Authentic Vietnamese Souvenirs Worth Bringing Home

There’s something special about bringing home a little piece of your travels, something tangible that reminds you of the people, the culture, the tastes, and the beauty of a place. Vietnam, with its rich heritage and vibrant craftsmanship, offers a treasure trove of souvenirs that do more than just sit on a shelf, they tell stories. Whether you’re wandering the markets of Hanoi or strolling through the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An, here are the most authentic Vietnamese souvenirs worth packing in your suitcase.

Dress the Part: Iconic Vietnamese Fashion Finds

Nón Lá – Vietnamese conical hat

A symbol as iconic as the country itself, the nón lá (conical hat) is a timeless souvenir and a testament to Vietnamese craftsmanship. Look for high-quality versions in Hue, where artisans hand-stitch poetry or designs into the inner layers. The Dong Ba Market in Hue or traditional craft villages like Chuong Village (near Hanoi) are great places to shop.

Hue-style conical hat with hand-stitched poetry and paintings. Photo by: vgmo

A conical hat shop at Dong Ba Market . Photo by: thongtanxavietnam

>> Read More: Vietnamese Conical Hat (Non La): History, Meaning, and Where to Buy

Áo Dài – Vietnamese Traditional Costume

Elegant and flowing, the áo dài is Vietnam’s most graceful national costume. It’s usually worn during special occasions, weddings, and festivals, and often seen in traditional dance performances or school uniforms.

Tailored to fit like a second skin, the áo dài is made from silk or cotton, with long panels and high slits worn over pants. In cities like Hoi An and Hue, you can even have one custom-made in a day or two. It’s not just a piece of clothing, it’s a part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

A custom Ao Dai made in a day in Hoi An. Photo by: tourhoian

>> Read More: Tailor in Hoi An: A Complete Guide for Custom Clothing

Silk Products

Vietnamese silk is soft, vibrant, and ideal for scarves, robes, and even paintings. Head to Hang Gai Street (Silk Street) in Hanoi for a variety of reputable silk stores. For a more immersive experience, visit Van Phuc Silk Village, just outside Hanoi, where silk weaving is still done by hand.

Hang Gai Street, Hanoi. Photo by: vietnamtravel

Taste Vietnam: Edible Souvenirs to Relive the Flavors

Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a “wake-up” ritual. You’ll find it almost everywhere, from thousands of coffee shops in bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi,… to small roadside stands in rural areas. To enjoy it like a local, don’t forget to pick up a traditional phin filter, it’s the key to brewing Vietnamese-style coffee at home.

Vietnam traditional coffee “phin” filter. Photo by: caphenguyenchat

>> Read More:

• Unlock the Secrets of Vietnamese Coffee Culture
• The Cafe Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City: A Trendy Spot in Saigon
• Top Saigon Markets You Cannot Miss for the Ultimate Shopping Experience

Vietnamese Tea

From the lotus tea of Hanoi to the artichoke tea of Da Lat, Vietnam has a wide range of herbal and green teas that reflect its regional diversity. Tea is a key part of Vietnamese hospitality, often served before meals or during important conversations. 

Enjoying Various Types of Tea – A Traditional Vietnamese Beverage. Photo by: huongvantra

For authentic Vietnamese tea, explore Thai Nguyen (northern Vietnam) for green tea or Tay Ho Tea House in Hanoi for high-quality lotus or jasmine tea. Specialty tea shops like Hien Minh Tea House in Hanoi also offer curated, gift-worthy selections.

Fish Sauce

It might sound like an unusual souvenir, but for serious food lovers, Vietnamese fish sauce (nước mắm) is liquid gold. Rich in umami and layered with complex flavors, the best varieties come from Phu Quoc Island. Many shops will help pack it carefully for travel, some even offer leak-proof bottles. Used properly, it can instantly elevate your Vietnamese dishes at home.

You can buy fish sauce directly from the fish sauce factories in Phu Quoc. Photo by: hoangviettravelvn

Herbs & Spices

Vietnamese spice blends and dried herbs are available in almost any market. For the best quality, shop at local markets such as Cho Hom Market (Hanoi) or Ba Chieu Market (Ho Chi Minh city). Packaged gift sets are also available at L’angfarm stores in Da Lat and in airport souvenir shops.

