One of the most exciting aspects of travelling to Vietnam is discovering the country’s incredible variety of goods. From markets to artisan shops, Vietnam is home to unique handmade products that reflect its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. Cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and many more offer you the best souvenirs. If you’re wondering what to buy in Vietnam, you will find everything from traditional handicrafts to modern fashion pieces in these cities.
Bringing back a piece of the essence of the foreign land whenever you travel is a reminder of your happy vacation. So, explore the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi and buy the best for your loved ones. This guide will highlight the must-have items for any traveller looking to take home a piece of Vietnam.
Ao Dai
Just imagine wearing an elegant outfit👗 with a long, fitted top and flowy, graceful pants that beautifully flatter women of all ages. That is something new away from your regular attire. Ao Dai is a timeless emblem of Vietnamese culture. For visitors wondering what to buy in Vietnam, Hanoi or other cities, a tailored Ao Dai is an ideal choice, especially if you’re looking for a powerful symbol of Vietnamese beauty and culture.
You can buy it ready-made in most clothing stores, or if you’d like something unique, you can have one custom-made. You can select your favourite fabric and design for a truly personalised Ao Dai. Whether you are buying it for yourself or as a gift for your loved ones, an Ao Dai captures the essence of Vietnam. With both classic and modern styles available, it makes an authentic and meaningful souvenir.
Where to buy Ao Dai in Vietnam?
- For Readymade Ao Dai-
- Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
- Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese Silk
If you want to experience Vietnamese royalty and luxury, then you must buy Vietnamese silk. Once, silk was a luxury reserved for royalty and nobility, but it is now accessible to everyone and is celebrated globally for its quality and beauty. Vietnamese silk is highly considered to share international prestige alongside Chinese and Indian silk. To buy it, there are many places in Vietnam that you can explore, such as
- Van Phuc Silk Village (near Hanoi): Here, you can witness artisans working with techniques passed down through generations.
- Hang Gai Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Explore local shops that offer exquisite silk items.
- Hoi An Silk Village in central Vietnam: This village has museums and a working silk production site that lets you explore the entire silk-making process (from raising silkworms and spinning silk to weaving it into fabric). It also takes you on a guided tour through its gardens, workshops, and looms. Artisans here demonstrate age-old techniques, letting tourists see the skill that goes into every piece.
While roaming this city, if you are looking for what to buy in Hanoi, Vietnam, silk is a must, especially if you are seeking something with cultural depth and elegance. In this village, you can find many showrooms showcasing various silk products, from raw silk and threads to finely crafted garments.
Where to buy Vietnamese Silk in Vietnam?
- 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
Non La or Conical Hat
If you’re wondering what to buy in Vietnam as gifts for ladies, the Non La👒 is lightweight and easy to pack. Going back to history, the conical hat or Non La was initially worn by farmers and has been part of Vietnam’s rice-growing culture for centuries.
Handcrafted from materials like palm leaves, bamboo, and the bark of Moc trees, the Non La👒 is both functional and beautiful. It offers sun and rain protection while adding a touch of Vietnamese tradition to your look.
Chuong Village near Hanoi and Tay Ho Village in Hue are well-known for producing high-quality Non La hats👒. Seeing the process firsthand gives you a deeper appreciation for these charming pieces and allows you to pick a truly authentic item.
These hats👒 come in various sizes and styles, so finding the perfect fit is easy. Each region has its own style, so you might notice slight design variations depending on where you shop. Whether you’re buying it as a keepsake, as a thoughtful gift, or even to wear as you explore Vietnam, the conical hat is one of the most recognisable symbols of Vietnam.
Where to buy Non La in Vietnam?
- Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City
- Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Old Quarter in Hanoi
- Kim Bong Village in Hoi An.
Woven Handicraft
In Vietnam, women👭 from ethnic minority communities create beautifully crafted goods that embody their culture, creativity, and skill. From colourful purses👛 and wallets to backpacks and scarves🧣, each woven handicraft is a graceful piece of art with bright colours and designs that reflect generations of tradition.
For travellers, guides or translators are available; you can talk🔊 with the artisans and learn about their craft directly from the source. Hearing their stories and the attention and care they put into each piece can add a rich layer to your experience and appreciation of these handicrafts. So, buy some woven handicrafts for loved ones and help to support the artisans’ livelihoods.
Where to Buy Woven Handicrafts in Vietnam?
