9 Vietnamese Souvenirs You Shouldn’t Buy at All Costs

When traveling, shopping for souvenirs in Vietnam is a beloved tradition to preserve memories and share experiences with family and friends. However, without proper caution, you might end up buying inappropriate items—or worse, break the law.

Below are the top souvenirs you should avoid buying in Vietnam, and why. Let’s dive in with Chus!

Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Buying Souvenirs

Many tourists make these mistakes when souvenir shopping in Vietnam:

• Buying without proper research: This can lead to purchasing counterfeit or poor-quality items that may not respect local culture.
• Choosing gifts without considering the recipient: If you don’t take into account their preferences or needs, the gift may lose its meaning.
• Ignoring customs regulations: Some products are banned or restricted from import/export, which can lead to trouble at the airport.

Top 9 Vietnamese Souvenirs You Should Avoid

1. Cheap, Low-Quality Handicrafts

Many inexpensive Vietnamese souvenirs are mass-produced, lacking both artistic value and uniqueness. These items are often poorly made, fragile, and devoid of cultural significance. They don’t show genuine appreciation to the recipient and should be avoided.

2. Unlabeled or Unverified Food Products

Packaged foods without proper labeling, especially street-sold or homemade items, pose serious health risks. Avoid giving these, as they could unintentionally harm the recipient. When choosing edible souvenirs in Vietnam, always opt for branded, clearly labeled products.

3. Products Made from Wild Animal Skins

Avoid buying Vietnamese souvenirs made from wild animal skins such as tiger, bear, leopard, otter, snake, lizard, or seal. These can lead to legal trouble and promote illegal poaching. Purchasing such items is not only unethical but also often illegal.

Avoid products made from wild animal skins to help protect nature

4. Talismans and Spiritual Objects

Spiritual items like charms, protective bracelets, or feng shui stones may carry meanings that don't align with the recipient’s beliefs—especially those intended to ward off evil or contain spiritual power. In some cases, these can be misunderstood or even considered offensive if the cultural context isn’t well understood.

Some countries also prohibit taking such items abroad, particularly those seen as ritual or occult. To avoid confusion or cultural clashes, it’s best to avoid gifting spiritual items—especially those with ambiguous or intense symbolism,

If you're traveling to Vietnam’s mountainous or forested areas, where spiritual beliefs are deeply respected, gifting such items can also be considered inappropriate.

5. Tiger Bone Glue (Cao Hổ)

Tiger bone glue is banned in many countries due to its link to poaching endangered species. Buying or owning it can result in serious legal consequences. In Vietnam, tiger glue is on the list of prohibited items, and violators may face heavy fines or even criminal charges.

Therefore, avoid gifting tiger bone glue—even if meant for health purposes—as it risks legal trouble and supports illegal wildlife trade.

6. Bones or Horns from Protected Animals

Items like tiger teeth or claws, rhino horns, and ivory are banned from sale and transport across borders. Buying souvenirs made from such endangered animals—whether in Vietnam or elsewhere—is both illegal and a direct contribution to illicit wildlife trafficking.

7. Coral

Overharvesting of coral has pushed many species to the brink of extinction. Several countries now ban or restrict the export of coral and coral-based products. Coral is a Vietnamese souvenir you should avoid to help protect marine ecosystems and avoid violating customs rules.

Coral – a souvenir to avoid to protect marine biodiversity

8. Products Made from Sea Turtles

Most sea turtles are endangered and protected by strict regulations. The sale of turtle eggs, meat, or shells is illegal in many countries. Avoid gifting items like jewelry, hair clips, or instruments labeled as "tortoiseshell" to help end the exploitation of these animals.

9. Fake Antiques

Many tourists are drawn to ceramic or bronze items advertised as “antiques”, which are often fake or have unclear origins. Some are even linked to illegal artifact trade networks. Do not buy such items as gifts, especially if you’re unsure of their origin—you may unknowingly support illegal activity.

Fake antiques: costly, culturally empty, and potentially illegal

How to Choose Meaningful and Unique Travel Gifts

Instead of purchasing banned or low-quality Vietnamese souvenirs, travelers can easily find meaningful, creative gifts that support local communities and protect the environment.

• Choose authentic local handicrafts: These one-of-a-kind items support Vietnamese artisans and preserve cultural heritage.
• Pick durable, practical gifts: Items that last and can be used often add more value and appreciation for the recipient.
• Consider gifts with emotional meaning: Think handmade notebooks, postcards, or photo prints that carry a personal story. You can find them at reputable shops or Vietnamese craft marketplaces like CHUS, which offers quality, eco-friendly, and unique products.
• Know the airport and customs rules: Before buying souvenirs—especially when traveling internationally—double-check that your chosen gift is legal to bring home.

Handcrafted products at Chus are high-quality and deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What souvenirs are most likely to be confiscated by customs?

Products made from ivory, rhino horn, turtle shell, coral, wild animals, or unverified food items are often seized by customs.

2. Is it okay to buy gemstone jewelry as a souvenir?

Yes—but only if purchased from reputable stores with certificates of origin to avoid buying fake or illegally mined gems.

3. Where can I buy high-quality, authentic souvenirs in Vietnam?

Look for official retailers, traditional craft villages, or branded showrooms that ensure authenticity and quality.

Conclusion

Chus has compiled this list of souvenirs to avoid buying in Vietnam to help you sidestep common tourist pitfalls. When shopping for gifts, always choose items with positive meaning, clear origins, and cultural relevance.

If you're seeking meaningful, sustainable Vietnamese souvenirs with local flair, don't hesitate to visit Chus.vn.

At Chus, you’ll find:

• Handcrafted gifts by Vietnamese artisans
• Clear product origins for peace of mind
• Nationwide delivery in Vietnam—quick and convenient
• Dedicated English-speaking customer care for every order

Explore thoughtful Vietnamese souvenirs at Chus.vn to make your journey even more memorable.