Every trip back to Vietnam, I promise to pack light—then the markets lure me in.
Dried mango, bold coffee, handmade treats… here are my top 20 souvenirs (mostly food, of course) that truly capture Vietnam’s soul and make perfect gifts abroad.
- Vietnamese Souvenirs: Local Tips
- 1. Coffee
- 2. Tea
- 3. Chocolate
- 4. Dried Fruit Chips
- 5. Dried Tropical Fruits
- 6. Peppers & Spices
- 7. Bò Khô (Beef Jerky)
- 8. Nuts & Seeds
- 9. Cooking Sauces
- 10. Cốm & Its Creations (Young Green Sticky Rice)
- 11. Bánh Đậu Xanh (Mungbean Cake)
- 12. Ô Mai
- 13. Hoian Coconut Crackers
- 14. Bánh Pía (Teochew "Pia" Pastry)
- 15. Tailored Clothes in Hoi An Ancient Town
- 16. Tranh Đông Hồ (Đông Hồ Paintings)
- 17. Thổ Cẩm (Tribal Textile)
- 18. Áo Dài and Nón Lá
- 19. Water Puppets
- 20. Other Handicrafts & Unique Finds
Vietnamese Souvenirs: Local Tips
Everyday food goodies—coffee, tea, spices, sauces—are easy to pick up at local supermarkets.
For high-quality or specialty treats like single-origin coffee, tree-to-bar chocolate, or traditional snacks such as Ô Mai, Bánh Cốm, and Bánh Pía, head to dedicated stores in big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
For handmade and artisanal treasures, bargain like a pro: the first price is never final. Start low, stay cool, maybe even walk away—and when they meet you halfway, you’ve scored a deal.
1. Coffee
French in origin, but pure Vietnamese in spirit—that’s our coffee story.
From the iconic Vietnamese iced coffee to the silky Egg Coffee, nostalgic Bac Xiu, and even the daring Salted Coffee, skipping these drinks in Vietnam is unthinkable.
For souvenirs, Vietnamese coffee + a phin filter is a no-brainer. Bold Robusta, smooth Arabica, instant or ground—there’s a blend for everyone, even that friend who swears they “don’t like strong coffee.”
Curious which brands to pick up? I’ve rounded up all the must-try Vietnamese coffee brands—from everyday favorites to gourmet gems—in my full Vietnamese coffee guide.
2. Tea
If coffee is Vietnam’s heartbeat, tea is its quiet soul.
Vietnam ranks among the world’s top tea exporters, offering everything from everyday black, green, and oolong to floral delights like trà nhài (jasmine), trà hoa cúc (chamomile), and the crown jewel: trà sen (lotus tea) and trà San Tuyết (Snow Mountain tea).
Lotus tea is pure craftsmanship—fresh lotus petals layered with green tea leaves and scented over weeks, creating a delicate aroma that tastes like a Vietnamese summer morning.
Meanwhile, Snow Mountain Tea (Trà San Tuyết) comes from ancient tea trees, some hundreds of years old, growing wild in the high mountains of northern Vietnam.
You can find most teas in supermarkets or boutiques, and if you’re in Huế, don’t miss the famous floral-infused royal tea.
Not a caffeine fan? Vietnam’s herbal teas—artichoke, bitter melon, hibiscus—make the perfect cozy treat at home.
3. Chocolate
You might wonder, “Why bring chocolate from Vietnam when I can get Lindt or Hershey anywhere?”
Because Vietnamese chocolate is something else. Nestled on the cacao belt, our cocoa beans are rich, earthy, and slightly fruity—like tropical sunshine wrapped in silk.
Maison Marou put Vietnam on the chocolate map, and now a new wave of local artisans is crafting small-batch, high-quality bars, some even using rare “tree-to-bar” production.
If you love chocolate (or are hunting gifts), watch for gems like The Stone Hill, Tbros, or Alluvia—luxury with a true taste of Vietnam.
4. Dried Fruit Chips
If there’s one snack that never lasts a day in my suitcase, it’s mít sấy (dried jackfruit chips). Crispy, lightly sweet, and packed with flavor—way better than any boring potato chip.
And jackfruit is just the start. Sweet potato, banana, taro… Vietnam has a chip for every craving. Honestly, I usually eat half before even boarding the plane.
Vinamit is the classic go-to, but most brands are solid, so grab whichever catches your eye.
5. Dried Tropical Fruits
Vietnamese fruits are a true treat—mango, coconut, durian, mangosteen, rambutan, lychee, longan, dragon fruit, water apple, soursop… it’s like a daily fruit festival.
For souvenirs, dried tropical fruits are a no-brainer. I always pack a stash for friends in Germany—they devour them almost as fast as I do. Bonus: tasty and nutritious.