- Da Lat
- Cat Tien National Park
Bamboo and Wooden Products
Vietnam is a major player in the global market for wooden goods because of its rich forest 🌳resources and skilled craftsmanship. Wood🪵and bamboo have long been part of Vietnamese daily life, used in everything from musical instruments 🪈and furniture🛋️ to the unique bamboo bridges🌉 that stretch across the country’s waterways.
Bamboo, in particular, is sustainable and adaptable; it is crafted into beautiful, eco-friendly souvenirs in Vietnam. For tourists wondering what to buy in Vietnam, bamboo items like hats👒, bowls, flower vases, baskets🧺, and decorative ornaments📿 are widely available and make thoughtful gifts.
One favourite gift is the bamboo dragonfly, a colourful showpiece that balances on its mouth and is loved by kids and adults alike. Bamboo chopsticks🥢 and lightweight yet sturdy furniture🛋️ are popular in local markets and tourist areas. Look for bamboo products at local markets or artisan- shops in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, especially if you’re considering what to buy as gifts in Vietnam.
Where to Buy Bamboo and Wooden Products in Vietnam?
- Hoi An Handicraft Workshop
- Hang Gai Street, Hanoi
- Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese Propaganda Postcards
Vietnamese art 🎨 is profoundly significant and gives insights into the nation’s history, values, and spirit. One of the most powerful forms of this art is the Vietnamese propaganda poster🪪, which served as much more than a tool for wartime communication🗣️.
While often associated with messages of resistance and liberation, these posters also promoted peace☮️, education📚, and the importance of industry and agriculture in building a strong, united Vietnam.
These posters, created with bold colours and striking imagery, inspired hope and resilience; and encouraged people🧑🤝🧑 to contribute to the country’s growth📈. Today, Vietnamese propaganda posters remain a prominent feature throughout Vietnam, preserving this unique art style🎨 and connecting past generations with the present.
In Vietnam, these propaganda posters are decorated on the wall, becoming a bold focal point and giving the house🏡 a stylish look. So, buy these posters as souvenirs and decorate them on walls for motivational purposes.
Where to Buy Vietnamese Propaganda Posters in Vietnam?
- Old Quarter in Hanoi
- Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese Calligraphy
| Do You Know?
During Tet (the Vietnamese Lunar New Year), families make a special effort to buy new calligraphy. Also, visit artisans who paint these inspiring words with grace and care. Bringing home 🏡a fresh calligraphy piece for Tet is like blessing the household, marking the beginning of a prosperous year. |
The art of writing✍️ beautifully using brush🖌️ and ink is known as “thư pháp” or Calligraphy. It is rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism and often features famous proverbs, quotes, or verses from classical literature and philosophical teachings.
Vietnamese calligraphy✍️ is another authentic souvenir that answers the question of what to buy in Vietnam. Traditionally, it has been practised in three distinct scripts, each reflecting a different period and style in Vietnam’s history. But the modern Vietnamese calligraphy is now almost exclusively written✍️ in the Quoc Ngu script, the Romanised Vietnamese alphabet.
Vietnamese calligraphy,✍️ which is often decorated in homes 🏡and workplaces, is often believed to symbolise hope, wisdom, and good fortune. It is called “Happiness,” “Peace,” or “Prosperity” and is displayed prominently on walls to invite positive energy.
Where to buy Vietnamese Calligraphy in Vietnam?
- Hanoi’s Van Phuc Silk Village
- Hue’s Phuoc Tich Village
- Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
- Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese Coffee
Coffee☕ is a big part of Vietnamese culture. Coffee shops are common places for socialising. Vietnamese coffee ☕is known for its bold, rich taste, often with chocolate🍫 and caramel flavours. It’s typically made from robusta beans🫘, which are more bitter and have a higher caffeine content than the more common arabica beans🫘.
Do you know Vietnamese Coffee has a variety of preparation styles? It has traditional drip coffee (cà phê phin) to egg coffee (cà phê trứng) and coconut coffee (cà phê dừa). Many coffee☕ producers in Vietnam offer vacuum-sealed packages, ensuring the coffee remains fresh.
You can also pick up a phin filter, the traditional metal drip filter used to make Vietnamese coffee☕. It’s a lightweight, easy-to-pack souvenir that complements the coffee and allows an authentic brewing experience.
Where to Buy Coffee in Vietnam?
- Trung Nguyen Coffee Shops
- Highlands Coffee outlets
- Local markets (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
- Buon Ma Thuot region
Dong Ho Paintings
Dong Ho village in northern Vietnam is renowned for its Dong Ho paintings🎨🖌️. These paintings reflect scenes🖼️ from daily life, folk stories, and cultural symbols, providing an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese heritage.
