10 Unique Vietnamese Souvenirs Beyond the Conical Hat

So you’re wrapping up your Vietnam adventure and brainstorming gifts for friends and family? Forget the cliché keychains and nón lá (conical hats) – we’ve got a fun, authentic souvenir guide for you. Picture yourself, pen in hand at the last minute, weaving through Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Saigon’s markets, on a mission to find gifts as memorable as your trip. 

We’ve curated 10 offbeat, family-friendly Vietnamese souvenirs – from artisanal chocolate to mini board games – with Why, What, and Where info for each. Think of it as a shopping list from a fellow traveler who’s been there, done that.

1. Artisanal Vietnamese Chocolate

Why: Believe it or not, Vietnam is making waves in the chocolate world. Local travelers rave that Vietnamese craft chocolate can be “one of the best chocolates I’ve ever tasted” – “a haven for chocolate lovers,” as one happily discovered. In fact, one TripAdvisor reviewer gushed that a Saigon chocolate shop was “one of the best kept secrets of Vietnam,” where the artisans treat the cacao “like fine wine”. In short, this is not your grocery-store candy bar – it’s a gourmet gift that screams novelty.

Think bean-to-bar chocolate made from single-origin Vietnamese cacao. You’ll find flavors like ginger-lime, coconut-pepper, or dark chocolate with roasted coffee beans. Many shops also sell spreads, cacao nibs, and hot chocolate kits.

💡Fun fact: Most beans are grown in Vietnam’s Central Highlands — meaning every bite carries a little taste of coffee country.

Where:

• Maison Marou (Hanoi: 91A Thợ Nhuộm Street | Saigon: 167–169 Calmette Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1) – An Iconic brand with stylish cafes and dreamy chocolate.
• Vietnam Chocolate House (Saigon: 281 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1): A cafe-and-shop praised for its “gorgeous artisan chocolates” and endless free samples
• Pheva Chocolate (Hanoi Old Quarter - 8 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem District ): Beloved by locals for high-quality bars.

Pick up a bar… or go all in with a gift box of chocolate-covered coffee beans. You will be tempted to keep it for yourself.

2. Hand-Embroidered Linens & Accessories

Vietnamese embroidery is a story in every stitch. Tourists often end up mesmerized by richly embroidered textiles – pillows, tablecloths, even clothing – featuring scenes of pagodas, lotus ponds, or traditional patterns. Vietnam is famous for “beautiful hand-embroidered items like quilts, pillowcases, tablecloths… with intricate, hand-stitched designs”. 

These aren’t your everyday cheap machine prints; they’re lovingly crafted by artisans, so buyers feel like they’re giving a piece of Vietnamese folk art. 

Think linen or silk products embroidered with traditional motifs. That could be table runners, placemats, cushions, or even embroidered scarves and handbags. For example, you might find a delicate silk shawl hand-stitched with lotus blossoms, or a cotton apron embroidered with scenic water-buffalo imagery. 

The old textile villages (like Van Phuc near Hanoi) have a centuries-old tradition of silk weaving and embroidery, so many of these souvenirs carry that legacy. They’re surprisingly lightweight and practical – imagine grandma’s quilt skill meets Vietnamese style! As one travel guide notes, these embroidered linens are “truly a memorable memento” to showcase Vietnam’s artistry.

Where:

In Hanoi, the go-to boutique is Tan My Design (Hang Gai St) – four generations strong since 1969 – which “preserves traditional handicrafts” and sells “beautiful hand-embroidered fashion and home linens”. (Their website is a treasure trove of photos if you want a preview.) You’ll also find stalls on Hang Gai Street and shops in the Old Quarter filled with embroidered quilts and scarves. 

In Saigon, look for similar goods at Ben Thanh Market or Tan Dinh Market – vendors there often have embroidered table linens and dresses. Also, multi-brand handicraft shops like Hand-Embroidered Linens (71 Dong Khoi St., District 1) and concept stores often stock embroidered bags and linens. Tip: If you see a “Vintage Silk Embroidery” label, it likely came from skilled rural hands, making it even more special.

