Every time I return to Vietnam, I swear I won’t overpack. This time, just the essentials, I tell myself. But the moment I start wandering through local markets, all logic disappears. Suddenly, I’m hauling bags of dried mango, coffee strong enough to wake the dead, and handmade goodies that I know my friends in Germany will fight over.
If you’ve been to Vietnam, you’ve probably had the same struggle: What’s actually worth bringing home? Not the random trinkets that will collect dust, but the real gems—the things that carry a taste of Vietnam’s soul.
In this post, I’m sharing my top picks for Vietnamese souvenirs—thoughtful, unique, and guaranteed to make the best gifts abroad (if you don’t end up keeping them for yourself).
Vietnamese Souvenirs: Local Tips
Want to shop like a true local and avoid getting ripped off? First rule: don’t be shy about bargaining, especially in busy tourist spots or local markets where the first price is almost never the real price.
Start by offering about half of what they ask—yes, half! Then, channel your inner Oscar-worthy performance: feign disinterest, maybe even start walking away. If the seller calls you back with a price just a little higher than yours, congrats—you’ve nailed the sweet spot.
1. Coffee
French by origin, but 100% Vietnamese at heart—that’s our coffee story.
Over time, we’ve turned this colonial legacy into something uniquely ours, from the iconic cà phê sữa đá that keeps Saigon running, to the silky, dessert-like cà phê trứng, the nostalgic bạc xỉu, and even the daring cà phê muối. Honestly, skipping these drinks in Vietnam is like going to Italy and not eating pasta.
If you’re picking up souvenirs, Vietnamese coffee—and a trusty phin filter—is a no-brainer. Instant or ground, bold Robusta or smooth highland Arabica, there’s a blend for everyone (even that friend who claims they “don’t like strong coffee”).
Want the lowdown on which brands to buy? I’ve rounded them all up in my post on Vietnamese coffee brands—from everyday favorites to the fancy gourmet stuff.
2. Tea
If coffee is Vietnam’s heartbeat, tea is its quiet soul. Did you know Vietnam is one of the top 10 tea exporters in the world? We’re talking about a whole spectrum of teas—from everyday black, green, and oolong to the truly special floral-scented varieties like trà nhài (jasmine tea), trà hoa cúc (chamomile tea), and the queen of them all: trà sen (lotus tea).
Lotus tea isn’t just made—it’s crafted. Fresh lotus flowers are layered with green tea leaves, and the scenting process can take almost a month. The result? A delicate, floral aroma that feels like a sip of Vietnamese summer mornings.
You can easily find teas in supermarkets or tea boutiques, but if you make it to Huế, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, don’t leave without tasting the famous royal tea.
Not into caffeine? No problem. Vietnam has a whole range of herbal teas you’ll rarely find outside the country—think artichoke tea, bitter melon tea, or hibiscus tea. Perfect for cozy evenings back home.
3. Chocolate
You’re probably thinking, “Why haul chocolate back from Vietnam when I can grab a Lindt or Hershey bar at any supermarket in Europe or North America?”
Because ours is different. Vietnam sits right on the “cacao belt,” where cocoa trees live their best lives. The result? Cocoa beans bursting with unique, earthy, slightly fruity flavors that taste like tropical sunshine wrapped in silk.
Maison Marou was the pioneer that made the world notice Vietnamese chocolate. Since then, a wave of local artisans has followed, crafting small-batch, high-quality chocolate with a level of care you can actually taste. Some even go the extra mile with “tree-to-bar” production—an insanely rare process that makes up less than 1% of global chocolate.
If you’re a chocolate lover (or shopping for one), keep an eye out for homegrown gems like Maison Marou, The Stone Hill, Tbros, or Alluvia. They’re the perfect balance of luxury and local pride—and yes, they’re worth the suitcase space.
4. Dried Fruit Chips
If there’s one snack that never survives more than a day when I bring it back to Germany, it’s mít sấy (dried jackfruit chips). These things are dangerously addictive—crispy, lightly sweet, and bursting with way more flavor than any boring potato chip could dream of.
