Vietnam's Unique Things to Buy: A Shopper’s Treasure
Delight yourself and loved ones with traditional Vietnamese products, and experience the art of bartering, that capture the essence of Vietnam's rich culture and heritage. Choose from exquisite silk scarves, meticulously crafted lacquerware, hand-painted wooden souvenirs, and authentic conical hats, each reflecting Vietnam's artisanal traditions and artistic finesse, and discover the joy of selecting unique things to buy in Vietnam. Whether it's a graceful ao dai dress, intricate ethnic minority crafts, or authentic conical hats, these timeless gifts evoke the spirit of Vietnam and make memorable souvenirs for any occasion.
Authentic Vietnamese Silk Scarves
Discover the elegance of Vietnamese silk scarves and the traditional ao dai, both renowned for their smooth texture and vibrant colors, often considered unique things to buy in Vietnam reflecting their exquisite quality. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, each scarf reflects traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations, making them one of the many unique things to buy in Vietnam. Perfect as a fashion accessory or a thoughtful gift, these scarves embody Vietnamese craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
2. Handcrafted Lacquerware
Explore the exquisite artistry of Vietnamese lacquerware, ceramics, and ao dai during your shopping adventures, where bartering is a common practice, meticulously crafted by artisans using ancient techniques, making them one of the unique things to buy in Vietnam. Each piece showcases intricate designs and glossy finishes, making them both functional and decorative, and often available at a reasonable price for such high-quality craftsmanship. From lacquered bowls to decorative boxes, these unique things to buy in Vietnam add a touch of sophistication to any home or collection, often priced reasonably for high-quality craftsmanship.
3. Unique Ceramic Pottery
Delve into the world of Vietnamese ceramic pottery and discover various types of ceramics, celebrated for their unique designs and craftsmanship. Handmade by local artisans, these pottery pieces range from delicate tea sets to decorative vases, and are often complemented by exquisite ao dai, each reflecting Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions and artistic flair. Bring home a piece of Vietnamese heritage with these timeless ceramic treasures.
Ao Dai
Experience the elegance of Vietnam with traditional Ao Dai dresses, iconic garments known for their graceful silhouette and intricate silk tailoring,
4. Traditional Ao Dai Dresses
Experience the elegance of Vietnam with traditional Ao Dai dresses, iconic garments known for their graceful silhouette and intricate silk tailoring, often complemented by an authentic conical hat, each reflecting the landscape of Vietnam, making them unique things to buy in Vietnam. Available in various styles and fabrics, including luxurious silk, Ao Dai dresses are worn on special occasions and cultural celebrations, embodying Vietnamese grace and tradition. Discover the allure of Vietnamese fashion with these timeless garments
5. Intricate Ethnic Minority Crafts
Immerse yourself in the intricate craftsmanship of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups, each renowned for their unique artistic traditions, including the making of ao dai and traditional conical hats. From handwoven textiles to beaded jewelry, bamboo handicrafts, water puppets, and authentic conical hats, these crafts reflect cultural diversity and artistic ingenuity. Each piece tells a story of heritage and craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry.
6. Exquisite Embroidery Art
Marvel at the beauty of Vietnamese embroidery art, known for its delicate stitches and intricate patterns, often found adorning traditional ao dai, making them unique things to buy in Vietnam as souvenirs. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, embroidered artworks and textiles showcase traditional motifs and vibrant colors. From wall hangings to clothing embellishments, Vietnamese embroidery art celebrates a legacy of meticulous craftsmanship and artistic expression.
7. Hand-Painted Wooden Souvenirs
Discover the charm of Vietnamese hand-painted wooden souvenirs, ao dai designs, and water puppets, crafted with precision and artistic flair, perfect for a unique souvenir. From lacquered trays to decorative figurines, each piece is adorned with traditional motifs and vibrant colors, reflecting Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. These souvenirs make perfect gifts or cherished mementos of your journey through Vietnam.
