What to Buy in Vietnam: 20 Unique Items You Can’t Miss

Key Takeaways: Vietnam’s handicrafts come from centuries-old craft villages where techniques are passed down from generation to generation. Negotiating prices is a cultural habit that also makes shopping an interactive experience. Always carry small denominations, as vendors in markets and street stalls often cannot provide change for large notes.

Vietnam offers better value for luxury textiles, globally renowned coffee, and intricate home decor compared to what you can buy in India. 

In addition to just the names of the best things to buy in Vietnam, the guide serves as a handbook, offering information on historical significance, costs, and locations. 

Also, planning your Vietnam itinerary by allotting time for shopping in each destination gives you a chance to get unique things from that region. 

Quick Look at Famous Products to Buy in Vietnam

 

Cheap Products	Approx. Cost in INR	Luxury Products	Approx. Cost in INR
Non La (Conical Hat)	300 – 600	Ao Dai	1,500 – 7,000
Hoi An Silk Lanterns	250 – 1,000	Vietnamese Silk Fabric	500 – 2,000
Spices (Pepper, Star Anise, Cinnamon)	200 – 500	Vietnamese Coffee (Premium beans + Phin)	1,500 – 2,500
Bamboo Products	150 – 800	Lacquerware Products	800 – 17,000
Cashew Nuts	450 – 850	Bat Trang Ceramics & Pottery	700 – 3,800
Lotus Seeds & Lotus Tea	350 – 700	XQ Hand-Embroidered Artwork	600 – 2,000 (higher for large pieces)
Propaganda Posters	170 – 680	Handmade Silver & Gemstone Jewellery	400 – 4,500
Coconut Candy & Mung Bean Cakes	250 – 500	Snake Wine	1,500 – 3,700
Personalised Keychains, Magnets, Tags	150 – 750
War Memorabilia Replicas	170 – 1,000

Cheap Things to Buy in Vietnam

Budget shopping in Vietnam doesn’t mean purchasing low-quality products. It means discovering incredible finds at local markets for cultural authenticity with affordability. 

Unique finds include handcrafted souvenirs and personalised gifts at affordable prices.

1. The Conical Hat (Non La)

• Highlight: Once developed for farm workers, it has since become a symbol of the Vietnamese countryside.
• Cost: Approx. 300 – 600 INR.
• Locations: Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi), Dong Ba Market (Hue) & Ben Thanh Market (HCMC).

The Non La was designed as a shield for farmers against the sun and monsoon rains. 

Historically, hats have been a staple of rural life for centuries, with different regions producing unique variations.

For example, Non Bai Tho (poem hat), which originated in Hue, features hidden poems or illustrations visible only when held against the light.

For tourists, the Non La is one of the cheapest things to buy in Vietnam that carries cultural significance. 

2. Handcrafted Silk Lanterns of Hoi An

• Highlight: Lanterns are an essential part of Hoi An’s Full Moon Festivals.
• Cost: Approx. 250 – 1,000 INR.
• Locations: Hoi An Night Market, shops near the Japanese Covered Bridge (Hoi An) & Ben Thanh Market (HCMC).

The ancient town of Hoi An is filled with artful things, such as painted buildings, silk lanterns hanging from every building, and even floating lanterns on the river. 

These lanterns are made from bamboo and covered in Vietnamese silk, representing happiness, good luck, and prosperity. The colours used are symbolic: red for luck, yellow for wealth, and green for new beginnings.

3. Phu Quoc Pepper and Star Anise

• Highlight: Spices are grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil; historically traded with Indian merchants.
• Cost: Approx. 200 – 500 INR.
• Locations: Phu Quoc Countryside, Duong Dong Market, Ben Thanh Market & Dong Xuan Market.

The black pepper from Phu Quoc Island is globally recognised for its aroma and strong flavour. You can buy it at markets or visit Phu Quoc to participate in farming activities. 

Star anise and cinnamon from the Central Highlands are key ingredients in Pho.

4. Sustainable Bamboo Products

• Highlight: Eco-friendly, sustainable, and biodegradable products.
• Cost: Approx. 150 – 800 INR.
• Locations: Dong Xuan Market, Ma May Street (Hanoi Old Quarter) & Sapa market.

