Straw hats and spices: souvenirs from Vietnam

Classical souvenirs and more original alternatives

During your trip to Vietnam, buy some pretty silk clothing for yourself, making sure that it is custom made to fit you, as Vietnamese sizes are much smaller than those in western Europe. Also buy traditional, broad straw hats of the kind that the locals still wear. The Vietnamese are keen on wooden ornaments and tableaux, and you'll find plenty in all markets and craft shops. Figurines and jewellery made from Vietnamese jade are also well known souvenirs, but these works of art are often outrageously expensive.

Would you prefer to give a more original gift? Buy some water puppets that are made from wood and exquisitely painted. Even though traditional puppets are very expensive, you're bound to find alternatives in the markets in the major cities.

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Vietnamese cuisine is one of the most celebrated in the world

If you're a foodie, a trip to Vietnam will meet your expectations! As far as food is concerned, you can buy Nuoc Man (fish sauce) and spices as well as an enormous range of fruits and, once you've returned home, you can try to reproduce a traditional recipe to delight your guests. Of course, it helps if your guests only use chopsticks to eat their meals - buy several sets to take home with you, as they're available to suit all tastes and all budgets. Runny Vietnamese honey is another delicacy that you should try!