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Vietnam is a great place to find souvenirs because of its rich history, culture, and crafts. Vietnamese handicrafts and locally made goods showcase the nation’s colourful customs and artistic talent.
Popular goods that display the skilled talents of Vietnamese artisans include lacquerware, silk goods, pottery, and embroidered textiles. Not only is coffee a popular Vietnam souvenir, but it also has a different taste and is associated with the countryside.
Furthermore, travellers looking for sustainable presents can access eco-friendly options such as bamboo, wood, and stone products. If you’re looking for something modern or traditional, Vietnam provides a plethora of stunning and meaningful mementos that capture the essence of the country’s rich past.
Unique Vietnam Souvenirs You Should Get When Visiting Vietnam
The following section will give you the necessary information about Vietnam souvenirs that are likely to captivate your senses and teach you the tricks of successful souvenir purchasing with professional advice, covering everything from traditional crafts to delectable delights.
Traditional Handicrafts as Souvenirs
Purchase handcrafted goods from numerous ethnic minority groups to bring home a little piece of Vietnam’s vibrant cultural past. Find beautiful jewellery, carefully created baskets, exquisitely carved wood objects, and skilfully woven textiles. Every ethnic handicraft from Vietnam narrates a tale of distinctive customs and artistic expression.
Purchasing these traditional items in Vietnam helps support local artisans and their communities, as well as giving you a unique souvenir. You can help preserve the cultural legacy of ethnic minority villages by purchasing directly from them or from reputable fair trade shops.
Vietnamese Silk Souvenirs
Silk Vietnam souvenirs provide a distinctive fusion of style and cultural history. Natural Vietnamese silk is used to create exquisite wall hangings, ties, scarves, and clothing. These mementoes serve as exquisite home décor items or stylish accessories.
Having silk souvenirs from Vietnam allows you to be a part of the nation’s rich history and silk-weaving heritage. The complex designs and fine craftsmanship highlight the dedication and talent of Vietnamese craftspeople.
Lacquerware: The Art of Lacquer
Vietnamese lacquerware is a unique art form showcasing the nation’s vibrant cultural history. Tree lacquer sap is layered and polished to create incredibly detailed objects like bowls, jewellery boxes, paintings, and vases. To improve the designs, artisans usually include materials like mother-of-pearl or gold.
The technique involves numerous coats and careful polishing, which can take weeks to obtain a glossy surface. The lacquerware is a remarkable and unique item that symbolises Vietnam’s artistic legacy and talent.
Non La (Conical Hat)
Conical hats, or Nón Lá as they are called in Vietnamese, are traditional souvenirs that capture the spirit of Vietnam. These little headpieces, which are made of bamboo or palm leaves, have a recognisable conical form and are frequently embellished with intricate designs.
Vietnamese traditional hats have uses beyond just being fashionable. They fit perfectly with regular attire and protect from the sun’s glare and raindrops. They represent the country’s agricultural origins and are used in farming and other agricultural tasks.
Vietnamese Coffee Souvenirs
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in Vietnam and one of the world’s largest beverage exporters. Thus, if you enjoy coffee, this could be the ideal souvenir to bring back from your vacation! Every time you make coffee at home, you’ll be able to remember the flavour of the country.
Coffee is widely available across the country. Vina Cafe, Highlands, Lang Thang, and Trung Nguyen are a few of the most well-known brands in the country.
Pottery and Ceramics
For any collector of souvenirs, Vietnamese ceramics and pottery are essential. They can take many shapes, from elaborate bowls and vases to lovely tea sets and ornamental items. Numerous stunning designs, such as intricate floral patterns or vivid landscapes, are embellished with glazes that sparkle in the sunlight.
These antique Vietnamese ceramics have immense cultural importance and are aesthetically pleasing. Vietnam has a long history of pottery making, with several regional styles from Bat Trang, Chu Dau, and Thanh Ha. Each piece of art demonstrates the remarkable creative talent of Vietnamese artisans, centuries of history, and a connection to daily life.
Ao Dai
The stunning Ao Dai is one of Vietnam’s most famous sights.This chic traditional Vietnamese attire honours the rich cultural heritage of the country. In Vietnam, the long, flowing Ao Dai tunic is appropriate for both men and women, while being associated mostly with women’s fashion.
