Vietnam is a shopping destination that provides Indian visitors with many things that are not only unique, but also carry some culture. Whether you are looking for the popular things to buy in Vietnam or the cheap things to buy in Vietnam, all of that is listed in this blog for you! That said, let’s read to know what they are!
Things to Buy in Vietnam: Souvenirs, Handicrafts, and Local Treasures
Vietnam offers an array of unique souvenirs and gifts that reflect its rich culture and craftsmanship. From traditional handicrafts like lacquerware and bamboo products to the famous conical hats, you’ll find something special in local markets. For fashion enthusiasts, silk products, such as scarves and tailored Ao Dai, are must-buys for their quality and affordability. Read on to discover the must-buy items that will make your trip to Vietnam unforgettable.
Ao Dai
The Ao Dai is Vietnam’s iconic traditional dress, symbolising elegance and grace. Typically made of silk or cotton, it is worn during special events such as weddings, festivals, and celebrations. This beautiful garment is tailored to fit the wearer’s body, making it one of the famous things to buy in Vietnam for those interested in Vietnamese culture and fashion.👗
Where to Buy:
- Silk shops in Hoi An
- Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
- Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Silk villages, like Van Phuc, located near Hanoi
What to Consider While Buying:
- Select fabrics that would provide comfort and ease; preferably silky or cotton fabric.
- If you are getting a custom-made Ao Dai, make sure you have time for at least one fitting.
- Look for detailed embroidery or patterns that represent Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Price Range:
- 700,000 to 2,300,000 VND (₹2,500 to ₹8,000) for custom-made.
- 470,000 to 1,170,000 VND (₹1,700 to ₹4,100) for ready-made.
Best for: Fashion lovers and cultural enthusiasts looking for a unique, personalised souvenir.
Vietnamese Silk
Vietnamese Silk is highly regarded for its smooth texture and durability, making it a sought-after souvenir. It has played an important role in Vietnam’s history; in fact it was once being used as currency in trade. The natural silk fibres extracted from silkworms are used to make elegant dresses and other accessories. That is why Vietnamese silk is lightweight, soft, and even more striking, very absorbent, making it ideal for the hot climate. Because of its quality and historical value, real silk is one of the best products to buy in Vietnam.
Where to Buy:
- Hang Gai Street, Hanoi
- Van Phuc Silk Village, near Hanoi
- Hoi An Cloth Market
- Toan Thinh Silk, Ho Chi Minh City
- Hoi An Silk Village
What to Consider While Buying:
- Check for authenticity by performing a flame test (authentic silk won’t ignite).
- Make sure that the silk is as lightweight as possible and has a natural lustre and softness to it.
- It would be normal to bargain in markets, but high-end stores set their prices higher than the normal market prices.
Price Range:
- From 70,000 to 100,000 VND (₹250 to ₹350) per metre for plain silk.
- Separated by quality and workmanship, higher-grade silk can cost anywhere between 350,000 VND (₹1,250) and 4,700,000 VND (₹16,500).
Best for: Fashion lovers, people who desire to decorate their homes, and anyone who wants classic and genuine gifts.
Did You Know?
Vietnamese silk was once used as currency in trade due to its high value and quality! It’s known for being lightweight, soft, and absorbent, making it ideal for Vietnam’s hot climate
Non La (Conical Hat)
The Non La is another traditional accessory worn by the Vietnamese, particularly those by the countryside. This hand-woven hat, made from bamboo, palm leaves, and the bark of Moc trees, provides protection from the sun and rain. The uniqueness of its design and also its traditional value make it among the best things to buy in Vietnam. Many tourists purchase it as a wearable item during their trip or as a decorative piece for their homes.
Where to Buy:
- Chuong Conical Hat Village in Hanoi
Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi
Retail markets in Ho Chi Minh City
What to Consider While Buying:
- Inspect the weaving for consistency and durability; the tighter the weave, the more durable the hat.
- Ensure the palm leaves are in good condition and free from cracks or tears.
- Look for artistic patterns or embroidery on the hat, which may increase its aesthetic value.
- Be mindful of the size if you’re planning to carry it back home.
Price Range:
- 30,000 to 300,000 VND (₹100 to ₹1,000), depending on the quality and detailing.
Best for: Tourists seeking an authentic cultural souvenir or a practical item to wear in Vietnam’s sunny or rainy weather.
Coffee Beans
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer. And coffee beans are a must-buy for any visitor. Known for its bold, robust flavour and rich aroma, Vietnamese coffee is perfect for coffee enthusiasts.