However, the unique part is that the paper📃 is made from bark, and the colours come from organic sources, like red from ochre and black from bamboo charcoal. This eco-friendly and sustainable approach makes them unique and valuable as both art and cultural keepsakes.
The paintings 🖼️ also convey messages of good luck🤞, prosperity, and happiness😌, making them meaningful gifts🎁. Their relatively small size makes them easy to pack and transport, allowing tourists to bring home🏡 a piece of Vietnamese tradition.
Where is Dong Ho Painting in Vietnam?
- Dong Ho Village
- Bac Ninh Province
- Hanoi’s Old Quarter (Art Shops and Galleries)
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Hanoi)
- Ben Thanh Market and Art Street (Ho Chi Minh City)
O Mai Dried Fruits
Dried Fruits or ‘O Mai’ are more than a snack in Vietnam. They are often shared as a gesture of hospitality or as a gift🎁. These snacks are enjoyed with friends🧑🤝🧑 and family👪 over a steaming cup of fragrant lotus tea🍵. Imagine sitting down with loved ones, taking each bite of sweetened or salted apricots, plums, mangoes, and peaches, all spiced to perfection. Every piece has tempting flavours ranging from tangy to mellow🤤.
For holidays, especially Lunar New Year, Vietnamese families👪👪 buy candied fruits that symbolise sweetness for the year ahead. The various fruits used are coconut, ginger, pineapple, lotus seeds, tamarind, and kumquats, which add a festive touch to any gathering.
These treats are shared to bring loved ones together🧑, marking moments of joy and good fortune. Brands like Hong Lam and Tien Thinh are famous for these traditional delights, making O Mai a wonderful souvenir that is perfect for those looking to take a little piece of Hanoi’s charm back home.
Where to Buy O Mai in Vietnam?
- Hang Duong Street (Hanoi)
- Hong Lam Stores (Nationwide)
- Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi)
- Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
Bamboo Root Carvings
Bamboo Root Carvings🎍 are Vietnam’s signature and make a great souvenir. Their beauty is unimaginable as the carver sits with a raw, rough piece of bamboo root🪵, patiently working to reveal a graceful legendary figure👲, an incredible landscape🏞️, or an animal 🦁within it.
Every curve and every texture is carefully carved from the wood’s natural form🪵, as if the artist is unveiling a story hidden in the grain. These carvings, with their minute details, reflect hours⌚ of dedication, great observation and a deep connection to the nature of artists.
Bamboo Root Carvings highlight the epitome of Vietnamese craftsmanship. Through their souls and skills, the artisans pay tribute to the beauty of their homeland🏡. For tourists, it becomes a token piece of Vietnamese tradition and artistry.
However, these carvings require care; the delicate bamboo can be vulnerable to humidity and pests.
But don’t worry; artisans often provide helpful tips for keeping these pieces in good condition. So, when in a dilemma about what authentic item to buy in Vietnam, go for Bamboo root carvings.
Where to Buy Bamboo Root Carvings in Vietnam?
- Hanoi Old Quarter (Hanoi)
- Hoi An Ancient Town (Hoi An) 0
- Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Dong Ba Market (Hue)
- Village Artisans in Craft Villages
Vietnamese Rice Wine
Vietnamese rice wine🍷, or rượu gạo, is a traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. For generations, it has been an essential part of family gatherings, celebrations, and heartfelt toasts🥂. It’s an invitation to connect, to celebrate the moment, and to honour tradition.
The magic of rice wine🍷 starts with a humble bowl of sticky, glutinous rice, carefully steamed and cooled before adding yeast. Over days of fermentation, the mixture transforms, each step soaked in science and family secrets. It is a drink that connects people across generations, honouring the past while savouring the present- a symbol of hospitality, resilience, and the Vietnamese spirit.
So, if you are thinking about what to buy in Vietnam for your friend who loves to be intoxicated sometimes, buying rice wine🍷 is the best option.
Where to Buy Vietnamese Rice Wine in Vietnam?
- Traditional markets in Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Da Nang
- Rice Wine Distilleries.
- Viet Village
- Tinh Hoa
Vietnamese Lanterns
Vietnam has a powerful connection with lanterns🏮. Vietnamese Lanterns play an important part in festivals and celebrations🎉. They are not just used as a decorative item but rather as a symbol to remove evil spirits👿 and invite good luck🧿.
