When we travelled to Vietnam we knew that the children would want to spend their hard-earned pocket money on a few souvenirs. But we weren’t sure what there would be for them. In fact, there was plenty and most were inexpensive keepsakes to help them remember their trip to this beautiful country. We also found plenty of souvenirs in Vietnam for us too. When it comes to souvenirs Vietnam is amazing. So we’ve rounded up all the best things to buy in Vietnam to give you wonderful reminders of a trip there. Keep reading to find our collection of favourite souvenirs from Vietnam – perfect for all age groups.
👩💻 About the author โย Nicholaย is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. Sheโs spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
1. Flying birds – souvenirs to buy in Vietnam (for kids but adults will love them too)
All over Vietnam these toy birds were flapping their wings across the sky and creating quite a spectacle. They were super cheap and our children loved winding up their simple mechanism and letting them fly.
These are really fun for kids of all ages. We bought ours in Hoi An.
2. A Vietnamese hat
You can’t leave Vietnam without picking up a traditional nรณn lรก hat. And they have them in all sizes.
You can spot people wearing them and going about their daily business all across Vietnam. They are such a strong symbol of the country.
Our children loved their hats and they make a nice decoration for their bedroom walls back home in the UK.
3. Bamboo masks – souvenirs to buy in Vietnam
We saw these colourful bamboo masks all over Vietnam and loved them.
They are so characterful, varying from town to town and a great souvenir to hang on the wall once you return home.
4. Animal Puzzles – one of the great souvenirs to buy in Vietnam
We found some wooden puzzles in Ben Thanh Market in Saigon and thought they were brilliant. They come in a variety of different animals from fox to dragon.
They have a small bamboo stick through them which when you pull out allows the puzzle to come apart.
My personal favourite is the snake where all the joints come apart. My nine-year old and Mr Globalmouse spent a long time putting him back together.
These are really inexpensive gifts but a great souvenir.
5. Lanterns – souvenirs from Vietnam
Vietnamese lanterns are very symbolic. People believe they bring happiness and good luck to a household.
If you’re travelling to Hoi An this is *the* place to buy them. And they have some really sweet small versions which fold away so are easy to pack to bring home.
6. Cuddly toys in traditional materials
We picked up these sweet little animals in Ben Thanh market. But we saw them all over the country as we travelled. They come in lovely patterned materials and a huge variety of animals from guinea pig to crab.
They’re a sweet little friend to take along with you as you travel.
7. Vietnamese clothes
The traditional รกo dร i is beautiful. All over the country are places to pick up all sizes and in a variety of colours and patterns.
If you’re buying for someone isn’t with you to try it on then go for a bigger size than you think you need. They do come up quite small.
They’re a beautiful souvenir.
8. Calligraphy
We saw a few places across Vietnam where you could get a scroll inscribed for you or your family.
It was lovely to pick out symbolic words or phrases and then watch as it is carefully inked on to the parchment.
Our children loved watching our scroll be inscribed by a monk in the Buddhist Temple of Trแบฅn Quแปc Pagoda.
It felt like a really special experience and was a wonderful souvenir for all of us to remember.
9. Souvenirs to buy in Vietnam: Water puppet
One activity we absolutely loved was going to the Thang Long Water Puppet theatre in Hanoi. The whole experience was magical with live musicians and singers and puppets that dived into the water.
It was a wonderful experience and whilst Thang Long is one of the most famous they have them in other towns and cities too.
We bought some of the little water puppets to bring home, more as decorative souvenirs than something the children use to play with. They are a lovely reminder of the fantastic show.
10. Chopsticks
We went to Vietnam with our children unable to use chopsticks. Even I was a bit shaky from lack of practice.
Because we chose to eat locally as often as we could, and our children were keen to learn, they picked up the technique really well.
I loved when we’d go to restaurants and they would bring out a fork for them and they would say, “no thank you”, and reach for the chopsticks instead.
We bought our children a little set of decorated chopsticks of their own to bring home and keep using whenever we cook up Vietnamese or other Asian food.
You can buy little packs of chopsticks really cheaply. And even ones with little boxes to keep them in and stands to hold them during a meal.
11. Vietnamese coffee – one of the best souvenirs from Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the largest coffee producers in the world and its strong, rich coffee is famous. Bringing home a bag of Vietnamese coffee beans is a wonderful way to remember your trip.
