What to Buy in Vietnam: Best Souvenirs, Coffee and Local Products

Vietnam is a country that surprises travelers in more ways than one. Beyond its limestone mountains, lantern-lit streets, and world-famous street food lies a shopping scene that is equally exciting. Whether you're wandering through Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter, exploring the tailor shops of Hoi An, or bargaining at Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant markets, you'll find countless treasures worth bringing home.

If you're wondering what to buy in Vietnam, the answer goes far beyond fridge magnets and keychains. Vietnam is famous for premium coffee, handcrafted silk, traditional lacquerware, herbal wellness products, beautiful ceramics, ethnic textiles, and unique souvenirs that perfectly reflect the country's culture and craftsmanship.

The best part? Many things to buy in Vietnam cost 30% to 70% less than similar products in India, making shopping an experience that's both memorable and budget friendly.

This guide covers the best souvenirs of Vietnam, where to buy them, expected prices, shopping tips, and everything Indian travellers should know before filling their suitcases.

Also Read: 7 Days Itinerary for Vietnam: Everything You Need to Know

Why Shopping in Vietnam Is Worth It

Shopping in Vietnam isn't simply about buying souvenirs, it's about taking home a piece of Vietnamese culture.

Unlike many tourist destinations where souvenir shops sell mass-produced products, Vietnam still has thriving artisan villages, traditional craft workshops, family-owned tailoring businesses, and local markets where generations-old skills continue today.

You'll discover products that are difficult to find elsewhere, including:

1. World-famous Vietnam coffee
2. Handcrafted silk garments
3. Traditional lacquerware
4. Bat Trang ceramics
5. Handmade lanterns
6. Herbal wellness products
7. Authentic Vietnamese spices
8. Ethnic minority handicrafts

Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for gifts, Vietnam offers excellent quality at surprisingly affordable prices.

Also Read: Vietnam Visa for Indians: E-Visa Process, Fees and Documents Required (2026)

Vietnam Coffee: The Ultimate Gift from Vietnam

Ask anyone about the most popular things in Vietnam, and coffee is almost always at the top of the list.

Vietnam is the world's largest producer of Robusta coffee, known for its rich aroma, bold flavour, and naturally strong caffeine content. Unlike many Western coffees, Vietnamese coffee has a deep, chocolatey taste that pairs perfectly with condensed milk.

If you're looking for practical souvenirs that friends and family will genuinely enjoy, Vietnam coffee is one of the safest choices.

Best Vietnam Coffee Brands to Buy

Some of the most trusted coffee brands include:

1. Trung Nguyen Legend - Premium roasted coffee and gift packs
2. G7 Instant Coffee - Easy to carry and perfect for gifting
3. Highland Coffee
4. Phuc Long Coffee
5. Weasel Coffee (Ca Phe Chon) – A premium speciality coffee for enthusiasts

Coffee is available in supermarkets, specialty coffee stores, airports, and local markets throughout Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

1. Approximate price: ₹150-₹1,700 depending on the variety.
2. Shopping Tip: Buy coffee from supermarkets like Co.opMart or WinMart instead of airport duty-free stores to save around 15-20%.

Vietnamese Tea, Spices and Food Souvenirs

Food gifts are among the easiest and most practical things to carry home. They are lightweight, affordable, and give family members a chance to experience authentic Vietnamese flavours.

Lotus Tea

One of Vietnam's most unique beverages, lotus tea is made by scenting green tea leaves with fresh lotus flowers. Its floral aroma is completely different from Indian tea and makes an elegant gift.

Da Lat Oolong Tea

Grown in Vietnam's cool highlands, this tea has a smooth, mellow taste that's ideal for tea lovers looking to try something different.

Vietnamese Spices

Vietnamese cinnamon, star anise, black pepper, turmeric, and chilli blends are widely used in local cuisine and cost significantly less than imported gourmet spices in India.