L’ANGFARM is a well-known Da Lat specialty food shop, beloved by both locals and visitors alike. Photo by: ninhthuantravel

Rice Paper

If you’ve fallen in love with Vietnamese spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), rice paper is your gateway to recreating that magic at home. Made from ground rice and water, these translucent sheets are perfect for DIY summer rolls filled with shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli.

Traditional Rice Paper used in Vietnamese Spring Rolls. Photo by: FPTshop

They’re often sold in large, flat packs at markets and grocery stores, and are surprisingly durable in your luggage. Pick up authentic rice paper in local markets across the Mekong Delta, particularly in My Tho or Ben Tre. They also have the coconut rice paper that locals often see as snacks.

Coconut rice paper has a chewier texture and sweeter taste than the plain rice paper used in cooking. Photo by: banhpiasoctrang

Mung Bean Cakes

Hai Duong is the traditional home of bánh đậu xanh (mung bean cakes). If you’re not heading that way, look for boxes in major markets like Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi) or Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City), where many vendors carry fresh shipments from the north.

Hai Duong’s mung bean cakes are often served with hot tea to balance out the sweetness. Photo by: baotuoitre

Coconut Candy

This sweet treat is a specialty of Ben Tre Province, often referred to as the “land of coconuts”. Many boat tours on the Mekong Delta stop by coconut candy workshops, where you can buy directly from the source. In cities, check An Dong Market, Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City for fresh, locally sourced products.

Traditional coconut candy flavored with pandan and durian.

Take Home the Culture: Handmade & Artistic Keepsakes

Propaganda Posters

Bold, colorful, and striking, these vintage-style posters were originally used to spread revolutionary messages during wartime. Today, they’re artistic souvenirs that double as conversation starters. You’ll find them in art shops around Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, some original, some reprints, all full of character.

A Vietnam Old Propaganda Posters Shop in Hanoi. Photo by: tripadvisor

Tribal Textiles

Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups, especially those in the north like the H’mong and Dao, are known for their intricate handwoven textiles. These often feature batik patterns, natural dyes, and stunning embroidery.

Markets in Sapa, Bac Ha, and Ha Giang are great places to find authentic pieces,  from scarves and bags to wall hangings.

Traditional Dó Paper

Handmade from the bark of the dó tree, this ancient Vietnamese paper has been used for centuries in calligraphy, folk paintings, and documents. It’s tough, elegant, and eco-friendly.

Traditional Dong Ho Painting on Dó Paper. Photo by: anninhthudo

You can buy notebooks, bookmarks, or art prints made from dó paper — they’re lightweight and easy to carry, yet uniquely Vietnamese.

The best place to find authentic Dó paper is Dong Ho Village (Bac Ninh Province), famous for its traditional folk paintings. If you’re in Hanoi, stop by Zó Project or Craft Viet—shops that preserve and promote this ancient paper-making tradition.

Lacquerware

Vietnamese lacquerware is as functional as it is beautiful. With layers of hand-painted detail and a glossy finish, you’ll find trays, bowls, boxes, and even paintings made with this traditional craft.

Photo by: vhandy

The best pieces come from workshops in Hanoi or the villages around Ho Chi Minh City. Look for those inlaid with eggshell, mother-of-pearl, or gold leaf.

Paper Lanterns

No visit to Hoi An is complete without falling in love with its iconic lanterns. Handmade from bamboo and silk, these lanterns light up alleyways, courtyards, and now, potentially, your own home.

They come in all colors, shapes, and patterns, and many fold flat for easy packing. Turn on a light inside, and it’s like bringing a little bit of Hoi An’s magic into your space.

Photo by: baothanhnien

Final Pro Tips

If you’re looking for convenience and guaranteed authenticity, visit curated concept stores like Saigon Kitsch (Ho Chi Minh City) or Collective Memory (Hanoi)—they stock a wide range of well-made, locally-sourced items all under one roof. So, as you pack your bags and say goodbye, don’t forget to leave space for these authentic treasures that bring Vietnam home with you.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and stay tuned on our website for more valuable Vietnam travel tips. Ready to explore? Contact us now to start planning your unforgettable Vietnam tour!