What to Buy in Hanoi Vietnam? 11 Unique Gifts to Bring Home

Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, is a city rich in culture, history, and tradition. Whether it’s a delicate conical hat, fragrant lotus tea, or an elegant silk scarf, every souvenir carries a piece of Vietnam’s soul. If you're thinking about Hanoi what to buy, here’s a list of 11 must-buy gifts that will make your trip truly unforgettable!

1. Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese cuisine's most renowned coffee variant is the distinctive Weasel Coffee, widely available in eateries throughout the urban area. Many visitors choose to purchase unprocessed beans or ground versions as mementos to take back with them when traveling.

Guests can add fresh milk to increase or reduce the bitter taste of coffee - Image source: Freepik 

Top locations to buy Vietnamese Coffee:

2. Lotus Tea

Vietnam's national flower lotus grows all over the country, with West Lake showing off some of the best kinds. Tea makers in Vietnam are famous for making tasty lotus tea.

Because it's hard to make, lotus tea costs a lot. But the taste makes it worth the money. The sweet lotus smell with hints of vanilla will make you very happy when you drink it.

Vietnam's national flower lotus grows all over the country, with West Lake showing off some of the best kinds - Image Source: Collected

Top locations to buy Lotus Tea:

3. Silk Products

Vietnamese silk is renowned for its softness, durability, and luxurious sheen, making it a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Woven from the finest silkworm threads, this fabric offers natural temperature regulation, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Silk products are meticulously handcrafted, embracing both artistic and cultural value.

Suggested gifts/products:

• Silk Scarves: Hand-embroidered with traditional Vietnamese motifs like lotus flowers and landscapes, adding an elegant touch to any outfit.

• Silk Ties: The natural softness of silk transforms a classic tie into a refined, stylish accessory.

• Silk Ao Dai: The traditional Vietnamese dress, flowing and graceful, available in solid colors or with intricate embroidered patterns.

Vietnamese silk is soft, shiny and high-quality - Image source: Freepik 

Top locations to buy Silk Products:

3. Handicrafts

Vietnamese handicrafts are made from sustainable natural materials, each piece a testament to Vietnam’s rich culture and creativity. These items not only serve practical purposes but also make for beautiful decorative pieces, blending artistry with functionality.

Suggested gifts/products:

• Lacquerware: Crafted from bamboo wood and coated with multiple layers of natural lacquer, giving it a glossy, durable finish. Designs often feature lotus flowers, countryside landscapes, or traditional patterns.

• Bamboo Products: Handmade baskets and storage boxes with intricate weaving, perfect for home décor and eco-friendly living.

• Ceramics: Bat Trang ceramics are known for their unique glazes, hand-painted designs, and traditional firing techniques. Popular gift items include tea sets, vases, and bowls.

Pottery with eye-catching patterns is very suitable for display - Image source: Freepik 

Top locations to buy Handicrafts Products: 

4. Traditional Clothing

Vietnamese clothing embodies a distinctive beauty through its unique designs, materials, and patterns. Many designs highlight the natural beauty of the wearer, using fabrics like silk and brocade that are both comfortable and stylish.

Suggested gifts/products:

• Tailor-Made Ao Dai: Custom-fitted to enhance the wearer's figure, featuring traditional Vietnamese patterns or modern designs. Visitors can choose traditional Vietnamese patterns or designs inspired by their own homeland.

• Modern Vietnamese Attire: Contemporary silk dresses and stylish outfits inspired by Vietnamese heritage, perfect for daily wear or special occasions. They serve as a beautiful reminder of Vietnam’s charm and cultural richness.

The graceful ao dai accentuates the graceful beauty of the wearer - Image source: Freepik 

Top locations to buy Traditional Clothing

5. Embroidered Items and Woven Fabrics

Hand-embroidered products in Vietnam are meticulously crafted with delicate details, featuring patterns like lotus flowers, cranes, and dragons. The variety of woven fabrics is equally impressive, with silk being the most notable - widely used in traditional Vietnamese clothing.

Suggested gifts/products:

• Hand-embroidered tablecloths: Elegant and intricately embroidered, these tablecloths are made from high-quality silk, linen, or cotton, adding warmth and sophistication to any home.

• Hand-embroidered pillowcases: Soft and decorative, perfect for both sleeping and enhancing living spaces.

• Embroidered wall art: Some wall hangings are not just works of art but also hold cultural and feng shui meanings, symbolizing luck and prosperity.

Guests can individually order hand-embroidered samples from artisans - Image source: Freepik 

Top locations to buy Embroidered Items and Woven Fabrics:

6. Street Snacks

Vietnamese street snacks are known for their bold flavors, quick preparation, and creative recipes. These treats are easy to store and transport, making them ideal souvenirs that capture the essence of Vietnamese street food culture.

Suggested gifts/products:

• Dried fruits: Made from fresh fruits like jackfruit, mango, banana, and pineapple, dried to preserve their natural sweetness and crunch.

• Rice paper snack: Soft rice paper rolls filled with crispy shallots, shredded pork floss, and special sauces, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.

• Green bean cakes: A traditional Vietnamese dessert made from finely ground mung beans, offering a mildly sweet and nutty taste. Packaged into small, bite-sized pieces for convenience.

