✈️ Vietnam souvenirs: prices and what you cannot take out

Souvenirs from Vietnam can easily turn your suitcase into a pile of problems. Some items bring joy for years, others won't get past customs. The difference usually comes down to details you only discover at the airport.

Below are twenty gift ideas from different parts of the country: from fruit and coffee to silk, porcelain, and silver. For each item, you'll find where to buy it and what export rules apply. Vietnam holds first place in the world for pepper exports (as of 2025, VnEconomy) and second for coffee (as of 2024, OEC).

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How to choose souvenirs in Vietnam

Haggling is expected at markets, and it's easy to get the price down if you buy several items at once. Buy fruit in the morning: the stalls are fresh, and sellers are more willing to move on price. Look for silk, porcelain, and silver in brand stores run by the manufacturers, where quality is more honest and pricing is clearer. Before buying, check export rules: some natural souvenirs won't make it home.

It's most convenient to buy souvenirs in two places. At markets, you get fruit, spices, sweets, and small crafts, and that's also where you haggle. In brand stores and at factories, you buy silk, porcelain, jewelry, and shoes: prices are fixed, but quality is more predictable. Don't leave shopping for the day of departure; near the airport the selection is thinner and prices are higher.

💡 In short:

Buy fruit, coffee, tea, and spices closer to departure, at a market or from the producer.
Silk and porcelain are cheaper to buy where they're made: Bao Loc, Bat Trang, Hanoi workshops.
Coral and gold cannot be exported; buy crocodile leather in brand stores.
Souvenir export rules: 09/2026, verified on the official Vietnam customs website

1. Fruit and exotic produce

Tropical fruit at the market: rambutans and citrus

Few countries can compete with Vietnam in fruit variety. The warm climate allows harvesting almost year-round, so at markets you'll find fruit you've never seen at home. Some of it is sold in major European cities too, but there it costs noticeably more and loses flavor.

Longan, or "dragon's eye," hides translucent, juicy flesh under a dense skin. Lychee offers a sweet, delicate taste and vitamins. Rambutan is recognizable by its bright red "hairy" skin with curved spines. Nearby you'll find jackfruit, breadfruit, sapodilla with a sweet pear flavor, and custard apple, also called sugar apple.

Buy fruit in the morning on the day before departure: the stalls are still fresh, and haggling goes more smoothly. For the plane, choose firm fruit without dents and don't take too much, or some of it will arrive overripe. If you're flying to an EU country, note that bringing fresh fruit in personal luggage is prohibited there.

2. Natural cosmetics and skincare

Local recipes here make their way into cosmetics. The shelves hold creams, lotions, masks, foams, and plant-based shampoos, alongside brands from Japan, Korea, and Thailand. The most common ingredients are turmeric, coconut, aloe vera, ginseng, tea leaf, and chamomile. Among animal-derived ingredients, snail mucin and python fat are popular.

Turmeric creams are sold for different purposes: nourishment, hydration, pigmentation, acne, under-eye wrinkles. The Wondera cleansing foam with allantoin and the collagen mask with gold are popular picks. Worth trying are Oriental Herb toothpastes with bamboo salt and rice powder with pearl powder.

For oily skin, look for sheet masks with turmeric or activated charcoal; those are the most popular. Such products are rarely found at home, and their price is lower than European brands.

Don't pass by coconut oil: it works for both skin and hair. Buy cosmetics at pharmacies and brand stores, not at beach stalls, and check the expiration date right on the package.

3. Pharmacy medicines

colorful pills and capsules in blister packs close-up

Vietnamese pharmacy products are little known outside the country. Many of them work just as well as well-known balms, which drives demand. Don't rush to the pharmacy near your hotel; prices there are higher. Look for a municipal pharmacy in the city: it's cheaper, and some products are sold in sets at wholesale prices.

For colds, there's a ready-made set: Lozena syrup, Xoanq and Vina Ho herbal sprays. The herbal balm Thien Thao Baim with a pleasant scent comes in handy. The anti-inflammatory "White Tiger" balm contains oils, menthol, and wax. A useful gift, pocket inhalers, relieves a runny nose, headache, and motion sickness.

