Looking for an original gift to slip into your suitcase? In 2025, five items still stand out in Vietnam: robusta coffee, Hoi An silk, traditional lacquerware, Bat Trang ceramics, and premium spices, including Phu Quoc pepper. These souvenirs, rooted in local craftsmanship, blend aesthetics, flavor, and cultural heritage.
What souvenir to bring back from Vietnam: top 5 must-haves
Here are five safe bets to delight loved ones and collectors.
- ☕ Robusta coffee from Dak Lak: intense roasting, perfect for phin.
- 🧵 Silk from Hoi An: light fabrics, ideal for custom-made clothing.
- 🎨 Lacquerware from Ha Thai: trays, bowls, and lacquered paintings.
- 🏺 Ceramics from Bat Trang: unique utilitarian or decorative pieces.
- 🌶️ Spices & Phu Quoc pepper: black, red, or white, very aromatic.
| Souvenir ⭐ | Where to buy 📍 | Average price 💵 | Quick tip ⚡ |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☕ Coffee | Trung Nguyen Legend, 80 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi | €8 / 250 g | Add a stainless steel phin (€2) |
| 🧵 Silk | 79-111 Hang Gai, Hanoi | €18 / m | Negotiate >3 m |
| 🎨 Lacquer | Ha Thai Village, 17 km from Hanoi | €25 per tray | Check the smell of sandalwood |
| 🏺 Ceramics | Bat Trang Market, Gia Lam | €6 per cup | Prefer An Duc kiln |
| 🌶️ Spices | Tien Thanh Farm, Phu Quoc | €4 / 100 g | Pepper-sesame mix 🔥 |
For more detail, consult comprehensive guides like Authentik Vietnam or the selections from So Vietnam Travel.
Focus: robusta coffee and phin filter
As the leading producer of robusta, the country supplies 40% of global consumption. The individual stainless steel filter (phin) ensures a slow extraction, ideal for enjoying it as iced “ca phe sua da.”
- 🚜 Plantation visit in Buon Ma Thuot
- 🔥 On-site roasting to preserve aromatic oils
- 🎁 “Phin + 250 g” kit easy to pack in carry-on luggage
Tips for responsible shopping in Vietnam
Favor bamboo craftsmanship and local embroideries to support specialized villages and reduce carbon footprint.
- 🌱 Artisan markets: Cho Coc Ly (Tuesday) for bamboo 🎋
- 🧶 Embroideries in Quat Dong: pastoral scenes front and back 🎨
- 📜 Personalized calligraphy at the Temple of Literature
| Village | Expertise | Best period | Contact & hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Phuc | Silk | Oct.–Apr. | 8am–6pm, +84 24 3333 7890 |
| Ha Thai | Lacquer | All year | 8am–5pm, guided tours |
| Quat Dong | Embroideries | Tet Festival | 9am–4pm, Le Duc Thu workshop |
The site Typic Travel lists other ethical addresses, while Umvie details zero-plastic approaches.
Zoom: silk selection & custom clothing
Hoi An has 400 tailors capable of delivering a suit within 24 hours. A small workshop such as “Bebe Tailor” offers a style guide in augmented reality, reflecting tourism 4.0!
Transport and customs tips for your souvenirs
Avoid breakage, extra fees, and confiscations: a few simple rules suffice.
- 📦 Pack ceramics in padded clothes 🧣
- 🚫 Liquids and spices: no containers >100 ml in cabin
- 🏷️ Keep invoices for VAT refund (up to 8%)
| Souvenir | Recommended baggage | Risk | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lacquer | Cabin | Scratches | Bubble wrap + cover |
| Coffee | Hold | Compression | Hermetic bag |
| Silk | Cabin | Creasing | Roll in cardboard tube 📏 |
To compare with other destinations, read the guides for London or Morocco. Similar issues arise regarding textile protection and customs control.
Note: sandalwood limits
Sandalwood is restricted; a CITES certificate may be required for sculptures. Check with your airline 48 hours before departure.
FAQ — Souvenirs from Vietnam
- Which souvenirs pass French customs without issues? Most dry food products (coffee, tea, spices) and unprotected craftsmanship; avoid ivory or rosewood.
- Where to find a “Hanoi 1900” Monopoly? At the “Red Giant” store, 15 Hang Bac, or online via Participez.com.
- How much does shipping a parcel from Ho Chi Minh City cost? In 2025, VNPost charges ~€22 up to 2 kg to Europe, tracking included.
- Is the silk sold at Ben Thanh authentic? Not always; favor shops labeled “Vietnam Silk House.”
- How to check the quality of lacquer? Wipe with a damp cloth; the color should not run and the surface remains smooth.
Need more inspiration? Browse the gift idea library at 123souvenir.com, including dossiers on Egypt or Bali to vary your travel pleasures!
