Every country offers unique items that visitors can purchase as keepsakes. Vietnam is no exception. Your journey through Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without bringing back a little something to remind you of this dynamic South Asian nation. If you’re looking for the perfect Vietnam souvenirs, be sure to check out our guide featuring 16 lightweight and budget-friendly Vietnam souvenirs that you definitely want to bring home!
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16 Lightweight and Affordable Vietnam Souvenirs
1. Conical Hat (Nón Lá)
Referred to locally as Nón Lá, the classic conical hat is undeniably Vietnam’s most iconic symbol. With a history spanning 3,000 years, it becomes a unique and meaningful souvenir from the country, originating from a legend intertwined with Vietnam’s rice-growing culture.
Crafted through handweaving using palm or bamboo leaves, it is both lightweight and durable, offering protection from the rain or sun.
2. Ao Dai
The Ao Dai, Vietnam’s national costume, is so well-known that its name has even found a place in the English-language dictionary. It combines an elegant, form-fitting dress with stylish trousers, making it a standout feature in Vietnamese fashion that gracefully blends traditional and contemporary styles.
Symbolizing the inherent feminine beauty of Vietnam, the Ao Dai is easily accessible, as it can be found in numerous stores across the country, either as a personal wardrobe addition or a thoughtful gift. It’s one of the best souvenirs to buy in Hoi An.
3. Lantern
Lanterns are a special feature of Hoi An Ancient Town. When you visit, you’ll be impressed by the beauty of lanterns hanging in front of almost every house, symbolizing good luck, health, and happiness.
What sets Hoi An lanterns apart is their unique design and lasting quality. Typically crafted from brocade or silk, these lanterns come in various shapes such as circles and diamonds.
4. Tea
Tea is a beloved drink among people of all ages in Vietnam, holding a meaningful role in the country’s culture.
Traditionally, there are three main tea varieties: green tea, black tea, and scented tea. While scented teas are popular among young people, green and black teas are esteemed for their perceived unique and pure taste, seamlessly blending both sweetness and bitterness.
5. Guoc Moc
Also referred to as wooden clogs, Guoc Moc serves as traditional Vietnamese footwear suitable for both men and women. Similar to Non La or Ao Dai, Guoc Moc has been a part of Vietnamese culture for thousands of years. This style of traditional footwear is well-suited for the humid and hot weather typical of a tropical country like Vietnam. To enhance their appeal, women often pair these wooden clogs with the traditional Ao Dai.
6. Green Rice (Cốm Xanh)
Cốm Xanh stands as a traditional specialty originating from Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi. This delicacy involves freshly harvested glutinous rice, carefully baked to achieve its delicate flavor. Typically wrapped in banana leaves, it acquires a distinct green color.
Cốm Xanh can be consumed on its own or used as an ingredient in related dishes such as ice cream or soup. During the autumn season in Hanoi, this super-fresh dish is readily available from vendors along many streets.
7. O Mai
O Mai is made from fresh fruits like plum, lime, peach, star fruit, and pineapple. The selected fruits undergo a spicing and drying process, enhanced with additional spices, resulting in a diverse array of flavors – sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Its portability, high quality, and unique culinary experience make it a great gift to bring back from your travels.
8. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are commonly chosen as beloved souvenirs in Vietnam. Among these, the bamboo flute and erhu are particularly popular selections, often crafted by hand for easy handling. These instruments enjoy widespread use, and finding a musical instrument store in Vietnam is very convenient.
9. Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its unique drip preparation method. Going beyond the common use of condensed milk, the Vietnamese often enhance their robust coffee by adding an egg. For coffee enthusiasts, considering Vietnamese coffee as a souvenir is a great idea.
10. Embroidery Products
Vietnam is renowned for its exquisite embroidery craftsmanship, offering an array of products such as embroidered bags, clothing, nightgowns, scarves, blankets, tablecloths, wallets, bed sheets, pillowcases, and more. When exploring Hanoi, you’ll find a diverse selection of these products, each varying in quality and price.
11. Ethnic Handicrafts
Ethnic handicrafts are a distinctive form of art created by minority groups in Vietnam. Each group showcases its unique culture through patterns and clothing styles. Among the sought-after items are textiles, paintings, clothing articles, scarves, bags, and even furniture. These one-of-a-kind and remarkable products make for excellent travel gifts.
12. Hand Fan
In the past, the Vietnamese used hand fans in their homes to stay cool during hot and humid summer days. Nowadays, these colorful handheld items are not only practical for cooling but also serve as integral accessories in various traditional Vietnamese dances.
13. Herbs and Spices
The majority of Vietnamese cuisine is distinguished by its rich use of herbs and spices, making it a perfect and thoughtful gift for food enthusiasts back home. Internationally renowned, Vietnamese culinary offerings are celebrated for their impeccable balance, enticing aromas, delightful textures, and the infusion of fresh, vibrant flavors.
14. Bamboo Products
Bamboo holds a vital place in both the cultural and daily life of the Vietnamese people. As a result, bamboo and its various products are prevalent in the local lifestyle and serve as noteworthy souvenirs to bring home. Among the typical bamboo items are baskets, bowls, straws, hats, decorations, chopsticks, and even furniture.
15. Silk Products
Vietnamese silk is well-known for its radiant sheen and continues to be crafted using traditional handlooms. In Vietnam, you can discover exquisite silk scarves designed for both men and women. Historically reserved for royalty and the upper class, silk is intricately used in making the Ao Dai, a traditional costume.
16. Coconut Candy
Originating from the coconut-rich Ben Tre province, coconut candy stands out as a delectable local specialty. With flavors ranging from original to durian and chocolate, this candy is not only known for its delightful taste but also for the thin, edible rice shell that encases it.
Undoubtedly, coconut candy makes an excellent gift for friends, family members, or anyone with a sweet tooth.