8. Artisanal Bamboo Products
Explore the versatility of artisanal bamboo products, handcrafted by skilled Vietnamese artisans, set against the backdrop of Vietnam's stunning landscapes. From bamboo baskets to home decor items and eco-friendly utensils, each piece highlights the sustainable beauty of bamboo. Known for its strength and natural beauty, Vietnamese bamboo products blend traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.
9. Authentic Vietnamese Conical Hats
Embrace the timeless elegance of authentic Vietnamese conical hats, known as "non la". Handcrafted from palm leaves, these iconic hats offer protection from the sun and rain while embodying Vietnam’s rural heritage. Adorned with intricate designs and often worn during festivals or agricultural activities, non la hats are symbolic of Vietnamese culture and craftsmanship.
10. 3D Popup Cards and Postcards
These are greeting cards featuring elaborate and vibrant designs that spring to life when opened. Street vendors across Vietnam offer these unique creations. Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, or New Year’s—the pop-up greeting cards come in various styles, including blank cards with famous Vietnamese landmarks intricately cut out. The meticulous craftsmanship involved in their creation is truly captivating.
Postcards may appear somewhat traditional and sentimental as souvenirs to bring back home. Nevertheless, they offer a wonderful way to express care to your loved ones by sending a Vietnamese postcard along with a heartfelt handwritten message. You can even send one to yourself as a keepsake. Please note that Vietnam's postal service operates at a slower pace, so anticipate a delivery time of 2-3 weeks to reach its destination.
11. Antique Finds and Curiosities
Uncover the allure of antique finds, curiosities, and unique things to buy in Vietnam, where history and craftsmanship converge. From ancient artifacts to colonial-era furniture and vintage trinkets, each piece tells a story of Vietnam's cultural evolution and artistic traditions. Whether you're a collector or a curious traveler, Vietnam offers a treasure trove of antique discoveries waiting to be explored in markets, galleries, and hidden gems across the country.
12. Vietnamese Paintings
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Vietnamese art, including ceramics that are renowned for their diverse styles and cultural expressions. Discover traditional Vietnamese paintings, which often showcase picturesque landscapes, bustling markets, and rich symbolic imagery. Marvel at the intricate beauty of Vietnamese lacquerware, where skilled artisans blend resin, pigments, and delicate gold leaf to craft stunning decorative pieces and functional art items. Experience Vietnam's artistic legacy firsthand through visits to galleries, workshops, and cultural centers that proudly exhibit the country's deep artistic heritage. Vietnamese paintings are celebrated for their vivid colors and unique techniques, often available at relatively affordable prices. These artworks frequently illustrate everyday life using different mediums like silk, sand, and oil, with silk paintings - influenced by French aesthetics - being highly coveted worldwide. An exceptional artistic expression in Vietnam is wooden block paintings. While paintings may be a bit more expensive compared to other keepsakes, they are greatly treasured for their artistic value, serving as wonderful adornments for homes with their vibrant colors and accessible themes.
13. Vietnamese Calligraphy
Vietnamese calligraphy has a rich cultural heritage, with its traditions deeply treasured. This intricate art form is showcased through three unique scripts, with the Quoc Ngu script being prominently used in contemporary calligraphy. Adorning both homes and offices, calligraphy pieces are thought to attract positive energy, commonly exhibited on walls for all to admire. Especially during the festive Lunar New Year (Tet), calligraphy banners hold special significance, sought after by many. For enthusiasts seeking to acquire calligraphy pieces, the cities of Hue and Hanoi stand out as top destinations known for their exquisite collections.
14. Handcrafted Lanterns from Hoi An
Illuminate your journey with the enchanting glow of handcrafted lanterns from Hoi An, Vietnam, and don't forget to pair them with an authentic conical hat for a complete cultural experience. Known for its ancient town's lantern-lit streets and annual lantern festival, Hoi An is a hub of lantern craftsmanship. Made from delicate silk and sturdy bamboo, these meticulously crafted lanterns showcase intricate designs and a vivid array of colors, reflecting Vietnam's rich cultural traditions and the exceptional artisanal skills of its craftsmen. Whether brightening up homes or bringing ambience to festive occasions, Hoi An lanterns are a must-have item for anyone in search of that extra touch of magic and nostalgia to enhance any setting.
