On a trip to this fascinating country, you'll be immersed in a rich and diverse world of commerce. From bustling markets and specialized shopping streets to designer boutiques and street vendors, there are treasures to be discovered on every corner. 

If you’re asking the question “What can you bring back from Vietnam by plane”, here's a selection of traditional gifts and iconic souvenirs, all of which are allowed on the plane. These recommendations will help you choose items that will capture the essence of your trip to Vietnam and allow you to share this unique experience with your loved ones.

Food to bring back from Vietnam

Ô Mai

Let us introduce you to one of the best Vietnamese snacks to bring home: Ô Mai. Ô Mai, Vietnamese-style dried fruit, is the result of a meticulous preparation process. After a preliminary treatment, the fruit is marinated in a mixture of sugar or salt, sometimes spiced with ginger, licorice, or even chili. This marinade is then cooked until the spices completely coat the fruit, creating a unique harmony of flavors. This delicacy has a special place in the traditions of Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, reflecting its cultural importance. It’s a unique and delicious treat that will guarantee an “Ô Mai God” from your friends and family!

The price of Ô Mai varies between $7 and $10 a kilo, depending on the type of fruit and the complexity of the preparation. Prices are displayed on the containers, and you have the opportunity to taste them before you buy! Popular flavors are tamarind, plum, and apricot. 

Where to buy:

O Mai Hong Lam: 11 Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi / 82 Ham Nghi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

O Mai Tien Thanh: 21 Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Ben Tre Coconut Candy

If you’re wondering what to bring back from Vietnam, coconut candy is also one of the first things we recommend. Originating in Ben Tre province, these sweets got their exceptional flavor from the coconut trees that thrive in this region.

The variety of flavors on offer is impressive. Besides the original coconut flavor, you'll discover a range of flavors to suit all palates: cocoa, ginger, peanuts, coffee, pandan, taro, and even durian for the more daring. For the ultimate indulgence, accompany these sweets with a cup of tea, creating a moment of pure delectation.

Although production is mainly concentrated in Ben Tre, you can easily find these sweets all over the country. In supermarkets, grocery shops, or souvenir shops, they're readily available. Their affordable price, ranging from $1.5 to $4 a packet, makes them an ideal gift to give or to treat yourself.

Where to buy:

Keo dua Thanh Long: 212B Dong Khoi, Phu Khuong, Ben Tre

Keo dua Ba Hai To: 379C KP3, Nguyen Van Tu, Ben Tre

Keo dua Yen Hoang: 60A4, district 1, Phu Tan, Ben Tre

Maison Marou’s chocolate

If you’re looking for a standout food to bring back from Vietnam, Maison Marou chocolates are definitely worth considering. This fantastic chocolatier based in Ho Chi Minh City is known for its artisanal, high-quality chocolates that really capture the essence of Vietnamese cacao. They use beans sourced from different regions across the country, which means you’re getting a taste of Vietnam’s rich and diverse chocolate heritage in every bite. What sets Maison Marou apart is their unique flavor combinations, often incorporating local ingredients like roasted peanuts, coconut, and even coffee, which makes their chocolates a true reflection of Vietnamese culinary flair. Plus, their packaging is absolutely gorgeous—elegantly designed and perfect for gifting or just enjoying yourself. 

By bringing home Maison Marou chocolates, you’re not just indulging in a delicious treat; you’re also supporting a local business and the Vietnamese cacao industry. It’s a sweet way to remember your trip and share a bit of Vietnam’s flavor with friends and family back home.

Where to buy: 

You can buy their products at 16 stores across Vietnam, here are some of their flagship stores:

Hanoi: 91A Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Saigon: 90 Xuan Thuy, D2, HCMC

Danang: 197-199 Tran Phu St, Phuoc Ninh Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang

Spices

If you're a food lover and wondering what to bring back from Vietnam, Vietnamese spices are probably the perfect answer, especially for lovers of exotic flavors. Vietnamese cuisine, renowned the world over for its subtle balance of fresh flavors, enchanting aromas, and complex textures, relies on these iconic spices. Why not bring some of this culinary magic home with you?