Where to Buy:
- Trung Nguyen Coffee Shops
- Highlands Coffee outlets
- Local markets (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
- Buon Ma Thuot region
What to Consider While Buying:
- Choose between robusta (strong) and arabica (smooth).
- Choose vacuum-sealed packaging for freshness.
- For something more unique, look for weasel coffee.
Price Range:
- 60,000 to 200,000 VND (₹200 to ₹700) for regular beans.
- 700,000 to 3,000,000 VND (₹2,500 to ₹10,500) for weasel coffee.
Best for: Coffee lovers and food enthusiasts.
Lacquerware
Lacquerware is a type of famous Vietnameses conventional artworkthat has passionate colours and creative designs. These are bowls, trays, vases, paintings, etc. that are constructed with lacquer and are both strong and beautiful as they are made through several layers of lacquer.
Where to Buy:
- Ha Thai Lacquer Village – Hanoi
- Street stalls in the vicinity of Old Quarter Hanoi
- Dong Khoi Street, Ho Chi Minh City
What to Consider While Buying:
- Look for smooth finishes and vibrant, detailed designs.
- Ensure the layers of lacquer are evenly applied.
- Be cautious of cheaply made versions that may not be durable.
Price Range:
- 200,000 to 2,000,000 VND (₹700 to ₹7,000), depending on size and complexity.
Best for: Art collectors and those looking for unique home decor.
Hand-embroidered Goods
Vietnam’s hand-embroidered goods are famous for their intricate craftsmanship. Hand-stitched with precision, beautiful designs adorn items like pillow covers, tablecloths, and clothing.
Where to Buy:
- Quat Dong Embroidery Village, near Hanoi
- Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi
- Tailor’s shops in Hoi An
What to Consider While Buying:
- Look for details, including stitching.
- Look for handmade, not machine-made, embroidery.
- Some shops allow you to request custom designs.
Price Range:
- 160,000 to 700,000 VND (₹600 to ₹2,500), depending on the size and detail.
Best for: Home decor lovers and gift shoppers.
Bamboo Products
Bamboo products are eco-friendly and versatile, ranging from baskets and utensils to furniture and decorative items. These handcrafted goods reflect Vietnamese artisanship and sustainability.
Where to Buy:
- Hoi An Handicraft Workshop
- Hang Gai Street, Hanoi
- Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
What to Consider While Buying:
- Look for products that are tightly woven for durability.
- Ensure the bamboo is free from cracks or splinters.
- Lightweight and simple to carry, making it perfect for travel.
Price Range:
- 50,000 to 500,000 VND to₹1,800), depending on the item.
Best for: Eco-conscious shoppers and those seeking unique, sustainable gifts.
Ceramics and Pottery
Vietnam has a long history of producing ceramics and pottery and isknown for its intricate designs and quality craftsmanship. Popular items include bowls, vases, and tea sets that are often hand-painted with traditional motifs.
Where to Buy:
- Bát Tràng Pottery Village, near Hanoi
- Chu Dau Pottery Village, Hải Dương Province
- Local markets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
What to Consider While Buying:
- Check for smooth, even glazing, and vibrant colours.
- Hand-painted items are more valuable than mass-produced ones.
- Ceramics can be fragile; ensure the item is properly wrapped for transport.
Price Range:
- 60,000 to 4,000,000 VND (₹200 to ₹14,000), depending on the size and design.
Best for: Home decor enthusiasts and collectors of traditional art.
Snake Wine
Snake Wine is a form of Vietnamese wine that involves soaking whole snakes in rice wine or grain alcohol. It is considered to have health benefits and is consumed with the purpose of increasing energy and for the healing of diseases. This wine usually has a well-asserted and quite individual taste.
Where to Buy:
- Ben Thanh Market markets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Speciality alcohol shops in Vietnam
- Snake farms and tourist shops
What to Consider While Buying:
- Make sure that the bottle is sealed tight to avoid any seepage of liquid.
- Sometimes, other herbs or spices may be added to the bottle, and this may affect the taste of the content.
- Check your local customs laws before purchasing this product, as some countries may prohibit it.
Price Range:
- 200,000 to 1,000,000 VND (₹700 to ₹3,500), depending on the type of snake and wine quality.
Best for: Adventurous travellers and collectors of unique drinks.
Ethnic Minority Fabrics
Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, like the Hmong, Dao, and others, are famous for their colourfully woven clothes. These textiles are used for making native wear, shawls, stoles, and other related products.
