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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I did not make use of any guided tours or apps. I chose the places which would interest me and walked/biked to them. I divided my Hoi An Itinerary based on cultural activities, adventure activities and relaxing activities. 

I got a free bike from my homestay which I took around with myself for 3 days! 

DAY 1: Ancient Town and Explore the cafes

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Town on a bike or walk

My favorite thing to do in Hoi An was simply exploring the streets on foot and sometimes on a bike! Walking makes one discover beautiful and colourful alleys. I loved going through the many Heritage sites and historic buildings in town.

The Japanese bridge, Tan ky house, Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, etc. are some of the must-visit heritage properties and pagodas in Hoi An. The extremely popular Japanese Bridge which is the iconic symbol of Hoi An is stunning with an ancient shrine located on the bridge. Built by the Japanese community in the early 1600s, it holds amazing architectural details that reflect perfectly in the river stream below.

Chill at the cafes

Vietnamese coffee is a big deal in Vietnam and you must explore this culture by simply relaxing in one of the many open cafes and drinking tons of coffee. Vietnamese coffee is generally served cold and has many variations like Vietnamese Egg Coffee, Vietnamese Coconut Coffee, etc. My favorite was the Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk – Cà Phê Sữa Đá. 

Souvenir shopping

There are ample things to buy in Hoi An – whether it is a custom made dress, coffee, Vietnamese snake whisky or lanterns – the options are unending.

DAY 2: Shopping, Classes, Boat ride

Get a custom-made dress in Hoi An

Vietnam is extremely popular for getting a custom made dress in the quickest time possible. Hoi An has become a tailoring destination in the world. There are over a hundred shops available wherein one can choose a fabric, choose a style and voila in 24 hours there is a custom made dress to go! It is the perfect souvenir from Vietnam to carry home.

All of this is at a reasonable price but be prepared to spend time as this entire process is quite overwhelming – it can get super confusing choosing the one design and the one fabric. Here is the perfect Hoi An Tailor made shopping Guide.

Lantern making class

Lantern making in Hoi An is one of the must-do activities. I personally did not attend a class but a lot of travellers prefer to attend one and take home a self-made souvenir from Vietnam. 

Hoi An is defined by the presence of lanterns. The locals believe that hanging lanterns in front of their houses will bring luck, happiness and wealth to the family living in the house and of course they look ethereal hanging in all the shapes and sizes so it’s a double whammy!

Coconut boat tour / Bamboo boat tour Hoi An

Bamboo boats are being used by locals for fishing and going about their everyday activities for years. These boats are woven with bamboo tree fibres and are extremely portable to use. These locals now run a boat tour for travellers to experience their everyday life.

Water puppet show

Water puppetry is a unique folk art form which is associated with the long history of the wet rice civilization of Vietnam. Water puppet show in Vietnam is one of the must do activities and is best in Hoi An. The water puppet show includes various pieces which are well arranged, performed by professional and experienced artists under a thorough preparation of content, water pavilion, puppets, light and audio system.

I thoroughly enjoyed this extremely stunning performance and will highly recommend this to all those visiting Hoi An or any other cities of Vietnam.

DAY 3: Biking, Beach, Night tour

Biking around the rice fields, villages and riverfront

Soak in the lazy pace and relax around the riverfront or have lunch on one of the boats. The paddy field is all around Hoi An near the highway and it is therapeutic to stroll amongst the green pastures. 

Visit the beach

Cua Dại, Han My and An Bang are some of the many beach options near Hoi An. The town boasts of a beautiful stretch of tranquil beaches against a backdrop of mountains. The beaches are a favorite spot of the locals where it is enjoyed as a family picnic place.

Tour the Hoi An Ancient Town at night

Touring the old town is one of the best things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam at night as 3 days Hoi An itinerary is incomplete without that. Soak in the lazy pace and relax around the riverfront or have lunch on one of the boats. The old quarter turns magical at night! Hoi An comes to life in the evenings with each street lit up in colorful silk lanterns, night markets with souvenirs and food stalls. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to take up an evening cruise on the river to behold the beautiful sight. Paper lanterns with candles are sold here and visitors can buy them and leave them in the river. Though that sight is wonderful, I will discourage you from doing it. Check out sustainable tips at the end of the post for the reasons!