Bamboo is an integral part of Vietnamese life, used in construction and handicrafts. 

People have adapted ancient weaving techniques to create eco-friendly products, including handwoven baskets, bamboo dragonflies, and kitchen utensils. These products are durable, biodegradable, and provide a rustic aesthetic to your home. 

5. Marou Chocolate

• Highlight: Marou is Vietnam’s first bean-to-bar chocolate brand to gain global recognition.
• Cost: Approx. 370 – 600 INR.
• Locations: Maison Marou flagship store at Hanoi, Saigon, Da Nang, & Hoi An. Also, at high-end supermarkets or via the official websites. 

Marou, one of Vietnam’s premium chocolates, was founded in 2011 by French entrepreneurs. 

The brand is a “bean-to-bar” producer that sources cacao from six distinct provinces, with each bar named after its origin. Marou has been hailed as “the best chocolate you’ve never tasted” by The New York Times.

6. Vietnamese Cashew Nuts

• Highlight: Vietnam’s cashews are large and creamy and are often roasted with salt or with the skin on.
• Cost: Approx. 450 – 850 INR
• Locations: Ben Thanh Market, Con Market, and local nut shops.

Vietnam is the world’s leading exporter of cashew kernels, known for their creamy, buttery texture and larger size. 

Unlike mass-produced alternatives, Vietnamese cashew varieties are often processed using manual techniques that preserve the natural flavours and nutritional content.

7. Lotus Seeds and Scented Lotus Tea

• Highlight: Seeds are highly fragrant, and the teas are a vital part of the Vietnamese ceremonies.
• Cost: Approx. 350 – 700 INR.
• Locations: Dong Xuan Market, Hang Than Street (Hanoi) & Ben Thanh Market.

The lotus is the national flower of Vietnam, symbolising purity and tranquillity in Buddhist culture. Lotus seeds are a cherished snack, available fresh, dried, or roasted. 

Lotus tea is made by curing green tea leaves inside live lotus flowers in Hanoi’s West Lake region.

8. Kitsch and Historic Propaganda Posters

• Highlight: Influenced by Soviet and Vietnamese realism, it emerged in the 1940s to support the independence movement.
• Cost: Approx. 170 – 680 INR.
• Locations: Rice Old Propaganda Posters (HCMC) & Old propaganda posters (Hanoi).

Reflecting Vietnam’s 20th-century history, propaganda art was used to raise morale and spread political messages during the French and American wars. 

Today, these posters are popular souvenirs in Vietnam. You have different themes of national unification, the role of women in production, and agricultural success.

9. Coconut Candy & Mung Bean Cakes

• Highlight: Made with natural ingredients and individually wrapped for freshness.
• Cost: Approx. 250 – 500 INR.
• Locations: Hang Than Street

Ben Tre province in the Mekong Delta is the heart of Vietnam’s coconut industry, producing coconut candy. Another staple is “Banh Dau Xanh” (mung bean cakes) from Hai Duong, which are powdery cubes that dissolve on the tongue.

These sweets are often wrapped in edible rice paper, adding a unique texture that Indian travellers find fascinating. They are very affordable to buy in larger quantities for your friends and family. 

10. Hand-carved Wooden Stamps

• Highlight: This dying craft is kept alive by fourth-generation artisans in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Cost: Approx. 950 INR.
• Locations: Phuc Loi Shop (6 Hang Quat Street, Hanoi).

Hand-carved wooden stamps are a traditional craft, established by the Phuc Loi trademark in 1923.

Popular designs include the Ao Dai, lotus flowers, Turtle Tower, and conical hats.

Also, you can personalise stamps with your name or designs from any photographs. 

11. Personalised Products: Portrait Keychains, Magnets, Luggage Tags, Frames

• Highlight: 3D acrylic designs and photo-to-product conversion offer modern customisation that meets traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
• Cost: Approx. 150 – 750 INR.
• Locations: Hoi An Night Market, Ben Thanh Market & Dong Xuan Market.

