Ho Chi Minh City is a lively place to buy souvenirs that actually tell a story. Street markets, small workshops, and design shops all offer items that reflect the food, craft, and recent design scene here.

This guide covers souvenirs you can find across the city, not a single street or shop. The focus is on things made locally or closely tied to Ho Chi Minh City, easy to pack, and simple to judge for quality.

1. Vietnamese coffee beans

• Why it’s worth buying: Vietnam is one of the world’s biggest coffee producers, and local beans have a strong, chocolatey profile that suits many brewing styles. Fresh-roasted bags make a reliable souvenir for coffee lovers.
• Where to look: independent roasters and small coffee shops around the city.
• Price range: $6–$20
• How to spot a good one: check the roast date on the bag and smell for a rich, slightly sweet aroma.
• Easy-to-pack tip: seal the bag in a ziplock, then cushion with clothing inside your luggage.

2. Phin filter (Vietnamese coffee press)

• Why it’s worth buying: The phin is small, metal, and designed for Vietnamese-style coffee, making it useful at home. It’s inexpensive and durable, a practical memento.
• Where to look: independent shops selling kitchenware and coffee accessories.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: choose stainless steel with a tight-fitting lid and fine perforations.
• Easy-to-pack tip: wrap in a cloth or place inside a shoe to prevent dents.

3. Coconut candy (kẹo dừa)

• Why it’s worth buying: These candies are widely made in southern Vietnam and travel well in sealed packages. They offer a genuine local flavor and make good gifts.
• Where to look: central markets and packaged food stalls.
• Price range: $3–$10
• How to spot a good one: pick boxes with intact seals and ingredient lists, avoiding sticky or leaking packages.
• Easy-to-pack tip: keep them in checked baggage if tightly boxed, or in carry-on for shorter trips.

4. Fish sauce (small sealed bottles)

• Why it’s worth buying: Fish sauce is a staple of Vietnamese cooking and a taste that’s hard to replicate outside the country. Small, well-sealed bottles let you bring an authentic flavor home.
• Where to look: food halls and specialty food counters.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: look for clear labeling, no bulging caps, and a strong aroma through the cap.
• Easy-to-pack tip: protect bottles with bubble wrap and declare them if required for checked luggage.

5. Lacquerware box or tray

• Why it’s worth buying: Lacquerware uses layered resin and often features traditional motifs, combining function with craft. Small boxes or coasters are good sizes for travel.
• Where to look: galleries that show craft and decorative objects.
• Price range: $12–$80
• How to spot a good one: inspect the finish for smoothness and even layers, and check for visible join lines.
• Easy-to-pack tip: place between soft clothing to cushion against bumps.

6. Handmade ceramic cup

• Why it’s worth buying: Local potters make simple cups with unique glazes that reflect regional clay and firing techniques. A single cup can be both useful and decorative.
• Where to look: independent ceramic studios and artisan shops.
• Price range: $8–$45
• How to spot a good one: check for a steady base, even glaze coverage, and no fine hairline cracks.
• Easy-to-pack tip: wrap in towels and keep in the center of your suitcase for extra protection.

7. Silk scarf or voile textile

• Why it’s worth buying: Lightweight silk scarves fold thin and show off local patterns and colors. They’re useful as gifts or practical travel accessories.
• Where to look: artisan markets selling fabrics and clothing.
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: feel for natural silk’s smoothness and look for neat, finished edges.
• Easy-to-pack tip: roll scarves to save space and prevent creasing.

8. Leather wallet or cardholder

• Why it’s worth buying: Small leather goods made locally can be well-priced and often use simple, durable designs. A wallet is a practical item you’ll use daily.
• Where to look: craft co-ops and market stalls with leather goods.
• Price range: $12–$50
• How to spot a good one: examine stitching, edge finishing, and the suppleness of the leather.
• Easy-to-pack tip: place in a shoe or clothing pouch to keep shape during transit.

9. Handmade silver or brass jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Local metalsmiths produce simple, wearable pieces that reflect local motifs and craftsmanship. Small rings or pendants travel easily.
• Where to look: galleries and designer stalls selling jewelry.
• Price range: $15–$120
• How to spot a good one: check for a hallmarked metal stamp or clear maker’s mark and sturdy clasps.
• Easy-to-pack tip: store each piece in a separate pouch to prevent scratches.

