Best Things To Buy In Vietnam: Shopping Guide for 2026
Vietnam has emerged as a shopping paradise for travellers worldwide. Its vibrant markets, skilled artisans, and remarkable value for money have made it increasingly popular among GCC nationals, Indian visitors, and European tourists alike. The country's unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design creates an irresistible shopping landscape for those seeking authentic souvenirs and practical purchases.
Whether you're wandering through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter or exploring Ho Chi Minh City's modern shopping districts, Vietnam offers an incredible array of things to buy that showcase its rich cultural heritage and creative spirit.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best things to buy in Vietnam, from iconic traditional items to modern bargains, complete with recommendations on where to find them and how much to budget. Let's explore the famous things to buy in Vietnam that will make your shopping adventure truly memorable.
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Traditional crafts and cultural souvenirs to buy in Vietnam
Vietnamese silk products
Vietnam's silk industry dates back thousands of years, with the country producing some of the finest silk fabrics in Southeast Asia. Vietnamese silk is renowned for its exceptional quality, lustrous appearance, and durability.
When searching for good things to buy in Vietnam, silk products should top your list. The most popular silk items include:
- Scarves and shawls: Lightweight, elegant, and available in vibrant colours and patterns (150,000–500,000 VND / ₹540–1,800 / £4–14)
- Ao Dai: The traditional Vietnamese dress, tailor-made from premium silk (600,000–1,500,000 VND / ₹2,160–5,400 / £17–43)
- Home décor: Silk cushion covers, table runners, and wall hangings (200,000–800,000 VND / ₹720–2,880 / £6–23)
1 VND = ₹0.0036 / 1 GBP = 34,807 VND
Where to buy: For the best selection of silk products, visit Hang Gai Street (known as "Silk Street") in Hanoi or the silk village in Hoi An, where you can observe the entire silk-making process and purchase directly from artisans.
Read More: Best things to do in Vietnam blog.
Lacquerware
Lacquerware represents one of the most exquisite Vietnam famous things to buy. These handcrafted items combine functionality with artistic beauty, featuring intricate designs often inlaid with eggshell, mother-of-pearl, or gold leaf.
The lacquer-making process is labour-intensive, involving multiple layers of resin from the lacquer tree, careful polishing, and detailed painting.
The result is stunning pieces that make perfect souvenirs or gifts:
- Decorative boxes: Ideal for jewellery or keepsakes (200,000–2,000,000 VND / ₹720–7,200 / £5.75–57.50)
- Serving trays and bowls: Practical yet beautiful (180,000–1,500,000 VND / ₹648–5,400 / £5.17–43.10)
- Artwork and wall panels: Featuring traditional scenes or modern designs (500,000–5,000,000 VND / ₹1,800–18,000 / £14.36–143.65)
Where to buy: For authentic lacquerware, visit specialised shops in Hanoi's Old Quarter or the traditional lacquer village of Ha Thai near Hanoi. In Ho Chi Minh City, check out Minh Phuong Lacquerware Gallery for high-quality pieces.
Conical hats (Non La)
The iconic conical hat, known locally as "Non La," is perhaps the most recognisable symbol of Vietnam. These hats are not just tourist souvenirs but practical items still worn daily by many Vietnamese, especially in rural areas.
What makes these hats special:
- Handwoven from palm leaves or bamboo
- Lightweight yet durable
- Effective protection against both sun and rain
- Available in various styles, from simple everyday versions to elaborate, decorated pieces
Where to buy: The best conical hats come from traditional villages like Chuong Village near Hanoi or local markets throughout the country. For more decorative versions, check Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi or Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ethnic minority textiles and handicrafts
Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, each with distinctive textile traditions and handicrafts. These vibrant, handcrafted items are among the most authentic things to shop in Vietnam.