You’ll find plenty in supermarkets, L’ang Farm, or Vinamit stores. My must-haves? Dried banana, sweet potato, freeze-dried strawberries, and the ultimate—dried persimmon. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
And don’t skip the fresh fruit in street smoothies and dessert soups.
My personal favorites: creamy Vietnamese avocado smoothie, sweet chikoo shake (my weakness), adventurous durian smoothie, and the colorful Chè Thái fruit cocktail.
6. Peppers & Spices
If coffee is Vietnam’s wake-up call, pepper is the fiery soul behind our dishes. On Phú Quốc Island, pepper farms and fish sauce factories are almost as famous as the beaches.
The island offers the full spectrum: bold black, delicate white, sun-ripened, and even red peppercorns with their sweet-fruity zing.
Feeling adventurous? Try mắc khén, a wild Northwest pepper with a citrusy kick, or hạt dổi, the smoky, nutty “black gold” of the mountains. (Tip: DHfoods carries both, and they’re easy to find in supermarkets.)
For phở lovers, don’t forget the classics: black cardamom, star anise, and Saigon cinnamon. Mix your own spice blend or grab ready-made Phở spice packs for hassle-free magic at home.
7. Bò Khô (Beef Jerky)
Bò khô is hands-down one of my favorite Vietnamese snacks. Move over Western jerky—this high-protein treat is next level.
Marinated with lemongrass, annatto oil, and a touch of five-spice, it delivers that irresistible sweet-salty-spicy punch you can’t stop munching.
8. Nuts & Seeds
If you’re after vegan-friendly, healthy, and seriously addictive snacks, Vietnamese nuts and seeds are a must. Cashews and macadamias are way cheaper than in Europe, and lotus seeds? An absolute local gem.
What I love most is the flavor creativity—even humble peanuts get a twist. Forget plain salted: imagine creamy coconut, bold coffee, tangy tom yum, smoky BBQ, or fiery wasabi. Every bag is a mini snack adventure.
9. Cooking Sauces
I usually cook Vietnamese food from scratch, but when time is short—or you’ve fallen in love with our cuisine on your trip and want to recreate it at home without the hassle—local cooking sauces are a lifesaver.
They’re lightweight, travel-friendly, and taste way better than any “Vietnamese cooking sauce” you’ll find in overseas Asian markets.
From everyday meals like canh chua, ca kho, suon ram, ga kho gung to classics like pho bo, pho ga, bo kho, bun bo Hue, or bun cha, there’s always a sauce or seasoning to make your life easier.
My favorite brands:
- Barona – hotpot and phở seasonings, flavorful and super convenient.
- DHfoods – local dipping sauces and natural spices.
- Chinsu – famous for chili sauce.
- Cholimex – perfect for chili sauce and sate sauce (lemongrass chili oil).
- Vianco – curry powder and five-spice, ideal for Vietnamese chicken curry or bun thit nuong.
10. Cốm & Its Creations (Young Green Sticky Rice)
Cốm is a Northern Vietnamese autumn specialty, especially around Hanoi. These are flattened young rice grains harvested in autumn.
Its soft green color and gentle, nutty fragrance come from the young rice itself—not pandan like xôi lá dứa (pandan sticky rice).
Cốm can be enjoyed fresh, turned into chè (Vietnamese dessert soups), or bánh (Vietnamese cakes), and today it’s also a popular flavor in modern Vietnamese pastries and desserts.
It’s a must-try if you’re in Hanoi during the season. If you love mochi, sticky rice, or just trying local delicacies, don’t miss cốm—and be sure to take home some sweet treats made with it.
11. Bánh Đậu Xanh (Mungbean Cake)
Mung beans in Southeast Asia are like adzuki beans in East Asia—versatile, showing up in savory dishes, sweet treats, and fillings for snacks.
I love making homemade Vietnamese mung bean cakes Mekong Delta style back in Germany, but in Vietnam, I never skip bánh đậu xanh, a specialty from Hải Dương, a northern province near Hanoi.
These little bites are made from mung bean powder, sugar, cooking oil, and a touch of lard, giving them that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The best way to enjoy them? The classic 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 treats are preserved fruits—salted, sugared, and perfectly balanced between sweet, sour, and tangy. Think of Japan’s umeboshi, but with a distinctly Vietnamese twist and a rainbow of fruit options.
Apricot, plum, peach, tamarind, pink lemon, star fruit, kumquat, and the famous dracontomelon (sấu), Hanoi’s pride, are just a few stars in the ô mai lineup.