10. Local art prints and posters

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints from local artists show contemporary scenes or reinterpret traditional themes at a low cost. They’re lightweight and easy to pack flat.
• Where to look: independent design shops and print stalls.
• Price range: $5–$50
• How to spot a good one: ask about paper weight and print method; look for clean edges and consistent color.
• Easy-to-pack tip: carry flat in a portfolio sleeve or tube to prevent creases.

11. Small metal kitchen tools (brass coffee scoop, spoon)

• Why it’s worth buying: Brass or copper utensils reflect local metalworking and make useful gifts. They are sturdy and don’t take much space.
• Where to look: craft co-ops that sell household items.
• Price range: $6–$30
• How to spot a good one: feel the weight and check for secure joins and a smooth finish.
• Easy-to-pack tip: wrap in bubble wrap and place inside shoes or clothing.

12. Packaged pho or spice mixes

• Why it’s worth buying: Ready spice sachets let you recreate Vietnamese flavors at home with minimal fuss. They are light and often shelf-stable.
• Where to look: food halls and market packaged-food sections.
• Price range: $2–$15
• How to spot a good one: choose brands with ingredient lists you recognize and no torn seals.
• Easy-to-pack tip: keep in carry-on or a cushioned checked bag to avoid crushing.

Quick buying tips for Ho Chi Minh City

• Carry small bills and coins; many stalls prefer cash over cards.
• Haggling is common at local markets; start lower and stay polite while negotiating.
• Wrap breakables in clothing, then place them inside a hard suitcase compartment.
• Many larger shops and markets can ship items abroad, ask about rates.
• Look for tags or receipts stating ‘made locally’ and artisan names if present.
• Sealed food and bottled liquids usually go in checked luggage; check airline rules.

Where to shop in Ho Chi Minh City

Shopping stretches across central districts and into historic market areas, with different places suited to different souvenirs. Markets and food halls are good for edible goods and mass-market items, while galleries and co-ops are best for craft and design purchases.

• Ben Thanh Market: central market for packaged foods, coffee, textiles, and small souvenirs.
• Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon): wholesale spices, dried goods, and fabrics in the Chinatown area.
• Dong Khoi and the colonial district: design boutiques, galleries, and stationery shops.
• Museum shops at major museums: higher-quality books, prints, and curated objects.
• Night markets and weekend craft markets: independent designers, jewelry, and clothing at varying prices.
• District 3 craft streets: small workshops where lacquerware, silver, and ceramics are made and sold.
• Riverside and promenade areas: pop-ups and festival stalls selling food items and crafts.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Plastic trinkets sold at tourist stalls because they often break and use poor materials.
• Items labeled vaguely as ‘traditional’ that actually say ‘Made in China’ on the tag.
• Overly shiny, lightweight lacquerware with uneven layers, indicating poor finishing.
• Unsealed food packages or homemade jars without ingredient lists or dates.
• Cheap leather goods with loose stitching, which will deteriorate quickly.
• Imitation antiques described as genuine without provenance or clear age indicators.

If you only buy three things

• Vietnamese coffee beans: compact, iconic, and easy to share with friends.
• Lacquerware box: representative craft, useful for small items and easy to pack.
• Silk scarf: light, practical, and shows local textile traditions.

FAQ

1. What is Ho Chi Minh City known for making?
   Ho Chi Minh City is known for coffee, lacquerware, and a wide range of street-food ingredients. It also has strong craft and design scenes producing textiles, ceramics, and small-scale metalwork.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh City?
   Good edible options include roasted coffee beans, coconut candy, and sealed spice mixes. Choose items with intact packaging and clear ingredient lists.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Ho Chi Minh City?
   Prices vary a lot depending on quality and where you buy them. Markets tend to be cheaper while galleries and museum shops ask higher prices for artisan work.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Ho Chi Minh City?
   Art prints, scarves, and packaged spices are among the easiest to pack. They take little space and are not fragile.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Look for maker tags, ‘made locally’ labels, or receipts listing an artisan or workshop. Ask questions about where materials came from and watch for obvious mass-produced marks.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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