Vietnamese Paper Lanterns🏮 are made with sturdy bamboo frames and durable, high-quality paper📄, which ensures they will last longer and retain their beauty. They come in various designs, patterns, sizes, and colours🎨. People usually choose vibrant hues like red, yellow, and green, which are often associated with luck and prosperity.
So, lighting them isn’t just a ritual; it’s a heartfelt gesture and a way to bring protection and blessings into the home🏠 symbolically.
In Vietnam, glowing paper lanterns🏮hold deep meaning and have become woven into the fabric of community life, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. When families gather to make or light these lanterns🏮, it’s not simply about creating light; it’s a sign of unity and togetherness.
Children’s🧒 eyes light up with wonder as they carry their lanterns🏮 in the evening parades, and grandparents smile, watching traditions pass to the next generation. For adults, it’s a time to reconnect with loved ones, sharing laughter and stories that brighten✨ the spirit as much as the lanterns brighten the night.🌃
Where to Buy Vietnamese Lanterns?
- Hoi An Ancient Town (Central Vietnam)
- Hanoi Old Quarter (Northern Vietnam)
- Ho Chi Minh City Markets (Southern Vietnam)
- Da Nang Han Market (Central Vietnam)
Sim Wine
Sim wine🍷 is made from the native rose myrtle fruit. It is a unique speciality of Phu Quoc, known for its deep magenta colour🍷 and sweet yet strong flavour. It is traditionally fermented, which carries the characteristic aroma of rose myrtle, and is a popular drink🥂 to enjoy with seafood🦐🫕.
This wine is available in attractive packaging, which has become a favourite souvenir for tourists to bring home, offering a taste of Phu Quoc’s local charm.
Sim wine🍷 isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it has many health benefits, such as
- Aids digestion after a big meal or protein-heavy dishes
- Improve blood circulation
- Healthy sleep
- Help with appetite
- Promote bone health for older adults
With such wellness perks, many visitors to the island are drawn to bring home a bottle of this rose myrtle wine🍷as both a flavourful and beneficial souvenir.
Where to Buy Sim Wine in Vietnam?
- Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City),
- Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi)
- Old Quarter (Hanoi)
- Le Mat Snake Village (near Hanoi
Hand Embroidery Items
Vietnamese artisans are renowned for their beautiful hand-embroidered crafting items like quilts, pillowcases, bedsheets, tablecloths, bags🛍️, purses👜, nightdresses, and scarves🧣 with intricate, hand-stitched designs. In Hanoi, you will find a wide range of high-quality embroidered products in different designs and sizes, all at reasonable prices.
The Sapa Valley is another fantastic place to buy these pieces; you can even watch the skilled craftsmen at work. Linen and cotton products showcase the finest embroidery, making these items a lovely way to bring home a piece of Vietnamese artistry. Vietnamese hand embroidery is truly a memorable memento💝 to buy from your time in Vietnam.
Where to Buy Hand Embroidery Items in Vietnam?
- Van Phuc Silk Village
- Ben Thanh Market
- Tan Dinh Market
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Da Nang Han Market
- XQ Dalat Historical Village
Vietnamese Pottery and Ceramics
Vietnamese pottery and ceramics are known for showcasing their rich history, unique craftsmanship, and artistic expressions. The history of the country’s pottery tradition dates back thousands of years, with notable developments and techniques emerging from different regions.
The Types of Vietnamese Pottery and Ceramics that you can buy in Vietnam are:
Bat Trang Pottery (Hanoi Region):
Bat Trang is the most famous pottery village in Vietnam. Established over 500 years ago, this region is known for its super-quality ceramics, including vases, teapots 🫖, bowls 🥣, and plates🍽️. The pieces are often adorned with floral patterns⚜️, animals 🦁, and mythical symbols.
Bat Trang ceramics are made from refined white clay and fired in giant kilns, producing durable, smooth, and beautifully glazed items. The village is also known for its blue-and-white porcelain, which was historically exported to various parts of the world 🌎.
Chu Dau Pottery (Hai Duong Province):
Chu Dau pottery originates from Hai Duong Province in northern Vietnam. It is famous for its glazed✨ and intricate designs⚜️. This pottery style emerged during the 14th century and became an essential export item in the region’s trade. Pieces from Chu Dau Pottery often feature unique floral, geometric, and stylised motifs. ⚜️
Majolica and Decorative Ceramics (Southern Vietnam):
Southern Vietnam, particularly the areas around Ho Chi Minh City, is known for producing colourful majolica-style ceramics. These are often glazed✨ in sharp colours, offering a more decorative and modern aesthetic compared to the more traditional styles of the north. They appeal to locals and international collectors.⚜️
Raku Pottery:
Inspired by the Japanese Raku style, some Vietnamese artisans have recently adopted this technique. Raku pottery stands unique for its firing process🔥, where pieces are removed from the kiln while still hot and placed in a container of combustible materials to create crackling effects in the glaze✨. This technique is used to make both functional and decorative pieces, adding an element of unpredictability and beauty.
