Da Nang offers a vibrant and exciting mix of traditional crafts that have been perfected over centuries, elegant textiles, and unique local delicacies that you cannot find anywhere else. These are more than just simple souvenirs, each item tells a story of our culture, our history, and our craftsmanship. From the majestic Marble Mountains to the bustling local markets, this guide from Vietnam Story will help you find the most meaningful, authentic, and high-quality Da Nang souvenirs. Let’s go on a shopping adventure!
Best souvenirs to buy in Da Nang: Iconic cultural wear and textiles
These elegant and beautiful items are quintessential symbols of Vietnamese heritage and make for wonderfully sophisticated gifts that are light and easy to pack. These items are the heart of Vietnamese traditional style. Let’s explore what makes them so special.
Ao Dai (The traditional Vietnamese dress)
The Ao Dai, our elegant and graceful long tunic worn over trousers, is the most iconic symbol of Vietnamese beauty and grace. The styles you find in Central Vietnam often feature beautiful, colorful floral patterns.
While you can buy ready-made versions, the best way to get an Ao Dai is to have one custom-tailored just for you. The process is surprisingly quick, often completed within just 1-2 days.
You can find fabrics, ready-made options, and tailoring services at the Han Market. For a more specialized experience, you can visit a dedicated shop like Ao Dai Madame Duong.
Our expert tip: For the absolute best fit, the highest quality craftsmanship, and the widest selection of fabrics, Vietnamstory.in highly recommends considering the world-renowned tailoring services in the nearby ancient town of Hoi An, which is a very easy and worthwhile day trip from Da Nang.
Non La (The conical hat) and other beautiful textiles
- Non La: This traditional conical hat is the quintessential symbol of Vietnam. It is not just a souvenir; it is a practical item used by farmers and workers every day to protect them from our strong sun and sudden rain. It is also an extremely budget-friendly souvenir, usually costing less than $5 USD. You will find them for sale everywhere, from the local markets to street vendors.
- Silk and Scarves: Look for beautiful and soft silk scarves, accessories, and fabrics. While you can find them in Da Nang, for guaranteed high quality, the Hoi An Silk Village is the superior source for genuine, high-grade Vietnamese silk. A beautiful silk scarf is a lightweight, luxurious, and perfect gift.
World – famous handicrafts and artistic gifts
These incredible items reflect the long and proud artistic traditions of the Central Vietnam region. These are the souvenirs that truly showcase the skill of our local artisans. Let’s look at what makes them a must-buy.
Marble sculptures from Non Nuoc Village
You absolutely must visit the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, located at the foot of the majestic Marble Mountains. This is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage site with a proud carving tradition that is over 300 years old, passed down through generations of the same families.
The craftsmanship here is incredible. You can find everything from large and impressive religious statues (like Buddha or Ganesha) and beautiful Cham-inspired carvings down to small, lovely, and easy-to-pack souvenirs like delicate jewelry, small animal figures, and coasters made from the local marble and other semi-precious stones.
The best place to buy is directly from the many shops and workshops that line Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, right at the base of the Marble Mountains.
Expert Tip: If you fall in love with a large item, do not worry! Most of the reputable shops offer reliable and insured international shipping services right to your home in India.
Traditional and contemporary art
- Vietnamese Lanterns: While they are most famous in Hoi An, you can find the beautiful, colorful, and foldable decorative lanterns widely available in Da Nang as well. They collapse flat, making them a perfect and easy souvenir to pack.
- Artistic prints and paintings: In the small galleries around the city, you can find unique artworks and prints by talented local artists that beautifully capture the scenery of the Han River, the beauty of My Khe Beach, or the charm of daily life.
- Eco-friendly crafts: Look for beautiful and sustainable items made from bamboo, rattan, and wood. These can include decorative chopsticks, miniature furniture, or beautifully woven baskets.