3. Vietnamese Herbal Wellness Products

Who says souvenirs have to be all frills? Herbal products celebrate Vietnam’s folk medicine tradition. Locals often tout these for being “natural” and uniquely Vietnamese. For instance, travel experts list herbal medicines and balms among “the best things to buy in Vietnam” because they cure ailments “naturally… from local plants and herbs.” 

Many visitors love gifting the iconic Golden Star Balm (Cao Sao Vàng) – that little jar of medicated ointment beloved by families 

“having a stuffy nose? Take a sniff. Having a bruise? Take a rub,” as one Vietnamese blogger fondly recalled. 

It’s like sharing a pinch of grandma’s home remedy. Plus, it’s small, light, and great for jet lag or any sniffles on the way home.

This category includes everything from essential oils and aromatic balms to herbal teas and poultices. Expect items like 

• Lemongrass oil (for massage or scents), 
• Ginger or artichoke tea (Vietnam has a roselle and artichoke tea tradition), 
• Turmeric soap, or pills made from traditional plants (nghệ tươi, gừng, sen, etc.).
• The Golden Star Balm (with eucalyptus and menthol) is a must-mention – it’s literally Vietnam in a tin. 

You could also grab a box of dried herbal tea blends (some are marketed as “sleepy time” or health teas) or even snake wine/cordyceps wine from street shops (though only for the brave!). Collectively, these are fun, “health-conscious” gifts that say “take care” in a Vietnamese way.

Where: 

These products are sold in every city, but the most famous spots are the medical streets. In Hanoi, wander around the “Medicine Street” area (Bát Đàn/Phùng Hưng in the Old Quarter) and the huge Đồng Xuân Market – you’ll see shops brimming with dried herbs, teas, and balms. 

In Saigon, head to Hai Thương Lãn Ông Street (District 5), known for herbal clinics and shops. There you can buy Golden Star Balm, herbal ointments, or sit down in a tiny shop and sample herbal teas while you shop. 

💡Travel tip: feel the herbs or smell the balms in advance; they really pack aroma. Many pharmacies and even souvenir stands carry tea packs labeled “Vietnamese herbal tea,” but the street shops above have the authentic stuff and friendly advice.

 

4. Bamboo and Coconut Kitchenware

Sustainable souvenirs that won’t break at home? Yes please! 

Bamboo and coconut crafts are eco-friendly and fully Vietnamese. Bamboo, in particular, is a national symbol of ingenuity. A Vietnamese guide enthuses that craftsmen have turned bamboo into everything from “bamboo cups, notebooks, pens” to tableware – all “meticulously crafted” and with the strength to last the airplane's rough-housing. 

It’s practical and organic, plus it feels exotic to someone used to plastic. Coconut is similar: the husk gets cleaned and lacquered into bowls, spoons, or trivets – a tiny tropical reminder of your trip every time someone eats cereal. Picture bamboo spatulas, chopsticks, cutting boards, and coconut shell bowls.

At Vietnamese markets, you might find sets of bamboo steamers or even colorful bamboo tiffin carriers. Some shops also sell coconut-handled knives or etched coconut spoons. There are fun novelty items too: bamboo toothbrushes or drinking straws (you’ll see lots of eco-tourists digging these up). The key is that every piece feels handmade – you can see the grain of the wood or coconut fiber. Think of it as sending a bit of Vietnam’s kitchen to their kitchen. And yes, it’s surprisingly sturdy!

Where:

In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, check craft boutiques and grocery stores. Chains like CHUS (in various malls) stock bamboo kitchen tools and coconut décor. (We couldn’t find a blog review for bamboo ware, but local craft shops mention that “bamboo is iconic” and used for cups, notebooks, etc.) 

In Ho Chi Minh City, look near Ben Thanh Market or in lifestyle stores in District 1 for bamboo dinnerware sets. Some gift shops along Đồng Khởi or in malls also carry bamboo/coconut items. If you have time, the villages of Đại Hùng (near HCMC airport) or Mai Hịch (near Hanoi) specialize in bamboo weaving – but that’s an extra trip. Otherwise, even supermarkets like Lotte Mart or Annam Gourmet sell nice kitchen gadgets made from bamboo or coconut.

