Vietnam - a country with 4,000 years of civilization - has left behind a rich treasure trove of handicraft arts, from Bat Trang ceramics to ethnic minority textiles. However, many buyers don't truly understand the real story behind each product.

This lack of understanding causes them to miss out on truly valuable traditional Vietnamese souvenirs. This article from CHUS will help you discover the top 12+ most beloved Vietnamese gifts, from traditional products like conical hats and lacquerware to unique souvenirs like to he figurines and Dong Ho folk paintings.

Top 12+ Traditional Vietnamese Souvenirs Worth Buying

1. Bat Trang Ceramics

Bat Trang ceramics represent the pinnacle of Vietnamese pottery art, with nearly 700 years of history. The Bat Trang pottery village has been recognized by UNESCO as a national intangible cultural heritage site, home to hundreds of traditional ceramic production facilities.

Notable products like vases, teacups, and decorative plates not only possess high aesthetic value but also showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of artisans. Each Bat Trang ceramic piece carries within it a story of patience and dedication from the craftspeople.

Bat Trang ceramics are always distinctive traditional Vietnamese souvenirs

2. Vietnamese Ethnic Textiles

Vietnamese ethnic textiles from the ethnic minority groups in the northern mountains are popular traditional Vietnamese souvenirs for foreigners. According to most travel websites, ethnic textiles are must-have gifts for international friends, with incredibly attractive starting prices from their perspective.

Each textile is completely hand-woven, reflecting the rich indigenous culture. From handbags and scarves to clothing and even modern toys, ethnic textiles bring humanitarian value and directly support ethnic minority communities.

Ethnic textile products continuously upgrade to adapt to modern life

3. Silk Products

Vietnamese silk is renowned for its soft, smooth texture and high durability. Evidence of this appeal is shown in statistics indicating Vietnam's raw silk exports in 2023 reached nearly $72 million USD, a record high (according to Vietnamese Finance Magazine).

Silk creates meaningful traditional Vietnamese souvenirs

Products like silk scarves, ao dai, and silk dresses showcase elegance and luxury. Particularly, Vietnamese silk can be customized with traditional patterns like lotus flowers and dragons, creating meaningful Vietnamese gifts.

4. Bamboo Souvenirs

Bamboo souvenirs showcase the rustic yet refined beauty of traditional Vietnamese weaving art. From woven bamboo baskets and bamboo hats to lanterns, each handcrafted product requires patience and superior artisan skills. Bamboo gifts can be customized with engraved wishes, creating unique personal touches.

In Vietnamese culture, bamboo symbolizes resilience and humility. Bamboo gifts carry messages about simple yet refined living, making them meaningful presents that show respect for tradition.

>>> Read more: Why Are Bamboo Souvenirs Called the Greenest Gifts Ever?

5. Coconut Shell Souvenirs

Coconut shell souvenirs embody the tropical soul of southern Vietnam, where coconut trees are called "trees of life." From trunk and leaves to fruit, every part of the coconut tree is skillfully transformed by artisans into exquisite, environmentally-friendly products.

The art of coconut crafting doesn't stop at technique but also represents a philosophy of living close to nature. Each coconut product carries within it a story of sustainability, environmental love, and the endless creative aspirations of Vietnamese people.

Bamboo and coconut are traditional Vietnamese souvenirs always connected to daily life

6. Handmade Silver Jewelry

Vietnamese silver jewelry with exquisite engraving techniques makes an excellent choice. Products like rings, bracelets, and necklaces often feature carved dragon, phoenix, and lotus patterns rich in Vietnamese identity.

Notably, many silver jewelry pieces can be engraved with names or customized upon request, creating unique and meaningful personalized gifts.

7. Wooden Hair Sticks

Wooden hair sticks are traditional accessories for Vietnamese women, crafted from beautiful and durable natural wood types. These pins are carved with intricate patterns.

Wooden hair sticks not only have practical value but also showcase the classic, graceful beauty of Asian women. These are gifts rich in cultural and aesthetic significance. You can choose to give hair pins along with ao dai!

Hair stick - traditional Vietnamese souvenirs honoring both material and Vietnamese beauty

8. Conical Hats

Conical hats are familiar symbols of Vietnam, originating about 3,000 years ago (according to Vietnamese Traditional Villages). Famous craft villages like Chuong (Hanoi) and Phu Cam (Hue) still maintain traditional hat-making techniques.

Besides practical value, conical hats have their own deep cultural significance. An exquisite conical hat for decoration, or using new materials to create unique and impressive souvenir gifts.

Conical hats made from lotus leaves, combining Vietnamese quintessence

>>> Read more: Why the Conical Hat is the Ultimate Souvenir from Vietnam

9. Lacquerware

Vietnamese lacquerware emerged in the 1930s, notable for its unique mother-of-pearl inlay technique. Vietnamese lacquerware pieces are always highly rated by tourists for their artistic value and durability.

From jewelry and tea trays to lacquer paintings, each product undergoes dozens of meticulous steps. Lacquerware is the perfect choice for those seeking Vietnamese gifts that are both refined and beautifully durable.