Python fat called Mo Tran helps with burns and frostbite. Pythons are listed under CITES, so you can't bring such a product into the EU without a permit. Tamanu oil, or Alexandrian laurel, heals wounds and skin irritations. Eugica Fort capsules based on essential oils fight colds. Buy all of this at a pharmacy, not a souvenir shop, where the risk of counterfeits is higher.

4. Medicated ointments and gels

Jars of ointment, cream and a tube on a leaf

The selection of medicated ointments in Vietnamese pharmacies is huge, covering almost any kind of pain. Salonpas gel with essential oils absorbs quickly and soothes. It also comes in patches and liquid form. For sciatica, arthritis, and arthrosis, people buy Cobratoxan ointment with cobra venom. Ointment with bear bile works similarly. Cobras and bears are listed under CITES, so such ointments cannot be brought into the EU without a permit.

The all-purpose Hong Linh Cot ointment with cobra venom and essential oils is popular for joint pain. Bao Phn Knang with turmeric stands out for its antibacterial effect. Explaq works for psoriasis, and Kesermfa helps with burns and bruises.

It's worth trying one ointment during your trip: if you feel better after a few days, stock up for home. Ointment with cobra venom and essential oils is sold in pharmacies in almost every city, and Salonpas patches are convenient for travel. For athletes, a cooling gel is a good fit.

Buy ointments at a pharmacy, not at a market, and check that the package shows the expiration date and ingredients. For luggage, choose smaller tubes: liquids take up space, and carry-on limits are restricted.

5. Vietnamese silk and fabrics

Colorful silk scarves fanned out at the market

Vietnamese silk has long been on par with Chinese silk and is becoming more popular with tourists. At home, such fabric is also sold, but the price is high. In Vietnam itself, silk can be bought almost at cost, and the main production center is in Lam Dong province.

On the Bao Loc plateau, mulberry plantations and large weaving factories stretch across the landscape. Local fabrics are known for soft elasticity, even thread, and they don't build up static. There are many colors and patterns, and the price stays affordable, especially in brand stores at the factories, where silk is sold directly.

Check the seam and the sheen in the light: real silk has an even thread of uniform thickness. If the fabric builds up static, you're looking at a synthetic blend.

Such stores exist in all major cities. If handmade work appeals to you, head to the villages of Van Phuc and Chinh Tien near Hanoi. There you can buy fabric, ready-made clothing, and silk-embroidered pictures.

6. Crocodile leather goods

Black crocodile leather briefcase with gold clasp

Bags, briefcases, and shoes made of crocodile leather are considered a status symbol and cost a lot. In Vietnam, such items are noticeably cheaper than in Europe. Crocodiles, caimans, and alligators live here both in the wild and on farms.

Several crocodile leather processing companies operate in Hanoi; one of them, "Hoang Long," raises alligators itself. Alligator products are the most expensive, while caiman items cost less. Shop at brand stores: pricing and quality are more honest there. Examine the pattern and feel the bumps; they should be firm.

Before buying, check the export rules on Vietnamese customs: items made of exotic leather may require documents. It is easier if the item was purchased at an official store with a receipt.

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, such stores are located in tourist districts, near major markets. Ask the seller what kind of leather the item is made of: alligator is valued higher than caiman, and substitution happens often. A good belt or wallet will cost less than a bag and makes a practical gift.

7. Traditional non hat

The cone-shaped non hat has become a symbol of the country, like the sombrero for Mexico. Originally, farmers wore it to protect themselves from sun and rain. Water runs down the sides of the cone and protects not only the head but also the shoulders.

The hat also served as a basket for vegetables and a container for water. Today, people wear the non in the city too: in the heat they fan themselves with it, and it shields the face and neck from the sun. It is made from straw, bamboo, and palm leaves, and decorated with embroidery, rhinestones, and beads.

The work is painstaking, but the price remains low, and you can buy a non at any souvenir shop. Get the hat at the end of your trip and carry it in your hand luggage: it crumples easily in a suitcase. For a gift, choose a tightly woven hat with an even cone.

