Which one would travelers coming to Vietnam prefer: Trying the amazing Vietnamese cuisine with local food or purchasing souvenirs and gifts? In Vietnam, visitors should experience both to explore Vietnam in a unique way. By that, Asia Viva Travel would give some a list of Vietnam shopping to help travelers know what to shop in Vietnam and buy as gifts with a cheap and affordable price but still has its beauty and value.
1. What is Vietnam famous for shopping ?
1.1 Vietnamese Conical hat: A Timeless Symbol of Vietnamese Culture
The conical hat is one of the symbols associated with the image of Vietnamese people in the eyes of international travelers. The main material to create a hat is palm leaves, combined with silk thread, hooks, and bamboo to create a structural frame. Therefore, with such materials, conical hats are very light, can be used every day, and protect from rain and sun very well. Even today, conical hats are not only used for farming but also a fashion accessory with many ways of decoration.
1.2 Ao Dai: The Elegance of Traditional Vietnamese Attire
Ao dai is a traditional Vietnamese costume. This is the pride of Vietnamese people because it shows the sophistication and harmony of a civilized and historical culture. This is also an easy-to-wear outfit that easily flatters your figure. Visitors who want to try on ao dai and get their own one then can experience the ao dai tailoring service according to size, customized based on customers’ style and have it completed within the same day ( or about 1 day).
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Ao dai and Vietnamese Conical hat: A perfect combination[/caption]
1.3 Vietnamese Coffee: The Bold and Rich Flavor of Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the top countries in coffee exports. With a variety of genres, especially Robusta, Vietnamese coffee has made many foreign tourists excited, far different from what they usually experience with regular coffee. It would be great if tourists brought back Vietnamese coffee as a travel gift from Vietnam along with a coffee filter set.
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Vietnamese Coffee: The Bold and Rich Flavor of Vietnam[/caption]
1.4 Tay Ho lotus tea: The Fragrant Essence of Vietnamese Tea Culture
In Vietnam, tea has always been a drink that attracts many ages, because Vietnamese people always use tea every day. Each type of tea has many different flavors and uses, including jasmine tea, oolong tea, and the most prominent among them is West Lake lotus tea, which is picked and brewed in extremely fragrant fresh lotus buds.Beyond its soothing taste, drinking Vietnamese tea is believed to bring numerous health benefits, such as improving blood circulation, supporting liver function, and alleviating insomnia. Whether you're exploring the bustling markets or serene tea houses, bringing home a selection of authentic Vietnamese tea is a delightful way to savor the essence of Vietnam.
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Tay Ho lotus tea: The Fragrant Essence of Vietnamese Tea Culture[/caption]
1.5 Bat Trang ceramics: Handcrafted Pottery with a Rich Heritage
Bat Trang ceramics, a hallmark of Vietnamese craftsmanship, are among the most cherished Vietnam products and a must-buy when experiencing the best shopping in Vietnam. Renowned for their exquisite designs and high-quality pottery, these ceramics originate from Bat Trang village, just outside Hanoi, a center of ceramic production for over 700 years. Each piece is carefully handcrafted, showcasing intricate patterns and a deep connection to traditional techniques. Whether it’s delicate tea sets, ornate vases, or everyday kitchenware, Bat Trang ceramics make for a perfect souvenir that captures the rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit of Vietnam.
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Bat Trang ceramics: Handcrafted Pottery with a Rich Heritage[/caption]
1.6 Silk: The Luxurious Fabric of Vietnam
Silk is not a difficult fabric to find, but it is rare to find places that sell lotus silk like Vietnam products. This unique type of silk is considered extremely soft and feels cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Most tourists will buy scarves made from this type of silk. The scarf will exude a noble and luxurious look and is a very meaningful gift.
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Silk: The Luxurious Fabric of Vietnam[/caption]
1.7 Buddha statues and worship objects: Spiritual Souvenirs from Vietnam
In Vietnam, religious souvenirs like Buddha statues and worship objects hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. These items are not only revered as symbols of faith but are also meticulously crafted to reflect the intricate artistry of Vietnamese artisans. From small, delicately carved Buddha figures to elaborate altar pieces, each item embodies the spiritual heritage of Vietnam. By this way, making them meaningful keepsakes for those who wish to bring a piece of this rich culture home. Whether used for personal meditation or as decorative pieces, these religious souvenirs serve as a lasting reminder of Vietnam's profound spiritual traditions and craftsmanship.