10. To He Figurines (Tò He)

To he is a traditional folk art form, especially popular with children. These traditional Vietnamese souvenirs are molded from rice flour, painted in bright colors, depicting characters from legends and history.

Today, to he are miniature artworks sufficient to reflect Vietnam's rich folk culture while blending with modernity through more interesting characters. These are unique souvenir gifts hard to find elsewhere.

To he is an interesting Vietnamese souvenir idea for children

11. Dong Ho Folk Paintings

Dong Ho folk paintings from Dong Ho village (Bac Ninh) are among the oldest folk painting forms in Vietnam. These paintings are made from do paper, using natural colors from leaves and fruits.

With familiar themes like "Mouse Wedding" and "Baby Holding Rooster," Dong Ho paintings carry strong satirical and educational elements. These are Vietnamese gifts with high cultural and historical value. Additionally, you might consider something fresher with gifts inspired by Dong Ho paintings, such as Dong Ho painting puzzles or embroidered paintings.

Dong Ho painting "Baby Holding Rooster" skillfully recreated through embroidered art 

How to Choose Traditional Vietnamese Souvenirs for Foreigners

1. Identify Recipients and Gifting Occasions

Choosing traditional Vietnamese souvenirs for foreigners requires finesse in understanding the psychology and culture of recipients. This is not just the art of gift-giving but also a way to show respect and cultural understanding.

Examples of recipient analysis:

• Elderly (50+): Prioritize Bat Trang ceramics, lacquer paintings - gifts with high artistic value showing respect
• Young generation (18-35): Choose ethnic textiles, eco-friendly bamboo and coconut items, fitting green living trends and environmental awareness
• Women: Engraved silver jewelry, silk scarves, wooden hair pins, showing refinement and femininity
• Men: Wooden handicrafts, custom lighters, engraved leather wallets, bringing practicality and class

Gifting occasions are also crucial. Birthdays can feature personal gifts, while festivals should prioritize culturally meaningful items like conical hats and decorative paintings.

Vietnamese souvenirs are extremely diverse for every occasion

2. Pay Attention to Quality and Origin

Quality Vietnamese gifts must ensure origin from traditional craft villages. Prioritize handmade or handicraft products to ensure uniqueness and cultural value.

Carefully check details like engraving precision, natural colors, and durable materials. Products certified by handicraft associations will be more reliable.

3. Consider Practicality

Ideal unique souvenirs must perfectly balance aesthetic value and daily life applications.

Principles for choosing practical gifts:

• Appropriate size: Avoid overly bulky items difficult to transport by airplane
• Versatility: Prioritize multi-purpose products (silk scarves for wearing and decoration, ceramic cups for tea drinking and display)
• Easy preservation: Choose materials less affected by climate and humidity

Choose traditional Vietnamese souvenirs for foreigners that are both refined and practical

Special considerations when gifting to foreigners:

• Customs regulations: Avoid products that might be import-banned (some precious woods, animal products)
• Cultural differences: Research recipient culture beforehand to avoid unwanted misunderstandings
• Symbolic significance: Choose gifts that can tell Vietnam's story, creating opportunities for cultural sharing

>>> Read more: What Are The Best Vietnamese Gifts? 15+ Meaningful Handcrafted Gifts That Capture Vietnam's Soul

CHUS - Trusted Address for Traditional Vietnamese Souvenirs

CHUS is an e-commerce platform specializing in Vietnamese handmade and handicraft products. Gathering numerous products from artisans and traditional craft villages, CHUS commits to bringing high-quality traditional Vietnamese souvenirs.

Particularly, CHUS specializes in personalized products upon request like name engraving and wish embroidery, creating unique personalized gifts.

Quality Commitment from CHUS:

• Clear origin: All products from reputable artisans and craft villages
• Guaranteed quality: Thorough inspection of each product before delivery
• Diverse choices: From birthday gifts and meaningful presents to Vietnamese souvenirs
• Customization service: Support for custom work, name engraving, embroidery upon request

Traditional Vietnamese souvenirs are not just beautiful items but also carry within them stories of history, culture, and the soul of the Vietnamese people. We invite you to explore more useful information and buy Vietnamese souvenirs at CHUS!

FAQs

• What Vietnamese souvenirs are easiest to carry abroad?
  Vietnamese silk products, brocade (Thổ cẩm), and compact handcrafted items like leather wallets are optimal choices. They're lightweight, durable, unbreakable, and elegantly represent Vietnamese culture.
• Are traditional Vietnamese souvenirs suitable for giving to foreigners?
  Absolutely! Traditional gifts like miniature ao dai, lacquerware paintings, or Bat Trang ceramics naturally introduce Vietnamese culture and create special impressions with recipients.
• Where to buy authentic Vietnamese souvenirs online?
  CHUS.VN specializes in authentic handcrafted souvenirs from Vietnamese artisans. You can also check major e-commerce platforms or official websites of traditional craft villages.