The Ultimate Guide: 16+ Best Shops for Souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh (2025 Edition)

2025-12-08

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a chaotic, colorful, and energetic metropolis. For many travelers, the first place they think of for shopping is Ben Thanh Market. While the market is a must-visit for the experience, it can be stressful. The heat, the aggressive haggling, and the overwhelming amount of generic goods can make finding a truly special gift difficult.

You want something that tells a story. You want a piece of Vietnam to take home. You are likely asking: "Where to buy souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh that are high quality, authentic, and fairly priced?"

As a local insider living in this city, I have curated a list of the top 16 places to find unique souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh. This is not just a list; it is a deep dive into the best local brands. Whether you are looking for luxury lacquerware, sustainable fashion, or delicious snacks, this guide has it all.

Short on time? See the city's top landmarks before you start shopping.
See the Best of Saigon in 2.5 Hours >>>

I have also updated this guide with the Nearest Metro Station (Line 1), making your shopping trip easier than ever.

Part 1: Arts, Crafts & Lifestyle

For the design lovers and home decorators.

Vietnamese craftsmanship is world-famous. In this section, we explore shops that elevate traditional skills like lacquer painting, pottery, and embroidery into modern masterpieces.

1. The Craft House

If you only have one hour to shop and want to see everything Vietnam has to offer, this is your destination. The Craft House is a concept store that gathers products from dozens of local Vietnamese artisans and small brands under one roof.

• Address:
  • 32 Dong Khoi Street, District 1.
  • 28 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1.
• Nearest metro: Opera House Station (Ga Nhà Hát Thành Phố). From the station, it is a short 3-minute walk down Dong Khoi Street.
• Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00.
• Price range: 50,000 - 1,000,000 VND (~$2 - $40 USD).

The vibe (atmosphere): walking into the Craft House feels like entering a modern art gallery, but one where you can touch everything. It is cool, well-lit, and smells faintly of lemongrass and wood. It offers a calm escape from the busy streets outside.

Honest review: this is the most convenient answer to "where to buy souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh."

• Pros: the selection is incredible. You can find wooden magnets, leather coasters, scented candles (The 'Dalat Pine' scent is a bestseller), and eco-friendly tote bags all in one place. The packaging is modern and travel-ready.
• Cons: because it is a curated retailer, prices are fixed and slightly higher than if you bought directly from the makers. However, you are paying for the convenience of saving time.
• Verdict: a perfect "last-minute" shopping spot where you are guaranteed to find something for everyone on your list.

2. Mekong Quilts

Souvenirs should have a story, and Mekong Quilts has the best one. This is a social enterprise that aims to provide sustainable employment for women in rural Vietnam and Cambodia.

• Address: 85 Pasteur, District 1.
• Nearest metro: Ben Thanh Station or Opera House Station. The shop is located centrally, about a 5-7 minute walk from either station.
• Opening hours: 09:00 - 19:00.
• Price range: 200,000 - 5,000,000+ VND (~$8 - $200+ USD).

The vibe (Setting): the shop is quiet, colorful, and textured. Walls are lined with intricate fabrics, and the floor is filled with unique bamboo bicycles. It feels peaceful and grounded.

Honest review:

• The goods: they are famous for their hand-stitched quilts (blankets). These are not factory-made; each one is crafted by hand and can take weeks to finish.
• My take: while a quilt is a heavy item to pack, it is an investment. I know families who have used their Mekong Quilt for over 15 years. It is heirloom quality.
• Hidden gem: if a blanket is too big, check out their Bamboo Bicycles. They are fully functional, incredibly strong, and distinctively Vietnamese. They can arrange shipping for the bike to your home country.

3. Hanoia

For those seeking luxury souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh, Hanoia is the gold standard. They specialize in high-end lacquerware, a traditional Vietnamese art form that involves applying multiple layers of resin to wood or bamboo.

• Address: 15 Dong Du, District 1.
• Nearest metro: Opera House Station. It is just around the corner, a 4-minute walk.
• Opening hours: 09:00 - 21:00.
• Price range: 1,500,000 - 20,000,000+ VND (~$60 - $800+ USD).

The vibe (Ambience): premium, sophisticated, and gallery-like. The lighting is designed to make the lacquer products shine like jewels.