8. Silver jewelry and gemstones

Antique Vietnamese silver pendants on chains

There are many jewelry stores selling silver in Vietnamese cities, and the selection is surprising. Exporting gold items is prohibited, so tourists more often choose silver. In stores in Nha Trang, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Mui Ne, you will find rings, earrings, pendants, and ready-made sets with pearls, topaz, and sapphire.

Silver with sea and river pearls remains a top seller. A set with topazes will cost noticeably less than in Europe, while sapphire jewelry is more expensive than the rest. Tables posted right in the showrooms help you choose a stone by zodiac sign.

Buy at jewelry stores, not at street stalls: there you will get a receipt and an accurate description of the stone. Check the hallmark and weight of the item, and if you are planning a major purchase, find out the export rules in advance.

9. Farmed pearls

Pearl jewelry in silver in a display case

AIIllustrative image: AI-generated

Pearls have been cultivated on farms in Vietnam for almost a century, and there is no shortage of jewelry here. Mollusks are stimulated to produce nacre, so a lot of cultured pearls reach the market. Some are also harvested in nature, in rivers and seas.

The shades vary: dazzling white, milky cream, pink, gray, blue, and even black. The most expensive pieces are made with rare black pearls. Natural pearls are never perfectly round, and that is the main sign of a fake.

You can buy pearls everywhere: at stalls, markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques. With beads from a stall, you can easily end up with a fake, so buy at a jewelry store. Many people make a special trip to Phu Quoc island, where a pearl farm operates, and buy jewelry firsthand.

10. Handmade porcelain

Vietnamese porcelain deserves attention even from those who rarely buy tableware. Its composition is unique: special types of clay are mined only here. Firing follows ancient techniques, so the pieces come out thin and durable, while the painting and drying have a distinctive character.

Alongside factories, the country also has a living craft tradition. In dozens of villages, hundreds of kilns operate and hereditary dynasties of artisans work. In specialty stores in major cities, you will find tea and dinner services, sets, decorative vases, and figurines of animals and birds.

For exclusives, head to the ceramic villages of Bat Trang, Tho Ha, and Phu Lang: there you can find truly unique pieces. A large ceramics market lies along the road between Hanoi and Halong. For transport, carry porcelain in your hand luggage and cushion it with paper.

11. Vietnamese medicinal oils

Like other countries in the region, Vietnam produces many oils, both culinary and medicinal. Coconut oil smells pleasant, contains beneficial acids, and suits a variety of uses. Thien Thao medicinal oil works as a cold preventive and helps with headaches and joint pain.

Essential oil from oud, the agarwood tree, has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, the heart, and the nervous system, but it is expensive. Truong Son oil is considered a universal remedy: it helps with coughs, runny nose, motion sickness, bruises, and insect bites. It is for external use only, and it leaves no stains, even though it looks emerald green.

Rounding out the list is an oil based on ginger with other plant components. Buy oils at a pharmacy, check the expiration date and the integrity of the cap: in the heat, a tight seal matters more than packaging.

12. Spices and pepper

Tropical nature has blessed Vietnam with a wealth of aromatic plants, and the selection of spices here is enormous. Unlike Mexican seasonings, Vietnamese ones are not as fiery: they have a mild, spicy flavor. The most popular spice is pepper: black, white, red, and chili.

Buy peppercorns, as they hold their aroma longer, and take chili as pods and powder. The country grows dozens of spice varieties, including star anise, lemongrass, cinnamon, and turmeric.

Viet Farm chain stores carry a wide range: ginger, turmeric, cardamom, fennel, lemon and black pepper blends, lemongrass, lotus seeds, shrimp and peanut sauce. On Phu Quoc island, people buy spices directly from farmers. Pack loose seasonings in zip bags, otherwise the smell will soak through your entire suitcase.

13. Vietnamese tea and oolong

Panorama of tea plantations on hills under a blue sky

Vietnamese tea is less known than Chinese tea, but some of its varieties are on par with recognized brands. The country's main drink comes in three colors: green, black, and red. Green tea plantations climb high into the mountains, and when brewed it takes on a whitish tint, which is why it is called "snow tea."