Lacquerware
Can you believe a traditional art form in Vietnam that requires 100 days and 20 detailed phases to create just one high-quality piece? 😱
Yes, making a traditional Lacquerware takes a lot of time ⌚and energy. The dedication and skill of the craftsmen are evident in every item, from jewellery boxes and photo albums to bowls🥣, dishes, and vases. Each piece showcases beautiful designs ✨and vibrant colours, making them not only practical items but also beautiful works of art.
Where to Buy Lacquerware in Vietnam?
- Old Quarter Dong Xuan Market
- Ben Thanh Market
- An Dong Market
- Dong Ba Market
- Hoi An Night Market
3D Pop-up Cards
If you are wondering what to buy in Vietnam for kids, then buying Vietnam’s 3D pop-up cards🃏 is a cherished souvenir for kids in Vietnam. It is known for its precision and artistry. The cards are typically handcrafted, which involves a detailed process (which includes cutting, folding, and assembling each piece) to make an incredible card. 🃏
These designs of 3D pop-up cards🃏 can range from iconic Vietnamese landmarks- such as the One Pillar Pagoda, Halong Bay, and Ben Thanh Market to traditional scenes like Vietnamese ao dai-clad women on bicycles, local flora and fauna or festive images for holidays and celebrations.
Inspired by the art of kirigami (a Japanese variation of origami that includes cutting the paper), Vietnam’s 3D pop-up cards 🃏are unique in that they combine themes of Vietnamese culture and landscapes, making them authentic.
Where to Buy 3D Pop-up Cards in Vietnam?
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Hanoi Craft Shops
Food Items & Snacks
Food🥗 always makes an excellent souvenir for foodies. And if you are in Vietnam, don’t worry about what to buy in Vietnam for your food pandas, as this country has some authentic snacks🥡 and sweets 🍨for takeaways. Mentioned below are some of the authentic things to buy–
Rice Paper (Bánh Tráng)
Rice paper is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. It is widely used to make fresh spring rolls, fried rolls, and other delicacies. Rice paper is a translucent sheet made from rice flour, water, and a little salt. Depending on their preparation, rice paper can be soft or crunchy.
Vietnam offers a variety of rice papers: some are plain, while others are seasoned with sesame seeds🫘, shrimp, or coconut🥥. They’re a great culinary souvenir, and in Vietnam, you can often find them in different sizes and textures to suit various dishes.
Peanut & Rice Paper
Peanut rice paper is a unique Vietnamese treat, especially popular in central Vietnam. It’s a thin, chewy snack made with a layer of rice paper topped with a mix of peanuts, sesame seeds🫘, and sometimes shredded coconut.🥥
The snack is grilled or baked to create a crunchy, sweet-salty snack that’s perfect on its own or with syrup. It’s tasty and easy to carry, making it a great gift🎁 option for friends and family.
Mung Bean Pastry (Bánh Đậu Xanh)
Mung bean pastry, or Bánh Đậu Xanh, is a traditional Vietnamese dessert🍨 from the Hai Duong province. They are square, bite-sized pastries made by mashing mung beans into a smooth paste and then combining them with sugar and a bit of fat to create a soft, crumbly texture.
They have a mildly sweet flavour and are often enjoyed with tea🍵. Mung bean pastries are usually packaged beautifully to make a delicious, authentic souvenir.
Coconut Candy (Kẹo Dừa):
Coconut candy🍬 is a famous speciality of the Ben Tre province in southern Vietnam. It is known for its abundance of coconut trees🥥🌴. This chewy candy🍬 is made from coconut milk, malt, and sugar and has a rich, sweet coconut flavour. 🥥
For extra taste, you can get different varieties mixed with flavours like chocolate, durian, or pandan. The candy🍬 is usually wrapped in rice paper and then in colourful paper packaging, making it a delightful and easy-to-share gift.🎁
Fish Sauce (Nước Mắm):
Fish sauce🐟🫙 is an essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. It is used for dipping, seasoning, and marinating. It is renowned for its quality and complex flavour. Vietnamese fish sauce🐟🫙 is typically made from anchovies and sea salt and then aged in wooden barrels.