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Buddha statues and worship objects: Spiritual Souvenirs from Vietnam[/caption]
1.8 Jam and dried fruit: Healthy and Sweet Delicacies from Vietnam
Being a tropical country as well as having geographical advantages for growing fruit, there are many delicious fruits in Vietnam. Besides being able to eat fresh fruit every day, if tourists want to buy it as a gift, there is always fruit jam and dried fruit available which is a great gift to give to the family. This can also be considered the cheap but very high quality Vietnamese products.
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Jam and dried fruit: Healthy and Sweet Delicacies from Vietnam[/caption]
1.9 Lacquerware: Exquisite Craftsmanship in Vietnamese Art
When traveling to Vietnam, you will surely see many ancient houses decorated with extremely special paintings. It is lacquer painting, a special art of Vietnam. Lacquer paintings are layers of paint painted on canvas so they are very sturdy and can stand the test of time. The painting surface is covered with a protective layer so it is easy to polish. The landscapes on lacquer paintings are often scenes of nature, people, and peaceful Vietnamese country life.
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Lacquerware: Exquisite Craftsmanship in Vietnamese Art[/caption]
1.10 Hoi An lanterns: Bright and Beautiful Symbols of Vietnam
When mentioning Hoi An, visitors will certainly be surprised and always remember the image of an old town with yellow walls and filled with color and light from lanterns. Lanterns in Hoi An come in a variety of shapes and materials, they can be from paper or fabric and the lamp frames can be from plastic or wood. In particular, to make it more convenient for tourists to buy and bring home, they can buy foldable lanterns, a product that has been around for a long time but has now developed more. The Hoi An lantern with its simple decoration but still retains its inherent brilliant and luxurious beauty, always shining every night, is a decorative object imbued with Vietnamese culture.
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Hoi An lanterns: Bright and Beautiful Symbols of Vietnam lanterns[/caption]
1.11 Products made from bamboo and rattan: Eco-Friendly Vietnamese Handicrafts for decoration
In Vietnam, products made from bamboo and rattan are celebrated for their eco-friendly qualities and artistic craftsmanship. These natural materials are expertly woven into a variety of beautiful and functional items, such as baskets, furniture, and decorative pieces. Each piece reflects the traditional skills passed down through generations of Vietnamese artisans, combining sustainability with aesthetic appeal. These handcrafted items not only add a touch of natural elegance to any space but also serve as a testament to Vietnam's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and promoting environmentally conscious practices. Bringing home bamboo and rattan Vietnam products is a way to embrace both the beauty of nature and the rich traditions of Vietnamese handicrafts.
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Products made from bamboo and rattan: Eco-Friendly Vietnamese Handicrafts for decoration[/caption]
1.12 Hand embroidery: Intricate Artistry in Vietnamese Textiles
When traveling to Vietnam, it would be great if tourists feel happy when supporting the local community, especially in difficult situations. One of those ways is to buy embroidery to support disabled workers. The price for a painting will depend on the materials used to make the painting as well as the time it takes to complete a painting. Due to the fabric material, the painting will also be very durable.
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Hand embroidery: Intricate Artistry in Vietnamese Textiles[/caption]
1.13 Vietnamese Wine - Alcohol
Vietnamese rice wine, often affectionately referred to as "happy water," is a traditional alcoholic beverage deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture. Made from fermented rice, this potent drink is commonly enjoyed during festive occasions, family gatherings, and celebrations across the country. Vietnamese rice wine comes in various forms, with some infused with herbs, fruits, or even snakes, each adding unique flavors and health benefits. Beyond its strong taste, the drink is often associated with camaraderie and hospitality, symbolizing the warmth and generosity of Vietnamese people. Bringing a bottle of this traditional wine home not only offers a taste of Vietnam’s rich heritage but also a piece of its celebratory spirit.