Black tea is distinguished by high fermentation and a tart, bitter taste. Red tea is drunk for its delicate fruity taste and aroma. Besides these, oolong, milk and ginseng oolong, and jasmine tea are sold. Lotus tea is made only here: the leaves are mixed with lotus flowers and ground.

In specialty stores, you will find artichoke and ginseng tea, pressed pu-erh, and among green varieties it is worth getting Thai Nguyen tea with its distinctive taste. Buy tightly sealed packs and do not brew tea on an empty stomach.

14. Vietnamese coffee beans

Vietnam ranks second in the world in coffee exports after Brazil, although few people know this coffee at home (OEC statistics for 2024). Ordering online will cost several times more, so it makes more sense to buy the drink right in the country and appreciate the taste in its pure form. Robusta makes up the bulk of exports, and it is what locals drink most often.

Several varieties are grown here: Robusta, Arabica, and others. Large plantations lie in Dalat. Ground coffee in packages is usually made from a blend of varieties, and connoisseurs love such blends. If you want the taste of a specific type, buy beans.

Robusta gives a rough, bitter taste and a lot of caffeine, and its beans are easy to recognize by their shape. Arabica has a more refined taste, but it also costs more. Elite varieties also appear in stores. Buy coffee beans and keep the pack closed: the aroma fades quickly.

15. Alcohol and local wine

Bottle of Vietnamese Huda Beer on a table

Alcohol in Vietnam is cheaper than in Thailand and is sold almost everywhere. The country cannot boast about wine: there are no large wineries, and wine is made by small private enterprises in Dalat and Ninh Thuan following French traditions. Beer, however, is brewed in dozens of varieties, and vacationers appreciate it.

Bring a bottle of local lager or a specialty variety as a gift: the selection in stores is large. Among wines, it is worth trying brands under the Vang Phan Rang label, as well as Tao Meo apple wine with a cider-like taste. Strong rice wine Ruou Nep Cam is considered a men's drink, and Chauvet rum is bought as a souvenir.

Vacationers rate beer from Ho Chi Minh City especially highly. Among the varieties, you can even find red options.

The most exotic drink remains a tincture made with snake, gecko, or scorpion, but it can only be consumed in strictly measured doses. Keep in mind the alcohol limits for luggage: any excess will have to be declared.

16. Fruit sweets

Vietnamese sweets are most often made from fruit, which is abundant here. The most common sweet is fruit chips made from coconut, pineapple, and other fruits. They are low in calories and help keep you energized. Another option is candied fruit sprinkled with ginger, powdered sugar, licorice, and coconut flakes.

Candies are made from natural ingredients: peanuts, ginger, sesame, and coconut. Locals call all fruit sweets by one word, "mut." Lotus mut is made by coating seeds with caramel balls, and coconut mut is boiled in syrup and dusted with powder.

Good gift options include custard apple or rambutan jam and dried exotic fruits. Unusual rice crackers with beef and soy sauce will surprise people, and tofu soy cheese will appeal to fans of Asian cuisine. Buy sweets in sealed boxes and check the date: caramel melts quickly in the heat.

17. Dried crocodile meat

Pieces of dried crocodile meat on a light background

Crocodile meat is a common product here, on par with chicken and beef. Any self-respecting restaurant will have dishes made from it, so you can try it on the spot and decide whether to bring the delicacy home. The meat tastes like chicken with a slight fishy aftertaste.

Crocodile meat is rich in protein, B vitamins, and monounsaturated fats, and it also boosts immunity and is environmentally safe. In recent years, European countries have been importing it more and more eagerly. The delicacy is brought home in dried form. Importing meat in personal luggage into EU countries is prohibited, even dried.

Crocodile meat is not sold in every store, but it is almost always available in restaurants.

Buy dried meat in vacuum packaging and check the expiration date. If you are unsure about the taste, order a dish at a restaurant first: that way you will know whether the delicacy deserves space in your suitcase.