Honest review:

• The quality: you might see lacquerware in the night market for $5, but Hanoia is in a different league. Their lacquer is flawless, smooth as glass, and resistant to scratches. The designs combine Vietnamese tradition with French elegance.
• Best for: this is the place to buy a gift for your boss, a business partner, or a wedding gift. It screams "luxury."
• Cons: the price tag is high. It is not for the budget traveler.

4. Amaï

If you visit trendy cafes in Saigon, you will notice their plates are often pastel-colored and slightly "wobbly." That is amaï.

• Address: 76 Dong Khoi, District 1.
• Nearest metro: Opera House Station. Located on the prestigious Dong Khoi street, 2 minutes from the station.
• Opening hours: 09:00 - 21:00.
• Price range: 200,000 - 2,000,000 VND (~$8 - $80 USD).

The vibe (mood): dreamy, minimalist, and fragile. The store displays ceramics by color gradients, creating a rainbow effect that is very Instagrammable.

Honest review:

• The design: amaï celebrates "imperfection." The cups and plates are not perfectly round, which makes them feel organic. The material is "Kaolin" clay, fired at high temperatures.
• Warning: the ceramics are incredibly thin (almost like eggshells). They are strong, but they look scary to transport.
• Insider tip: if you buy here, tell the staff you are flying. They are experts at "mummy-wrapping" the ceramics in bubble wrap to ensure they survive your suitcase journey.

5. Maztermind

Board games are usually not souvenirs, but Maztermind changes that. They reinvent classic games using local craftsmanship and premium materials.

• Address: level 3, Takashimaya Department Store, 92-94 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1.
• Nearest metro: Ben Thanh Station. There is a direct underground connection from the Metro station into the Takashimaya/Saigon Centre mall.
• Opening hours: 09:30 - 21:30.
• Price range: 1,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND (~$40 - $600 USD).

The vibe (environment): playful yet sophisticated. It sits inside the city's most luxurious mall.

Honest review:

• Must-buy: their "Saigon Monopoly" set is iconic. Instead of generic streets, you buy and trade real Saigon locations like the Notre Dame Cathedral or Ben Thanh Market. The pieces are made of wood and leather.
• Pros: it is a functional piece of art that you can actually play with friends back home.
• Cons: weight. These sets use stone, resin, and heavy wood. A full Monopoly set can weigh 3-5kg. Check your luggage allowance before purchasing!

You've seen the history in games and crafts. Now, go explore the real stories behind them.
Explore the Hidden History of Saigon >>>

Part 2: Fashion & Accessories

Wearable memories of Vietnam.

Forget the "Good Morning Vietnam" t-shirts that shrink after one wash. The new wave of Vietnamese fashion is about organic materials, minimalist design, and practicality.

6. Ginkgo T-Shirts

Ginkgo is the pioneer of high-quality travel fashion in Vietnam. They are arguably the most famous brand for souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh.

• Address:
  • 10 Le Loi  
  • 86 Le Loi, District 1.
  • 107 Dong Khoi, District 1.
• Nearest metro:
  • For Le Loi shops: Ben Thanh Station.
  • For Dong Khoi shop: Opera House Station.
• Opening hours: 08:30 - 22:00.
• Price range: 400,000 - 1,200,000 VND (~$16 - $50 USD).

The vibe (atmosphere): energetic, bright, and welcoming. The staff usually speak excellent English.

Honest review:

• The fabric: Vietnam is hot and humid. Ginkgo understands this. Their shirts are made of organic cotton and bamboo blends that breathe. You can wear them in 35°C heat and still feel comfortable.
• The design: no cheesy tourist slogans. The designs are artistic interpretations of Vietnamese culture (e.g., a motorbike loaded with chickens, or electricity wire tangles) that look cool enough to wear in Paris or New York.
• Fit: they offer Western sizing, which is a huge plus as local sizes can run small.

7. Jamlos Flagship Store

If you see a young Saigonese carrying a canvas tote or backpack, it is likely Jamlos.

• Address: 25 Nguyen Huy Hieu, Thao Dien, District 2.
• Opening hours: 10:00 - 21:00.
• Price range: 300,000 - 800,000 VND (~$12 - $32 USD).

The vibe (style): youthful, utilitarian, and minimalist.

Honest review:

• Why I love it: I use a Jamlos backpack daily. They are designed for city life-lots of pockets for water bottles, laptops, and hidden zippers for security.
• Material: the canvas is thick and durable. Many bags are water-resistant, which is essential for Saigon's rainy season.
• Value: for $20-$30, the quality is unbeatable compared to international brands. It is a practical souvenir you will actually use.

