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| Hanoi green rice cake, a specialty gift for the autumn season. (Photo: baotintuc.vn) |
In Hanoi, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, Dang Huong Giang, shared that Hanoi has hosted a gift festival for two consecutive years, both to promote and define iconic gift products. Hanoi souvenirs often bring to mind items such as Com from Vong Village, Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls, Huong Mai rolled pho, and traditional handicrafts like Bat Trang ceramics and Duong Lam lacquerware.
In Cao Bang, souvenirs reflect the unique cultural identities of ethnic groups like the Tay, Nung, Dao and Mong. From vibrant brocade clothing and bamboo items to wooden and stone products, each piece tells a story about the lives and traditions of the local people. Popular souvenirs include handcrafted items from villages specializing in blacksmithing, palm-leaf hat making, paper crafting, brocade weaving and straw weaving.
In Bac Lieu, distinctive souvenirs that attract tourists include traditional musical instruments for Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern folk music) performances, wooden models of Bac Lieu Prince’s iconic car, water hyacinth handbags, fishing gear made of bamboo, and local specialties like salt, fish sauce, sour fish sauce, and Bac Lieu Prince’s rice wine.
Dak Lak offers a wide variety of souvenirs, including specialty products such as pepper, avocado, durian, honey, coffee, cocoa, brocade fabric, and handicrafts featuring elephant motifs. These items, many crafted with local materials, capture the rich cultural heritage of Dak Lak’s ethnic minorities.
Quang Ninh's iconic souvenirs include stone carvings, Ha Long pearls, and Van Don pearls. Recently, the province has introduced small bamboo models of ethnic musical instruments from Binh Lieu and scenic imprints on items like keychains, handbags, mugs and wooden boxes from Co To. The woven bamboo products from the Nam Hoa fishing craft village (Quang Yen) and the porcelain figurines and sculptures from Dong Trieu are also popular.
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| Luong Noi brocade products (Ha Quang District) showcased at Kim Dong Walking Street (Cao Bang City) (Photo: caobangtourism.vn) |
Tran Hieu Hung, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in Ca Mau, shared that tourists visiting Ca Mau often seek souvenirs like models of the Cape Ca Mau flagpole, ships in the National Tourist Area, and wooden sculptures of local sea creatures like crabs and fish.
In Phu Tho, souvenirs often feature traditional symbols of Hung King’s culture, such as dragons, rice grains, the Ngoc Well, and depictions of Lang Lieu’s legends. The region also offers symbolic items like bronze drums and statues of Lac Long Quan and Au Co, many of which are gold-plated and highly popular among tourists.
In Hai Phong, popular souvenirs include apparel, hats, face masks, umbrellas, scarves, insulated bottles and mugs bearing messages like “I'm from Hai Phong” or “From Hai Phong with love.” Phuong Chay wine, made from Hai Phong’s signature flamboyant, and embroidered items featuring flamboyant are among the unique keepsakes representing the city’s identity. Local delicacies such as Dai Thang sticky rice, Ha Lung grilled pork, Cat Hai fish sauce, Kien Thuy stewed sardines, and Bang La apples also make popular gifts.
Unique, iconic souvenirs serve as a way to define and promote a region’s tourism brand while fostering local economic development. Souvenirs provide tourists with a sense of connection to the culture and people of the places they've visited, making it easier for them to cherish their memories and encouraging them to return in the future./.