Top 10 Things to Buy in Vietnam

Shopping in Vietnam blends tradition, craftsmanship, and industry. Beyond touristy trinkets, the country offers authentic, quality products that reflect its cultural richness and global production strengths.

Here's a curated list of Vietnam’s 10 best buys, each with both souvenir charm and business potential.

1. Vietnamese Coffee & Phin Filters

Vietnam’s bold Robusta coffee, brewed with a traditional phin filter, captures the country’s energy.

Tip: Choose beans from Trung Nguyen or local roasters and always grab a phin.

Business Angle: Vietnam is a top coffee exporter, ideal for sourcing beans or launching a private-label coffee line.

2. Ao Dai & Tailored Clothing

The Ao Dai symbolizes Vietnamese elegance, and cities like Hoi An offer quick, custom tailoring.

Tip: Go bespoke for the best fit and fabric.

Business Angle: Vietnam’s massive garment industry can produce full fashion collections at scale.

3. Quality Silk Products

Authentic Vietnamese silk is soft, durable, and perfect for scarves, clothing, and home decor.

Tip: Avoid fakes, shop at reputable boutiques or Van Phuc village.

Business Angle: Source premium silk textiles for fashion or interiors directly from producers.

4. Exquisite Lacquerware

Handmade lacquerware showcases meticulous craftsmanship in trays, vases, and boxes.

Tip: Look for a deep, even finish and quality materials.

Business Angle: Ideal for home goods brands seeking unique, handmade decorative items.

5. The Iconic Conical Hat (Nón Lá)

A timeless Vietnamese symbol, the Nón Lá is practical, elegant, and handcrafted.

Tip: Opt for well-woven hats with bamboo frames.

Business Angle: Tap into Vietnam’s eco-conscious handicraft sector: bamboo, rattan, and beyond.

6. Bold Art

Vibrant and historically rich, propaganda posters make striking, collectible souvenirs.

Tip: Look for classic, colorful prints in galleries.

Business Angle: Highlights Vietnam’s strong graphic design and printing capabilities.

7. Aromatic Spices

From Phu Quoc pepper to Saigon cinnamon, Vietnamese spices bring bold flavors.

Tip: Choose whole spices over pre-ground for freshness.

Business Angle: Source single-origin spices directly from local producers for food brands.

8. Handcrafted Ceramics

Vietnamese pottery, especially from Bat Trang village, blends tradition with beauty.

Tip: Look for smooth glaze and hand-painted details.

Business Angle: Vietnam supplies ceramic goods to global retailers, ideal for scaling production.

9. Intricate Hand-Embroidered Items

Delicate stitching on textiles like tablecloths and wall art showcases fine craftsmanship.

Tip: Examine the stitching quality and fabric.

Business Angle: Leverage Vietnam’s embroidery skills for fashion or homeware products.

10. Craft Chocolate

Brands like Marou craft award-winning, single-origin chocolate from local cacao beans.

Tip: Try region-specific bars in signature packaging.

Business Angle: A model for sourcing premium ingredients and launching gourmet food products.

This framework offers a strategic overview of Vietnam’s top souvenirs, each with potential far beyond the gift shop.

For those who prefer a detailed read, the original article on A Guide to the 10 Best Things to Buy in Vietnam by VALO Vietnam offers an excellent starting point.