It has a high-collared, form-fitting shirt that falls to the hips and is worn with long, flowing trousers that fall to the ankles. Typically made of luxurious silk or other light fabrics, the tunic is tailored to the wearer’s body shape to create an exquisite silhouette.
Bamboo Products
Practically all Vietnamese tourist destinations sell these vibrant, handmade, and environmentally friendly trinkets.The bamboo products include bowls, baskets, hats, and decorative pieces. Chopsticks and bamboo furniture are also available for purchase.
Meagre pricing is also offered for similar timber-based products. The cost of the bamboo items will vary depending on what you want to purchase.
Vietnamese Embroidery
Perfectly embroidered paintings, tablecloths, delicate pillowcases, and distinctive apparel are just a few examples of the diverse array of traditional embroidery Vietnam souvenirs. Every piece is a tribute to Vietnamese artistry with its intricate designs and skilled craftsmanship.
Vietnamese embroidery gifts are ornamental and useful at the same time. Embroidered artwork and tablecloths provide beauty to any space, while exquisite clothing and pillowcases enhance individual flair. They are perfect for adding value to one’s collection or as gifts for special people.
Vietnamese Paintings
The style and colour scheme of Vietnamese paintings are unique. The paintings are available for purchase and are created in a variety of mediums, such as silk, sand, oil, etc. Their depictions are of the everyday lives of common people. The silk paintings are well-known worldwide because of their unique qualities and French influence.
Wooden block painting is another distinctive art style found only in Vietnam. Paintings are worth collecting even though their price is a little higher than that of other souvenirs. Vietnamese paintings are a fantastic way to add colour and simplicity to your interior design.
Authentic Jewellery and Accessories
Vietnam offers a fantastic selection of reasonably priced woven beads and metal jewellery. Some items sold here are rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Woven bracelets embellished with beads and charms are also a speciality in Vietnam. Because it’s useful, jewellery is an excellent choice to give as a souvenir to your friends and family.
Vietnamese Spices
Vietnamese food is well known for its vivid flavours, which are mainly achieved via the use of traditional spices and sauces. Many recipes require aromatic spices, including fish sauce, cinnamon, turmeric, star anise, and chilli sauces.
Particularly in Quang Binh, Bảo Ninh fish sauce is precious for its deep umami flavour and ancient manufacturing processes, making it a desired souvenir in Vietnam. These spices and sauces enhance food flavour and have cultural significance.
Vietnamese Water Puppetry
Vietnamese water puppets, also called “Múa rối nước” in Vietnamese, are a type of traditional puppetry where puppets are moved around on a water-filled stage. Positioned behind a screen, the puppeteers operate the puppets and move the wooden buildings using long bamboo poles. The puppets perform above the waterline, using the water as a stage.
Vietnam’s water puppet history dates back to the Ly Dynasty in the eleventh century. During this time, puppet shows were used by the people living in the rice-growing region of the Red River Delta to entertain guests and impart life lessons. Water puppet performances have developed into an intricate art form through time, fusing traditional narrative, music, and costumes.
Vietnamese Lanterns
Seeing how far the Vietnamese will go for a lantern festival can help one understand the importance of lanterns in Vietnamese culture. Hoi An’s popularity comes primarily from its Vietnamese lanterns. Usually made of silk or brocade, they are available in a variety of colours and forms.
Fabric lanterns primarily function as decorations, while homes utilise rattan lanterns in conjunction with lighting to illuminate the surrounding area.
Dried Candied Fruits
Vietnamese people preserve fruits in sugar syrup to produce a sweet and flavorful snack known as “mut,” or candied fruits. This is a well-liked traditional dessert. You can use coconut, ginger, pineapple, tamarind, lotus seeds, and many other fruits.
In Vietnam, candied fruits are usually consumed on special occasions and during celebrations, such as the Lunar New Year. However, many people purchase it as a gift or souvenir to take home with them.
Vietnamese Green Sticky Rice
For a unique takeaway from Vietnamese cuisine, enjoy the delicious flavours of green sticky rice. Glutinous rice and organic pandan leaf extract combine to create this aromatic, vibrant delight that is a visual feast. In addition to its green colour, pandan leaves have a mild, pleasant aroma.
Vietnamese green sticky rice is a delectable snack that tastes well on its own or blended with fresh coconut milk to create a creamy delight.
