Last Sunday Amanda, Hannah, Bella and I had dinner at the Korean restaurant – Soo’s, and Hannah asked me to give her suggestion for souvenirs when we are traveling in Vietnam, and here is my list of top souvenirs:
- Nón lá (Conical hat/ Straw hat) – is a circular cone made of bamboo cataphylls, notable for it’s romantic adornments. The non la is more than an indispensable tool for people in Vietnam: it has become a cultural symbol. Vietnamese wear the non la all year. The shape protects the wearer from the downpours of the rainy season like an umbrella, and provides shade and protection from the heat during April and May, when the temperature is at peak hot. Depending on the quality, price at souvenir shops range between VND 30,000 and VND 100,000.
- Sand Pictures – The artist pours the colorful sand between two glass panes or in a specially designed mug or vase. The layers of sand form an enthralling piece of art, that looks stunning on every shelf and makes an excellent souvenir.
- Guốc mộc (Wooden clogs) Wooden clogs (guoc moc) were a sort of traditional footwear for men and women alike in the past. After the feudal period, they mostly remained in a trio of Non la, Ao dai and Guoc moc to increase the gracefulness of Vietnamese ladies when attending important festivals or any special events in town. Guoc moc are rarely used nowadays, but tourists can catch a glimpse of them at traditional activities. If you can find some around VND 150,000 then go for it.
- Handicraft – Handicraft is one of the most popular souvenir in Vietnam as well as in Ho Chi Minh city. There a huge variety of handicrafts that made by skillful Vietnamese artists. There are many kinds of handicrafts for your choice such as trays, embroidery, vases, rosewood boxes, wood-block prints, lacquer ware, reed mats, carpets, ceramics and leather work. The patterns are usually about Vietnamese people’s life, especially the life in rural area.
- Hand fan – usually made of paper on a bamboo frame, is a useful thing in Vietnamese life. It has played an important role in the country’s rich culture. Hand fans are seen in beautiful Vietnamese traditional dance. Hand fans with calligraphy remind of Confucianism in Vietnam. Today Vietnamese hand fan, which is made of paper or silk and decorated or painted are one of the best souvenirs in our country.
- Shell craft – decorative objects or decorating surfaces made of seashells is also a good choice for tourists who travel to Vietnam. All of them are designed and made by skilled Vietnamese artists. Shell crafts are usually sold on the beach in Vietnam.
- Bamboo dragonfly – Bamboo dragonfly is a souvenir which you can only find in Vietnam. It’s a small and fun gift. Nice and lively dragonflies are made of bamboo and decorated colorfully. An interesting fact is that the bamboo dragonfly can stand by its mouth on any surface, even your finger.
- Dried foods – There are hundreds of dried foods which are specialties in Vietnam. Some of the most popular are dried squid, beef jerky, fish jerky, dried jack fruit, dried banana, dried lotus seeds, dried coconut meat… All of them are delicious.
- Bamboo souvenir – Bamboo symbolizes the strong spirit and energy of Vietnamese people and the country. Bamboo products are used widely in Vietnam because it’s cheap and environmentally friendly. Why do not by a souvenir made of bamboo when you travel to Vietnam? There are many bamboo products for you to buy such as bookmark, tray, cosmetic box.
- Vietnamese paintings – Đông Hồ folk woodcut painting, shaving smoked bamboo painting, silk painting, rice painting… are unique souvenirs that you can buy in Vietnam. Most of them are about Vietnamese people and peaceful sights.
houxinjie li says
Thanks for sharing it Bao. It is a wonderful gift list.
I am wondering when you have time, would you mind to create a most traditional/popular dish name list too?
thanks
Bao Duong says
Sure I will 😀