Popular ethnic minority crafts include:
- Hmong embroidery: Intricate, colourful patterns on indigo-dyed fabric
- Tay weaving: Complex geometric designs in cotton and silk
- Dao appliqué work: Detailed fabric pieces sewn onto garments and accessories
Best shopping locations: Sapa and the surrounding villages in Northern Vietnam offer direct access to ethnic minority crafts. In cities, visit Craftlink in Hanoi or shops specialising in ethnic minority handicrafts.
Water puppets
Water puppetry is a unique Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century. Originally performed in rice paddies during harvest festivals, today it's one of Vietnam's most beloved cultural traditions.
These colourful wooden puppets make charming souvenirs:
- Handcrafted and painted by skilled artisans
- Depicting traditional characters from Vietnamese folklore
- Available in various sizes, from miniature ornaments to display pieces
Price range: 100,000–1,000,000 VND / ₹360–3,600 / £2.90–28.75 depending on size and craftsmanship
Where to buy: The gift shops at water puppet theatres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer authentic puppets. You can also find them at craft stores in tourist areas.
Delicious edible souvenirs to buy in Vietnam
Vietnamese coffee
Vietnamese coffee ranks among the most popular things to buy in Vietnam for good reason. As the world's second-largest coffee producer, Vietnam creates distinctive, robust coffee with a unique preparation style using a phin filter.
Types of Vietnamese coffee to buy:
| Coffee type | Description | Price range (VND/₹/£) |
|---|---|---|
| Robusta Beans | Strong, bold flavour with high caffeine content | 150,000–300,000 / ₹540–1,080 / £4.30–8.60 per kg |
| Arabica Beans | Milder, more aromatic, grown in highland regions | 200,000–400,000 / ₹720–1,440 / £5.75–11.50 per kg |
| Weasel Coffee | Rare delicacy made from beans eaten and excreted by civets | 700,000–2,000,000 / ₹2,520–7,200 / £20.10–57.45 per 100g |
| Coffee Phin Filter | Traditional Vietnamese drip filter | 50,000–150,000 / ₹180–540 / £1.45–4.30 each |
Best brands: Trung Nguyen, Highlands Coffee, and regional specialities from Dalat or Buon Ma Thuot
Where to buy: Coffee shops and supermarkets throughout Vietnam offer packaged coffee. For the freshest beans, visit local markets or coffee plantations in the Central Highlands.
Fish sauce (Nước Mắm)
Fish sauce is the cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, adding depth and umami to countless dishes. High-quality fish sauce makes an authentic culinary souvenir for food enthusiasts.
What to look for:
- Premium fish sauce from Phu Quoc Island is considered the best
- First extraction ("nước mắm nhĩ") has the richest flavour
- Naturally fermented varieties without added preservatives or MSG
Price range: 50,000–300,000 VND / ₹180–1,080 / £1.45–8.60 per bottle
Where to buy: Supermarkets offer convenient packaging for travel, but local markets often have better quality. Look for bottles labelled "Phu Quoc" for premium sauce.
Spices and tea
Vietnam's diverse climate produces exceptional spices and teas that make for excellent, cheap things to buy in Vietnam:
Popular spices:
- Star anise from Lang Son province
- Cinnamon from Yen Bai
- Black cardamom from the northern mountains
- Five-spice powder for Vietnamese dishes
Vietnamese teas:
- Lotus tea (infused with lotus flower scent)
- Thai Nguyen green tea (premium quality)
- Artichoke tea (popular for its health benefits)
Price range: 30,000–200,000 VND / ₹108–720 / £0.86–5.75 for packaged spices and tea
Where to buy: Local markets offer the freshest spices, while tea shops in major cities provide high-quality loose-leaf teas with proper packaging for travel.
Dried fruits and candies
Vietnamese preserved fruits and traditional sweets make delightful things to buy in Vietnam for those with a sweet tooth:
- Dried mango, jackfruit, and lotus seeds: Perfect snacks with distinct flavours
- Coconut candy from Ben Tre: Chewy treats made with fresh coconut milk
- Ginger candy: Sweet, spicy confection popular throughout Vietnam
Price range: 50,000–150,000 VND / ₹180–540 / £1.45–4.30 per package
Where to buy: Local markets and speciality sweet shops offer the best selection. Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City has numerous stalls selling packaged sweets.