Where to Buy:
- Sapa Markets, Lao Cai Province
- Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi
- Ethnic minority villages in northern Vietnam
What to Consider While Buying:
- Try to find subtle, hand-woven designs and organic colours.
- As a general rule, handwoven fabrics are known to be stronger and are considered to be more valuable.
- Negotiation is usually carried out in markets; therefore, negotiate to get a fair price.
Price Range:
- 100,000 to 1,000,000 VND (₹350 to ₹3,500), depending on the size and complexity.
Best for: Textile lovers and those looking for unique, culturally significant souvenirs.
Sandalwood and Agarwood Products
Sandalwood and Agarwood products are popular in Vietnam because they are regarded to have spiritual values and nice fragrances. Some of these products are incense, essential oils and wooden carving.
Where to Buy:
- Vietnamese markets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Speciality shops like Hoi An Agarwood Shop
What to Consider While Buying:
- Look for high-quality, natural sandalwood and agarwood.
- Check for authenticity, as some shops may sell synthetic versions.
Price Range:
- 200,000 to 2,000,000 VND (₹700 to₹7,000), depending on the product.
Best for: Spiritual enthusiasts and collectors of fragrant products.
Vietnamese Paintings
There are the Vietnamese traditional lacquer paintings and the modern masterpieces, and learning about the art of Vietnam is quite an exciting adventure.
Where to Buy:
- In Dong Khoi Street, Ho Chi Minh City
- Art galleries in Hanoi Old Quarter
What to Consider While Buying:
- Choose between traditional lacquerware and modern art.
- Verify the artist’s authenticity, especially for unique pieces.
Price Range:
- 500,000 to 5,000,000 VND (₹1,750 to ₹17,500).
Best for: Art collectors and home decor enthusiasts.
Coconut Products
In Vietnam, coconut products have many uses, running from oils to soaps, candies, and crafts, which are clear evidence of the Asian nation’s responsible use of natural resources.🥥
Where to Buy:
- Ben Tre, also referred to as Coconut City,
- Markets in Ho Chi Minh City
What to Consider While Buying:
- Check the ingredients for pure coconut oil in skincare products.
- Candies make for easy-to-pack souvenirs.
Price Range:
- 50,000 to 300,000 VND (₹175 to ₹1,000).
Best for: Eco-conscious shoppers and food lovers.
Pearl Jewellery
Vietnamese jewellery, especially pearl form is also relatively cheaper and fine and the pearls used originate from localities such as Ha Long Bay.
Where to Buy:
- Halong Pearl Farm
- Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
What to Consider While Buying:
- Choose natural and not cultured pearls, and if you are purchasing expensive jewellery, then ask for certificates.
- Feel the lustre and the surface smoothness of the pearls.
Price Range:
- 500,000 to 5,000,000 VND (₹1,750 to ₹17,500), depending on the quality.
Best for: Jewellery lovers and those looking for elegant gifts.
Tea
Vietnam produces a range of teas, such as green tea, lotus tea, and jasmine tea, among others. These teas have pleasant aromas with numerous health benefits that come with their consumption.
Where to Buy:
- Local markets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Speciality tea shops like L’AngFarm
What to Consider While Buying:
- Look for well-sealed packages to maintain freshness.
- Lotus and jasmine teas are the most popular choices.
Price Range:
- 100,000 to 500,000 VND (₹350 to ₹1,750).
Best for: Tea enthusiasts and health-conscious shoppers.
Vietnamese Spices
Spices that are cultivated in Vietnam, including star anise, cinnamon, and black pepper, are popular with Vietnamese and make nice gift items for persons interested in spice-rice meals.
Where to Buy:
- Local markets (e.g., Ben Thanh Market, Hanoi’s Old Quarter)
- Supermarkets and spice shops
What to Consider While Buying:
- Look for vacuum-sealed packages to preserve flavour.
- Ensure spices are fresh by checking their scent and colour.
Price Range:
- 50,000 to 300,000 VND (₹175 to ₹1,000).
Best for: Home cooks and food enthusiasts.
Custom-made Shoes and Bags
Vietnam is famous for its affordable custom-made shoes and bags, especially leather products, which are tailored to fit your preferences.
Where to Buy:
- The tailor shops in Vietnam and more specifically in Hoi An
- Le Loi Street is located in Ho Chi Minh City.
What to Consider While Buying:
- Ensure you allow enough time for fittings and adjustments.
- Check the quality of the leather and stitching.
Price Range:
- 500,000 to 3,000,000 VND (₹1,750 to ₹10,500).