15. Savor the Local Vietnamese Flavours
Dive into Vietnam's culinary treasures with local spices and tea, celebrated for their aromatic flavors and cultural significance. From fragrant lemongrass and pungent fish sauce to delicate jasmine tea and robust Vietnamese coffee, these ingredients captivate the senses and define Vietnamese cuisine. Explore bustling markets and specialty shops to savor the essence of Vietnam's rich culinary heritage through its spices and teas.
Fresh Fruit
Vietnam is a paradise of tropical fruits boasting some of the finest lychees, sweet mangoes, delectable bananas, jackfruits, watermelons, and a variety of exotic fruits that tantalize the taste buds.
Where to Buy: Simply stroll to any street corner in Vietnam to savor the freshest seasonal fruits at incredibly affordable prices, typically ranging from $1 to $3 per kilogram (excluding durian).
Dried Fruit
A specialty of Hanoi, dried fruits are a cherished snack and often presented as a gift during special occasions, best enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of lotus tea. Varieties such as apricots, plums, kumquats, mangoes, and peaches undergo a process of sweetening or salting, followed by drying and blending with spices to enhance their delightful flavors. Among the most favored brands of O mai are Hong Lam and Tien Thinh.
Coconut Candy
Coconut candy is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the tropics. In Vietnam, it comes in a myriad of flavors including cocoa, ginger, peanuts, coffee, pandan, taro, and even daring options like durian. Pair it with tea for an enhanced tasting experience. It’s available in supermarkets, grocery stores, and tourist souvenir shops across Vietnam, particularly renowned for its production in Ben Tre.
Mung Bean Pastry
Banh Dau Xanh is a melt-in-your-mouth mung bean pastry from Hai Duong province, a sweet indulgence often enjoyed during afternoon tea. It can be easily found in supermarkets and popular brands such as Nguyen Huong, Minh Ngoc, and Hoa An.
O Mai (Vietnamese Candied Fruits)
O Mai are Vietnamese-style candied fruits, meticulously prepared with a blend of sugar or salt, occasionally infused with ginger or licorice. They are a cherished snack during Tet (Lunar New Year) festivities. You can visit Hang Duong Street in Hanoi, famous for its family-run O Mai producers offering a wide variety to sample and purchase.
Fish Sauce
If you're inspired to recreate Vietnamese dishes at home after your trip to Vietnam, consider bringing back an authentic bottle of fish sauce. Fish sauce, a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, is produced by fermenting salted fish. The highest quality fish sauce is available from Phu Quoc Island, albeit at a slightly higher price compared to other brands.
Indulge in Vietnam's culinary delights with a selection of local treats perfect for taking home. From aromatic Vietnamese coffee and gourmet snacks to crispy rice crackers and savory fish sauce, each delicacy embodies the flavors and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine. Discover the allure of local spices and tea, renowned for their aromatic richness and cultural significance. Whether for yourself or as gifts, these delicious treasures from Vietnam promise to tantalize taste buds and evoke fond memories of your journey.
Rice Paper
Buying rice paper in Vietnam is an experience that connects you with the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. Rice paper, known locally as "bánh tráng," is a versatile and essential ingredient used in many traditional dishes such as spring rolls and rice paper salad. When shopping for rice paper in Vietnam, you'll find it readily available in various sizes, thicknesses, and qualities.
Typically, rice paper is sold in local markets, supermarkets, and specialized shops throughout Vietnam. You can choose from different brands and types, ranging from the basic thin sheets used for spring rolls to thicker ones suitable for grilling. The packaging often includes multiple sheets wrapped in plastic or stored in stacks.