Modern bargains and electronics to buy in Vietnam
Electronics and gadgets
Vietnam has become a significant player in electronics manufacturing, creating opportunities to find cheap things to buy in Vietnam in the tech category.
Electronics shopping tips:
- Compare prices across multiple stores before purchasing
- Check warranty coverage (local vs. international)
- Confirm compatibility with your home country's systems
- Look for authentic products with proper packaging and documentation
Popular electronics shopping destinations:
- Hanoi Electronics at 139 Nguyen Du Street, Hanoi
- Saigon Centre, Ho Chi Minh City
- Ben Thanh Electronics Market, Ho Chi Minh City
Mobile phone accessories
Vietnam offers an impressive range of mobile accessories at prices significantly lower than Western markets:
- Premium phone cases (50,000–300,000 VND / ₹180–1,080 / £1.45–8.62)
- Wireless earbuds (200,000–1,200,000 VND / ₹720–4,320 / £5.75–34.50)
- Power banks (150,000–800,000 VND / ₹540–2,880 / £4.31–22.99)
- Screen protectors (30,000–200,000 VND / ₹108–720 / £0.86–5.75)
Prices are approximate and based on exchange rates as of early 2026. Check current rates before your trip.
Where to buy: Electronics shops in major cities and shopping malls offer reliable products with warranties. Street vendors and markets may have lower prices but potentially lower quality.
Fashion and clothing
Vietnam's emerging fashion scene combines traditional influences with contemporary design at attractive prices:
- Ready-to-wear clothing: Local brands offer unique designs with quality materials
- Custom-made garments: Get clothing tailored to your specifications in just 24-48 hours
- Streetwear and casual fashion: Trendy items at a fraction of Western prices
Price range: 100,000–1,000,000 VND / ₹360–3,600 / £2.90–28.75 for quality garments
(Prices in INR and GBP are approximate based on exchange rates as of early 2026. Check current rates before your trip.)
Best places for fashion shopping:
- Hoi An for custom-tailored clothes
- Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi for affordable fashion
- Saigon Square in Ho Chi Minh City for trendy items
Unique and exotic souvenirs to buy in Vietnam
Snake Wine
For the adventurous shopper, snake wine represents one of the more unusual things to buy in Vietnam. This traditional alcoholic beverage consists of entire snakes preserved in rice wine or grain alcohol.
What to know:
- Believed to have medicinal properties in traditional Vietnamese medicine
- Available in various forms, from small souvenir bottles to large decorative jars
- Contains actual venomous snakes (rendered harmless by the alcohol)
Price range: 200,000–500,000 VND / ₹720–1,800 / £5.75–14.37 for souvenir bottles
Where to buy: Speciality liquor stores and some markets sell snake wine. Before purchasing, check your home country's customs regulations, as some nations restrict the import of animal products.
Propaganda posters
Vietnam's distinctive propaganda art style has become increasingly popular with collectors and art enthusiasts. These posters feature bold colours, dynamic compositions, and powerful messages reflecting Vietnam's history.
Types of posters:
- Vintage originals (rare and expensive)
- High-quality reproductions of historical designs
- Contemporary posters inspired by traditional styles
Price range: 150,000–3,000,000 VND / ₹540–10,800 / £4.30–86 depending on authenticity and condition
Where to buy: Specialised art galleries in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer the best selection, with proper documentation for vintage pieces.