Fish Sauce and Local Sauces

Authentic Phu Quoc fish sauce is considered one of Vietnam's culinary treasures. Non-vegetarian travellers who enjoy Asian cooking often bring home a bottle to recreate Vietnamese dishes.

Vegetarian travellers can instead choose:

1. Coconut candy
2. Rice crackers
3. Vietnamese green tea
4. Dried tropical fruits

Silk: One of the Best Souvenirs of Vietnam

Vietnamese silk has earned an international reputation for its softness, durability, and luxurious finish.

If you're searching for premium things to buy in Vietnam, silk deserves a place at the top of your list.

Hoi An is considered Vietnam's tailoring capital, where hundreds of shops sell silk fabric and custom-made clothing at prices far below international markets.

Silk can be purchased as:

1. Fabric by the metre
2. Scarves
3. Dresses
4. Shirts
5. Bedding
6. Home décor
7. Handbags

How to Identify Genuine Silk

Not every shop sells authentic silk, especially in tourist areas.

Keep these simple checks in mind:

Real silk feels smooth but not slippery, passes easily through a ring, and is rarely sold at extremely low prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Buying from established silk stores instead of random market stalls greatly reduces the risk of purchasing synthetic fabric.

Also Read: Thailand vs Vietnam for Indians in 2026: Which Southeast Asian Destination Should You Choose?

Get a Custom-Made Ao Dai

One shopping experience unique to Vietnam is getting your own tailor-made Ao Dai, the country's elegant traditional dress.

Hoi An is famous for producing custom clothing within 24 to 48 hours. Skilled tailors take your measurements, help you select fabrics, and create a personalised outfit at a fraction of what custom tailoring would cost elsewhere.

Even if you don't plan to wear an Ao Dai regularly, many travellers purchase one as a meaningful cultural keepsake.

Most tailoring shops also stitch:

1. Formal suits
2. Blazers
3. Dresses
4. Shirts
5. Evening gowns

Traditional Vietnamese clothing

This makes Hoi An one of Southeast Asia's best destinations for affordable bespoke fashion.

Handcrafted Souvenirs That Showcase Vietnamese Culture

If clothing isn't your priority, Vietnam's handcrafted products make equally memorable purchases.

Lacquerware

Lacquerware is among the most iconic best souvenirs of Vietnam. These handcrafted bowls, trays, jewellery boxes, paintings, and decorative panels are created using multiple layers of natural tree resin, producing a glossy finish that lasts for years.

Each piece requires weeks of careful work, making genuine lacquerware far more valuable than factory-made souvenirs.

Hanoi's Old Quarter remains one of the best places to shop for authentic lacquerware.

Bat Trang Ceramics: Beautiful and Practical Souvenirs

If you're looking for elegant home décor, Bat Trang ceramics are among the most popular things in Vietnam. Produced in the centuries-old Bat Trang Pottery Village near Hanoi, these handcrafted ceramics are admired for their quality, intricate hand-painted designs, and durability.

From tea sets and coffee mugs to decorative plates and flower vases, there's something for every budget. Indian travellers often appreciate Bat Trang ceramics because their blue-and-white patterns blend beautifully with traditional Indian interiors.

For the best prices, visit Bat Trang Village instead of tourist shops in Hanoi's Old Quarter, where identical products can cost nearly twice as much.

Paper Lanterns, Bamboo Crafts and Traditional Handicrafts

Vietnam's handcrafted souvenirs reflect the country's artistic heritage and make thoughtful gifts.

Hoi An's colourful paper lanterns are perhaps the most photographed souvenirs in Vietnam. Handmade using bamboo frames and silk or paper fabric, they fold flat, making them surprisingly easy to pack.

Bamboo and rattan products are another excellent purchase. You'll find woven baskets, serving trays, storage boxes, fans, placemats, and decorative items that are lightweight, eco-friendly, and affordable.

Another iconic keepsake is the Non La, Vietnam's traditional conical hat. While many travellers buy it for photographs, hand-painted versions also make attractive wall décor.

If you're interested in traditional art, look out for silk paintings, lacquer paintings, water puppets, and Do paper prints that beautifully showcase Vietnam's culture and history.

Also Read: What to Buy in Japan: 25 Must-Buy Souvenirs and Unique Japanese Products

Beauty Products and Herbal Wellness Items

Among the lesser-known things to buy in Vietnam are its natural beauty and wellness products.

Vietnam has a long tradition of herbal remedies, many of which are still commonly used by locals.

Popular purchases include:

1. Herbal massage oils
2. Peppermint headache balm
3. Ginger warming oil
4. Star anise pain relief oil
5. Cold-pressed coconut oil
6. Rice water shampoo
7. Natural skincare products

These products are affordable, lightweight, and easy to pack, making them ideal souvenirs for family members.

Markets Where You Should Shop in Vietnam

Where you shop often matters as much as what you buy.

For authentic local experiences, Vietnam's markets are hard to beat.

Hanoi is known for Dong Xuan Market and the Old Quarter, where you'll find coffee, silk, spices, lacquerware, and handicrafts.

Hoi An Night Market is perfect for lanterns, custom tailoring, silk products, and local artwork.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market offers everything from souvenirs and clothing to coffee, spices, and local snacks under one roof.

If you prefer fixed prices and guaranteed authenticity, shopping malls and specialty stores provide a more relaxed experience, although prices are usually slightly higher.

Can You Bargain in Vietnam?

Absolutely, Bargaining is common in traditional markets and night markets, especially when purchasing souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, and accessories.

A good rule is to politely offer around 40–50% below the initial asking price and negotiate from there. Vendors generally expect some bargaining, so don't hesitate to negotiate respectfully.

However, avoid bargaining in supermarkets, shopping malls, branded stores, and airport duty-free shops, where prices are fixed.

Also Read: Vietnam Visa Rejected? 10 Common Mistakes That Cost Traveler’s Approval

Vietnam vs India: Is Shopping Really Cheaper?

One reason shopping is so popular among Indian travelers is the excellent value for money.

Products like coffee, silk, lacquerware, ceramics, and handcrafted décor often cost 40% to 70% less than comparable items available in India.

For example:

With careful shopping, it's possible to bring home premium-quality products while staying well within your travel budget.

Shopping Tips for Indian Travelers

A little preparation can make your shopping experience much smoother.

Carry Vietnamese Dong (VND) when visiting local markets, as many small vendors don't accept international cards. If you're buying fragile items such as ceramics or lacquerware, pack them securely in your cabin baggage whenever possible.

Always compare prices at multiple shops before making expensive purchases, especially silk and handcrafted items. Keep purchase receipts for higher value products and remember that airport duty-free stores are convenient but usually more expensive than city supermarkets.

Also Read: What to Buy in Singapore: 20 Best Souvenirs and Shopping Items

Final Thoughts

Shopping is one of the highlights of any Vietnam trip. Whether you return home with bags full of Vietnam coffee, handcrafted silk, beautiful ceramics, colourful lanterns, herbal products, or traditional handicrafts, each purchase becomes a reminder of the country's rich culture and craftsmanship.

If you're still deciding what to buy in Vietnam, focus on products that are authentic, locally made, and easy to carry. Not only will they make meaningful gifts, but they'll also let you take a small piece of Vietnam home with you.

Planning your Vietnam holiday? Visa2Fly makes your journey simpler with a hassle-free Vietnam visa application process, allowing you to spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time exploring vibrant markets, discovering hidden gems, and shopping for the best souvenirs Vietnam has to offer.

With your visa sorted and this shopping guide in hand, you're ready to experience the very best of Vietnam, one market, one bargain, and one unforgettable souvenir at a time.

Also Read: What to Buy in Thailand: 25 Best Things to Buy for Indian Travelers