When it comes to Vietnam travel, Ho Chi Minh City souvenirs are an essential part of capturing the spirit of this city. Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of souvenirs that reflect its rich cultural heritage and energy. Take a piece of Ho Chi Minh City home with you as a lasting memory of your unforgettable journey here.
1. Non la (conical hat) – a must-have Ho Chi Minh City souvenir
One of the most iconic Vietnam souvenir ideas is the Non la, a traditional Vietnamese conical hat. Not only is the Non la convenient and practical, but it also adds a touch of romance and charm when paired with the Ao Dai or Ao Ba Ba, enhancing the beauty of Vietnamese women. Don't miss out on this memorable souvenir that will always remind you of Vietnam.
You can easily find Non la at any souvenir shop in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Binh Tay Market: No. 57A, Thap Muoi, Ward 2, District 6
- Ben Thanh Market: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
2. Ao Dai for clothes shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
The Vietnamese Ao Dai, or traditional Vietnamese dress, is renowned worldwide for its distinctive design that enhances the beauty of women who wear it. Serving as both the national costume of Vietnam and a sought-after Ho Chi Minh City souvenir, the Ao Dai captures the essence of Vietnamese culture.
For reliable options, you can visit establishments such as:
- Miss Ao Dai: No. 778/11, Nguyen Kiem, Ward 4, Phu Nhuan District
- Ao Dai Ngoc Chau: No. 148, Nguyen Thien Thuat, District 3
- Ao Dai Lien Huong: No. 111, Pasteur, Ward 6, District 3
3. What to buy in Ho Chi Minh City? – Silk and fabric
Vietnamese silk and fabric are among the best Ho Chi Minh City souvenirs for tourists from all around the world. Each woven silk item not only possesses beauty and softness but also carries within it countless stories of Vietnamese culture and traditional craftsmanship.
Where to shop in Ho Chi Minh City for the best silk products?
- Ben Thanh Market: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
- An Dong Market: No. 34 and No. 36, An Duong Vuong, Ward 9, District 5
- Thai Tuan Fashion: No. 147 - 149, 3/2 Street, District 10
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4. Ao Ba Ba – one of the best Ho Chi Minh City souvenirs
Ao Ba Ba, consisting of a top and silky pants, serves as symbolic attire representing the people of South Vietnam. Its captivating beauty makes it one of the finest silk Vietnam souvenirs. A set of Ao Ba Ba is an irresistible Saigon souvenir you should not miss.
Where to buy souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh City? For the best places to purchase ready-to-wear and bespoke Ao Ba Ba, consider visiting:
- Hoai Giang Shop: No. 759/3A, Huong Lo 2 Street, Binh Tan District and No.8, Nguyen Thoi Trung, Ward 6, District 5
- Ao Dai Minh Thu: No. 278, Nguyen Thương Hien, Ward 4, District 3
- Any gift shop in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly at Cu Chi Tunnels, where they are available.
5. Checkered scarf – a referred souvenir from Ho Chi Minh City
Are you finding what to buy in Ho Chi Minh City? Consider a checkered scarf, historically used as neck warmers, hat scarves, and towels by the people of South Vietnam. Not only is a checkered scarf a wonderful souvenir, but it also serves as a stylish accessory.
Ho Chi Minh City souvenir shops that sell checkered scarves are:
- Store 49-50 at Taka Plaza Shopping Center, No. 4, Pham Ngu Lao, District 1
- Any souvenir shop in Ho Chi Minh City, especially those at Cu Chi Tunnels.
6. Handcrafted products – a top-pick Saigon souvenir
Handicrafts are highly sought-after souvenirs in Vietnam, specifically in Ho Chi Minh City. Skilled Vietnamese artists create a diverse range of handicrafts, offering a wide selection for visitors. These handicrafts often depict scenes from Vietnamese rural life, providing a glimpse into the local culture.
