Hoi An is definitely one of Vietnam’s top attractions, brimming with fascinating things to explore in its historic shops, street markets, and unique antique stores in the Old Quarter. If you’re thinking about what souvenirs to bring back home, don’t miss our list of 15 meaningful and memorable souvenirs to buy in Hoi An.
1. Round Straw Bags
When you’re in Hoi An, you can’t miss out on buying one of their signature round straw bags. These bags are all handcrafted, showcasing the incredible skill of local artisans. Whether you’re heading to the beach or just out for the day, these bags are not only stylish but also incredibly practical. You’ll come across them in numerous shops, each offering a unique array of designs and sizes to suit your personal style.
2. Tailor Made Clothes
Tailor-made clothing is a must-try experience in Hoi An, and one of the best souvenirs to buy in Hoi An. Here, you have the opportunity to select your preferred fabric, design, and fit, while skilled tailors take precise measurements to ensure a perfect fit. The process is remarkably swift, with your bespoke garments often ready within a day or two. Whether you’re after a custom dress or a tailored suit, the combination of excellent quality and reasonable pricing makes this experience truly exceptional.
3. Custom Shoes
In Hoi An, you have the opportunity to have custom shoes crafted just for you. Skilled craftsmen attentively listen to your preferences and meticulously measure your feet to ensure the perfect fit. You can select the style, color, and material of your choice. Although it takes a few days, the end result is well worth it – you’ll walk away with shoes that are not only unique but also incredibly comfortable.
4. Silk
In Hoi An, you should definitely buy their special silk to take back home. It’s different from regular fabric because it’s really soft, light, and airy. It won’t make you feel too hot, especially in the summer. Tourists, especially those from other countries, really like it. If you’re interested, you can buy some soft pieces to bring back, or you can have them made into traditional Vietnamese outfits like ao dai. You can also turn them into pretty scarves. Ranked as one of the best souvenirs to buy in Hoi An, this gift will definitely be a hit with moms and women.
5. Hoi An Silk Lanterns
The Hoi An Silk Lantern is a famous symbol of this old town. It’s made with a bamboo frame and covered in colorful silk with lots of different patterns. There are all sorts of shapes, like cylinder, UFO-shaped, and turning-lamp styles. One of the coolest things you can do here is to make your own lantern with the help of locals. They’ll show you how to do it step by step. And don’t worry about carrying it home – the lanterns can be taken apart for easy transportation. It’s one of the most meaningful and unique souvenirs to buy in Hoi An.
6. Traditional Painted Masks
Another unique souvenir you can find in Hoi An Ancient Town is Painted Masks. These masks are colorful and often depict characters from Vietnamese folklore. They come with their own traditional stories and are usually priced reasonably. Buying one of these masks would make a memorable and distinctive gift to bring back home.
7. Tohe
In Hoi An, you’ll discover a unique variation of the colorful Vietnamese Tohe. Here, you can find Quang-style Tohe, which come in various sizes and shapes representing animals and objects associated with Vietnamese life. These Tohe are crafted from clay and serve as delightful musical instruments, adding a fun touch to your experience.
8. Custom Made Buffalo Leather Products
In Hoi An, leather goods are mostly handmade using authentic buffalo leather, showcasing skillful craftsmanship and attention to detail. If you’re looking to personalize your own bag or shoes, simply bring a photo or design to the shop. They’ll tailor-make your items according to your preferences, and you can even negotiate the price.
9. Kim Bong Woodworking
Kim Bong is Hoi An’s renowned traditional carpentry village, known for its exquisite wood and bamboo crafts. Here, you can find various products like wooden stamps, landscape pictures, and portraits, all crafted with skill and precision. Among these, the most distinctive artworks are the Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity faces made from bamboo roots, which make for unique and auspicious gifts.
10. Chopsticks
Hoi An Chopsticks are a quintessential part of Vietnamese dining culture, typically crafted from bamboo or wood. They come in a wide array of styles and materials, catering to different tastes and preferences. Purchasing these chopsticks makes for a wonderful souvenir, serving as a reminder of your unforgettable experiences in this remarkable Ancient Town.
11. Phuoc Kieu Bronze Statue
Phuoc Kieu is Hoi An’s most famous traditional Bronze Village. It’s known for its high-quality bronze statues that reflect Vietnamese tradition. You can browse through a range of products like statues, gongs, drums, and bells. What’s really special is that you can even try your hand at making a bronze statue yourself, adding a unique experience to your visit.
12. Coffee and Tea
Hoi An boasts numerous coffee and tea shops where you can purchase Vietnamese tea and coffee, making for unique and healthy gifts. Among the offerings, the standout is the weasel coffee, known for its exceptional flavor. Additionally, you’ll find an array of teas dried with aromatic herbs like ginger, and fragrant flowers such as chrysanthemum and rose, providing a delightful variety of flavors to choose from.
13. Green Bean Cake
In Hoi An, there’s a special treat called Green Bean Cake. It has a unique savory filling and comes in two types: dry and wet. Both are made into thin, round shapes that fit nicely in your hand.
Dry cakes are put into a special mold and dried carefully before being packed, so they last longer than wet ones. But whether they’re dry or wet, they’re tasty and good for you.
Because of its yummy taste and good quality, Hoi An Green Bean Cake is a great gift to bring back home for your family and friends when you visit this city.
14. Paintings
Bringing home amazing paintings of Hoi An Ancient Town and Vietnamese landscapes can be a wonderful gift idea. Don’t fret about transporting them – shops will ensure they’re securely packaged for your travels.
15. Pop-up Cards
Pop-up cards, also called 3D cut-out cards, are crafted by skilled artisans using only paper and scissors. These cards are unique and attention-grabbing, each featuring a specific theme and showcasing famous landmarks in Hoi An, like the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient houses, boats, lotus flowers, and more, in vibrant colors. When you open them, a stunning paper model pops up, adding an extra touch of beauty to the card.
16. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is a traditional Vietnamese art that stands out from other mass-produced artworks. In this art form, your names or wishes can be written in a unique style, adding a personal touch to the piece.