Where to shop in Vietnam
Traditional markets
Vietnam's vibrant markets offer an authentic shopping experience and are the best places to find many Vietnam famous things to buy:
Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
- One of Vietnam's oldest and largest markets
- Offers everything from food and spices to textiles and souvenirs
- Known for its lively atmosphere and wide selection
Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi)
- The largest covered market in Hanoi
- Four floors of stalls selling clothing, housewares, and handicrafts
- Great for textiles and traditional items
Hoi An Ancient Town Markets
- Night Market with beautiful lanterns and handicrafts
- Central Market for textiles, tailoring, and food items
- Perfect for authentic handmade souvenirs
Shopping malls and department stores
For a more contemporary shopping experience:
- Vincom Centre (multiple locations): Modern mall with international and domestic brands
- Saigon Centre (Ho Chi Minh City): Premium shopping with luxury labels
- Trang Tien Plaza (Hanoi): High-end shopping destination
Speciality streets and craft villages
Vietnam has a tradition of specialised streets and villages dedicated to specific crafts:
- Hang Gai Street (Hanoi): Known for silk products
- Bat Trang Village (near Hanoi): Famous for ceramics and pottery
- Van Phuc Silk Village (near Hanoi): Traditional silk production
- Hoi An Ancient Town: Renowned for tailor shops and custom clothing
Shopping tips and etiquette for Vietnam
Bargaining strategies
Bargaining is an expected part of shopping in Vietnam, especially in markets and small shops:
- Start by offering 40-50% of the initial asking price
- Bargain with a smile and maintain a friendly attitude
- Be prepared to walk away if you can't reach an acceptable price
- Remember that the final price should feel fair to both you and the seller
Payment methods
- Cash is king in traditional markets and small shops (Vietnamese Dong)
- Major credit cards are accepted in department stores and high-end boutiques
- ATMs are widely available in urban areas
- Consider carrying small denominations for easier transactions
Shipping options
For larger purchases or bulky items:
- Most hotels can arrange shipping services for guests
- International shipping companies have offices in major cities
- Vietnam Post offers reliable and affordable shipping options
- Ask for proper packaging to protect delicate items
Final thoughts
Vietnam offers an extraordinary shopping experience, from traditional handicrafts showcasing centuries of artisanal expertise to modern goods at competitive prices. The best things to buy in Vietnam combine authentic cultural significance with practical value, creating meaningful souvenirs that will remind you of your Vietnamese adventure long after you've returned home.
Whether you're searching for Vietnam's famous things to buy in bustling markets or boutique shops, the country's diverse shopping landscape ensures something for every taste and budget. By following this guide, you'll discover treasures that capture Vietnam's unique charm and heritage.
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Key Takeaways
- Vietnamese silk products offer exceptional quality at 30–50% lower prices than international markets, with Hang Gai Street in Hanoi being the premier shopping destination.
- Authentic lacquerware requires multiple layers and weeks of craftsmanship, making it a valuable souvenir with prices ranging from 180,000–5,000,000 VND (₹648–18,000 / £5.20–143.70).
- Vietnamese coffee ranks as the most purchased edible souvenir, with highland-grown beans from Dalat or Buon Ma Thuot offering superior quality and distinctive flavour.
- Bargaining is expected in markets, with a general rule of starting at 40–50% of the initial asking price — always conducted with respect and a friendly attitude.
- Snake wine and propaganda posters represent unique Vietnamese souvenirs that capture the country's distinctive culture and history, not commonly found elsewhere.
- Local markets like Ben Thanh (Ho Chi Minh City) and Dong Xuan (Hanoi) provide the most authentic shopping experiences with the widest selection of traditional goods.
- All prices are in Vietnamese Dong (VND). INR and GBP conversions are approximate, based on March 2026 exchange rates (1 VND ≈ ₹0.0036 / £0.0000287). Always check current rates before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best things to buy in Vietnam for first-time visitors?
What are the best things to buy in Vietnam for first-time visitors?
How much should I budget for shopping in Vietnam?
How much should I budget for shopping in Vietnam?
Can I bring Vietnamese food products back to my home country?
Can I bring Vietnamese food products back to my home country?
Is it safe to buy electronics in Vietnam?
Is it safe to buy electronics in Vietnam?
What's the best time of year for shopping in Vietnam?
What's the best time of year for shopping in Vietnam?
What are some unique Vietnam shopping experiences I shouldn't miss?
What are some unique Vietnam shopping experiences I shouldn't miss?