Many shops also sell the small metal drip filters used to make traditional Vietnamese coffee. These filters are inexpensive and easy to pack, making them one of the best souvenirs in Vietnam for anyone who enjoy coffee.
12. Silk scarves and accessories
Vietnam is also well known for its silk production. Silk scarves, bags and small accessories can be found in markets and boutiques across the country.
A silk scarf makes a lovely souvenir from Vietnam because it is lightweight, easy to pack and something you can use every day once you return home. They also make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
13. Hand-painted ceramics
If you are looking for cool souvenirs from Vietnam that feel a little more decorative, hand-painted ceramics are a great choice. Small bowls, cups and plates are often decorated with delicate floral patterns or traditional Vietnamese designs.
These pieces can make beautiful keepsakes and are among the best souvenirs Vietnam offers for travellers who appreciate craftsmanship and traditional artistry.
Tips for buying souvenirs in Vietnam
- Shopping in markets is part of the experience when travelling through Vietnam. Most stalls expect visitors to negotiate prices, and bargaining can be a fun part of buying souvenirs.
- tโs always a good idea to stay friendly and respectful while negotiating. Vendors are usually happy to chat and it can become a memorable part of the shopping experience.
- Another helpful tip is to carry small cash notes when shopping in markets. Many stalls do not accept cards, especially when buying inexpensive souvenirs.
- Taking time to browse different stalls can also help you find some of the best souvenirs in Vietnam, as similar items can vary in quality and price from one place to another.
Frequently asked questions about souvenirs from Vietnam
What are the best souvenirs from Vietnam?
Some of the most popular souvenirs from Vietnam include silk scarves, lanterns from Hoi An, traditional conical hats, Vietnamese coffee, bamboo crafts and hand-painted ceramics. These items reflect the countryโs culture and craftsmanship. See all our top items listed here.
What things should you buy in Vietnam?
Great things to buy in Vietnam include handmade toys, traditional clothing, lanterns, embroidered textiles, coffee and decorative crafts. Many travellers enjoy choosing items that remind them of their experiences travelling through the country. See all our top items listed here.
Are souvenirs in Vietnam expensive?
Most souvenirs in Vietnam are very affordable, especially when compared with many other travel destinations. Markets often sell handmade crafts, toys and decorations at very reasonable prices. See all our top items listed here.
Where are the best places to buy souvenirs in Vietnam?
Some of the best places to buy souvenirs in Vietnam include local markets such as Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, the lantern shops in Hoi An and traditional craft stalls in cities like Hanoi. See all our top items listed here.
Can you bargain when buying souvenirs in Vietnam?
Yes, bargaining is common in markets and street stalls. Travellers usually negotiate prices, and vendors expect it as part of the shopping process. See all our top items listed here.
Why Vietnam is such a great place to buy souvenirs
Shopping for souvenirs in Vietnam is one of the most enjoyable parts of travelling through the country. Markets are colourful, lively and filled with interesting handmade goods that reflect Vietnamese culture and traditions. From small toys and handicrafts to beautiful textiles and decorative items, there are so many unique things to buy in Vietnam.
One of the best things about souvenirs from Vietnam is that many of them are still handmade by local artisans. This means you can often find items that feel much more special than mass-produced souvenirs you might find elsewhere. Whether you are searching for souvenirs in Vietnam for children or meaningful gifts for adults, there are plenty of wonderful options.
Many of the best souvenirs from Vietnam are also lightweight and inexpensive, which makes them perfect for travellers. Children can spend their pocket money on small keepsakes, while adults can find beautiful decorative items or practical gifts to bring home.
What makes good souvenirs from Vietnam
When choosing souvenirs in Vietnam itโs worth looking for items that represent the countryโs culture, craftsmanship or everyday life. Traditional toys, handmade crafts and locally produced goods often make the most memorable keepsakes.
The best souvenirs Vietnam has to offer are usually small, meaningful items that remind you of the places you visited and the experiences you had while travelling.
Let me know if you pick any up, or if you have a top souvenirs from Vietnam to share. Check out our ultimate guide to Vietnam with kids here for lots more tips and features. Also read about Saigon cooking class Ho Chi Minh and our recipe for A vegan spicy, Vietnamese stir fry.
