Souvenir safari: 8 things to buy in Vietnam

Forget the fridge magnets and novelty hats. Vietnam is a wonderland of unique, wonderful, and often overlooked treasures. If you’re tired of the same old souvenirs, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a minimalist or a passionate souvenir collector, Vietnam offers countless treasures to surprise and delight.. From quirky street art to local delicacies, this country is packed with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. So, let’s dive into the most unique finds Vietnam has to offer!

1. Apothecary oddities: traditional balms & modern skincare

When you think of Vietnamese pharmacies, Tiger Balm probably comes to mind as the go-to solution for aches and pains. But hold on, because these stores offer much more than just that familiar jar! Hidden within the aisles are treasures like essential oils, herbal scrubs, and local skincare brands that perfectly blend ancient remedies with modern trends. If you’re looking for unique and natural items to add to your shopping list, these are some of the best things to buy in Vietnam!

Traditional balms

Unlock the healing power of Vietnam’s traditional balms—nature’s remedy in every jar

Tiger Balm might be the classic, but Vietnam offers a range of local balms specifically designed for different ailments. For muscle pain relief, Salonpas is a trusted brand, with its patch format providing targeted pain relief using ingredients like menthol and methyl salicylate. For colds and congestion, Balm 666 is a go-to option, offering a soothing combination of eucalyptus, camphor, and menthol that helps clear nasal passages and ease breathing. 💆‍♀️🌿

These balms are deeply infused with powerful herbal ingredients, making them a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking fast, effective relief. Whether you’re aching from a day of exploring or feeling under the weather, these balms provide an all-natural, herbal remedy to get you back on your feet.

Essential oils

Relax and recharge with Vietnam’s pure essential oils

Vietnam is known for its pure, natural essential oils, like lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass. These oils are perfect for relaxation, soothing skin, or even helping with sleep. Lavender oil is great for calming nerves, while eucalyptus offers a refreshing scent that’s ideal for clearing the sinuses or easing headaches. Lemongrass oil is often used for its fresh, citrusy aroma that energizes and revitalizes.

These oils come in small, travel-friendly bottles, making them an ideal souvenir or personal treat when looking for unique things to buy in Vietnam. Whether you’re gifting them or keeping them for yourself, they’re a natural, aromatic way to bring a piece of Vietnam home. 🌿💧

>> Read more: 10 Famous Food of Vietnam That Will Scare You First, Wow You Later

Herbal scrubs & masks

Glow naturally with Vietnam’s herbal scrubs and masks

Vietnam’s beauty scene is rooted in nature, and one of the most famous things in Vietnam to buy is its all-natural skincare. Look for scrubs made from rice bran, a gentle exfoliant that brightens dull skin and evens out texture. Turmeric masks are popular for their anti-inflammatory and acne-fighting properties, while lemongrass-based products refresh the skin and leave a clean, citrusy scent 🌾🍋.

These herbal treatments are often handmade or locally produced, packaged in minimalist, eco-friendly jars or sachets — perfect for gifting or upgrading your self-care routine. Whether at a boutique spa or weekend market, these skincare goodies are top picks for anyone looking for things to buy in Vietnam that are both natural and beautiful. ✨

Local skincare brands

Discover the beauty of Vietnam with its natural, local skincare brands

If you’re after Vietnamese gift ideas or unique things to buy in Vietnam, don’t miss out on the local skincare scene. Brands like The Cocoon are leading the way with 100% vegan products — their Turmeric Face Mask and Coconut Coffee Body Scrub are cult favorites for brightening and smoothing the skin 🌿. Saigon Skin focuses on gentle, nature-based formulas using ingredients like aloe vera and green tea, perfect for sensitive skin.