8. Ninh Khuong

While Jamlos is for the youth, Ninh Khuong is for the classics. Known as the "King of Embroidery."

• Address: 71B Dong Khoi.
• Nearest metro: Opera House Station (Dong Khoi).
• Opening hours: 08:00 - 22:00.
• Price range: 500,000 - 3,000,000 VND (~$20 - $120 USD).

The vibe (setting): traditional, warm, and nostalgic.

Honest review:

• Best for: baby clothes and home linens. If you have a newborn niece or nephew, a hand-embroidered dress or shirt from here is a precious gift.
• Detail: the embroidery is done by hand. You can see the care in every stitch.
• Note: the style is very classic/vintage. It might not appeal to someone looking for modern fashion, but the quality is timeless.

9. KOKONIC

Let's head out of the city center to Thao Dien-the "Expat Village" of Saigon.

• Address: 113Bis Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, District 2.
• Nearest metro: Thao Dien Station. From the station, it is a pleasant 10-minute walk through a neighborhood filled with villas and cafes.
• Opening hours: 09:00 - 23:00.
• Price range: 300,000 - 1,500,000 VND (~$12 - $60 USD).

The vibe (mood): bohemian, artistic, and colorful.

Honest review:

• The product: they make handcrafted jewelry and accessories using unique materials.
• Travel tip: this is the perfect place for "lightweight" shopping. If your suitcase is already 23kg, a pair of handmade earrings or a necklace from KOKONIC weighs nothing but carries a lot of style.
• Uniqueness: you won't find these designs in the tourist markets. They are distinctively artistic.

You have got the style, now enjoy the ride. The coolest way to see the city is on two wheels.
Experience the City on a Vintage Vespa >>>

Part 3: Edible Souvenirs (Food & Drink)

The most delicious way to remember Vietnam.

When people ask "where to buy cheap souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh," I always point them to food. Vietnam is a culinary superpower, and bringing home flavors is the best gift.

10. Maison Marou

The New York Times called this "The best chocolate you’ve never tasted." Maison Marou put Vietnamese cacao on the world map.

• Address: 167-169 Calmette, District 1.
• Nearest metro: Ben Thanh Station. A quick 3-minute walk from the station exit.
• Opening hours: 09:00 - 22:00.
• Price range: 150,000 - 1,000,000 VND (~$6 - $40 USD).

The vibe (scent): intoxicating. The smell of roasting cacao beans hits you before you even open the door. The flagship store is beautiful, with an open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen.

Honest review:

• The taste: this is not sweet, milky candy. This is dark, complex, single-origin chocolate. Each bar comes from a different province (Ben Tre, Tien Giang, Lam Dong) and has a different flavor profile (fruity, spicy, nutty).
• Packaging: the wrapping paper is a work of art. It looks expensive and requires no extra gift wrapping.
• Vital advice: chocolate melts! Saigon is usually 30-35°C. Do not buy this at 10 AM and carry it around all day. Make this your last stop before heading back to your hotel, or buy it at the airport (though it is more expensive there).

11. Star Kitchen Souvenir Gift Shop

A fusion of Vietnamese flavors and Japanese quality standards.

• Address: B2 Floor, Takashimaya, 92-94 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia / Near Ben Thanh Market North Gate.
• Nearest metro: Ben Thanh Station (Direct access to Takashimaya).
• Opening hours: 09:30 - 21:30.
• Price range: 150,000 - 500,000 VND (~$6 - $20 USD).

The vibe (look): retro, cute, and very "gift-shop" style.

Honest review:

• The hero product: "Banh Mi Rusk." They take the famous Vietnamese baguette, slice it, and bake it until crispy with flavors like Pho (yes, savory!), Vietnamese Coffee, and Coconut.
• Why buy it: it is unique (who expects a Pho-flavored cookie?), lightweight, and has a long shelf life. The boxes feature retro artwork of Saigon streets, making them perfect souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh.

12. Tra Viet

Tea drinking is a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture.

• Address:
  • City center: 19 Hai Trieu, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Near Bitexco Tower).
  • Near airport: 44A Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan District.
• Nearest metro:
  • For district 1: Ben Thanh Station. From the station, it is a short 5-minute walk down Ham Nghi street.
  • For Phu Nhuan: none. However, this location is strategic for a last-minute stop on your taxi ride to the Airport.
• Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:30.
• Price range: 300,000 - 2,000,000 VND (~$12 - $80 USD).