 

5. Ethnic-Minority Handicrafts

Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups produce beautiful handicrafts that many travelers can’t resist. These items are authentic (often fair-trade) and tell a story of far-off villages. For example, Craft Link in Hanoi is a shop dedicated to goods “made by ethnic minority communities across Vietnam,” selling “embroidered textiles, handmade bags, and home decor”. 

In other words, you’re supporting artisans from the highlands and the Mekong Delta. They’re genuine and eye-catching: imagine a vibrant H’Mông-embroidered coin purse or a handwoven Muong scarf. Every time your family uses it, they’ll be reminded of Vietnam’s cultural tapestry.

Expect folk-inspired products: colorful embroidered purses, coin pouches, belts, and skirts (often by H’Mông or Dao artists), as well as woven hill-tribe fabrics turned into scarves or cushion covers. Some groups also make lacquered wooden toys, silver jewelry, or coiled bamboo baskets in ethnic patterns. It’s the sort of gift that looks handmade and endlessly interesting, perfect for the friend who loves world cultures or boho-chic style.

Where:

In Hanoi, stop by Craft Link (51 Van Mieu St) or the Indigo Store (33A Van Mieu) – both are famous for fair-trade handicrafts from the hill tribes. They stock embroidered bags, batik, and woven cloth.

In Saigon, these goods are rarer but still present: look for ethical boutiques like Saigon Craft House. You can also find some ethnic craft stalls at Đồng Xuân Market in Hanoi or An Dong Market. Even bigger tourist markets sometimes have a section for tribal goods (though quality varies).

As a bonus, shops like Craft Link often let you meet the artisans or see their photos – a fun way to connect gift and culture.

 

6. Artisanal Fish Sauce or Gourmet Salt Sets

Why: Call it quirky or culinary genius, but nuoc mam (fish sauce) is literally the taste of Vietnam. It’s the “liquid gold” of Vietnamese cuisine. In practice, it means your family will (endearingly) think of you every time they drizzle it on salads or dip their spring rolls.

Plus, Phu Quoc and Phan Thiet (famous fishing islands) bottle the best stuff, which collectors often hunt down. The souvenir angle? You can gift a fancy fish-sauce gift set (sometimes paired with salted caramel chocolate, yes, it exists) or a trio of flavored salts, giving a savory-obsessed friend the umami of Vietnam.

Find pre-packed glass bottles of premium fish sauce – pale to dark amber – often from brands like Phú Quốc, Nam Ngu, or Red Boat. Some kits include different varieties (light and aged dark), and even flavored salts (coconut salt from Binh Thuan or spice-blended sea salts).

The packaging can be beautiful: small crates or bamboo-wrapped gift boxes. Fish sauce “has a long history” and a “robust, savory depth” after months of fermentation. If salt sets are included, they might be varieties like sea salt with lotus or chili.

These are definitely for the foodie relatives – but hey, giving cooking fans a taste of Vietnam’s mâ̆́n is memorable.

Where:

You can find these at gourmet shops or the famed coastal sources. For example, Phu Quoc is the gold standard (it even has its own origin certification). If you visit Phu Quoc Island, hit the Nuoc Mam factories (or their outlets) to pick up hampers.

In Hanoi, try shops around Chợ Đồng Xuân or herbs-and-spices markets; in Saigon, look around Ben Thanh Market or even the duty-free shops at the airport. Specialized kiosks in big malls sometimes have fish-sauce gift boxes.

Travel blogs note that markets (Dong Xuan/HCMC’s Ben Thanh) sell packaged regional sauces and salts. 

 

7. Vietnamese Board/Card Games

Here’s a souvenir nobody expects: a tiny Ô ăn quan set (a traditional children’s board game). It’s a family-friendly gift that’s as kitschy as it is cultural.  Playing Ô ăn quan is part of many locals’ childhood, so it’s like bringing home a bit of Vietnam’s playground. Imagine everyone giggling around a travel-size wooden board and little glass bead “stones” that they have to capture – it’s silly fun and strangely addictive. It’s a guaranteed ice-breaker at family game night back home (“How do you even play this thing?”).

Typically, it’s a foldable wooden board etched with rectangular “guards” and circular pits, plus ten small glass or plastic beads (for the pebbles), all packaged like a book or briefcase.

 To play, you flick the beads into squares, trying to capture as many stones as possible – a bit like Mancala. It’s easy to learn, which makes it family-friendly. Even without playing, it looks like a cute art piece. 