And jackfruit is just the beginning. Sweet potato chips, banana chips, taro chips… Vietnam basically has a chip for every mood. I’m not even ashamed to admit I eat half the “souvenirs” before my flight.
Vinamit is the classic brand everyone knows, but don’t stress if you find another label. Most of the brands are pretty solid, so feel free to grab whatever catches your eye.
5. Dried Tropical Fruits
One of the best parts of being in Vietnam? The tropical fruit. We’re spoiled with options—mango, coconut, durian, mangosteen, rambutan, lychee, longan, dragon fruit, water apple, soursop… it’s like a fruit festival every day.
You can snack on them fresh, but don’t skip the street stalls for smoothies and dessert soups. My personal favorites? A creamy avocado smoothie, a sweet chikoo shake (my absolute weakness), durian smoothie if you’re feeling adventurous, and the colorful Chè Thái—Vietnam’s take on a tropical fruit cocktail.
For souvenirs, dried tropical fruits are a no-brainer. I always pack a stash to share with my friends in Germany—they love them almost as much as I do. Bonus: they’re not just tasty but packed with nutrients.
You’ll find plenty of options in big supermarkets, L’ang Farm, or Vinamit stores. My must-haves? Dried banana, dried sweet potato, and the ultimate treat—dried persimmon (trust me, this one is a game-changer!).
6. Peppers & Spices
If coffee is Vietnam’s wake-up call, then pepper is what gives our dishes that fiery soul. And trust me, we take our peppers seriously—especially on Phú Quốc Island, where the pepper farms are almost as famous as the beaches.
Black pepper is the classic kick you’ll find in a steaming bowl of phở or hearty bò kho—but that’s just the start. Phú Quốc farms are pepper heaven, offering the full lineup: bold black, delicate white, sun-ripened, and even the fancy red peppercorns with their subtle, sweet-fruity zing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, grab some mắc khén—a wild pepper from the Northwest with a zingy, citrusy aroma that’s kind of like Szechuan pepper but uniquely Vietnamese. Or hunt down hạt dổi, the so-called “black gold” of our mountains, prized for its smoky, nutty flavor. (Tip: DHfoods has both, and they’re easy to find in supermarkets.)
And of course, if you’re a phở fan, stock up on the classics: black cardamom, star anise, and Saigon cinnamon. You can mix your own spice blend or grab ready-made phở spice packs that take out all the guesswork.
7. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky (bò khô) is hands-down one of my favorite snacks in Vietnam. Forget the Western-style jerky—it’s a whole different game here. Ours is marinated with lemongrass, annatto oil, and a touch of five-spice powder, giving it that irresistible sweet-salty-spicy flavor that hooks you instantly.
8. Nuts & Seeds
If you’re hunting for vegan-friendly, healthy, and downright addictive snacks, Vietnam’s nuts and seeds are a must-pack souvenir. Cashews and macadamias are way easier on the wallet here compared to Europe, and you can’t leave without trying lotus seeds—one of our true local specialties.
What I love most is how we season everything. Forget plain salted nuts—you’ll find flavors like creamy coconut milk, rich coffee, tangy tom yum, BBQ, even fiery wasabi. It’s like a snack adventure in every bag.
9. Cooking Sauces
If you’ve fallen head over heels for Vietnamese food during your trip (and who wouldn’t?), do yourself a favor—bring home some essential cooking sauces.
They’ll save you so much time when you’re craving a bowl of bún bò Huế, a smoky plate of bún chả Hà Nội, or comforting dishes like canh chua (sweet & sour soup), cá kho (caramelized fish), or even a bubbling hotpot.
Authentic Vietnamese sauces can be tricky to find abroad. As an international student in Germany, they’ve always been my secret weapon to whip up a quick taste of home.
Of course, if you’re the kind of cook who loves to make everything from scratch, I’ve got plenty of recipes waiting for you on my blog. 😉
For everyone else, supermarkets in Vietnam have all the good stuff. Here are my go-to brands:
- Barona: Their hotpot and phở seasonings are both flavorful and super convenient.
- DHfoods: A solid lineup of local dipping sauces and natural spices.
- Chinsu: My ride-or-die for chili sauce.
- Cholimex: Love them for their chili sauce and sate chili oil.
- Vianco: Their curry powder and five-spice mix are perfect for dishes like Vietnamese chicken curry or bún thịt nướng.
10. Fish Sauce
When it comes to Vietnamese fish sauce, there’s so much more than Red Boat. If you’ve got a little extra room in your luggage, I highly recommend grabbing a bottle or two of the real local stuff.
Vietnam has countless fishing villages with a deep-rooted tradition of fish sauce making, especially in central Vietnam and on Phú Quốc Island. Some of these family-owned brands have been perfecting their craft for nearly a century!
In Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận, there’s even a Fish Sauce Museum that tells the 300-year history of this golden liquid.
The crème de la crème is nước mắm nhĩ—first-pressed fish sauce—with a nitrogen level between 35 and 43 degrees. The higher the nitrogen, the richer the protein content and the deeper the umami punch. We usually save this premium fish sauce for dipping sauces like nước chấm or nước mắm gừng, while the lower-nitrogen versions are used for everyday seasoning.
The best fish sauce? The one with just two ingredients: fish and salt. (But hey, I have zero issues with MSG—Uncle Roger would approve of me. 😄)
11. Bánh Đậu Xanh (Mungbean Cake)
Mung beans are everywhere in Vietnamese cooking—whether it’s in savory dishes, sweet desserts, or even fillings for our favorite snacks.
One treat you have to try (or bring home) is bánh đậu xanh, a specialty from Hải Dương, a northern province near Hanoi. These little cakes are made with mung bean powder, sugar, cooking oil, and a touch of lard, giving them a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
They’re best enjoyed the Vietnamese way—with a steaming cup of hot tea to balance the sweetness.
12. Ô Mai
If Hanoi had a signature snack, it would be ô mai. These little gems are preserved fruits—salted, sugared, and packed with just the right balance of sweet, sour, and tangy flavors. Think Japan’s umeboshi, but with a Vietnamese twist (and way more fruit options).
Apricot, plum, peach, tamarind, pink lemon, star fruit, kumquat, and the famous dracontomelon (sấu)—the pride of Hanoi—are just some of the stars in the ô mai lineup.
When you’re in Hanoi, follow your nose (and sweet tooth) to Hàng Đường Street. It’s lined with ô mai shops, each one daring you to try “just one more” flavor.
13. Hoian Coconut Crackers
Bánh dừa nướng (coconut crackers) are one of Hội An’s little treasures. Made from coconut, sugar, and glutinous rice, they’re the perfect mix of crunchy and nutty—and yes, they just happen to be gluten-free. But let’s be real, their real charm is how dangerously addictive they are. One bite, and suddenly the whole bag is gone.
14. Bánh Pía (Teochew “Pia” Pastry)
Vietnamese cuisine isn’t just shaped by French influence—Southern Chinese flavors have also left their mark, giving us dishes like bánh bột chiên (fried rice cakes with eggs), bò bía (spring rolls with Chinese sausage), and the star of this section: bánh pía.
This pastry, brought over by Teochew immigrants in Southern Vietnam, is our version of the Filipino bakpia. It’s got a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust (think puff pastry vibes) and a rich filling, usually mung bean paste kissed with the unmistakable aroma of durian.
It’s often compared to bánh trung thu (mooncake), but unlike mooncakes, bánh pía isn’t tied to any festival—you can enjoy it all year round.
Durian fans will be in heaven with this pastry. But if durian makes you run the other way, taro or black sesame versions will happily win you over.
My forever favorite? Tân Huê Viên. They’ve been perfecting bánh pía since 1985, and honestly, nothing beats their version!
15. Tailored Clothes in Hoi An Ancient Town
If there’s one non-food souvenir you must splurge on in Hội An, it’s custom-tailored clothes. This charming little town is basically the mecca for turning “I wish I had this in my size” into reality.
Whether you’re dreaming of a sharp suit, a flowy summer dress, or something you saw on Pinterest at 2 a.m., the tailors here can whip it up perfectly fitted in just a few days (4–5 if you’re going all out with something formal).
