What to buy in Vietnam for the perfect souvenir? Whether you want something culturally rich, delicious, or simply beautiful, Vietnam offers a treasure trove of affordable and authentic gifts. Let’s explore the best things to bring home from Vietnam, sorted into easy categories from fashion and food to handmade crafts
1. Aromatic Delights: Vietnamese Coffee & Tea
Vietnam’s bold flavors are not only found in its cuisine but also in its world-famous coffee and herbal teas.
1.1. Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, and coffee here is not just a drink - it’s a daily ritual and a window into local life. Bold, strong, and aromatic, Vietnamese coffee is typically brewed using a phin filter, resulting in a rich, slow-dripped beverage often served over ice with condensed milk (ca phe sua da).
Vietnamese coffee is unlike any other. Its intense flavor, high caffeine content, and smooth finish make it ideal for espresso lovers and adventurous palates alike. A bag of Vietnamese coffee also makes a meaningful, easy-to-pack souvenir that reflects the country’s agricultural pride and distinctive culinary identity.
Vietnamese coffee use a filter (or phin) for strong coffee extract (Source: Internet)
When shopping for coffee in Vietnam, consider these popular types:
Weasel Coffee (Ca phe chon): Made using beans fermented through the digestion of civets, this luxury item is prized for its smooth, chocolatey profile. It’s far more affordable in Vietnam than abroad.
Robusta Beans: Stronger and more caffeinated than Arabica, these beans have a nutty, slightly bitter flavor - perfect for those who like bold coffee.
Arabica Beans: Grown in Da Lat and Lam Dong, these are milder with fruity or floral undertones.
Instant Coffee Mixes: Convenient 3-in-1 packs (coffee, milk, sugar) from brands like G7 are great gifts for friends.
Where to buy:
Trung Nguyen Legend Café: The most iconic Vietnamese brand with a wide variety of blends.
Highlands Coffee: Local chain with packaged beans and single-serve options.
La Viet Coffee (Da Lat): A third-wave coffee brand focusing on sustainable, fair trade production.
Capella Coffee Roasters (Hanoi): Known for specialty Arabica and high-quality blends.
Local Markets & Supermarkets: Good for lower-cost or regional brands.
Price range: For regular Robusta/Arabica beans, price starts from VND 120,000 - 300,000 (USD 5 - 13) per 250g. Weasel coffee is usually more expensive, but still cheaper comparing to other places, from VND 500,000 (USD 22) per 100g and upwards, depending on authenticity
Tips for buying:
Check roast date for freshness. Medium and dark roasts are ideal for traditional Vietnamese brewing.
If you have a grinder, buy whole beans. If not, ask to grind them at the shop.
For authenticity, especially with weasel coffee, buy from reputable brands or certified shops.
1.2. Fragrant Vietnamese Tea & Herbal Products
Tea culture in Vietnam is as ancient as it is diverse. From sipping fresh lotus tea beside West Lake to brewing herbal infusions in the highlands, Vietnam’s teas reflect its geography, climate, and centuries-old traditions.
Vietnamese teas are not only delicious but deeply connected to the country's spiritual and cultural roots. Their lightness, floral notes, and natural health benefits make them popular gifts for tea lovers and wellness seekers alike.
Here are some must-try varieties:
Green Tea (Tra xanh): Especially from Thai Nguyen or Moc Chau. Light, grassy, and astringent with high antioxidant content.
Lotus Tea (Tra sen): Delicate green tea infused with the scent of lotus flowers, traditionally stored overnight inside lotus blossoms. A Hanoi specialty.
Jasmine Tea (Tra nhai): Floral and soothing, great for winding down after a long day.
Artichoke Tea: Originates from Da Lat, known for its detoxifying properties.
Lemongrass, cinnamon, ginger, or pandan blends: Common herbal infusions that aid digestion and calm the mind.
The most popular Vietnamese tea is green tea (Source: Internet)
Where to buy:
Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City) & Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi): Both offer variety and are great for casual buyers.
Specialty Tea Shops in Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City: Brands like Huong Tra, Tram Tea House, or Che Thai Nguyen provide premium products with better packaging.
Tea plantations in Moc Chau (Son La), Thai Nguyen, Bao Loc (Lam Dong): Ideal for in-depth tea tasting and purchasing directly from growers.
Price range: Depending on the types of tea, here are the price references:
Loose-leaf teas: VND 50,000 - 250,000 (USD 2 - 11) per 100 grams
Premium lotus or jasmine teas: VND 300,000 - 500,000 (USD 13 - 22) per box or canister
Herbal blends: Often cheaper, starting at VND 30,000 (USD 1.30)
Tips for buying:
Always smell the tea: Fresh tea should have a strong, clean scent.
Ask for vacuum-sealed packaging for better preservation when traveling.
If you’re shopping for lotus or jasmine tea, ask whether the scenting process was natural or artificial - premium teas are scented naturally and are more expensive but higher in quality.
2. Iconic Fashion & Textiles For A Piece of Vietnam
Vietnam’s fashion heritage is a fusion of elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural symbolism. If you're looking to bring home a wearable memory, start with these beloved styles.
2.1. The Elegant Ao Dai: Vietnam's National Symbol
Few garments in the world embody a country’s spirit as completely as the Ao Dai. Worn for both formal occasions and modern celebrations, the Ao Dai reflects Vietnamese femininity, poise, and tradition.
The Ao Dai makes for a meaningful and wearable souvenir. It's a showstopper at cultural events, and also makes a unique gift for loved ones. It can be tailored to fit perfectly and personalized in terms of fabric, color, and embroidery.
2.2. Cotton fabric handicraft products
In recent years, both domestic and international tourists have shown a growing interest in community-based tourism experiences at social enterprises, workshops producing handicrafts, and businesses utilizing natural, traditional materials that reflect regional cultural identity. Moreover, tourists participating in this type of tourism can experience a sense of human connection as they immerse themselves in the lives and work of people with disabilities or those who are disadvantaged in society.
Where to find it:
Kymviet's Craft Products Catalogue
KYMVIET is a social enterprise specializing in manufacturing and supplying Handmade products: ✔️ Stuffed animals, ✔️ Stuffed gifts, ✔️ Mascots, ✔️ Travel gifts, ✔️ Craft souvenirs are made of cotton fabric created by disabled artisans containing meticulousness, sophistication, and traditional Vietnamese cultural identity.
Hotline : + 84 98 408 9990
Email : info@kymviet.com.vn
Add : 123 Trung Văn, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội