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR HOI AN

Then you can consider these one-day trips from Hoi An:

• Cham Islands: for snorkelling, diving, visiting a pagoda and the local fishing villages. 
• My Son Sanctuary: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 4th to 13th centuries and is now believed to be the longest inhabited archaeological site in Indochina. Tours can be booked anywhere in the city centre or you can take yourself on a motorbike. You can bike the whole 43km from Hoi An to My Son.
• Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Experience the joy of seeing making plates, bowls, ornaments and clay whistles live. 

MUST TRY FOOD IN HOI AN, VIETNAM

Hoi An is a tourist town, all kinds of food is available – Italian, Indian, Moroccan, Malaysian, etc. Just check out the ratings on Tripadvisor and you are good to go. The main traditional dishes to try are Pho, Banh Xeo, a crispy savoury turmeric pancake, Banh Mi, a cold-cuts baguette sandwich with secret sauces, and Cao Lau, a signature dish of Hoi An, which is essentially all of the contents of Pho but without the broth.

If you are a vegetarian or vegan there are many options to choose from. In the Le Loi street in the old town, every alternate place is a café or restaurant and there is no dearth of good vegetarian eating options. I ate at the ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ restaurant which served amazing Pizza for lunch and had dinner at an Indian restaurant called Baba’s kitchen. Yum! Highly recommend both.

WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN

There are all sorts of options for staying in Hoi An – luxurious 5-star resorts by the beach, charming hotels in old town and homestays near the town. The range in price and what it has to offer is never-ending. I stayed at the beautiful Volar Homestay for 3 nights which included breakfast and free bicycles. The homestay was extremely comfortable with all modern amenities, huge space and a balcony which opened to fields. Some of my suggestions are:

Hostels: Bed Station Hostel, Tribee Cotu Hostel

Homestays: Volar Homestay, Puravida Homestay

Hotels: A Tran Boutique Hotel, Basil Boutique Villa

Luxurious Resorts: Anantara Hoi An Resort, Sea’lavie Boutique Resort & Spa

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR HOI AN ITINERARY

What to wear during Hoi An travel

Since it is a hot and humid country, anything which is comfortable to you should be worn – preferably cotton t-shirts and shorts which will give ample protection to your skin. The country is liberal in terms of what you prefer to wear however you will be required to cover your shoulders (scarf is not allowed) and knees while visiting temples of Vietnam.

Budget for 3 Days Hoi An itinerary

Overall Vietnam is quite cheap for food and accommodation. On average, decent accommodation in a homestay, food and getting around the city will cost you around $50-70 per day. Check a guide for Hoi An on a budget. 

How long to spend in Hoi An?

I spent 3 days but could have easily spent another 2 or 3. There is a lot to do around Hoi An and there are many popular day trips from Hoi An. So visitors can easily spend a week in Hoi An without getting bored.

How to reach Hoi An?

By air

Danang airport is the closest to Hoi An. Although it has very few international flights, the domestic flights are pretty good. I flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An and our flight got delayed by over 4 hours and I reached only at midnight!

From Da Nang airport there are 2 options to reach Hoi An – by bus or hire a private car. I chose later and requested our Homestay to do it for us at an extra $25 one way.

By train

There is no railway station in Hoi An and one needs to get down at  Da Nang and then take a bus/ taxi to Hoi An. Da Nang Railway Station is connected with domestic trains from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang etc. Online train booking and payment is possible but does not give you a reserved seat number as in the case of India.

By Bus

Hoi An is well connected from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang, Dalat, etc. through direct bus service. It is comfortable and cheap.

Local transportation in Hoi An

The town is small enough to be explored on a bicycle/bike and most tourists do just that. It is an extremely bicycle-friendly town and at many places, motorbikes/cars are not allowed as it is a heritage town.

Bicycles are available at most homestays/hotels or can be rented from the old town. They are also available with restaurants. If you are feeling lazy, you can opt this chauffeur driver shaded bicycle!

FAQs FOR HOI AN IN 3 DAYS

Is Hoi An safe for solo traveller/Female traveller

I read about highway robberies late at night between Da Nang and Hoi An and I was scared, more so when my flight HCM city got delayed. But once I reached, there was nothing to fear. The highway was not as deserted as claimed and very safe in the car.

The shops and restaurants close by 11pm so the town does look deserted but other than that I found it very safe. Even for a solo traveller.

Best time to travel to Hoi An?

