Top 10 Souvenir Shop in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

While Vietnam boasts breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, a cherished souvenir can become a tangible reminder of your unforgettable adventure. Here, we explore the top 10 souvenir shop in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets.

Top 10 Souvenir Shop in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Souvenir Shop in Hanoi:

Hanoi Old Quarter Shops (Various shops):

• • Types: Endless array of shops lining narrow streets.
  • Highlights: Treasure trove of handcrafted items like silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidery, and traditional toys. Great for bargaining!
  • Lowlights: Can be overwhelming, some shops might have similar items.
  • Price Range: Varies depending on the item and your bargaining skills.
  • Address: Throughout Hanoi Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District)

NGO Suoi Nghe (Craft Village Shop):

• • Types: High-quality, ethically sourced handicrafts directly from artisans.
  • Highlights: Supports local communities, wide range of products like embroidered bags, ceramics, and homeware. Fixed prices ensure fair trade practices.
  • Lowlights: Slightly pricier than Old Quarter shops.
  • Price Range: Varies depending on the item, generally starts from $10 USD.
  • Address: 54 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Collective Memory – The House of Curios:

• • Types: Unique and eclectic collection of vintage finds, antiques, and handcrafted souvenirs.
  • Highlights: Perfect for those seeking one-of-a-kind treasures, curated selection of jewelry, clothing, and home décor.
  • Lowlights: Limited quantity of some items.
  • Price Range: Varies depending on the item, generally pricier than Old Quarter shops.
  • Address: 11 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

YNOT:

• • Types: Modern take on Vietnamese crafts and souvenirs.
  • Highlights: Stylish and contemporary clothing, accessories, and homeware with Vietnamese influences. Great for gifts with a modern twist.
  • Lowlights: Limited selection of traditional items.
  • Price Range: Mid-range, generally starts from $20 USD.
  • Address: 52 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Souvenir Shop in Ho Chi Minh City:

Ben Thanh Market:

• • Types: Bustling market with a vast array of souvenirs.
  • Highlights: Wide variety of clothing, silk products, lacquerware, and handicrafts. Bargaining is expected!
  • Lowlights: Can be crowded and overwhelming, some items might be mass-produced.
  • Price Range: Varies depending on the item and your bargaining skills.
  • Address: Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Coi Gift Souvenir Shop:

• • Types: Stylish and contemporary souvenirs with a Vietnamese touch.
  • Highlights: Beautifully designed clothing, accessories, homeware, and gifts featuring Vietnamese patterns and motifs. Great for design enthusiasts.
  • Lowlights: Limited selection of traditional items.
  • Price Range: Mid-range, generally starts from $20 USD.
  • Address: 174/10 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Mai: House of Indigenous Art:

• • Types: High-quality, ethically sourced handicrafts from ethnic minorities.
  • Highlights: Supports local communities, unique selection of textiles, jewelry, and homeware made using traditional techniques. Fixed prices ensure fair trade practices.
  • Lowlights: Slightly pricier than Ben Thanh Market.
  • Price Range: Varies depending on the item, generally starts from $15 USD.
  • Address: 66 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Cho Cu (Antique Market):

• • Types: Treasure trove of antiques, vintage finds, and collectibles.
  • Highlights: Perfect for those seeking unique and historical items, diverse selection of furniture, ceramics, and artwork. Great for bargaining!
  • Lowlights: Can be overwhelming, authenticity of some items might need verification.
  • Price Range: Varies depending on the item and your bargaining skills.
  • Address: Nguyen Thai Binh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (opens Fridays to Sundays)

The War Remnants Museum Gift Souvenir Shop:

• • Types: Souvenirs related to the Vietnam War.
  • Highlights: Books, documentaries, clothing, and replicas of wartime items. Offers a historical perspective on the war.
  • Lowlights: Limited selection of general souvenirs.
  • Price Range: Varies depending on the item, generally affordable.
  • Address: 272 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Thuan Kieu Embroidery Shop:

• • Types: Exquisite hand-embroidered silk clothing and homeware.
  • Highlights: Beautiful and intricate embroidery work, perfect for a luxurious souvenir. Offers custom-made pieces.
  • Lowlights: Pricier than other souvenir options.
  • Price Range: High-end, expect to pay several hundred USD for a custom-made silk Ao Dai.
  • Address: 123 Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

See also:

Top 5 Must-Try Stores for Vegetarian food Hanoi

Tips to help you choose the perfect souvenir shop in Vietnam

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect souvenir shop in Vietnam:

Consider what you’re looking for:

• Traditional Souvenirs: If you want classic Vietnamese items like lacquerware, ao dai (long silk dress), conical hats, or embroidery, head to local markets or shops specializing in traditional crafts.
• Unique Finds: Explore shops in Hanoi’s Hang Gai Street or Ho Chi Minh City’s Ly Tu Trong for trendy takes on Vietnamese designs or shops in craft villages for one-of-a-kind pieces.
• Ethical Shopping: Look for shops like NGO Suoi Nghe or Mai: House of Indigenous Art that support local communities and fair trade practices.
• Modern Souvenirs: YNOT in Hanoi or Coi Gift Shop in Ho Chi Minh City offer souvenirs with a contemporary twist that incorporate Vietnamese motifs.
• War Relics: The War Remnants Museum gift shop caters to those interested in wartime memorabilia.
• Luxury Items: Thuan Kieu Embroidery Shop offers exquisite hand-embroidered silk clothing and homeware.

Think about your budget:

• Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in markets and smaller shops. Be polite and respectful while negotiating prices.
• Fixed Prices: Shops like NGO Suoi Nghe or Mai have fixed prices ensuring fair trade practices, but may be slightly pricier.

Look for quality:

• Material: Check the quality of fabrics, wood, and other materials used in souvenirs, especially for silk and lacquerware.
• Craftsmanship: Look for well-made items with intricate details and avoid mass-produced souvenirs if you prefer something unique.

Support local artisans:

• Look for shops that directly source from artisans or visit craft villages like Bat Trang ceramics village or Cho Lon handicraft area.

Consider the location of the souvenir shop:

• Hanoi Old Quarter: A maze of shops offering a vast array of souvenirs, perfect for bargaining!
• Ben Thanh Market (HCMC): Bustling market with a wide variety, but can be crowded.
• Craft Villages: Immerse yourself in the local artisans’ environment and witness traditional techniques firsthand.