rare rosewood, luxurious ebony, or durable old bamboo, each pair is carved with exquisite patterns, carrying deep traditional cultural features. Accompanying them are beautifully designed boxes, creating a gift that is both practical and artistic.
Wooden chopsticks are not only environmentally friendly but also express the Vietnamese philosophy of living in harmony with nature, while carrying meaning about skillfulness and sophistication in Eastern culinary culture.
Sustainable gifts that are environmentally friendly and carry deep traditions
12. Traditional Cakes and Candies
Soc Trang pork pies with fragrant green bean filling, crispy sesame candy, or soft Hai Duong green bean cakes - these sweets carry the childhood flavors of Vietnamese people. Packaged in elegant gift boxes, they are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to share the rich culinary culture of the nation.
Each piece of cake contains traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation, carrying stories about the skillfulness of Vietnamese mothers and grandmothers in preparing delicious dishes from the simplest ingredients.
Some considerations when buying Vietnamese gifts for international recipients
Renowned for its diverse array of gifts for international travels, choosing Vietnamese gifts requires careful consideration of the following factors to ensure the most satisfying experience:
Understand the recipient's preferences, culture, and customs.
To select suitable gifts, it's essential to understand the personal preferences, culture, and customs of the recipient. For example, products with strong scents like scented candles, soaps, or perfumes might be selective. Traditional toys may not be suitable for the recipient's age or cultural background.
Brocade with ethnic Vietnamese elements
Choose gifts according to their intended use
The intended use is a crucial factor determining the value of the gift you choose. If you want the recipient to use it daily, opt for compact-sized items. Conversely, if it's for decoration, aesthetic value should be prioritized.
Select gifts of good quality
A high-quality gift reflects the giver's respect. Choose gifts made from durable materials, meticulously crafted, with clear origins and brands.
Consider luggage and customs regulations
Before choosing Vietnamese gifts for international travel, carefully research customs regulations. Some countries may restrict or prohibit the import of certain goods, such as uninspected food items or products containing prohibited chemicals. Thoroughly review the regulations regarding prohibited or restricted imports of the recipient's country to avoid your gift being detained or destroyed.
Vietnam Ca phe sua da is a popular drink to many
Additionally, choose gifts that comply with carry-on and checked baggage regulations of airlines to ensure the recipient can easily transport them.
Buy locally
Vietnamese people use Vietnamese products, spreading Vietnamese culture across continents. Choose gifts locally to showcase Vietnam's distinctive culture and promote it to international friends.
How to Pack and Preserve Vietnamese Gifts When Taking Them Far
Proper packaging will determine the quality of gifts when they reach recipients. Especially with fragile products, those with scents, or requiring special preservation, you need to note several points:
Packing Ceramics and Fragile Items
- Use bubble wrap: Wrap each item separately, paying special attention to edges and rims of cups/bowls
- Layer arrangement: Place heavy items at the bottom, light ones on top. Use soft cloth or clothes as padding
- Mark "FRAGILE": Clearly write "FRAGILE" on packaging so transport staff pay attention
Preserving Dry Foods
- Vacuum seal: Coffee, tea, spices should be vacuum sealed to preserve flavor
- Sealed containers: Use sealed plastic or metal boxes to avoid moisture and mold
- Mark expiration dates: Label with production and expiration dates in English
Transporting Scented Candles and Aromatic Items
- Seal tightly: Use zip bags to prevent scent from spreading to other items
- Avoid high temperatures: Place in cool, ventilated areas, not in sunlight
- Keep separate: Don't store with food items
Careful packaging helps gifts become more complete and meaningful
Common Mistakes When Choosing Vietnamese Gifts
Based on the experience of many people who have taken gifts abroad, here are mistakes to avoid:
Choosing Gifts That Are Too Heavy or Bulky
Many people like bringing large paintings, big wooden statues but forget that luggage has weight limits. Prioritize items that are both meaningful and compact.
Not Checking Quality Carefully
Some stores sell "made in China" items but label them "made in Vietnam". Check origins carefully and buy from reputable addresses.
Bringing Culturally Inappropriate Gifts
For example: Bringing Buddha statues to countries with different religions, or black-colored items to countries that consider this color unlucky.
Forgetting to Prepare Stories
Gifts become much more meaningful if you can tell stories about them. Learn about the history, making process, and meaning of gifts to share with recipients.
Each gift carries a story rich in Vietnamese identity
You might be interested in:
- 15+ Unforgettable Vietnamese Gifts: Stylish & Meaningful Presents
- Vietnamese Gift Elegance: Brewing Joy with Coffee
- Discover the uniqueness of Vietnam through meaningful gifts
Love for Homeland Lies in Small Gifts
Choosing Vietnamese gifts for international friends doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. The most important thing is sincerity and pride in the culture you want to share. A distinctly Vietnamese gift carefully chosen will remind them of friendship and Vietnam in the most natural way.
Remember, the best gift isn't the most expensive one, but the one that helps them understand more about Vietnamese culture. Those happy moments when you see the delighted eyes of international friends are the reward for becoming a true Vietnamese cultural ambassador.
Ready to spread love for your homeland? Explore the meaningful Vietnamese gifts collection at CHUS to find the perfect gift!
FAQs
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Why should you choose handcrafted gifts over industrial products for international friends?
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What types of Vietnamese gifts do international friends love the most?
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How can you tell a compelling story about the gift to leave a lasting impression?
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Why should you choose handcrafted gifts over industrial products for international friends?
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What types of Vietnamese gifts do international friends love the most?
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How can you tell a compelling story about the gift to leave a lasting impression?