Aromatic and pungent in flavor, Phu Quoc pepper is stronger than many peppers from other regions, including red pepper. The pepper is harvested by the inhabitants of Phu Quoc in batches of ripeness and is mainly picked by hand, selecting the ripe fruit separately into 3 types: black pepper, red pepper, and white pepper. Phu Quoc pepper is famous for its shiny skin, firm seeds, and spicy, fragrant aroma, which fascinates people with its aromatic, pungent flavor that is richer than pepper grown in other regions. 

Where to buy:

Address 1: 11 Kim Dong street, Giap Bat road, Hoang Mai district, Hanoi

Address 2: A11, lane 100, Trung Kinh Street, Cau Giay district, Hanoi

Drinks

Vietnamese coffee

What to bring back from Vietnam by plane? Coffee, of course! Vietnam, the world's second-largest coffee producer, is renowned for its exceptional Robusta beans. To prolong this sensory experience at home, treat yourself to a 500g pack of Trung Nguyen coffee, the country's flagship brand. Expect to pay around $4 to $5 for this premium quality, with prices varying according to the type of coffee chosen. If you’re wondering how much coffee you can bring back from Vietnam, you don’t need to worry as there are no restrictions. Local cafés also offer smaller packs, ideal for travelers with limited baggage space. 

For a total immersion in Vietnamese coffee culture, make sure to also buy a "Phin", the traditional Vietnamese coffee filter. This is an essential product to help recreate authentic Vietnamese coffee in your kitchen. The combo - coffee beans and filter - is a perfect souvenir of Vietnam, which is practical, light, and allowed on the plane. It's a delicious way to relive your Vietnamese adventures. 

Where to buy:

Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee

Highland Coffee

Phuc Long Coffee

Oriberry Coffee 25 Xuan Dieu

Vietnamese green tea

Not a fan of coffee? Vietnamese tea is an excellent and refined choice. Vietnam stands out with exceptional tea, the result of rigorous cultivation and processing. Although other countries also produce tea, the freshness and intense floral aromas of Vietnam's freshly harvested leaves make it a true signature of the country.

When you choose Vietnamese tea as a souvenir, you're taking home much more than just a drink. It's a sensory experience, a fragment of culture, and a concentration of health benefits that you bring back in your luggage. Light, easy to carry, and permitted on flights, Vietnamese tea is the ideal gift and souvenir to bring back from Vietnam.

Where to buy:

Viet Co Tra: 24/143 Trung Kinh, Yen Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi

Huong Van: Ward 11, Dong Quang, Thai Nguyen

Tra Viet: 34 Giang Van Minh, Kim Ma, Hanoi

Vietnamese handmade souvenirs

Brocade

What can you bring back from Vietnam as an authentic and meaningful souvenir? Brocade accessories are a wise choice! Brocade, the handcrafted treasure of Vietnam's ethnic minorities, embodies the very essence of their culture. The diversity of brocade products is remarkable, ranging from elegant garments to practical handbags and original shoes. These items are generally available at most tourist sites in Vietnam, at prices ranging from $2 to $10 depending on the product. 

To guarantee the authenticity of your purchase, choose shops selling genuine handicrafts, even though prices may be higher. An even more immersive experience would be to visit the northern highlands, home to many ethnic minorities. There you can learn about their fascinating culture, see how these products are made, and buy directly from the craftsmen.

Where to buy:

In all the embroidery shops in Hanoi's Old Quarter

In the ethnic markets of northern Vietnam

Ceramics

Despite the increasing ubiquity of plastic in everyday Vietnamese life, traditional ceramics continue to thrive, driven by their inestimable cultural and historical values. Beyond Bat Trang, other villages such as Chu Dau in the Red River delta, Thanh Ha near Hoi An, and Bau Truc further south, continue to perpetuate this ancestral art with brio.

For travelers in search of authentic souvenirs, these ceramic pieces are an exquisite souvenir to bring back from Vietnam. Each object, whether a finely decorated bowl, a vase with traditional motifs, or an elegant teapot, tells a story and embodies the age-old skills of Vietnamese craftsmen.

