Vietnamese Conical Hats

Wondering what to buy in Vietnam for taking back home? Then conical hats, locally known as Nón lá are a great choice.

The conical hats are one of the most popular souvenirs from Vietnam as well as an iconic cultural symbol for the local people thanks to its utility dating back to yesteryears. It is a circular cone hat made out of bamboo which is worn by the locals all year round, to protect them from the sun as well as rain. Being an all-season accessory it is durable and light. It comes with a colorful chin strap so that the hat doesn’t fall off when you bend or fly away in wind.

It comes in 3 sizes so you can carefully choose which one is comfortable for you. However, packing them in a suitcase without damaging, is it a bit challenging. It is best to carry it in hand or pick a conical hat keychain souvenir and get the best of both souvenirs!

Cost range: 1,00,000 VND onwards depending upon the product

Fruit Printed Clothes

Shopping in Vietnam is a must no matter how pressed for time you are.

While printed elephant clothes are popular and omnipresent in entire South Asia, Vietnam has an obsession with fruit printed clothes. Unisex shirts, pants and shorts are sold in most markets of all cities in Vietnam. They are particularly popular in Hoi An. The choices in fruit range from banana (this is the most popular choice), pineapple, watermelon and mixed fruit patterns. Women have the choice of a maxi dress in their favorite fruit while men can custom make caps too. Kids wear is also available in these prints.

These prints are available as running cloth in various type of fabrics – cotton, silk, etc. Since getting a tailor made outfit within 24 hours is in fashion in Hanoi and Hoi An, you can buy a fabric and get a custom made dress within a day. This is definitely one of the most unique and fun souvenirs from Vietnam to buy for family and friends.

Cost range: 80,000 – 1,50,000 VND

Lacquerware

Lacquerware is an art which has links to French influence from yesteryears. The intensively intricate art uses resin from son tree. Paintings, jewellery, home art and kitchenware is made in many designs, patterns and colours by local craftsmen. It is said that it takes about 20 stages to produce lacquerware products. Recently, egg shells and nacre (mother-of-pearl), are being used along with resin to prepare lacquerware products.

There are live demonstrations showcasing how these products are crafted and there are dedicated galleries which showcase this art collection. Lacquerware is an amazing art and taking home one of the products is the best souvenirs from Vietnam though it may not be really affordable for all.

Cost range: 2,00,000 – 5,00,000 VND

Bamboo and Coconut Products

These products top the sustainable gifts department which are not only affordable but unique souvenirs from Vietnam. Kitchenware items easily available are spoons, chopsticks, bowls, and straws made from bamboo. Colourful bowls made out of the coconut shells look great too and look elegant for serving food items.

Don’t be fooled in big markets as sometimes these coconut bowls are fake and are made of plastic instead of coconut shells. Image source: Ha Thai Bamboo Lacquer

Ao Dai Dress

The áo dài is a Vietnamese national garment, traditionally worn by both sexes but now most commonly worn by women. Áo translates as shirt Dài means long.

It is a tight-fitting silk tunic worn over trousers just like a kurta in India but longer. The fabrics now range in cotton, linen and polyester. Ao Dai is available in all major markets and can be custom made by choosing a fabric and getting it stitched to take back home.

Cost range: 5,00,000 – 10,00,000 VND

Vietnamese Silk Lanterns

If you’ve been to Hoi An , you know it is synonymous to colorful lanterns illuminating along the streets. These traditional lanterns are made in silk and they light up the cafes, restaurants, streets and homes in Vietnam. It will be a challenge to stop yourself from buying one of these silk lanterns to brighten your home in your country. They make up for a great Diwali gift too! There are many places especially in Hoi An which run workshops to teach tourists to make these lanterns.

Cost range: 70,000 – 90,000 VND for big lanterns and 25,000 – 40,000 for smaller ones

3D Pop Up Greeting Cards

I find this to be one of the most unique yet affordable souvenirs from Vietnam. These 3D pop up cards are sold on the side of street and they have beautiful and intricate designs all reminding you of Vietnam. There is a variety of designs such as birthdays, congratulations, anniversary to choose from. The great thing about these cards is that they’re flat and won’t take up space in your luggage.

Cost range: 15,000 – 20,000 VND per card

Coconut candy

Although coconut candy is popular along the Mekong Delta, it is on of the best souvenirs from Vietnam that you should not miss out on. The candy is made by with fresh delta coconut at the local facility. Sometime this candy is flavored by adding coconut milk to other fruits such as pandan and durian. The best part is the candy is wrapped in an edible rice wrapper. Ticks the sustainability charts!

Alcohol

If you are a wine lover, consider purchasing sim wine which is made from the purple fruit from the rose myrtle tree. If you are a bit adventurous you may want to try and buy the snake whiskey of Vietnam. 

BEST PLACES TO SHOP FOR VIETNAM SOUVENIRS

Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market is the number one choice when it comes to souvenir shopping in Ho Chi Minh city. It is a one stop shop for local handicrafts, branded goods, coffee and other souvenirs. It is one of oldest landmarks of the city offers a great atmosphere that is authentically Vietnamese. Don’t forget to bargain hard as it is a tourist’s market and the costs are on higher side.

Tip: If you buy in bulk, the cost will be a lot less.

Hanoi

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a paradise with cool souvenirs to bring back home. All the souvenirs mentioned above are available in the markets of the old quarter.

Hoi An

Practically, the entire Hoi An old town is a market to buy Vietnamese souvenirs. Since most traditional houses are now converted into cafes and shops, it is easy to be overwhelmed by what to buy and how much. 

SOUVENIRS TO BUY VIETNAM: TIPS & TRICKS

No matter where you travel, the rules of shopping and bargaining remain the same. Here are some of the tips and tricks to remember for souvenir shopping in Vietnam.

Buy Local

Make sure that the product you like and buy is locally made. Don’t buy something that you would get in your country or is made in another country. Lacquer and bamboo products are affordable, light in weight and generally locally made. while buying coffee, make sure it is made in Vietnam and not neighbouring countries.

Always bargain!

The shopkeepers know tourists are going to bargain so the prices are generally increased by 50%. So slash the prices by 50% and agree to pay 60-70% of the price. Negotiate hard by simply walking away. If the price is possible for them, they will call you back and give you a counter offer.

If you buy in bulk, they will give you a better discount.

Beware of custom restrictions in your country

While it may okay to sell some stuff in this country, make sure you are allowed to bring the same in your country. Reptile infused alcohol may seem exciting but restricted in your country.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR SHOPPING IN VIETNAM

• Avoid buying leather bags, animal based products and artefacts. Try to buy textile-based local products.
• Carry a bag while shopping and avoid plastic bags. Vietnam is obsessed with plastics just like the entire South-East Asia and struggling with recycling.
• Encourage shopkeepers to pack fragile items in a newspaper instead of bubble wrap.
• Be polite to the shop owners. In case you don’t buy anything from there, smile at them and say ‘Cảm ơn’ (thank you) before leaving.

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