Where:

Specialty gift shops are the best bet. For instance, Hanoi’s famed Gifthaus (Ngôi Nhà Quà Tặng) on Lý Quốc Sư often stocks this game (and they’re experts at unique gifts). Crafts stores like CHUS carry travel-size sets too (we even found one called “travel Ô ăn quan” that folds into a book).

In Saigon, look for cultural souvenir shops in District 1 or the weekend craft markets (like Saigon Crafts Market) – vendors sometimes have little traditional games and toys. If you find CHUS in a mall, that’s a safe bet; they support local artisans and always have fun puzzle/games.

Just bring it home fully disassembled in your suitcase, and assemble it for your family when you return.

 

8. Miniature Traditional Musical Instruments

For the music lovers back home, a tiny Vietnamese instrument is a perfect gift. Vietnam’s musical heritage is rich, and is often view as a priceless treasure… established and enriched for thousands of years”.

Among these, the đàn bầu (monochord zither) is a superstar: it’s “one of the most unique and attractive” instruments, capable of a rustic sound that “touches the bottom of the heart”. While you can’t gift a real đàn bầu (it’s big - REALLY BIG), you can buy cute mini replicas of flutes or gusli-like zithers as decorative pieces. Even a little bamboo flute or hand drum with Asian motifs is a talking point. 

You might find miniature flutes (sáo), bamboo xylophones, tiny drums, or handcrafted đàn tranh models. Often they’re made in miniature for decoration – imagine a few inches of polished wood and string. Some come as ornaments or keychains. Even a small gourd instrument (đàn tỳ bà) replica is possible. They’re pretty and fun, though maybe more art than toy. The sound wouldn’t be great, but who cares – it’ll spark questions and smiles. Just be prepared for loved ones asking if it can really play Happy Birthday!

Where:

These are a bit niche, but try arts-and-crafts boutiques. In Hanoi, the souvenir shop at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or upscale handicraft stores near the Hanoi Opera House often have lovely instrument miniatures. 

In Ho Chi Minh City, look in the shop at the Saigon Opera House or at the music street (Phạm Ngọc Thạch area has instrument stores that sometimes sell souvenirs). 

 

9. Vietnamese Coffee Experience Kits

Finally, bring home Vietnam in a cup. Coffee is a staple here – Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter (mostly robusta) – and locals LOVE strong brew. One Redditor summed it up: “I suggest buying coffee at Trung Nguyên… their coffee is very delicious and comfortable to bring anywhere”. Another reviewer on a coffee site exclaimed they and their family “enjoy the Vietnamese coffee and recommend your products” after a phin-drip session. In short, coffee kits let your loved ones enjoy the famous Vietnamese drip brew and feel connected to your travels.

A coffee kit usually includes ground Vietnamese coffee and a metal phin drip filter (sometimes with sweetened condensed milk!). Some sets have separate bags from Hanoi, Saigon, and Đà Lạt, or bold robusta blends.

For example, a popular bundle might be two bags of dark roast beans (maybe Hanoi and Saigon blends) plus a phin filter. Others add flavorings (egg coffee or coconut coffee cans). Think of it as a portable Saigon coffeehouse. Brewing it at home (on a kitchen counter) turns breakfast into a cultural experience. Even the aroma of brewing phin coffee will send good vibes back to Vietnam.

Where:

Coffee is everywhere in Vietnam – but for a gift-kit quality haul, go to specialty shops. Trung Nguyên Legend outlets (plenty in both cities) sell beautiful gift boxes with ground coffee and filters. Nguyen Coffee Supply (a trendy brand with a cafe in District 1, HCMC) even offers curated “Vietnamese Coffee Phin Kit” bundles online.

In markets like Ben Thanh (Saigon) or Đồng Xuân (Hanoi), you’ll find stalls selling cans of local roasted beans (look for “Trung Nguyên” or “Highlands Coffee” packaged beans).  

THAT'S A WRAP!

In the end, your Vietnam suitcase (and carry-on) will be bursting with more than just memories. These ten gifts are easy to pack, unique, and steeped in Vietnamese culture – sure to delight kids and parents alike back home. Enjoy the shopping fiesta!