Meanwhile, Scent of Vietnam combines traditional herbal knowledge with chic design, offering soothing balms and serums made from tamarind, lotus, and essential oils. These products come in stylish, minimalist packaging that makes them ideal for gifting — thoughtful, affordable, and authentically Vietnamese. ✨

>> Read more: Top 10 Vietnam Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Traveling to Vietnam

Herbal teas & tinctures

Savor the wellness of Vietnam with herbal teas and tinctures

For a soothing and health-boosting souvenir, herbal teas and tinctures are among the best things to buy in Vietnam. Local pharmacies and markets often carry blends made with ginseng for energy, ginger for digestion, and lemongrass for relaxation 🍵.

One popular pick is atiso tea (artichoke tea) from Da Lat, known for its liver-cleansing and cooling properties. You’ll also find honey ginger tea sachets — perfect for colds or just a cozy night in. These herbal remedies often come in beautifully wrapped boxes, making them unique things to buy in Vietnam as gifts or wellness treats for yourself. 🌱

Why these are the best things to buy in Vietnam:

• Authentic & unique: These products offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich herbal and skincare traditions.
• Affordable: Local products tend to be budget-friendly, often costing much less than international skincare brands.
• Perfect souvenirs: These natural remedies and skincare items make for thoughtful and meaningful gifts, offering a little piece of Vietnam’s wellness culture.

So, next time you’re wandering through a pharmacy in Vietnam, make sure to take a closer look! These apothecary oddities might just become your new favorite travel find. 🛒✨

2. Not just Ao Dai: custom clothes with street style

Embrace custom street style with a Vietnamese twist!

Sure, the Áo Dài is Vietnam’s iconic traditional dress — elegant, flowing, and beautiful. But if you think Vietnamese fashion stops there, think again. Vietnam’s tailoring scene has gone far beyond silk and tradition. From edgy streetwear in Saigon to breathable linen pieces in Hoi An, this country is a playground for fashion lovers looking to create something unique. Whether you want to copy your favorite outfit, remix it with local flair, or design something totally new, Vietnam offers some of the most unique things to buy in Vietnam — tailor-made and totally your style.

Here’s why tailored fashion is one of the best things to buy in Vietnam:

• Streetwear tailoring in Saigon: Want a denim jacket with your name embroidered in Vietnamese? Or a cargo skirt with a custom fit? Tailors in Saigon, especially in local districts and creative hubs like District 3 or Thao Dien, are ready to turn your Pinterest board into real-life fashion. Think cool, fast, and personalized 🧥.
• Linen love in Hoi An: Hoi An isn’t just lanterns and old towns — it’s also a tailoring hotspot. Light, breathable linen jumpsuits, two-piece sets, or summer dresses are popular requests. Perfect for tropical weather and Instagram-ready! 🌞
• Replicate your favorite outfit: Bring your go-to item (or even a photo of it), and local tailors can recreate it — often within 24–48 hours. Add a Vietnamese twist with bamboo buttons, embroidered trim, or local prints.
• Budget-friendly chic: Custom fashion in Vietnam is surprisingly affordable. You can get high-quality, made-to-measure clothing for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere — a win for both your suitcase and your wallet 💸.
• Local fabrics & flair: From earthy-toned linens to bold, printed cottons, Vietnam’s fabric markets are full of textures and colors you won’t find anywhere else. Tailors will help you pick the perfect combo to match your vibe.

Why it belongs on your shopping list:

• 🎁Unique Vietnamese gift idea for yourself or fashion-loving friends
• 🧵One-of-a-kind keepsake that fits like a dream
• 👗Cultural meets contemporary in every stitch

So skip the off-the-rack souvenirs and get something stitched just for you. Vietnam’s fashion scene is all about making your style — your way.

>> Read more: Top things to do in Vietnam: Hidden gems & epic spots

3. Tea… but make it wild

Think ginseng, artichoke, and more!

Yes, Vietnamese coffee gets all the love — and rightfully so — but if you’re skipping over tea, you’re missing out on some of the most unique things to buy in Vietnam. From misty mountain-grown leaves to flower-powered brews, Vietnam’s tea scene is quietly wild and wonderfully underrated. If you’re hunting for memorable Vietnamese gift ideas that pack light but leave a lasting impression, these teas should be on your radar.

