Ao Dai traditional garment
USD 40–150 · From Da Nang
Have this silk tunic tailored to your measurements for a timeless, elegant fit.
Phát Trương (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Where to buy: Tailor shops on Phan Chau Trinh Street offer quick turnarounds.
What to Buy in Vietnam
Local goods and souvenirs worth bringing home — with photos, typical prices, and where to buy them.
Ao Dai (traditional silk tunic)
USD 40–200
Get one custom-fitted by a tailor to ensure the perfect drape.
Phát Trương (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Where to buy: Tan Dinh Market or specialized boutiques on Pasteur Street.
Ceramic pottery
USD 5–50
Local artisans specialize in unglazed, durable terracotta pieces from nearby Thanh Ha village.
Rictor Norton (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Ceramic tea sets
USD 20–100 · From Da Nang
Refined glazes and traditional shapes make these sets functional art for your kitchen.
No machine-readable author provided. Al-da-Rion assumed (based on copyright claims). (Public domain)
Where to buy: Specialty homeware boutiques near the Dragon Bridge area.
Squid sausage
USD 10–25 · From Quảng Ninh Province
This is the signature local delicacy, handmade by grinding fresh squid into a paste.
Francesc Fort (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Ha Long Market 1 or Cho Vuon Dao.
Pearls
USD 30–500 · From Quảng Ninh Province
Harvested in local bay farms, these are far cheaper than retail prices back home.
MASAYUKI KATO (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Quang Ninh Exhibition of Planning and Fair Center, or directly at Cua Van floating village farms.
Pearl Jewelry
USD 50–1250 · From Quảng Ninh Province
The sheltered bay waters provide ideal conditions for high-quality pearl cultivation.
MASAYUKI KATO (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Quang Ninh Pearl Farm; specialized showrooms near Bai Chay wharf.
Dried seafood
USD 5–30 · From Da Nang
Locals cure ocean-fresh squid and fish using traditional sun-drying methods.
Goumisao (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Con Market
Dried seafood and seaweed
USD 5–30 · From Da Nang
The coastal location offers high-quality dried squid and seaweed snacks that locals use for daily seasoning.
국립국어원 (CC BY-SA 2.0 kr)
Where to buy: Han Market.
Silk embroidery
USD 25–150 · From Da Nang
Intricate needlework depicts local landscapes with a distinct, shimmering depth.
anonymous (Public domain)
Where to buy: Han Market
Traditional Leather Sandals
USD 25–80
Cobblers here craft custom-fit leather sandals in hours based on your foot measurements.
AIDEPCUL (CC BY 4.0)
Where to buy: Friendly Shoe Shop or various leather stores near the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Lacquerware tray
USD 30–300
Requires weeks of layering and polishing, resulting in a deep, glass-like finish.
Hiart (CC0)
Where to buy: Hanoia in the Old Quarter.
Custom Leather Sandals
USD 20–60
Local cobblers craft durable, minimal leather sandals tailored to your fit in hours.
AIDEPCUL (CC BY 4.0)
Where to buy: Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street district
Leather Satchel or Sandals
USD 30–100
Local cobblers can replicate footwear designs or craft durable bags in under 24 hours.
Tx-re (CC BY-SA 3.0 it)
Where to buy: Friendly Shoe Shop
Lotus tea
USD 5–25 · From Da Nang
Green tea leaves aged with fresh lotus flowers for a subtle, floral scent.
활빈당 (CC BY 2.0 kr)
Where to buy: Cho Han Market tea stalls.
Dried lotus seeds
USD 5–15
Light and earthy, these are a staple snack that you rarely find outside Asia.
Sjschen at English Wikipedia (Public domain)
Where to buy: Binh Tay Market.
Non Nuoc stone carvings
USD 10–200 · From Da Nang
Skilled artisans shape statues from Marble Mountain minerals right in this village.
Public domain
Where to buy: Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, Ngu Hanh Son
Wooden ship models
USD 20–100 · From Quảng Ninh Province
Detailed replicas of the traditional wooden junk boats that cruise the bay.
Where to buy: Souvenir shops near Tuan Chau Marina.
Dried squid
USD 10–40
Chewy, salty squid grilled over charcoal is the classic island sunset snack.
Arne Müseler (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)
Where to buy: Duong Dong night market street vendors.
Hand-painted conical hats
USD 2–10 · From Quảng Ninh Province
Traditional palm leaf hats painted with local scenes make light, meaningful gifts.
Hisu Lee (CC0)
Where to buy: Bai Chay night market.
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under Creative Commons licenses. Individual credits shown on each photo where available.