Don’t miss out on shopping in Hue during your visit to the city. You’ll discover a wide variety of unique souvenirs that are exclusive to Hue, perfect for bringing back home.
Here are the top 9 recommended souvenirs to buy in Hue.
1. Hue Royal Tea
Royal tea is different from red or green tea because it’s made from a mix of 16 different herbs. These include things like chrysanthemum flower, artichoke, sweet grass, ginseng, and more. Each herb brings its own special benefits and flavor to the tea. This unique blend creates a special drink that you can only find in Hue.
2. Traditional Ao Dai
In Hue, you’ll find stunning Ao Dai dresses, which are known for their intricate beauty. Ao Dai is a graceful and charming outfit. Consider purchasing a tailor-made or ready-to-wear Ao Dai as a unique and elegant souvenir to remember your time in Hue.
3. Non La (Conical Hat)
Vietnamese conical hats can be found all over Vietnam, but they’re said to have originated in the ancient capital city of Hue. Hat making in Hue has been a tradition for hundreds of years, with villages like Da Le, Phu Cam, Doc So, Trieu Tay, Kim Long, and others being famous for it.
What sets Hue’s conical hats apart is the intricate weaving of beautiful images of local landscapes or famous poems between two layers of leaves. These patterns are only visible when the hat is exposed to light, adding a unique and charming touch to this traditional craft.
4. Hue Imperial City-inspired Crafts
Explore handcrafted items inspired by the ancient architecture and history of Hue’s Imperial City. You might find miniature models, paintings, or intricate woodwork that beautifully capture the essence of this historic place.
5. Lanterns
Hue is renowned for its colorful lanterns. These lanterns come in various sizes, shapes, and hues, making them perfect for adding a touch of charm and warmth to your home as decorative pieces or light sources.
6. Perfume
Hue earned the nickname “City of Perfume” because of its thriving perfume-making industry. When visiting, consider buying locally made perfumes, essential oils, or incense sticks that boast unique and delightful fragrances.
7. Royal Cuisine
Hue is famous for its unique royal cuisine. Don’t miss out on specialty food items like Hue-style beef noodle soup (bun bo Hue) or royal-inspired spices and condiments that capture the flavors of Hue. Bringing these back home will let you savor the taste of Hue long after your visit.
8. Peanut and Sesame Candy (Me Xung)
Peanut and sesame candy, known as Me Xung, is a traditional specialty of Hue. It’s made from a blend of peanuts, sesame seeds, flour, and sugar. This delightful treat is sweet, soft, and chewy, similar to nougat. For the best experience, try enjoying this candy with a cup of lotus tea.
9. Bronze Products
The bronze casting techniques in Phuong Duc village, Hue, are renowned as some of the best in the world. This village, situated on Bui Thi Xuan Street just 2 km from the city center, has mastered the art of bronze casting to perfection. Hue’s bronze products, known for their exceptional quality, can be found all across Vietnam and even in some international markets. Each piece features intricate lines, decorations, and patterns that showcase the incredible skill and precision of the artisans.