Hoi An has a dry season from February to May. This is the best time to visit the town since its weather becomes pleasant with moderate temperature, low humidity and less rain. The months of May-June are also quite beautiful to plan a visit as well. I went in August and the humidity was sky high with high temperatures. It did get uncomfortable during the day but the nights were pleasant. However, the heat from lanterns made it humid again in the old town.

When is Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The Hoi An lantern festival takes place on a full moon night every month, where the town shuts off all the (electric) lights, and people light up paper lanterns to float in the river.

HOI AN TRAVEL TIPS

• Restaurants close around 9:00 pm so early dinner is recommended. So does the old town. Life starts early and ends early in Hoi An.
• Be careful with your money conversions. Don’t forget this is a tourist town and there are chances of getting duped
• Watch your belongings closely at the night markets.

SUSTAINBLE TIPS FOR HOI AN ITINERARY

• Go for that bicycle instead of a car/motorbike and burn the calories you’ll gain from that amazing Vietnamese food.
• Walk at night. The streets can be very busy and navigating them with a bike can be a pain
• If you are at leisure, choose travelling by train across Vietnam. It is pretty convenient and cheap and comfortable.
• Try not to participate in lighting the paper lanterns in the river at night. Those lanterns burn out soon and the paper remains there for days making the river look dirty aesthetically and smelly.
• Do not dispose of garbage on the streets and in the river and keep the sanctity of UNESCO intact.

I hope this guide on 3 Days Hoi An itinerary was helpful for you to plan a trip. Drop-in a comment if you have any questions!

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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The Temple of Literature 

The Temple of Literature is a popular Vietnamese temple in Vietnam, situated in the capital city of Hanoi. It was originally built as a university dedicated to Confucius, all the way back in 1070. 

It was built to attract wealthy scholars – as education was once only accessible to the wealthy and royal. Because of this, it now stands as one of the most beautiful and picturesque temples in the whole of Vietnam. Its traditional Vietnamese architecture is surrounded by tranquil courtyards – featuring the names of successful students of the past, carved into stone turtles. 

Visiting hours: 8am to 6pm

The Van Thuy Tu Temple

The Van Thuy Tu Temple is known as the whale temple – and just as the name suggests, it is dedicated to the most impressive mammal – whale. In Vietnamese culture, whale is considered as a holy animal, worshiped in a multitude of different ways. It is estimated that there are over 100 whale temples in Vietnam, and Van Thuy Tu Temple is the oldest and largest and is located in Phan Thiet. 

Visitors can see a range of historical artifacts – from whale skeletons, fishing boats and Nguyen Dynasty relics – as it was built way back in 1762. It was erected to commemorate the ancient story of the Lord Whale, who earned his title by saving a team of fishermen from bad weather. 

Visiting hours: 7am to 5pm 

The Tran Quoc Pagoda

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most popular historical landmarks. It is said to have been built in the 6th century as ‘An Quoc’, but it was renamed ‘Tran Quoc’ following renovations in the 17th century which were largely overseen by Emperor Le Huy Tong. 

It is one of the liveliest temples to visit as a tourist. Apart from its museum of historical artifacts, the main pagoda is often used to hold special events for devotees, such as the celebration of Buddha’s birthday, and the famous Tet Festival.

Visiting hours: 7.30am to 6pm

The Giac Lam Pagoda

This beautiful Buddhist temple was built in 1744, and in 1988 gained status as an important historical site according to the Vietnamese Department of Culture. This temple is truly breathtaking and tranquil, with gorgeous gardens to lose yourself in. Of all the temples on this list, this is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a peaceful experience. Its ceremonial hall is a huge attraction, thanks to its famous statue of Amitabha Buddha.

Just like the Emperor Jade Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda is situated in Ho Chi Minh City. It is open from early morning, allowing you to experience its beautiful scenery in the morning, noon and night. 

Visiting hours:  5am to 8pm

Sustainable tips for visiting temples in Vietnam

• Most of these temples in Vietnam are ancient heritage sites of historical importance. Visitors must respect the structures by not sitting on them. 
• Do not harm the temple structure by carving or writing on it.
• Wear respectable clothes while visiting the temples in Vietnam. Cover your shoulders and knees. You may not be allowed to enter otherwise. 
• Do not litter temple premises and maintain its sanctity by keeping it clean.

Disclaimer: This is contributed blog post and may contain affiliate and commercial links.

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