Local edible specialties (Must-try food gifts)
Bring home the unique and delicious flavors of the Central Coast. These aromatic and tasty gifts are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. These are the gifts that will let you share the taste of your Vietnamese holiday.
| Specialty food souvenir | Description | Practical tip & best place to buy |
| Cha Bo (Beef Sausage) | This is a savory and absolutely delicious signature Central Vietnamese beef sausage. It is seasoned with lots of black pepper and other spices, then wrapped tightly in banana leaves and steamed. | This item requires refrigeration and is best purchased on your last day, just before you travel. For the freshest and most authentic taste, buy it from the vendors at Con Market. |
| Muc Rim Me (Tamarind squid) | This is a fantastic and very popular snack gift. It is dried, tender squid that has been rimmed in a delicious sauce that is the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy from the tamarind. | This is an ideal, shelf-stable gift that comes pre-packaged. Look for the vacuum-sealed packets in the dried goods section of the Han Market for the best variety. |
| Vietnamese Coffee & Tea | Vietnam is world-famous for its coffee! You can buy high-quality Central Vietnamese coffee beans (either whole or ground) or lovely local tea blends. | Buy your coffee and tea at the Han Market or at a specialty supermarket for the most reliable and consistent quality. |
| Banh Kho Me (Sesame dry cake) | This is a crunchy and delicious traditional cake made from rice flour, sugar, and ginger, and coated in fragrant sesame seeds. It is very easy to transport and makes a great, unique snack. | The Ba Lieu Sesame Cake Factory is the most famous and renowned brand for this local specialty. |
| Local spices & sauces | For our friends who love to cook, you can find packets of specialty seasoning blends, delicious local chili sauce, or fragrant lemongrass paste in the markets. These are perfect for trying to recreate Vietnamese flavors in your own Indian kitchen! | The dried goods section of the local markets is the best place to find these. |
Where to shop Da Nang souvenirs & practical tips
Knowing where to go is key to a great shopping experience. Here’s a quick overview of the best shopping locations and some essential tips.
Top shopping Da Nang souvenirs locations
- Han Market (The best one-stop shop): This central and well-organized market is our top recommendation. It offers a fantastic range of everything: Áo Dài, fabrics, a huge dried foods section, and plenty of handicrafts.
- Con Market (The authentic & food-focused market): This is the largest local market in Da Nang. It is the absolute best place for fresh food souvenirs like Chả Bò, other local packaged foods, and for having a truly authentic, local experience.
- Non Nuoc Village: For the best quality and prices on marble products, you should deal directly with the family-owned workshops on Huyen Tran Cong Chua street.
- Specialty supermarkets: For packaged food items like coffee, tea, and biscuits, a local supermarket offers fixed prices and reliable quality, which is great if you don’t want to bargain.
Essential shopping tips for Indian travelers
- Bargaining: In the local markets like Han Market and Con Market, bargaining is expected and is part of the fun. You can aim for a 10-30% discount off the initial price. However, in supermarkets or fixed-price stores, the prices are not negotiable.
- Customization: Many vendors, especially in Han Market, can quickly customize small items for you, such as having your name engraved on a pair of wooden chopsticks.
- Handling food: When buying edible souvenirs, make sure they are vacuum-sealed or properly packaged for travel. Also, be sure to check the customs regulations for your home country regarding bringing in dried seafood or processed meats before you purchase them.
- Avoiding tourist traps: The souvenir shops located right next to the major tourist attractions are very convenient, but they are often significantly more expensive than the local markets. For the best value, make the trip to Han Market or Con Market.
Conclusion
While the beautiful crafts and textiles of Da Nang will adorn your home, it is the unique and delicious flavors of our region that will allow you to truly share your experience with friends and family. Bringing home a packet of spicy Tamarind Squid or a box of crunchy Sesame Dry Cakes is like bringing home a small piece of our culture. It’s a chance to let your loved ones taste the incredible culinary adventure you had and to relive the delicious memories of the bustling local markets and the fragrant street food stalls.
Your journey through Vietnam should be a feast for all the senses, and we want to help you share that feast. Vietnam Story can create a personalized tour that includes visits to the best local markets and food producers. Reach out to us, and let’s plan a trip that is as delicious to remember as it is to experience.