Vietnam stretches the length of the Indochinese Peninsula, a long, narrow country of misty mountains, fertile river deltas, and a coastline that hugs the South China Sea. Its history weaves together indigenous kingdoms, Chinese and French influence, and a resilient spirit shaped by conflict and reconstruction, all of which surface in daily life.

This deep cultural layering makes souvenir shopping feel less like ticking off items on a shopping list and more like curating the culture to take home with you: bags of fragrant coffee and packets of spice blends that evoke sidewalk food stalls, bottles of fish sauce or locally made tea that recall shared meals, and hand‑crafted pieces such as lacquerware, ceramics, textiles, and bamboo or rattan work that reflect long‑standing artisan traditions.

Purchasing from local purveyors and artisans is a way to support family workshops and village artisans while carrying home tangible reminders of the flavors, textures, and time‑honored skills of this beautiful country. Each item comes with a story, and the best souvenirs are those that resonate with your personal experiences.

Whether you visit Vietnam by a cruise on the Mekong, or explore based on a land itinerary, the country’s vibrant culture and rich traditions set the stage for a selection of meaningful souvenirs. We always prefer to support the local businesses when we shop, and have found street markets and local shops are a good choice for souvenir shopping. For us, it’s not about finding the most expensive or flashy items, but rather those that genuinely reflect a country’s rich culture and our journey through it.

We fondly remember our time in Vietnam when enjoying these souvenirs, and will have to tide us over until we can plan a return trip.

Here’s our curated guide to Vietnam souvenirs worth taking home with you.

Foodie Delights

Vietnam’s cuisine is a sensory delight, and bringing home a taste of it is a must for any food enthusiast. While I’ve tried finding similar brands at home in a local specialty market, sometimes it just doesn’t quite live up to my memories.

NOTE: Be sure to check for updated information on what food products you can bring home with you. Most food items will be okay, if packaged and sealed, but there are still a few things that are off limits. Check here.

Spices and Seasonings

The heart of Vietnamese cooking lies in its complex spice blends. So much delicious goodness in a very small package.

Pick up some Vietnamese five-spice powder, a fragrant mix that adds depth to any dish. You can likely find this at home as well, but it just isn’t the same.

Dried chili pastes and unique herb blends are compact, travel-friendly options that pack a flavorful punch. The modest prices make it easy to try something new.

Don’t forget a pho seasoning mix – it’s the secret to recreating that comforting bowl of noodle soup at home. I’ve never quitee been able to master pho, but creating a tea bag-like device for the seasoning mix had helped me get closer.

Grab a bottle of nuoc mam (fish sauce). This umami-rich condiment is the cornerstone of many Vietnamese dishes and varies in quality and flavor depending on the region. You know you’re a foodie when you select your fish sauce by geographic region.

Coffee and Tea

Vietnam’s coffee culture is legendary. Bring home some robusta beans from the Central Highlands for a bold brew, or opt for arabica from Dalat for a smoother cup.

A traditional phin filter is an essential tool for making Vietnamese coffee in an authentic way. I haven’t been ready to make this commitment, but if you are and didn’t pick one up on your trip, you can get a version here at home.

Tea lovers should look for lotus tea, a delicate blend that captures the essence of Vietnam’s national flower. Herbal varieties like artichoke tea offer unique flavors and potential health benefits.

Packaged Delicacies

Look for vacuum-sealed packages of rice paper to make fresh spring rolls at home. This has a long shelf life.

Dried mushrooms from the mountainous regions add earthy depth to soups and stir-fries. Check to make sure they are packaged in a way that meets custom requirements.

For a sweet treat, try candied fruit or ginger – they’re an addictive snack that double as unique gifts. You’ll find mass market candy, like the traditiona sesame candy, but also specialty candies where the packaging is a beautiful as the candy is tasty. To get an up close and personal look, take a candy factory tour.

Local Crafts and Specialties

One of the easiest ways to buy local is by directly patronizing local artisans and crafts people. Here are some suggestions of items that make great Vietnamese souvenirs or gifts.

Lacquerware and Ceramics

Lacquerware items like decorative bowls or jewelry boxes showcase intricate designs and vibrant colors. These pieces are both functional and beautiful, often depicting scenes from Vietnamese folklore or nature.

For ceramics, seek out Bat Trang pottery from the famous village near Hanoi. These pieces range from delicate teacups to statement vases, each one a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship.

Look for:

• Decorative items like bowls, trays, and jewelry boxes
• Bat Trang pottery featuring traditional designs (check out the Bat Trang ceramic village)
• Vibrant colors that showcase Vietnamese artistry

Textiles and Fabrics

Vietnamese silk is renowned for its quality and sheen. A silk scarf or ao dai (traditional dress) makes for an elegant souvenir. Also look for handwoven fabrics from ethnic minority groups in the northern regions. These textiles often feature intricate patterns and natural dyes.

Look for:

• High-quality Vietnamese silk products, including scarves and ao dai (traditional dress)
• Handwoven tribal textiles with unique patterns
• Embroidered linens and accessories reflecting local craftsmanship

Traditional Crafts

Bamboo and rattan goods are both sustainable and stylish. A handwoven basket or hat not only serves as a practical item but also as a reminder of Vietnam’s resourceful craft traditions.

Wooden items an showcase both artisanal expertise and cultural heritage, so look beyond the obvious tourist trinkets.

Depending on size, these may be a little more difficult to pack, but when you find just the right thing, it’s worth the extra effort.

Vietnam’s artisans create stunning pieces that blend traditional techniques with contemporary designs. Look for:

• Bamboo and rattan goods such as baskets, hats, and home decor items
• Sustainable crafts that highlight local weaving techniques

• Conical Hats (Non La)
• Wooden crafts like chests, boards, and boxes
• Traditional Vietnamese musical instruments
• Hmong Tribal handicrafts
• Puppets
• Handmade lanterns

Artisanal Products

Often overlooked, these are perfect to pick up for your own use as well as for gifts.

Culinary Tools

Bring home a piece of Vietnamese cooking culture with authentic products. These tools are not just functional; they’re conversation starters that add authenticity to your home-cooked Vietnamese meals.

Yes, you can probably buy them at home, but buying when you’re traveling supports local businesses. And I’m convinced it makes things taste better, too.

Look for:

• Bamboo steamers
• Ceramic cooking vessels used for making traditional meals
• Handcrafted chopsticks and kitchen implements

Natural Skincare

Readily available natural ingredients have created a booming skincare industry in Vietnam. Look for items containing coconut oil, rice bran, or local herbs. Many of these products come in eco-friendly packaging, aligning with a sustainable approach to beauty.

Look for:

• Locally sourced ingredients, like coconut oil and rice bran
• Herbal soaps, lotions, and essential oils
• Eco-friendly packaging

Pretty Packaging

If you’ve ever said, “that’s too pretty to open,” you’ll find yourself saying it a lot more in Vietnam. Presentation is as important as the product or gift.

Look for:

• Beautifully crafted ceramic containers, perfect for food storage and look just as perfect as a display
• Rice paper
• Handwoven baskets are terrific as a gift and for gift presentation (also practical to carry things around your home or for home decor)
• Decorative paper and packaging accents that help make the gift extra special (I have never learned the art of gift wrapping, but every time I see beautiful wrapping accessories, I vow to try again)