Best for: Fashion lovers and those looking for personalised items.
Handicrafts
Industries and special products of Vietnam are treated as handicrafts; some of them are made of bamboo, paper lanterns, and lacquer art.
Where to Buy:
- Hang Gai Street, Hanoi
- Hoi An Handicraft Workshop
What to Consider While Buying:
- Look for handmade items with intricate detailing.
- Avoid mass-produced versions for better quality.
Price Range:
- 50,000 to 1,500,000 VND (₹175 to ₹5,250).
Best for: Art collectors and gift shoppers.
Vietnamese Dolls
Vietnamese dolls are common souvenirs that depict Vietnamese ladies in traditional costumes as a reflection of the cultural differences.
Where to Buy:
- The souvenir shops of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Local markets and craft stores.
What to Consider While Buying:
- Look for handmade dolls with detailed costumes.
- Ensure the materials are durable for long-term display.
Price Range:
- 100,000 to 500,000 VND (₹350 to ₹1,750).
Best for: Collectors and cultural enthusiasts
Herbal Medicines
One of the best things to buy in Vietnam is herbal medicines used in curing diseases and other illnesses naturally. They are used for healthy, wholesome products, and the raw material is obtained from local plants and herbs.
Where to Buy:
- Traditional Medicine Street, Hanoi
- Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Ho Chi Minh City (known for herbal medicine shops)
- Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi) and Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City) are local markets.
- Herbal clinics and apothecaries across Vietnam
What to Consider While Buying:
- Ensure the ingredients are natural and locally sourced.
- Check expiration dates for freshness.
Price Range:
- 100,000 to 500,000 VND (₹350 to ₹1,750)
Best for: Health-conscious individuals and those interested in alternative medicine.
Batik Prints
Batik prints are among the good things to buy in Vietnam, whether plain handmade dyed clothes, t-shirts, or accessories from ethnic groups such as the Hmong.
Where to Buy:
- Sapa Markets, Lao Cai Province
- Bac Ha Market, Lao Cai Province
- Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi
- Craft shops in Hoi An’s Old Town
What to Consider While Buying:
- Look for handmade batik with natural dyes.
- Check for intricate patterns and even dyeing.
Price Range:
- 200,000 to 1,000,000 VND (₹700 to ₹3,500)
Best for: Fashion enthusiasts and textile collectors.
Buddhist Artefacts
Religious items related to Buddhism are some of the famous things to buy in Vietnam, such as Budha statues, decorated beads, and wall hangings.
Where to Buy:
- Thien Hau Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phat Tich Pagoda, Bac Ninh
- Local markets like Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
- Souvenir shops around Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi
What to Consider While Buying:
- Ensure authenticity, especially for handcrafted items.
- Choose artefacts made from quality materials like wood or copper.
Price Range:
- 300,000 to 3,000,000 VND (₹1,000 to ₹10,500)
Best for: Spiritual seekers and art collectors.
Copperware
Vietnamese copper products are robust and look nice; they are among some of the best things to buy in Vietnam for interior designers and enthusiasts.
Where to Buy:
- Phu Vinh Craft Village, Hanoi
- Bat Trang Pottery Village, near Hanoi (also sells copperware items).
- Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi
- Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
What to Consider While Buying:
- Look for hand hammered copper pieces with a smooth finish.
- Ensure proper packaging for transportation, as copper can be heavy.
Price Range:
- 500,000 to 3,500,000 VND (₹1,750 to ₹12,250)
Best for: Home decor enthusiasts and collectors.
Vietnamese Scarves
Vietnamese scarves, particularly those made from silk or handwoven scarves, are recommended purchases because they are not only elegant but also light.
Where to Buy:
- Van Phuc Silk Village, near Hanoi (famous for silk scarves)
- Hoi An Tailor Shops
- Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
- Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi
What to Consider While Buying:
- Check for 100% silk or high-quality fabrics.
- Look for hand-embroidered or unique patterns.
Price Range:
- 200,000 to 1,500,000 VND (₹700 to ₹5,250)
Best for: Fashion enthusiasts and those looking for stylish, lightweight gifts.
Conclusion:
Vietnam offers a wide range of unique items, from Ao Dai and coffee beans to traditional lacquerware and Buddhist artefacts, making it a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for cheap things to buy in Vietnam or seeking famous things to buy in Vietnam like custom-made shoes and bags, the country’s markets and artisan shops have something for every taste and budget. To explore more about Vietnam’s shopping destinations, check our Vietnam Tour Packages for helpful insights.