The quality is impressive, the craftsmanship is detailed, and the price tags? Let’s just say they’re laughably low compared to Western boutiques.
P/S: Don’t leave Hội An without eating mì quảng, Hội An chicken rice, and cao lầu. (Your taste buds will thank you.) 😉
16. Đông Hồ Paintings (Tranh Đông Hồ)
With over 300 years of history, Đông Hồ paintings are more than just art—they’re a colorful window into Vietnam’s folk culture and the everyday lives of people from generations past.
Each painting is made on giấy dó (dzo paper), crafted from the bark of the dó tree, and painted with a palette of completely natural colors: black from burnt bamboo leaves, green from cajuput leaves, blue from copper rust, amber from pine resin, and a soft white from crushed eggshells mixed with paste. To finish, the painting gets a thin coat of sticky rice paste, making it durable and giving it a lovely sheen.
If you’re looking for a meaningful souvenir, Đông Hồ paintings are like taking home a little piece of Vietnam’s soul.
17. Tribal Textile
When you make your way up to the misty mountains of Sapa or the winding Hà Giang loop, you’ll see vibrant textiles everywhere—scarves, bags, pillow covers, little purses—all handmade by ethnic minority artisans.
Each piece is crafted with traditional weaving techniques passed down for generations, and the patterns are as unique as the cultures behind them. These textiles aren’t just beautiful souvenirs; they’re the kind of keepsakes you simply can’t find outside Vietnam.
18. Áo Dài and Nón Lá
Nothing says “Vietnam” quite like the graceful áo dài and the iconic nón lá. These aren’t just traditional outfits—they’re part of our cultural heartbeat.
In places like Hội An or Huế, you can actually try them on and feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Vietnamese postcard. The flowy áo dài paired with a simple conical hat has this timeless charm that just wins everyone over.
If you can’t resist taking the look home (and I don’t blame you), there are plenty of shops that will tailor an áo dài to fit you like a dream. As for the nón lá, it’s easy to grab one anywhere in Vietnam—and yes, they’re just as practical as they are pretty.
19. Water Puppets
Water puppetry in Vietnam is unlike anything you’ve seen before. The stage is literally a pool of water, where puppets glide, splash, and spin, bringing to life stories of farmers, dragons, and village life—a beautiful nod to our rice paddy culture.
The magic is amplified by live music from a traditional Vietnamese orchestra, making the whole show feel both ancient and alive. If you’re in Hanoi, catching a water puppet performance is a must.
And if you fall in love with this quirky, beautiful art form, bring home a handcrafted water puppet. It’s the kind of souvenir that sparks conversations and memories.
20. Other Handicraft Items & More
Vietnam is a dreamland for craft lovers! Beyond all the souvenirs I’ve already mentioned, you’ll find a treasure trove of eco-friendly and handmade gems—from carved wooden statues and elegant ceramics to luxurious silk, bamboo crafts, and all kinds of wooden creations.
Recently, I came across a story that truly touched me. A French-Egyptian tourist in Hanoi bought a paper horse, a traditional ritual item in Vietnamese culture, hoping to bring it home. But for various reasons, he had to leave it behind at Nội Bài airport.
The story made its way online, and Vietnamese locals, moved by his gesture, bought another paper horse and shipped it all the way to France. Now, this little paper horse travels with him from France to Egypt—a small but beautiful connection to Vietnam’s culture.
When I saw his Instagram post filled with Vietnamese souvenirs, I couldn’t help but smile (and maybe whisper a little “wow”). It’s incredible to see how deeply someone can connect to our culture through the things they bring back.
Think outside the box with your souvenirs—bánh cốm (young green rice mochi, though it has a short shelf life), a điếu cày (Vietnamese tobacco pipe), special glasses for bia hơi (Vietnamese fresh beer), a nón cối (Vietnamese army hat), or even something quirky like a sedge mat or sedge pillow.
Here are my recommendations for the Vietnamese souvenirs and local gifts that are worth buying during your trip to Vietnam.
Save or pin this fantastic guide so you always know where to find it. If you have any questions about Vietnamese cooking, travel or culture, just feel free to ask—I’m more than happy to help you.