Shopping Tips for Buying Souvenirs in Vietnam
Vietnam has a large market for authentic and unique mementos; however, knowing where and how to purchase will enhance your vacation and assist in selecting the perfect mementos. These are some crucial pointers when shopping:
Look Into Local Markets and Craft Villages
You may discover a wide selection of Vietnam souvenirs at affordable costs in local markets, like Ben Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan in Hanoi. Visit craft villages such as Bat Trang for ceramics or Hoi An for silk and tailored clothing.
Opt for Handcrafted Items
Vietnamese artists are renowned for their talent. Look for popular souvenirs from Vietnam that exhibit traditional artistry, such as ceramics with hand painting, lacquerware, embroidered linens, and bamboo goods. Compared to mass-produced goods, these one-of-a-kind, handcrafted objects provide a truer connection to Vietnamese culture.
Support Local Artisans
Buying directly from regional cooperatives or artists means you can be sure your money is supporting traditional crafts and local communities. Aside from ensuring higher-quality goods and compensation for the makers, it’s also a more moral way to shop.
Check the Quality
Carefully check the quality of the items before making a purchase. For example, real lacquerware must have a deep, glossy finish free of flaws and cracks, while natural silk will feel relaxed and silky. Particularly with ceramics and textiles, pay attention to the details.
Packing and Transporting Vietnamese Souvenirs
In Vietnam, there is an extensive selection of souvenirs to buy that honour Vietnam’s past and culture. Items such as lacquerware, silk, ceramics, traditional clothing, and other unique and handcrafted local handicrafts are often the things that draw tourists. These delicate mementos might be difficult to pack and ship if not handled with care.
Selecting the Ideal Travel Souvenirs
When selecting souvenirs from Vietnam, take into account their size, weight, and fragility. It’s simple to package lightweight and compact items like bamboo crafts, coffee beans, and silk scarves. Handle larger or more delicate items like lacquer paintings, marble sculptures, and ceramic tea sets with more care and consideration.
Handling Clothing and Textiles
Precious Vietnam souvenirs include silk and traditional ao dai. To prevent wrinkling and damage, store the textiles in a garment bag or in between layers of soft clothing. Give the fabrics a tidy fold. Keep kids away from sharp luggage items like shoes.
Shipping Bulky Souvenirs
When purchasing large, heavy items like statues or furniture, it is usually best to arrange for direct shipping from the seller. Many stores provide shipping services to ensure the safe arrival of your items; however, it’s crucial to ensure adequate packaging and insurance coverage in case of any issues.
Conclusion
Vietnam offers a plethora of distinctive and culturally fascinating mementoes that narrate the tale of its colourful customs and rich past. Beautiful items manufactured with exquisite artistry by local artisans, like lacquerware, conical hats, and silk scarves, are available for visitors to take home.
Vietnam is renowned for its excellent bamboo items, pottery, and needlework. Rice paper, fish sauce, and genuine coffee are great ways for foodies to relive their time in Vietnam. These good souvenirs from Vietnam are enduring reminders of the nation’s attractive scenery, kind people, energetic marketplaces, and rich history.
With Dimaak Tours, discover Vietnam’s rich cultural legacy and bring back priceless memories. From bustling marketplaces to tranquil craft villages, the knowledgeable guides will show you the real deal and provide you with the most incredible shopping experiences.
We’ll ensure you find the ideal souvenirs to cherish your trip, be it world-famous Vietnamese coffee, artisanal ceramics, or traditional silk. Make a reservation with Dimaak Tours to experience Vietnam’s allure and make memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQ’s About Vietnam souvenir
1. What is a famous Vietnam souvenir?
Bringing home one of the most loved traditional Vietnam souvenirs, the conical hat, referred to as Non la, makes no vacation to Vietnam complete. This well-known symbol of Vietnam is a useful rain and sun shield and a stylish accessory for the people.
2. When is the ideal month to travel to Vietnam?
Travelling to Vietnam is most enjoyable from November to April. Vietnam’s climate can be divided into different regions. November to April is colder and drier in Hanoi and the north; May to October is hot and muggy with lots of rainfall. In December and January, the far north can get icy.
3. Is dining more affordable in Vietnam?
A Vietnamese lunch is usually reasonably priced and provides a delightful gastronomic experience. Vietnamese people love grilled cuisine, hotpot, pho, hu tieu, seafood, shellfish dishes, and porridge for dinner.