The island of Phu Quoc produces some of the most famous fish sauces 🐟🫙, prized for its natural fermentation process and rich, umami flavour. For tourists, while glass bottles🫙 may be difficult to pack, smaller souvenir-sized versions are often available in markets and stores.
These food items and snacks are the best things to buy in Vietnam. They reflect the authentic taste of Vietnam’s culinary heritage and make easy-to-transport souvenirs. They not only let you bring a taste of Vietnam back home but also showcase the country’s traditional food-making 🍱techniques and flavours.
Where to Buy Vietnamese Snacks?
- Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi)
- Chợ Bến Thành (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Sạp Snacks (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Vietstreet Food (Hanoi)
Snake Wine
In many Asian cultures, including Vietnam, there is a belief that snakes🐍 can boost strength and help men live longer and healthier lives. In Vietnam, it’s common for people to drink snake wine🐍🍷 or snake-infused alcohol, thinking it improves health and boosts energy.
To make Snake Wine🐍🍷, the whole snake 🐍is preserved in rice wine or whiskey with a high alcohol content, ensuring it is fully “preserved.” Snake wine doesn’t taste as scary as it seems despite its unusual appearance. It’s just a bit fishy compared to regular rice wine or whiskey. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to give it a try!🐍🍷
Where to Buy Snake Wine in Vietnam?
- Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi)
Musical Instruments
Vietnamese musical instruments are part of the country’s cultural identity. Instruments like the Dan Bau, Dan Tranh, and bamboo flutes🪈are decorative as well as functional musical pieces,🎼 and they make excellent, meaningful souvenirs.
Dan Bau (One-stringed Zither):
It has a single string, played by plucking and bending the pitch with the left hand. It produces a haunting, melodic sound🎶 often used in Vietnamese folk music.
Dan Tranh (Zither):
It is a 16-stringed zither that is played by plucking the strings with the fingers. It is known for its delicate, resonant tones.
Bamboo Flutes🪈 (Sao):
These are common in Vietnamese music, particularly in folk and ceremonial performances. Their smooth, melodic sound 🎶is deeply connected to Vietnam’s rural traditions.
Tam Thap Luc (Traditional 13-stringed Zither):
It has 13 strings and is plucked or strummed. It’s often played in royal and ceremonial settings.
Gong (Cồng Chiêng):
It is a large, circular percussion instrument, often used in ethnic minority music in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Its sound is deep and resonant, and it is used in various festivals and rituals.
Piano Gu (Vietnamese Bowed String Instrument):
It is a traditional string instrument with a bow, similar to a violin🎻 but with a distinct Vietnamese sound🔊. It’s often used in folk and traditional music.
Where to Buy Musical Instruments in Vietnam?
- Dong Xuan Market
- Hang Gai Street (Silk Street)
- Nguyen Thien
- Thuong Street (Musical Instrument Shops)
- Ben Thanh Market
- The Old House of Tan Ky (Cultural Shop)
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing what to buy in Vietnam is key to experiencing the country’s rich craftsmanship and vibrant culture. Whether you’re picking up a hand-painted lantern from Hoi An, a silk ao dai, or a piece of intricate pottery, each item reflects Vietnam’s artistry and tradition.
So, next time you’re in Vietnam, take the time to explore its best night markets and shops, ensuring you leave with a meaningful souvenir that represents the beauty and spirit of this remarkable destination.
Frequently Asked Questions on What to Buy in Vietnam
What is famous in Vietnam to buy?
Vietnam is known for souvenirs like silk, 3D pop-up cards, lacquerware, coconut candy, rice paper, fish sauce, and hand-embroidered products.
What to buy in Ho Chi Minh?
In Ho Chi Minh City, popular items include lacquerware, Vietnamese coffee, silk scarves, ceramics, coconut candy, and embroidered linens.
What to buy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam?
Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of souvenirs, including bamboo crafts, handmade jewellery, Ao Dai (traditional dress), and local spices.
What to buy in Hanoi, Vietnam?
In Hanoi, look for tea, Bat Trang ceramics, Van Phuc village silk, hand-embroidered items, and unique 3D pop-up cards.
What to buy as gifts in Vietnam?
For gifts, consider coconut candy, coffee, fish sauce, rice paper snacks, and Vietnamese lacquerware, all of which represent local flavours and crafts.
What gifts to buy in Vietnam?
Good gift options include silk products, hand-embroidered linens, Vietnamese coffee beans, peanut rice paper, and coconut-based treats.