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Vietnamese Wine: Alcohol[/caption]
2. Where to have the best shopping in Vietnam?
2.1 Hanoi - Old Quarter
Hanoi's Old Quarter is very famous for its scenery of an ancient, peaceful city in the heart of the capital, but did you know that this was once a place of concentrated trade? Each street will sell a type of Vietnamese product, be it medicine, jewelry, candy, etc. Especially if you come to this neighborhood on the weekend, it will be busier due to the Night Market. Selling take away food as well.
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Hanoi's markets[/caption]
2.2 Hanoi - Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is an indoor market with many choices of tourist gifts and souvenirs. In particular, if visitors want to buy clothes or shoes shopping, there will be many choices with a variety of prices. Beyond clothing and footwear, Dong Xuan Market is a treasure trove of tourist gifts and souvenirs. From traditional handicrafts and local delicacies to iconic items like conical hats and Hoi An lanterns, the market offers something for everyone, all at reasonable prices. It's the perfect spot to find a special memento of your time in Vietnam.
2.3 Ho Chi Minh - Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is a bustling hub where visitors can find a wide variety of Vietnamese candies and snacks, making it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. In addition to sweets, the market offers a range of souvenirs, from traditional crafts to clothing and accessories. It's an ideal spot to pick up tasty treats and unique gifts that capture the flavors and spirit of Vietnam.
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Ho Chi Minh's markets[/caption]
2.4 Ho Chi Minh - Cho Lon Market
Cho Lon area is a place where mainly Chinese or Vietnamese people of Chinese origin gather to trade and live. You can find many Chinese dishes or temples with Chinese-influenced architecture here. Because this is a large market, visitors can often easily buy Vietnamese products at wholesale prices. Especially because the population around here is mainly Chinese, there will be another product that is typical Chinese dishes.
2.5 Da Nang - Cho Han Market
Han Market in Da Nang is not only famous for its selection of Vietnamese snacks, candies, and dried fruits, but also for its wide variety of dried seafood and fish sauces. Visitors can find everything from dried squid and shrimp to high-quality fish sauce, all of which are local specialties. These items make perfect gifts for those looking to bring home the authentic flavors of Vietnam. Alongside these, the market also offers traditional crafts, clothing, and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for cultural and culinary souvenirs.
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Han Market in Danang Vietnam[/caption]
2.6 Hue - Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market in Hue is a must-visit for those seeking authentic Vietnamese experiences. The market is renowned for its variety of local specialties, including traditional snacks, Hue-style candies, and dried seafood. Visitors can also find high-quality fish sauces and unique souvenirs like conical hats, handmade crafts, and traditional textiles. Whether you’re looking for a taste of Hue’s rich culinary heritage or a special memento, Dong Ba Market offers a vibrant and diverse shopping experience.
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Hue's market[/caption]
2.7 AEON Vietnam Mall
AEON Mall's supermarket chain in Vietnam offers a comprehensive shopping experience, blending local and international products in a modern, convenient setting. Known for its wide selection of groceries, fresh produce, and household items, AEON Mall also features sections dedicated to Vietnamese specialties, including snacks, dried fruits, and traditional condiments like fish sauce. It's a one-stop destination for both daily needs and unique gifts, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking quality products in a clean and organized environment. However, the aeon supermarket chain will only be available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong.
2.8 Vincom Mall
Vincom is one of Vietnam's leading retail and entertainment complexes, offering a premium shopping experience across its nationwide network of malls. Each Vincom center is a vibrant hub that features a wide range of international and local brands, luxury boutiques. With its modern design and diverse offerings, Vincom has become a key player in Vietnam’s retail landscape, catering to the lifestyle needs of both locals and visitors.
While in Vietnam shopping, remember that bargaining in Vietnam is a normal and frequent thing, but always keep a positive spirit when negotiating for the price travelers want. Based on Asia Viva Travel's suggestions, please consult carefully and shop at reputable locations to get impressive and meaningful Vietnamese products as souvenirs or to give to loved ones. Let's have a perfect time shopping in Vietnam.
At Asia Viva Travel, we are committed to supporting society, especially in Vietnam’s remote regions. By traveling with us, you help support local tourism workers and contribute to building schools and providing free lunches for disadvantaged children in North Vietnam’s mountains.Join us to help build a better future for Vietnam’s children and vulnerable communities in the “Nuôi em” project .