However, the fragility of these treasures requires special care. Careful packaging is highly recommended to ensure that these delicate works of art arrive intact at their destination. 

Where to buy:

Bat Trang Pottery Craft Village

No 12, Dang Thuy Tram, Cau Giay, Hanoi

393 Kim Nguu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

21 Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phong, Ward 7, HCMC

6 Che Lan Vien, Tay Thanh, Tan Phu, HCMC

Silk

To answer your question "What can you bring back from Vietnam by plane?" Silk, once a luxury item, has become a popular and affordable souvenir, at around $10 a meter. Used in traditional costumes such as áo dài, silk seduces with its varied colors and patterns.

The best places to buy it are Van Phuc village in Hanoi or in Hoi An. The latter city even offers tailoring services for made-to-measure suits at reasonable prices. Vietnamese silk, with its diversity and beauty, will satisfy all tastes, making it an ideal gift to bring back from your trip.

Where to buy:

Phuc Hung Silk: Pho Lua, Hong Phong, Van Phuc, Hanoi

Tan My Design: 61, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Toan Thinh Silk: 12 Oham Phu Thu, Tan Binh, HCMC

Bamboo and rattan products

Bamboo, the emblematic plant of Vietnamese culture, adorns villages and inspires local crafts. All over the country, you'll find a multitude of bamboo and rattan creations: finely woven baskets, elegant trays, bowls in a variety of shapes, sturdy furniture, and unique decorative objects.

These handicraft treasures, carefully crafted by the locals, bear witness to ancestral craftsmenship. If you're wondering what to bring back from Vietnam as an authentic souvenir, these bamboo and rattan pieces will win you over with their beauty and exceptional quality.

Where to buy:

Bamboo Village Shop: 108 Xuan Dieu street, Tay Ho, Hanoi

Bamboo Shop: 4B Hang Hang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Life Impress - An Tuong: 49 Ton That Thiep, District 1, HCMC

Mekong Creations: 68 Le Loi, Ward 1, HCMC

Ao Dai

The Áo Dài, a traditional Vietnamese costume, is a must-have souvenir from Vietnam. This elegant garment, worn by both men and women, consists of a fitted long-sleeved tunic and trousers. It enhances the figure while remaining appropriate for formal occasions.

A symbol of Vietnamese fashion, the áo dài embodies the beauty and grace of the country. It's a perfect gift for yourself or your loved ones, representing an authentic and refined souvenir of your trip. All in all, the áo dài is at the top of the list when it comes to souvenirs to bring back from Vietnam.

Where to buy:

Tiem may Yaly: 358 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Cam Chau, Hoi An

Bebe Tailors: 05-07 Hoang Dieu, Hoi An

Ao dai Phan Hai: 43 Le Van Huu, Hanoi 

Thai Tuan Fashion: 27 Phan Chu Trinh, Ben Thanh, HCMC

Conical Hat

The Vietnamese conical hat, or "Nón lá", is an iconic symbol of the country. Made from palm and bamboo leaves, it’s usually worn by farmers in rice fields or young women in áo dài. Traditionally used as protection against the sun and rain, it is now a much sought-after souvenir.

So, what to bring back from Vietnam by plane? Nón lá is high on this list. The tourist versions are lighter than the authentic ones, making them easier to transport. Despite its bulky shape, it can be carried in the cabin, making it a unique souvenir representative of Vietnamese culture.

Where to buy: 

Souvenir shops in Hanoi's Old Quarter

Dong Xuan market in Hanoi

Binh Tay market in Saigon

What can you not bring back from Vietnam?

When you’re heading back from Vietnam, there are a few things you’ll want to steer clear of packing in your suitcase. For starters, don’t even think about bringing home any fresh fruits or vegetables. Customs regulations are pretty strict about that stuff to prevent pests and diseases from spreading. Also, leave any wildlife products, like ivory or certain traditional medicines that use endangered species, out of your bags. They might seem like exotic souvenirs, but they can get you into a lot of trouble. And, of course, make sure you check the latest rules and regulations before you fly out, just to be on the safe side.

You may also be interested:

=> Vietnam Itinerary 2 weeks 

=> Unique and cheap things to buy in Vietnam