The vibe (setting): zen, formal, and quiet.

Honest review:

• The product: high-end Vietnamese tea. Their Lotus Tea is legendary-green tea leaves are placed inside real lotus flowers to absorb the scent overnight. It is a painstaking process.
• Presentation: they sell tea in beautiful wooden boxes or lacquer boxes. This is a serious gift for tea connoisseurs or older relatives.

13. L’angfarm vs. Annam Gourmet

If you are asking "where to buy cheap souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh" (edible ones), these are your two best friends. Note: These are two completely different brands, so here is a comparison to help you choose the right one for your budget.

Option A: L’angfarm (The budget king) This is a famous chain brand bringing produce from Dalat (the highland city of eternal spring).

• Locations: they have many branches across the city. You can find them in Lotte Mart, on Tran Hung Dao Street, or simply search "L'angfarm" on Google Maps.
  • Most convenient location: inside Saigon Centre (Takashimaya).
  • Nearest metro: Ben Thanh Station.
• What to buy: dried mango, soft dried bananas, artichoke tea, and strawberry jam.
• Verdict: it is cheap, the packaging is modern and nice enough for casual gifts, and the quality is consistent. You can buy gifts for your entire office here for under $50 USD.

Option B: Annam Gourmet (The Luxury Choice) This is a high-end supermarket catering to expats and foodies.

• Address: 16-18 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
• Nearest metro: Opera House Station (Ga Nhà Hát Thành Phố). From the station, it is just a 2-minute walk.
• What to buy: Phu Quoc Fish Sauce (look for premium glass bottles—but check airline rules on liquids!), Black Pepper in ceramic jars, and Cashew Nuts.
• Verdict: if L'angfarm is for quantity, Annam is for quality. They curate the best local spices and pack them in high-quality jars. Great for buying a fancy gift for a chef friend.

Shopping for snacks made you hungry? Stop snacking and eat like a local.
Hungry? Join Our Street Food Adventure >>>

Part 4: Workshops & Experiences

Don't just buy a souvenir, make one.

The trend of "Slow Travel" is huge in 2025. Instead of just buying an item, why not spend an afternoon creating your own souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh?

14. NOTE - The Scent Lab

Smell is the strongest trigger for memory.

• Address: 34 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City.
• Nearest metro: Thao Dien Station. From the station, it is a pleasant 10-15 minute walk through the leafy Thao Dien neighborhood, or a very short Grab bike ride (2 minutes).
• Price: ~500,000 - 1,500,000 VND (~$20 - $60 USD).

The experience: this is a perfume-making workshop. You sit in front of an "organ" of scents - essential oils ranging from woody to floral, citrus to spicy.

Honest review:

• The fun: guided by an expert, you mix your own formula. You can name your perfume "Saigon Morning" or "Rainy Afternoon."
• The result: you walk away with a professional bottle of perfume that no one else in the world has. It is deeply personal and one of the most unique souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh.

15. Tia To Artbook

A hidden gem for art lovers.

• Address: 1st Floor, 14 Ton That Dam, District 1.
• Nearest metro: Ben Thanh Station or Ham Nghi Bus Station.
• Opening hours: 09:00 - 21:00.
• Price range: 50,000 - 500,000 VND (~$2 - $20 USD).

The vibe (discovery): to get here, you enter an old, slightly dark apartment building and walk up the stairs. It feels like a secret. Inside, it is a cozy cafe and art shop.

Honest review:

• What to find: they sell prints, notebooks, and tote bags featuring artwork by local Saigon artists. The style is often sketchy, vintage, or abstract.
• Why go: it captures the soul of the city. Plus, the coffee is great.

16. DIY HOUSE vs. La Gom

For the hands-on creators.

If you have a free afternoon and want to make your own souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh, here are two fantastic but very different options.

Option A: DIY HOUSE (The Trendy Choice) Tufting is the hottest trend in Saigon right now. You use a "tufting gun" to shoot colorful yarn into fabric to create fluffy rugs, mirrors, or coasters.

• Address: 187/3 Hai Ba Trung, District 3.
• Nearest metro: Opera House Station (It is a bit far to walk, I recommend taking a 5-minute Grab/Taxi from the station).
• Time required: 3 - 4 hours.
• The vibe: energetic, colorful, and noisy (the tufting guns make a buzzing sound).
• Honest review: it is incredibly satisfying to see your rug come to life. The staff helps you trace the design, so you don't need to be an artist.
• Logistics: after you finish tufting, the rug usually needs to be glued and shaved by the staff. You can usually pick it up after 2-3 days or have it shipped to your hotel.