Here are the standout brews worth sipping (and gifting):

• Wild Shan Tea from Hà Giang: Grown high in the northern mountains by ethnic minority communities, this tea comes from ancient, wild tea trees — some over 300 years old! The flavor? Smooth, earthy, and slightly floral. It’s a true connoisseur’s tea, and every sip supports traditional farming practices. 🌄
• Artichoke tea from Đà Lạt: More than just a drink — it’s a detox in a cup! This mildly sweet tea is beloved for its liver-cleansing and cooling effects. Available in both dried flower and extract form, it’s caffeine-free and perfect for evening wind-downs. Bonus: it smells amazing. 🌼
• Lotus tea from Hanoi: Jasmine might be the queen of floral teas elsewhere, but here, lotus reigns supreme. Tea leaves are infused overnight in lotus blossoms, resulting in a fragrant, delicately sweet brew that feels luxurious and meditative.
• Ginger & lemongrass blends: Widely found in pharmacies and markets, these soothing combos are ideal for digestion, colds, or simply relaxing after a long day of exploring.

Why it’s one of the best things to buy in Vietnam:

• 🌿 Lightweight & packable — ideal for travelers
• 🎁 Authentic Vietnamese gift idea — cultural, useful, and easy to love
• 🫖 Health benefits + unique flavors = perfect souvenir for foodies or wellness lovers

So next time someone says “Vietnamese coffee,” just smile — and brew them something a little wilder.

4. Art that fits in your backpack

Carry a piece of Vietnam’s art with mini watercolors and handmade postcards!

Do you think souvenirs have to be bulky or basic? Think again. Vietnam’s underground art scene is full of surprises — and better yet, it’s portable. Instead of grabbing a mass-produced poster from a tourist stall, dig a little deeper in Hanoi, Đà Nẵng, or even Saigon’s indie art cafés. You’ll uncover unique things to buy in Vietnam that are personal, creative, and perfect for meaningful Vietnamese gift ideas.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Mini watercolor paintings: Local artists often paint small scenes of daily Vietnamese life — think street food stalls, bikes stacked with flowers, or lantern-lit alleys. These vibrant little works are not only original, but also easy to frame or mail. 🖼️
• Pressed leaf postcards: Nature meets art in these handmade postcards crafted from real leaves, flowers, and recycled paper. They’re delicate, beautiful, and every piece is one-of-a-kind. A lovely, lightweight gift idea for eco-minded friends. 🍃
• Handmade sketchbooks: Find locally made notebooks with fabric covers, hand-bound spines, or covers featuring woodblock prints and ethnic patterns. Great for travelers, artists, or anyone who still appreciates pen and paper.
• Indie zines & prints: In creative districts and weekend art markets, you’ll find self-published mini magazines (zines), hand-drawn comic prints, or even quirky pop art featuring Vietnamese street culture. A super cool, youth-driven take on modern Vietnam.

Why it’s one of the most unique things to buy in Vietnam:

• 🎁 Creative Vietnamese gift idea that supports local talent
• ✈️ Compact & travel-friendly — easy to carry or send
• 🎨 Authentic expression of Vietnamese life, not just another souvenir

So skip the mass-market magnets. Vietnam’s art scene is full of personality — and yes, it fits perfectly in your backpack.

>> Read more: A-Z Wellness Retreat Vietnam: Must-Try Tips, Destinations & Activities

5. Vespa parts and vintage finds

Find vintage treasure from Vietnam’s hidden shops!

Calling all retro lovers and treasure hunters! Vietnam is a goldmine for quirky, nostalgic items that’ll make your suitcase (and your home) way cooler. Beyond the usual souvenirs, there’s a world of things to buy in Vietnam tucked into old garages, antique corners, and back-alley stalls — especially in cities like Hanoi, Saigon, and Hue. If you’re into vintage style or mid-century vibes, these are truly some of the best things to buy in Vietnam.

Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• Old Vespa mirrors & parts: Vietnam has a huge scooter culture, and vintage Vespa parts — mirrors, badges, even old speedometers — make for awesome décor or conversation pieces. Look around in motorbike markets or secondhand shops near repair alleys. 🛠️
• Wartime trinkets: Antique stores (especially in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Saigon’s Le Cong Kieu street) often carry relics like old army dog tags, binoculars, and canteens from the French and American war eras. They’re rich in history, but shop with respect and always check authenticity.
• Vintage enamelware & kitchen finds: Think floral rice bowls, pastel teapots, or steel lunchboxes that look straight out of a 1960s movie set. These items are both decorative and functional — and totally Instagrammable. 🍽️
• Soviet-era posters & propaganda art: For something bold and graphic, grab a vintage reproduction print with slogans, soldiers, or working-class heroes. They’re kitschy, colorful, and deeply rooted in Vietnam’s unique past.

Why it’s worth hunting down:

• 🧭Perfect for vintage collectors or home décor lovers
• 🎁Unique Vietnam gift idea with history and character
• ✈️Not your typical souvenir — each item tells a story

Just a warning: browsing these shops may spark a desire to redecorate your entire house in retro Vietnamese chic. But hey — that’s part of the fun!

6. Candy you’ve never heard of

Sweet, sour, and totally unique to Vietnam!

Vietnamese snacks are a wild ride — part sweet treat, part flavor experiment. If you’re bored of the usual chocolate bars and gummy bears, Vietnam’s snack scene offers something way more fun (and occasionally confusing 😅). From pandan taffy to durian-flavored everything, this is where the unexpected becomes the unforgettable. Whether you’re hunting for quirky souvenirs or looking to prank your friends with a durian surprise, these snacks are some of the most unique things to buy in Vietnam.

Here’s what to throw in your snack haul:

• Pandan taffy: Soft, chewy, and green in all the best ways. Pandan is like Southeast Asia’s answer to vanilla — sweet, aromatic, and a little nutty. Perfect for those who want a subtle intro to local flavors. 🍃
• Tamarind chews: Tangy, sticky, and a little spicy, these chewy candies are a local favorite. Often mixed with chili salt for a sweet-sour-kick combo that’s weirdly addictive.
• Durian wafers: Smell like a science experiment, taste like… actually pretty good (depending on your bravery level). These light wafers filled with durian cream are infamous — but hey, trying them is a rite of passage. 😬
• Coconut candy (kẹo dừa): Especially famous in Bến Tre, these are creamy, melt-in-your-mouth squares made from coconut milk and malt. Often comes in pretty paper wrapping — ideal for gifting.
• Lotus seed sweets: Lightly sweet and sometimes roasted, these are a more delicate, health-friendly option if you’re dodging sugar overload.

Why these are top things to buy in Vietnam:

• 🍭 Fun Vietnamese gift idea that fits in any suitcase
• 🛍️ Unexpected flavors = instant conversation starter
• 🇻🇳 A sweet (or sour) way to taste Vietnam’s quirky side

Warning: what starts as a snack haul may end in a snack addiction. Stock up — you’ll laugh, cringe, and maybe discover a new favorite treat.

>> Read more: Best things to buy in Vietnam: Top 25 souvenirs & must-have items

7. The written word: zines, notebooks, and quirky stationery

Pen your adventure with Vietnam’s zines, handcrafted notebooks, and playful stationery!

If you’re the kind of traveler who gets more excited in a stationery shop than a souvenir stand, Vietnam has something special for you. With a culture deeply rooted in calligraphy, craftsmanship, and creativity, the country’s paper scene is overflowing with charm. Whether it’s a hand-stitched notebook, a zine about youth culture in Hanoi, or a postcard you’ll actually want to keep, these famous things in Vietnam to buy will have your suitcase filled with character (and paper cuts, maybe).