Dried fruits can be transformed into nutritious salads - Image source: Freepik 

Also, if you are interested in local cuisine, you should explore the Famous food in Hanoi. They are amazing

Top locations to buy Street Snacks:

7. Art and Calligraphy

Vietnamese art and calligraphy carry deep cultural and historical significance, reflecting centuries of tradition and craftsmanship.

Suggested gifts/products:

• Traditional Vietnamese paintings: Often feature bright colors and simple yet meaningful patterns. Notable examples include Dong Ho paintings with themes like "Gà Đàn" (The Flock of Chickens) and "Vinh Quy Bái Tổ" (Honorary Return to One’s Hometown).

• Woodblock prints: Intricately carved wooden artworks made using traditional engraving techniques.

• Calligraphy scrolls: Vietnamese calligraphy, written in either Chinese characters or the Vietnamese alphabet, is often inscribed on silk or handmade dó paper. These pieces not only showcase artistic beauty but also convey philosophical messages.

Asking for calligraphy is a traditional cultural feature of Vietnamese people at the beginning of the new year - Photo source:  Freepik

Top locations to buy Art and Calligraphy:

8. Non La

The connical hat (Non La) is what folks in Vietnam wear with their old clothes. It's made from palm leaves and shows how growing rice is big in their life. Many people like to wear this hat with their long dress (Ao Dai) to look fully old-time Vietnam.

Non La accompany Vietnamese people in their daily activities - Image source: Freepik 

Top locations to buy Non La:

9. Jewelry and Accessories

Alongside traditional handicrafts, visitors can explore a variety of compact, high-value jewelry and accessories. Vietnam is known for its exquisite silver jewelry and natural pearls, crafted with meticulous attention to detail by skilled artisans.

Suggested gifts/products:

• Silver jewelry: Made from high-quality silver, featuring intricate engravings and delicate designs. Some pieces are combined with gemstones or pearls for an extra touch of elegance.

• Pearl necklaces: Available in both natural and cultured pearls, these necklaces boast a lustrous shine and refined beauty.

Unique pairs of silver flowers - Image source: Freepik 

Top locations to buy Jewelry and Accessories:

10. Traditional Medicines and Herbal Products

Vietnamese traditional medicine has been practiced for thousands of years, closely linked to the country's agricultural culture and diverse natural environment. Using ingredients like roots, leaves, flowers, and tree bark, these remedies focus on restoring balance and promoting inner well-being.

Suggested gifts/products:

• Herbal massage balm: Extracted from herbs like ginger, cinnamon, and lemongrass, it helps relieve muscle pain, reduce stress, and improve circulation.

• Essential oils: Peppermint, lemongrass, and cinnamon oils provide relaxation, refreshment, and therapeutic benefits. They can be used for aromatherapy, massage, or cold relief.

• Traditional herbal remedies: Ancient formulas made from natural plant extracts, known to support digestion, immunity, and restful sleep.

Benign oriental medicine needs to be used for a certain period of time to see clear effects - Image source: Freepik 

Top locations to buy Traditional Medicines and Herbal Products:

After a long day of sightseeing and exploring Hanoi, I think you should take some time to relax. It's the perfect time to visit the best massage place in Hanoi.

11. Bamboo Products

Viewed as an iconic plant in Vietnam's heritage, bamboo stands as a symbol representing village life throughout the nation. Its cultural significance is evident as bamboo and items made from it can be found everywhere across the country.

Suggested gifts/products:

• Bamboo baskets
• Bamboo trays
• Bamboo bowls

Viewed as an iconic plant in Vietnam's heritage, bamboo stands as a symbol representing village life throughout the nation - Image Source: Collected

Top locations to buy Bamboo Products:

FAQs about What to Buy in Vietnam Hanoi

Tourists can find it easy to choose a satisfactory Hanoi gift when they clearly understand the information below.

Q1: Where to buy cheap souvenirs in Hanoi? 

Visitors looking for affordable gifts should check out Dong Xuan Market, the Old Quarter Night Market or Hang Da Market. Bargaining is common, so feel free to negotiate politely for the best prices.

Q2: Should you go shopping in Hanoi factory outlets?

Yes, if you're looking for branded clothing or high-quality export goods at discounted prices. Outlets like The Warehouse Hanoi and small export stores in the Old Quarter often sell international brands at significantly lower prices. However, check the products carefully, as some may have minor defects.

Q3: What are unique things to buy in Hanoi?

Must-buy unique souvenirs include silk products, lacquerware, Bat Trang ceramics, traditional Vietnamese tea, embroidered handicrafts, and calligraphy artwork.

Q4: What are tips for clothes shopping in Hanoi?

• Visit the shops on Hang Gai street or Hang Dao street

• If ordering ao dai, choose reputable tailor shops like Yaly Couture or Thuong Tailor

• Always check the quality of fabric and seams

• When shopping at markets, visitors can bargain politely. Stores that list fixed prices often have better quality.

If you're also interested in exploring the city beyond shopping, you might want to know what is there to do in hanoi vietnam.

With this hand-picked list of 11+ unique souvenirs, Joytime hopes to make your Hanoi trip even more memorable. Each of these gifts carries the essence of Vietnam’s history, culture, and craftsmanship. If you're looking for the best things to buy in Hanoi, check out Joytime’s online souvenir store.

Don't forget to contact Joytime - the leading reputable tour brand to accompany tourists on this journey!