- Mar 17, 2025
What to Buy in Vietnam: Must-Have Souvenirs and Local Treasures
Vietnam is a country of rich culture, deep-rooted traditions, and remarkable craftsmanship. If you want a special memory, a nice gift, or something that shows what Vietnam is about, you'll find lots of cool, well-made things.
You can get beautiful handmade items, silks, or tasty local food. There's so much to pick from! It can be hard to know what to buy. That's why we made this guide. We want to help you find the best things that show Vietnam's art and culture.
1. Vietnamese Handicrafts
One of the most meaningful souvenirs you can bring back from Vietnam is a piece of local handicraft. These items are beautiful and reflect Vietnam’s traditions and skilled artisans.
Lacquerware
Vietnamese lacquerware is famous for its shiny surface and detailed pictures. Craftspeople put on many thin layers of lacquer, making it smooth and strong. You can find small statues or pretty things like boxes, all made with this old art. These items are great gifts, showing off Vietnam's art skills.
Bamboo and Rattan Products
Bamboo and rattan are good for your home and the planet. They also look nice! You can find baskets, trays, and other pretty items made from them. These natural materials make your home feel warm and comfortable. Local artists create a variety of designs, from modern styles to traditional ones. You can easily find something you like.
Embroidery and Textile Art
Vietnamese embroidery is an old skill, taught from parents to their kids for many years. People use tiny stitches to make beautiful pictures. These pictures often show things from nature, old stories, or everyday life. It takes a lot of practice to make these embroideries.
You can find pretty things like scarves, small bags, and handkerchiefs with this hand-made stitching. These make nice gifts and show off the good work from Vietnam.
2. Vietnamese Fashion and Accessories
Want clothes or things that are different? Vietnam has more and more stores that make fashion in a way that's good for the planet. They mix old ways of making clothes with new, cool styles.
Silk Products
Vietnamese silk is famous for its softness and durability. Vietnamese artisans, skilled in traditional silk-making techniques, weave it using time-honored methods, resulting in a fabric that feels exceptionally smooth and light. Whether it's an elegant scarf, a tailored áo dài (Vietnam’s traditional dress), or a luxurious silk pillowcase, these items make exquisite souvenirs.
These items make excellent souvenirs, serving as lasting reminders of their trip. Silk products also come in a wide array of vibrant colors and unique designs, enhancing their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.
Handmade Jewelry
Vietnamese artisans craft beautiful jewelry using silver, gemstones, and wood. Many designs reflect Vietnam’s culture, from delicate lotus-inspired pieces to bold ethnic patterns. Whether you like simple styles or eye-catching accessories, there is something for everyone. These handcrafted pieces highlight the skill and creativity of local makers.
3. Vietnamese Home Fragrances and Wellness Products
Vietnam’s natural ingredients are used to create many organic and eco-friendly products. Traditional wellness practices also play a big role in this growing market.
Herbal Compress Pillows
Herbal compress pillows offer a soothing way to enjoy traditional Vietnamese wellness. Filled with medicinal herbs, they help ease muscle tension, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. These pillows are often used in herbal therapy to relieve aches and stress naturally.
Some blends include ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and mugwort, known for their calming effects. Check out Chus.vn for locally made herbal pillows that bring relaxation and comfort.
Essential Oils and Natural Skincare
Vietnam has an abundance of herbs and botanicals that promote wellness. Essential oils like lemongrass, peppermint, and cajeput have natural soothing effects. They are also known for their healing properties and are commonly used in traditional remedies. These oils help relieve stress, improve sleep, and boost energy.
Many traditional remedies also incorporate these natural extracts for relaxation and pain relief. Local brands on Chus.vn offer a variety of high-quality essential oils. They also provide natural skincare products made with these beneficial ingredients.
4. Vietnamese Ceramics
Vietnam makes beautiful pottery with a long history. People really like it because it's pretty and well-made.
Bat Trang is the most famous place for pottery, but Chu Dau is also very popular. Chu Dau pottery is known for its lovely blue and white designs, often showing old stories and symbols. Bat Trang pottery has many different styles. Some have detailed hand-painted pictures, and others are new versions of old designs.