Here’s what to scribble into your shopping list:

• Handmade journals: Look for journals bound with fabric covers, hand-dyed paper, or even pressed flowers. Many are crafted by small local workshops using sustainable materials. They’re ideal for travel diaries or as thoughtful gifts. 📔
• Zines from Vietnamese creatives: In cities like Saigon and Hanoi, the indie zine scene is thriving. Pick up limited-run booklets on topics like street fashion, modern Vietnamese identity, or illustrations of daily life. Perfect for art lovers and curious minds.
• Quirky postcards & prints: Go beyond the touristy postcards. Think hand-drawn scenes of Hanoian rooftops, Saigon traffic chaos, or cute bánh mì characters. They’re funny, local, and frame-worthy. 🖼️
• Brush pens & calligraphy tools: With Vietnam’s tradition of beautiful handwriting, you’ll find elegant calligraphy sets — ideal for creatives who love analog beauty.
• Stationery sets with a twist: Notebooks shaped like pho bowls? Stickers featuring Vietnamese slang or street food? Yes, those exist — and they’re irresistible.

Why it’s a must-have:

• ✉️ Famous thing in Vietnam to buy for writers, artists, and creative souls
• 🛍️ Lightweight & easy to pack
• 🎁 Unique and thoughtful gift idea for friends who still love snail mail or sketching

So next time you wander past a tiny stationery stall or an art café zine rack, stop. You might just find your next favorite notebook — or the perfect little slice of Vietnamese creativity to take home.

>> Read more: Locals Reveal: The Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

8. Electrifying souvenirs: LED signs & neon dreams

Light up your space with Vietnam’s electrifying LED signs and neon dreams!

Want to bring home a little slice of Vietnam’s buzzing nightlife? Forget postcards — think glowing signs, mini streetlights, and custom neon. From the neon-drenched streets of Saigon to the retro cafés of Hanoi, this country’s after-dark aesthetic is unforgettable — and now, shockingly easy to pack. These quirky finds aren’t just cool — they’re some of the most Instagram-worthy and best things to buy in Vietnam for design lovers and night owls alike.

Here’s what to light up your souvenir haul:

• Mini LED signs: Inspired by Vietnamese shop fronts and karaoke bars, these small LED signs come with fun phrases like “Cà Phê Sữa Đá,” “Phở,” or even customized options. Lightweight, USB-powered, and seriously fun for home bars or desks. 💬
• Custom neon words: Want your name glowing in Vietnamese script? Some local makers (especially in Saigon) offer custom neon signage — small enough to pack, bold enough to impress. A unique way to remember your trip and spark conversation.
• Hanoi-style streetlight miniatures: Tiny replicas of the old-school, curved Hanoi street lamps are a charming mix of vintage and modern. Some even double as nightlights.
• LED lanterns: A modern twist on Hội An’s famous paper lanterns — these versions come with built-in LED lights, so you can light them up without a candle or fuss. 🌟

Why they’re among the best things to buy in Vietnam:

• ⚡ Bold, creative, and totally unexpected souvenir idea
• 🧳 Compact and packable (many fold flat or come in protective boxes)
• 🎁 Great for gifts or glowing up your home décor with Vietnamese vibes

So if your suitcase has room and your soul loves a bit of sparkle, bring home a glowing piece of Vietnam — no voltage converter required.

The best things to buy in Vietnam aren’t mass-produced—they’re the curious, hyper-local, “you had to be there” finds. So skip the kitsch and chase the quirk. From quirky candies to electrifying neon signs, Vietnam offers souvenirs that are as unique as your travels. Your suitcase (and stories) will thank you. Plus, if you’re looking for personalized recommendations and local insider tips, local travel experts at Laka can help you find the hidden gems you’ll remember long after you’ve left. Happy shopping! 🎁✈️

Written by Laka’s Local Expert