1. Portrait Keychains and Magnets: Using advanced printing and laser-cutting technology, vendors can convert photographs into 3D acrylic keychains, fridge magnets, or decorative pieces.
2. Luggage Tags: Made from durable acrylic or leather, these tags can feature names, travel quotes, or even miniature Vietnamese landmarks.
3. Custom Frames: Buy personalised photo frames with silk-embroidered borders or lacquer finishes.

12. War Memorabilia Replicas

• Highlight: High-quality replicas of Vietnam War artefacts offering a historical connection.
• Cost: Approx. 170 – 1,000 INR.
• Locations: Dan Sinh Market, shops near War Remnants Museum & Hoa Lo Prison Museum.

Dan Sinh Market, also known as “The American Market,” is famous for its unique Vietnamese souvenirs. 

Originally, it was a gambling area for French soldiers during the war. Then, after 1954, after the  French withdrawal, it transformed into a marketplace specialising in military surplus and war-related items.

You will find products like Zippo lighters, dog tags, helmets, gas masks, badges, uniforms, and more. 

Luxury Things to Buy in Vietnam

While there are many affordable products, Vietnam offers you the opportunity to purchase high-end, artisan-crafted items.

These premium products, from hand-embroidered silk garments to decorative lacquerware, represent refined craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

1. Ao Dai

• Description: Long silk dress with high slits worn over loose trousers.
• Cost: Approx. 1,500 – 7,000 INR (cost varies depending on ready-to-wear and custom-made).
• Locations: Thuong Tailor (Hoi An) & Blue Chic Tailor Hoi An.

Historically, the Ao Dai evolved from the Ao Tu Than (four-part dress) of the 18th century, undergoing modernisation in the 1930s with French influences. 

This transformation turned a regional costume into a global fashion icon, embodying Vietnamese femininity and cultural identity.

2. Luxurious Vietnamese Silk Products

• Highlight: Over 1,000 years of production and historically exported via the Maritime Silk Road.
• Cost: Approx. 500 – 2,000 INR.
• Locations: Hang Gai Street (Hanoi) & Hoi An (Old Town).

The Vietnamese silk industry is centred in regions such as Van Phuc, near Hanoi, and Bao Loc in the Central Highlands, where sericulture (the cultivation of silkworms) has been practised for over a thousand years. 

Vietnamese silk is prized for its lightweight breathability and pure mulberry silkworm origin.

You can either purchase it as raw fabric by the metre or as finished products like scarves, ties, and pyjamas.

3. Aromatic Vietnamese Coffee and Phin Filters

• Highlight: Vietnamese coffee is made with robusta, with natural chocolate and nutty flavours, resulting in a high caffeine content.
• Cost: Approx. 1,500 – 2,500 INR (coffee powder or beans with phin filters).
• Locations: Son Farm, Mr. Viet Coffee Outlet in Hoi An, and any local markets

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, with cafes on nearly every street corner.

In 1857, the French introduced coffee production. The signature Vietnamese coffee primarily uses Robusta beans, which offer a higher caffeine content that pairs well with sweetened condensed milk.

Notable coffee brands to buy in Vietnam: Trung Nguyên, G7 (by Trung Nguyên) & Mr Viet.

4. Lacquerware Products

• Highlight: A centuries-old technique using native tree resin, which was used in royal palaces.
• Cost: Approx. 800 INR (small bowls) & approx. 3,500 – 17,000 INR (wall art and other items).
• Locations: Ha Thai Village and Cat Dang Village.

Vietnamese painted lacquerware is a refined art form that represents traditional craftsmanship. 

Crafters spend several months on a single piece, polishing the surface between layers and embedding delicate materials such as pearl, crushed eggshells, or gold leaf.

Lacquerware items are among the best things to buy from Vietnam, as their durability ensures these pieces serve as lifelong souvenirs. 

Items: Trays, decorative bowls, vases, intricate jewellery boxes and large wall panels. 

5. Bat Trang Ceramics and Pottery

• Highlight: Vietnam has been a centre of ceramic production since the 1300s, known for high-fired porcelain with intricate hand-painted designs.
• Cost: Approx. 700 – 3,800 INR.
• Locations: Bat Trang Village, Hanoi Old Quarter & Thanh Ha Village (Hoi An).