To find the best place to buy souvenirs, look no further than Ho Chi Minh City souvenir shops:
- Huong Nga Fine Arts: No. 212, Bung Ong Thoan Street, Tang Nhon Phu B Ward, Thu Duc City
- Cistra Gifts & Crafts: No. 84, Nguyen Hue, District 1
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7. Ho Chi Minh City coffee souvenir
Coffee holds a significant place in Vietnamese culture, and the country is renowned as one of the top coffee producers worldwide. Therefore, bringing back Vietnamese coffee as a Sai Gon souvenir is an excellent choice for travelers.
To find well-packaged coffee, there are reputable brands available throughout the city, with numerous stores scattered across various locations. Notable brands include The Coffee House, Phuc Long, Trung Nguyen, and Highlands.
8. Ceramics – a great choice for Ho Chi Minh City souvenir
Ceramics have long been cherished as the best souvenirs from Vietnam. From ceramic cups and vases to decorative lamps, each piece showcases unique designs and intricate patterns, reflecting exquisite craftsmanship.
For pottery shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, visit:
- Ben Thanh Market: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
- Some open-air shops: Along Nguyen Huu Tho Street, District 7, offering an excellent selection of ceramics
9. Vietnamese paintings – a good idea for Saigon souvenirs
Dong Ho folk woodcut paintings, smoked bamboo paintings, silk paintings, rice paintings, and embroidery paintings are exquisite and unique Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City souvenirs as a whole. These art forms often depict scenes of Vietnamese people and serene landscapes, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's nature and its people.
Where is the best place to buy souvenirs such as Vietnamese paintings?
- Various souvenir shops along Tran Phu Street in District 5
- Fahasa bookstores, with multiple branches across the city
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10. Ho Chi Minh City food souvenirs
Ho Chi Minh City boasts a wide array of specialty foods that make perfect gifts for friends and family. Among the most popular choices of food in Ho Chi Minh City are dried squid, beef jerky, fish jerky, dried jackfruit, dried coconut meat, rice papers, shrimp salt, cakes, and candies. These delightful treats can be easily found in various Saigon markets.
For the best selection of food for Ho Chi Minh City souvenirs, visit:
- Ben Thanh Market: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
- Tan Dinh Market: No. 01, Nguyen Huu Cau, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1
- Vincom Center: No. 72, Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- Coopmart Cong Quynh: No. 189C, Cong Quynh, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1
11. What to buy in Saigon? – Paper hand fan
Hand fans, typically crafted with paper on a bamboo frame, hold great significance in Vietnamese culture and serve multiple purposes. In modern times, Vietnamese hand fans, adorned with decorative patterns or paintings, have become a cherished souvenir in Vietnam.
You can find beautifully patterned hand fans at various Ho Chi Minh City souvenir markets, such as Ben Thanh Market, Tan Dinh Market, and Binh Tay Market.
12. Brocade bags – a top-notch Ho Chi Minh City souvenir
The art of weaving brocade has a rich history dating back hundreds of years. In present times, Vietnamese brocades have rightfully earned the status of a national treasure. Created by talented ethnic minority artisans from various regions of Vietnam, brocade items showcase a wide range of shapes, colors, and purposes. They are truly among the best souvenirs from Vietnam to buy.
To find brocade items, visit Ben Thanh Market or explore the numerous gift shops in Ho Chi Minh City. For instance:
- Vietnamese Brocade shop: No. 767/13, Tran Hung Dao, Ward 1, District 5
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Apart from shopping for Ho Chi Minh City souvenirs to bring back as gifts, don't forget to explore the vibrant landmarks in this bustling city, including Landmark 81 Vietnam, Bui Vien Walking Street, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Nguyen Hue Street, Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Ton Duc Thang Museum, Saigon Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.
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Ho Chi Minh City souvenirs are more than just tokens of remembrance; they encapsulate the essence and vibrancy of this remarkable city. From traditional handicrafts to delicious food specialties, each souvenir carries a piece of Vietnamese culture and heritage, serving as tangible reminders of the rich experiences and fond memories created during your time in Ho Chi Minh City. Take a piece of this dynamic city home with you, and let these souvenirs continue to inspire and transport you back to the captivating spirit of Vietnam.