The shopping experience itself is vibrant and lively, with vendors often offering samples or demonstrating how to use rice paper in cooking. Prices are generally affordable, making it easy to stock up on this essential ingredient. Bringing home rice paper from Vietnam allows you to recreate authentic Vietnamese dishes in your own kitchen, capturing the flavors and textures that define Vietnamese cuisine.
Vietnamese coffee culture deeply cherishes the act of socializing over coffee. Cafés, known as quán cà phê, can be found throughout Vietnam in various forms, ranging from humble street vendors to upscale establishments. The process of preparing and savoring coffee plays a vital role in creating spaces for casual interactions, meaningful conversations, and observing the vibrant tapestry of daily life in Vietnam.
To prepare traditional Vietnamese coffee, start by assembling a phin filter on top of your favorite cup. Fill the filter with coarse coffee grounds, then carefully pour hot water over them, allowing the rich brew to drip steadily into the cup below. Once ready, relish the bold flavors of the coffee served with a generous amount of condensed milk, served over a refreshing bed of ice cubes.
Gourmet Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is renowned around the globe for its bold flavor and unique preparation method, making it a beloved aspect of Vietnamese culture. Typically available at an affordable price considering its exceptional quality, this coffee is a must-try for any coffee enthusiast. Made from robusta beans grown in Vietnam's Central Highlands, Vietnamese coffee offers a strong, rich taste with a subtle chocolatey undertone that sets it apart from other varieties. Indulge in the rich flavors of gourmet Vietnamese coffee, celebrated worldwide for its unique taste and aroma, making it one of the many unique things to buy in Vietnam. Whether you prefer robust dark roasts or smooth Vietnamese iced coffee, each cup promises a delightful sensory journey into Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture and culinary expertise.
Viatnamese Chocolate and Cocoa
Vietnam is known not only for its renowned coffee culture but also for its cocoa production, contributing to the crafting of high-quality chocolate. Introduced by the French, Vietnam boasts chocolate-making facilities such as Marou and Alluvia Chocolatier, producing uniquely flavored chocolates that linger on the taste buds. From small to large chocolate bars, there is an option for every preference, each with its own price point. Moreover, those passionate about chocolate can delve into immersive experiences through guided tours of chocolate factories and cacao gardens.
16. Fruit-Pattern Shirts
Similarly to Thailand's well-known shirts embellished with large elephant prints, Vietnam is famous for its shirts showcasing colorful fruit patterns. These versatile shirts come in various sizes and a wide range of designs, such as bananas, watermelons, pineapples, and various other fruit motifs. Among them, banana shirts stand out as a top favorite. Coordinating shorts, maxi dresses, and footwear with matching patterns are also in stock, transforming these shirts into eccentric yet unforgettable keepsakes to take home from your travels across Vietnam. You can discover these fruit-themed shirts in every tourist market throughout Vietnam.
17. Metal and Bead Jewelry
When exploring Vietnam, you can easily find a wide array of stunning metal and woven bead jewelry that won't break the bank. Whether you're looking for rings, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, the options are endless and charming. If you're into unique pieces, don't miss out on the beautifully crafted woven bracelets embellished with colorful beads and charms. Not only can you acquire these treasures effortlessly, but they also serve as wonderful gifts for friends and family, enabling you to share a slice of Vietnam's vibrant heritage and skilled artistry no matter where your adventures take you.
18. Vietnam War Memorabilia
The Vietnam War is a crucial and defining chapter in the history of Vietnam, symbolizing the momentous reunification of North and South Vietnam. At present, an intriguing museum is devoted to this significant period, showcasing and selling a diverse array of memorabilia. Among the items available for purchase are captivating photographs, enlightening books, striking flags, commendable medals, and thought-provoking propaganda posters hailing from that specific era. Interested visitors can browse through and acquire these historical artifacts, with pricing fluctuating based on the rarity and authenticity of the individual item.