Option B: La Gom (The Zen Choice) For those who don't mind getting their hands dirty with clay. This is a traditional pottery studio located in a peaceful area of Thu Duc City.

• Address: 02 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Binh Tho Ward, Thu Duc City.
• Nearest metro: Thu Duc Station (Ga Thủ Đức). From the station, take a short 5-minute Grab bike/taxi to the studio.
• Time required: 2 - 3 hours.
• The vibe: earthy, quiet, and therapeutic.
• Honest review: Spinning the wheel is harder than it looks, but very fun. You connect with natural materials and create your own bowl or vase.
• Crucial warning (read before you go): pottery is a slow process. After you shape the clay, it must be dried, trimmed, glazed, and fired in a kiln twice. This takes 2-4 weeks.
  • Choose this only if: You live in Vietnam OR you are willing to pay for international shipping to your home country. Do not make a bowl today and expect to fly with it tomorrow!

Summary: Which one should you choose?

• Choose DIY HOUSE if: You want a colorful, soft souvenir; you are staying in the city center (District 1/3); and you have a few days left in Saigon to pick up the finished product.
• Choose La Gom if: You love ceramics; you want to escape the busy city center for a quiet afternoon in Thu Duc; and you are okay with waiting weeks for shipping.

Practical Guide for Shopping in HCMC

1. The Metro Advantage: How to navigate

With the new Metro Line 1, you can easily hop between shopping districts. Here is your cheat sheet:

• Opera House Station (Ga Nhà Hát Thành Phố): the "Luxury Hub." Get off here for Dong Khoi Street, The Craft House, Hanoia, amaï, and the flagship Annam Gourmet.
• Ben Thanh Station: the "Central Hub." Get off here for Ben Thanh Market, Takashimaya (Maztermind, Star Kitchen, L'angfarm), and Trà Việt (District 1 branch).
• Thao Dien Station: the "Artsy Hub." Get off here for KOKONIC and the perfume workshop at NOTE - The Scent Lab.
• Thu Duc Station: the "local experience." Get off here to visit La Gom pottery studio.

2. Payment Methods

• Cash (VND): essential for street food and traditional markets.
• Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard): accepted at all 16 shops listed in this guide. You do not need large amounts of cash for these specific stores.

3. Tax Refunds (VAT)

If you spend over 2,000,000 VND (approx $80 USD) in a single day at one store, you may be eligible for a VAT refund at the airport.

• Participating stores: large retailers like Maison Marou, Ginkgo, and Takashimaya usually participate.
• Tip: always bring your Passport when shopping if you plan to buy expensive items, as staff need it to fill out the refund form.

4. Avoiding Scams & Bargaining

• In markets (like Ben Thanh): aggressive bargaining is normal. Start by offering 50% of the asking price and work your way up.
• In the shops listed above: prices are FIXED (Niêm yết). Do not try to bargain at places like Hanoia, The Craft House, or Annam Gourmet; it is considered rude. The price you see is the price you pay.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh is about more than just shopping; it is about exploring the creativity of this city. From the skilled embroidery at Ninh Khuong to the delicious single-origin chocolate at Maison Marou, these gifts represent a modern, vibrant Vietnam that respects its traditions.

Whether you are looking for where to buy cheap souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh like dried mangoes from L'angfarm, or investing in a lifetime piece like a Mekong Quilt, this list covers the best the city has to offer.

Grab your Metro card, bring an empty suitcase, and enjoy discovering the treasures of Saigon!

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• The Ultimate Guide: 16+ Best Shops for Souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh (2025 Edition)
• District 4 Saigon: A Local’s 2025 Guide to Food, Alleys, and Its Notorious-but-Lovable Past
• Finding a Coffee Shop in District 2: 20 Hidden Gems in Thao Dien
• Discovering District 1 in Saigon: The Heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh City
• Discover the Modern Oasis of Saigon: A Local’s Guide to District 7
• Discover the Charm of Saigon's East Side: A Local’s Guide to District 2
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• The Soul of Saigon: Life on a Motorbike
• Exploring the Districts of Ho Chi Minh City: A Tapestry of History, Culture, and Daily Life