When you buy Vietnamese pottery, you help the people who make it and keep the old ways alive. These things aren't just for looking at; you can use them too. They make great gifts and are good for your home, like tea sets, bowls, vases, and small figures. Vietnamese ceramic adds a bit of old-time art to any room.
5. Vietnamese Coffee and Tea
Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, and its coffee culture is a must-experience. If you want to bring a taste of Vietnam home, consider buying:
Vietnamese Coffee Beans
Robusta coffee from Vietnam is strong and flavorful, making it perfect for traditional Vietnamese drip coffee. Known for its bold taste and high caffeine content, it is a favorite among coffee lovers who enjoy a rich and intense brew.
Many local farmers cultivate these beans using sustainable methods, ensuring high quality and unique flavors. Try locally sourced, high-quality coffee available on Chus.vn.
Lotus and Herbal Tea
In Vietnam, tea is a big part of life. One special kind is lotus tea. It's green tea with the nice smell of lotus flowers. It's a calm, sweet drink. People in Vietnam think it's a sign of being pure and classy.
Herbal teas are also widely enjoyed for their health benefits. Blends featuring ingredients like ginger, chrysanthemum, and pandan leaves have calming effects. They are also known for their healing properties, helping to soothe the body and mind. These teas make excellent gifts and can be found in beautifully packaged sets on Chus.vn.
6. Vietnamese Snacks and Confectionery
Food lovers will appreciate Vietnam’s wide variety of delicious treats. Many of these make excellent souvenirs, offering a taste of the country's rich culinary traditions.
Dried Fruits and Nuts
Vietnam has lots of tasty tropical fruits. You can find many of them dried, like sweet mangoes, chewy jackfruit, and crunchy banana chips. These are all naturally sweet. Vietnam also grows many nuts, like cashews and macadamias, which are healthy snacks.
These yummy treats make great gifts, especially if someone likes natural and delicious food.
Traditional Sweets
Coconut candy, sesame bars, and peanut brittle are among Vietnam’s most beloved treats. These traditional sweets are often handmade using age-old recipes. This process preserves their rich and authentic flavors, making each bite a taste of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
They are generally enjoyed with tea, making them a delightful snack for any occasion. Beautifully packaged, they are perfect souvenirs that represent Vietnam’s sweet culinary heritage.
7. Vietnamese Art and Home Décor
For those who love decorating their homes with meaningful pieces, Vietnam offers a range of artistic and decorative items.
Digital Print Artwork from Woodcut Print
Digital print artwork derived from traditional woodcut prints is a modern take on Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage. Woodcut printing is an ancient technique where artisans carve intricate designs onto wooden blocks, apply ink, and press them onto paper or fabric. This method creates bold, striking images with unique textures.
Today, digital technology helps artists turn traditional woodcut prints into high-quality digital artworks. These prints keep the charm of handcrafted woodcut art while adding vibrant colors and lasting durability. Many pieces feature Vietnamese landscapes, folklore, and cultural symbols. They make great gifts or home decor items.
Handmade Scented Candles
Scented candles made from natural ingredients reflect the beauty of Vietnam’s nature. Many feature scents like lotus, lemongrass, and cinnamon, which create a relaxing atmosphere.
Some brands offer customization options. You can engrave a name or message on the candle holder or hide a special note inside the candle. These thoughtful details make them even more meaningful as gifts or keepsakes. These candles not only make great souvenirs but also bring a touch of Vietnamese nature into your home.
Unique Vietnamese Magnets
Vietnamese magnets make fun and creative souvenirs. These designs showcase iconic Vietnamese landmarks, cultural symbols, and traditional art styles.
Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, these magnets are crafted by local artisans, offering unique designs that can’t be found in typical markets. They are perfect for collectors or as small but meaningful gifts that capture the essence of Vietnam.
Conclusion
Vietnam offers a variety of unique souvenirs that showcase its rich culture and traditions. If you're looking for handcrafted goods, tasty treats, or sustainable fashion, you'll find them at Chus.vn. We work with skilled local artisans to ensure quality and authenticity.
Shopping on Chus.vn helps support small businesses and keeps traditional crafts alive. You can also find exclusive handmade products that aren’t available in typical souvenir shops.
Happy shopping!
