15 Best Things to Buy in Vietnam: Ultimate Shopping Guide 2025
Discover the best things to buy in Vietnam, from authentic traditional crafts to mouthwatering local delicacies. Vietnam's markets and shops offer treasures that perfectly capture the country's rich cultural heritage and culinary excellence. Whether you're seeking unique fashion pieces, memorable souvenirs, or regional specialties, this comprehensive guide reveals the must-buy items that will make your Vietnamese shopping experience truly unforgettable.
What Are The 15 Best Traditional Vietnamese Products You Must Buy in 2024?
Shopping in Vietnam is an opportunity to participate in local traditions and experience the cultural traits that have been passed down through generations. For many visitors, exploring the local markets and shops of Vietnam becomes an exciting adventure filled with new sights, sounds, and flavors.
The cultural landscape of Vietnam is as diverse as the Vietnamese language. Each region, city or countryside has its own specialties and places to buy the best and highest quality products. You can bring sealed and odorless products into your country by plane.
Discover Related Guides: 20+ Most Delicious Fruits in Vietnam You Should Try
How to Choose Authentic Vietnamese Cultural Products
Which Vietnamese Fashion Items Should You Buy?
- Ao dai: Symbol of elegance, expressing the traditional beauty of women
- Non la: Gentle, carrying the Vietnamese spirit and rustic image.
- Silk Scarf: Soft, high-class, suitable as a gift
What Are The Most Popular Vietnamese Souvenirs Worth Your Money?
Bamboo and rattan products - Images of Vietnamese countryside:
The image of bamboo symbolizes the Vietnamese countryside and the resilience and perseverance of the Vietnamese people. Through the skillful hands of artisans, simple materials are transformed into diverse items in design. Therefore, bamboo and rattan products are a good idea when foreigners are choosing Vietnamese souvenirs.
Dong Ho paintings - Inspiration of Vietnamese national culture:
This line of paintings is inspired by familiar images close to Vietnamese people such as villages, alleys, or the daily life of people. Choosing a Dong Ho painting is a meaningful gift for art lovers.
Lanterns - Nostalgia and Antiquity:
Lanterns are not only decorative items but also enhance the ancient beauty. Lanterns often appear on holidays such as Christmas, the Mid-Autumn Festival, or the Lunar New Year. When buying a lantern, consider its craftsmanship and material. Traditional silk lanterns are delicate and light, while paper lanterns bring true aesthetics.
Brocade - Traditional beauty of national culture:
Brocade represents the traditional beauty of Vietnamese national culture. Foreign guests feel excited when wearing clothes with bright, new and unique colors. Wallets or keychains are sewn in a variety of different colors to create a unique feature.
Where to Find the Best Vietnamese Food Gifts
Vietnam is a paradise of specialties with rich local flavors. Discover impressive gifts from each region:
What Are The Must-Try Food Specialties from Northern Vietnam?
As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi not only has poetic beauty but the cuisine here also has a very unique feature:
- Com Lang Vong (Cốm Làng Vòng): Intoxicating aroma and sweet fat. Suitable as a gift for friends who like to try traditional food.
- Mam Tom (Mắm Tôm): Consider buying it because not all foreigners like to eat it, because of its strong smell. But once foreigners eat it, they will love it and "get addicted" to this dipping sauce.
Which Central Vietnamese Delicacies Make Perfect Gifts?
Famous for fresh seafood, delicious and hard to resist with the taste of the ocean. But don't miss the specialty desserts from the Central Coast, such as green bean cakes and cassava cakes. These dishes are often beautifully packaged and make interesting gifts. Their unique texture and flavor will surely impress anyone who receives them. In addition, you should also consider buying types such as:
- Hue Royal Tea: The natural aroma of herbs helps purify the body. Famous for its brewing method and characteristic aroma from the time of kings.
- Thanh Hoa Lam Tea: Sweet, roasted sesame and ginger, very suitable as a gift for adults.
What Unique Food Items Can You Find in the Central Highlands?
- Buon Ma Thuot Coffee: Proud to be the leading coffee exporting region with premium quality and rich flavor. Highland coffee, especially iced milk coffee, is famous for its smoothness and rich flavor. When buying coffee, choose coffee beans that are locally sourced. Look for packaging that clearly states their origin, as this will help you better understand the flavor - from fruity and floral to earthy and chocolatey.
- Forest Honey: Provides nutritional and health benefits. Naturally harvested by local people. However, you need to find a reputable place to buy the right quality.
Which Southern Vietnamese Foods Should You Bring Home?
Southern Vietnam boasts a blend of influences from many different cultures, creating a rich culinary picture. The region is famous for its tropical fruits, seafood and street food, beautifully transformed into culinary souvenirs:
- Ben Tre Coconut Candy: A sweet gift, made from the best coconuts. The natural sweetness of coconut mixed with brown sugar water is an unmistakable feature.
- Binh Phuoc Cashew Nuts: A nutritious nut that is very easy to preserve.
Explore More: 10 Most Famous Coffee Chains in Vietnam you should try once
How to Buy Vietnamese Gifts for Foreigners: Tips and Recommendations
Buying Vietnamese gifts for foreigners is not only about giving material things but also conveying cultural values. Here are some useful experiences:
- Focus on compactness: Small gifts such as candy, coffee or tea are very suitable for international travel.
- Choose items that are easy to preserve: Avoid perishable products such as fresh seafood or liquid dishes. Prioritize dry and long-lasting items.
- Understand the taste of the dish: To make sure that your loved ones can use it, you should taste and try the taste of the dish first.
- Prioritize items with high cultural value: It is easy to recognize special items in Vietnam.
Your Top Questions About Buying Vietnamese Products Answered
What can't you bring back from Vietnam?
Certain items are prohibited from being exported from Vietnam, including endangered species, antiques, and cultural artifacts. It's crucial to adhere to these regulations to avoid legal issues upon your return.
You may not carry home items such as ivory, tortoise shells, or certain textiles that are protected under international conventions. Additionally, plant and animal products may require permits or be restricted altogether. Familiarize yourself with local customs regulations before making any purchases to safeguard an enjoyable and lawful shopping experience.
Is Vietnam cheap for shopping?
Shopping in Vietnam offers a range of price points, making it accessible for all budgets. Generally, prices tend to be lower than those found in Western countries, especially when it comes to locally made handicrafts, clothing, and food items.
Moreover, bargaining is a common practice in local markets, enabling you to negotiate prices and find great deals. However, it’s essential to approach bargaining with respect and awareness of fair pricing, recognizing the value of artisans’ work.
In summary, every item in Vietnam brings a unique feature to the people, and are all produced in each region of Vietnam. With every item you choose to bring home, you are not only bringing a part of Vietnam, you are becoming a part of the continuing heritage of this country of Vietnam.