Bat Trang village, on the Red River near Hanoi, has produced ceramics since the 14th century.

Their high-fired durability and unique glazes distinguish Vietnamese ceramics from those of other regions. Items made here often feature traditional dragon, phoenix, or lotus motifs. 

6. XQ Hand-Embroidered Artwork and Linens

• Highlight: The XQ Embroidery was founded by Vo Van Quan and Hoang Le Xuan to revive traditional stitching methods. 
• Cost: Approx. 600 – 2,000 INR.
• Locations: XQ Historical Village, Hang Gai Street, and embroidery shops in Hoi An. 

The art of hand embroidery in Vietnam reached its artistic peak with the founding of XQ Embroidery in Da Lat. 

This school of art combines traditional embroidery techniques with modern painting, creating lifelike portraits and landscapes. The work is so intricate that a single large piece can take several artisans hundreds of days to complete.

There are also affordable options for travellers, such as hand-embroidered tablecloths, napkins, and silk pouches, available at local markets. 

7. Handmade Jewellery and Gemstones

• Highlight: Vietnam’s 1,500-year silversmithing tradition, centred in Hanoi’s Hang Bac Street and Sapa’s ethnic minority communities, produces handcrafted pieces at affordable prices.
• Cost: Approx. 400 – 4,500 INR (based on the quality and product, the price varies)
• Locations: Duong Ha Natural Gemstones & Jade, Trang sức bạc Silver Soul Vietnam & Hang Bac Street.

Vietnam’s jewellery tradition dates back to the 15th century when Minister Luu Xuan Tin established the first silver foundry in Thang Long (now Hanoi).

Hanoi’s Hang Bac Street is known as “Silver Street.” Shops here specialise in handcrafted silver items using centuries-old techniques.

These designs feature Vietnam’s four holy beasts: dragon, qilin (Vietnamese unicorn), turtle, and phoenix, engraved onto rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. 

8. Snake Wine: The Traditional Tonic

• Highlight: First recorded in China’s Western Zhou dynasty; spread to Vietnam via traditional medicine. This wine is infused with whole venomous snakes to extract their essence.
• Cost: Approx. 1,500 – 3,700 INR.
• Locations: Hoi An Night Market & Le Mat Snake Village.

Snake wine is a traditional medicinal beverage produced by infusing whole snakes in rice wine or grain alcohol. 

Dating back over 1,000 years, it is believed to provide masculine energy and serve as a cure for illnesses such as rheumatism and arthritis.

Conclusion

Vietnam shopping connects you directly with centuries-old craftsmanship. From custom-tailored Ao Dai to hand-carved wooden stamps, every purchase tells a story of Vietnamese heritage and artistry.

With this guide, plan what to buy and avoid getting confused by the hundreds of things in the market.  Bookmark this guide, pack light to leave room for souvenirs. 

So, on this Vietnam trip, bring home items that capture your Vietnam experience.

FAQs on Things to Buy in Vietnam

1. What are the best souvenirs to buy in Vietnam?

The best things to buy in Vietnam include Vietnamese silk scarves, robusta coffee, conical hats, Hoi An lanterns, and a custom-made Ao Dai. 

These items are iconic of the country and represent local craftsmanship.

2. Where can you find the best deals on custom-tailored clothes in Vietnam?

Hoi An is globally recognised as Vietnam’s tailoring capital. With over 400 shops, you can get high-quality suits, dresses, or Ao Dai customised in just 24 hours. 

3. What is the best way to pay for my shopping in Vietnam, cash or card?

Major malls and upscale boutiques in Hanoi and HCMC accept credit cards and mobile wallets like MoMo. However, cash (Vietnamese Dong) must be carried when you are in local markets and anywhere if you buy from street vendors. 

4. What are the must-visit shopping markets in Vietnam?

• Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Binh Tay Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Hoi An Night Market (Hoi An)
• Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi)
• Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho Province)
• Quang Ba Flower Market (Hanoi)
• Phu Quoc Night Market