Silk lanterns
The signature souvenir. Look for the foldable kind that collapses flat, which survives a suitcase far better than the rigid frames. Even better, make your own in a lantern-making class from $15 so it comes with a story.
Tailored clothes
Hoi An has hundreds of tailor shops turning around suits, dresses and coats in a day or two. It is the town to get something made to measure, but quality varies, so read our tailors guide and budget for a second fitting.
Leather, ceramics and coffee
Custom leather shoes and bags are made alongside the tailors. Thanh Ha pottery village supplies the ceramics, and a bag of Vietnamese coffee with a phin filter makes a light, cheap gift. Skip the mass-produced trinkets in the night market.
Make your own souvenir
A lantern-making class so you carry home something you made yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Hoi An is famous for silk lanterns and made-to-measure tailoring. Foldable lanterns and a custom suit or dress are the classic souvenirs, alongside leather goods, ceramics and coffee.
Yes. Buy or make a foldable lantern, which collapses flat so it fits in a suitcase. The rigid ones are harder to transport without crushing.
Tailored clothes in Hoi An are good value for made-to-measure work, though prices have risen. Get a written quote, allow two fittings, and stick to reputable shops to avoid rushed quality.