18. Clothing and sizes

Girl in a red ao dai among New Year decorations

Vietnam has a well-developed garment industry, and clothing made from natural fabrics is easy to buy here. Sportswear from global brands costs less than at home, and among local brands, Blue Exchange and Nino Maxx are well regarded. Dresses and blouses made from natural silk, men's shirts, and children's clothing from these brands are in demand.

The main issue is sizes. Vietnamese people are short and small-framed, so finding something for a European body type is not easy, especially for larger people. The most clothing for Europeans is in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi. Warm clothes are not sold in the south; you have to look for them in the northern provinces.

If the size you need is not available, order the item from a local tailor: the order will be ready in a couple of days. A suit or dress made from quality material will cost noticeably less than in Europe. Take your measurements in advance and confirm the timeline.

19. Shoes and local brands

Vietnamese shoes used to be associated only with rubber flip-flops. Over the past few decades, the country has become a major producer and now makes footwear that competes with well-known brands. Factories have modern equipment, and requirements for craftsmen are strict.

Dozens of companies work for export: dress shoes, sneakers, clogs, women's sandals, and men's sandals. An original gift for women is clogs or shoes on a wooden last. Leather shoes cost more because most leather is imported from other countries. However, stores have plenty of models with uppers made from silk, cotton, wood, and bamboo.

There are also faux leather models, and men's sandals and sneakers are bought for everyday wear.

The national brand Vina Giay supplies premium footwear, and sports models from global brands have a wider selection here than at home. Try on shoes at the end of the day and buy them with a little extra room: feet swell in a humid climate.

20. Coral and the export ban

Bubble coral with white polyps on a reef

The sea depths off the Vietnamese coast are rich in coral polyps. When they die, they form organic stones used to make beads, necklaces, and bracelets. Coral comes in pink, red, black, and blue, and jewelry made from it has been valued since ancient times.

But coral is exactly what customs confiscates most often. Exporting it from Vietnam is strictly prohibited, and even a small branch can result in a heavy fine. Coral is listed under CITES, so it cannot be brought into the EU without a permit either. Check the rules in advance on the Vietnam customs portal so you do not lose both your purchase and your money.

Market sellers claim that a branch is easy to get paperwork for, but such souvenirs are almost always found during inspection. Do not risk it: the price of a piece of jewelry does not compare to the fine and the lost time.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

What is inexpensive to bring from Vietnam?

Fruit, spices, tea, and coffee are the cheapest. Buy them at a market or from the producer, not at the airport. A non hat, rice crackers, and coconut oil also cost little and always work as gifts.

Can you export coral from Vietnam?

No, exporting coral is prohibited, and customs confiscates it even from luggage. Attempting it can result in a heavy fine.

Which Vietnamese coffee should you buy, Robusta or Arabica?

Robusta is cheaper, stronger, and more bitter, and most local blends are made from it. Arabica is softer and more refined, but more expensive. If you want to understand the difference, buy beans of both varieties and brew them one after another at home.

Where can you buy silk and porcelain cheaper?

At the places where they are made: silk in Lam Dong province and villages near Hanoi, porcelain in the ceramic villages of Bat Trang, Tho Ha, and Phu Lang. At brand stores attached to factories, prices are lower and quality is easier to verify.

What is worth buying at a pharmacy as a gift?

Balms, medicinal ointments and oils, and pocket inhalers. Buy them at a regular pharmacy in the city, not near your hotel, where they are cheaper. Check the expiration date and ingredients right on the packaging.

In short: what to book

If you are going for fruit and spices, save the last day for the market: that way the products will arrive fresh. If you want silk or porcelain, stop by the workshops near Hanoi and Bat Trang and do not forget about suitcase space. For silver and pearls, choose the jewelry quarter and always get a receipt.

If your trip is built around the beaches of Nha Trang or Phu Quoc, a hotel by the sea will save time traveling between markets and the shore. Browsing hotels in Vietnam on Trip.com in advance is convenient, and tours on GetYourGuide will help you get to pearl farms and ceramic villages.

20 Gifts from Vietnam: what will make it home and what customs will take