In Hanoi, follow your nose—and your sweet tooth—to Hàng Đường Street (“Sugar Street”), packed with ô mai shops, each daring you to try “just one more” flavor.
13. Hoian Coconut Crackers
Bánh dừa nướng (coconut crackers) are one of Hội An’s hidden gems. Made from coconut, sugar, and glutinous rice, they’re crunchy, nutty, and naturally gluten-free.
14. Bánh Pía (Teochew “Pia” Pastry)
Vietnamese cuisine isn’t just French-inspired—Southern Chinese flavors have left their mark too, giving us dishes like banh bot chien (fried rice cakes with eggs), bo bia (spring rolls with Chinese sausage), and the star here: bánh pía.
Brought by Teochew immigrants to Southern Vietnam, bánh pía is our take on the Filipino hopia. It has a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust (think puff pastry vibes) and a rich filling, often mung bean paste with the signature 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 anytime.
My personal favorite? Tân Huê Viên. They’ve been perfecting bánh pía since 1985.
15. Tailored Clothes in Hoi An Ancient Town
If you’re hunting for a non-food souvenir worth splurging on, custom clothes in Hội An should be at the top of your list. This quaint town is a dream for anyone who’s ever wished for “just my size.”
From sharp suits to flowy summer dresses—or even that Pinterest outfit you fell for at 2 a.m.—skilled tailors can turn your idea into reality in just a few days (4–5 if it’s something formal).
Bonus tip: While you’re there, don’t miss mi Quang, Hội An chicken rice, and cao lau—pure foodie heaven. 😉
16. Tranh Đông Hồ (Đông Hồ Paintings)
With over 300 years of history, Đông Hồ paintings are more than art—they’re a vibrant glimpse into Vietnam’s folk culture and daily life from generations past.
Each piece is crafted on giấy dó (dó paper), Vietnam’s answer to Japanese washi or Chinese xuan paper, made from the bark of the dó tree.
The colors? All natural: 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. A thin coat of sticky rice paste finishes the painting, adding durability and a subtle sheen.
17. Thổ Cẩm (Tribal Textile)
Venture into the misty mountains of Sapa, wind your way through Hà Giang in the north, or explore Cham villages in Ninh Thuận, Bình Thuận, and An Giang down south.
There, you’ll uncover a colorful world of Thổ Cẩm (tribal textiles)—scarves, bags, pillow covers, tiny purses—each handcrafted with love by local ethnic minority artisans.
Each piece is crafted using traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations, with patterns as unique as the cultures behind them.
These textiles aren’t just beautiful—they’re souvenirs you truly can’t find anywhere else in the world.
18. Áo Dài and Nón Lá
Nothing says “Vietnam” quite like the elegant áo dài and the iconic nón lá. These aren’t just traditional garments—they’re a piece of our cultural heartbeat.
In ancient towns like Hội An or Huế, you can try them on and instantly feel like you’ve stepped into a Vietnamese postcard. The flowing áo dài paired with a simple conical hat exudes a timeless charm that wins everyone over.
Want to take the look home? Many shops can tailor an áo dài to fit perfectly, and nón lá is easy to pick up anywhere—just as practical as it is beautiful.
19. Water Puppets
Vietnamese water puppetry is truly one-of-a-kind. The “stage” is a pool of water, where puppets glide, splash, and twirl, bringing to life stories of farmers, dragons, and village life—a charming tribute to our rice paddy culture.
Add live music from a traditional Vietnamese orchestra, and the performance feels both ancient and alive. If you’re in Hanoi, a water puppet show is an absolute must.
Falling in love with this whimsical art? Take home a handcrafted water puppet—a souvenir that’s as unique as it is full of stories.
20. Other Handicrafts & Unique Finds
Vietnam is a paradise for craft lovers!
Beyond the souvenirs I’ve already shared, you’ll discover a world of eco-friendly, handmade treasures—from carved wooden statues and delicate ceramics to luxurious silk, bamboo crafts, and all kinds of wooden creations.
One story that really touched me: a French-Egyptian tourist in Hanoi bought a traditional paper horse, a ritual item in Vietnamese culture, but had to leave it behind at Nội Bài airport.
Moved by his gesture, local Vietnamese bought another one and shipped it to him in France. Now that little paper horse travels with him from France to Egypt—a tiny but beautiful link to Vietnam.
Seeing his Instagram filled with Vietnamese souvenirs made me smile (and quietly whisper “wow”). It’s amazing how objects can create such deep connections to culture.
For your own unique finds, think outside the box: a điếu cày (Vietnamese tobacco pipe), special glasses for bia hơi (fresh beer), a nón cối (army hat), or quirky items like a Grab jacket or a sedge mat—each one tells its own little story.
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.
