When a tourist trip comes to a logical conclusion, travelers wonder: what to bring as a gift to colleagues, households, friends? If there is still time, this task turns into a pleasant hassle, and if not, running around souvenir shops can cause panic.
Vietnam, however, is rather an exception, because it is impossible to visit this country and not to visit at least one market, and a person who has visited the Vietnamese market simply cannot leave there empty-handed! Any souvenir is suitable as a memorable gift: outlandish gizmos simply ask for hands and stand a level higher than souvenirs from other countries.
What should I pay special attention to?
Coffee & Tea
This is perhaps the first thing that comes to the mind of a person who has been to Vietnam. It is understandable - tea is very fond of here, and the culture of this drink here is almost older than the Chinese. Even in the supermarket you can find an impressive set of varieties, from dozens of species of oolong with various additives (only recipes with lotus more than fifty).
Coffee is also very much appreciated by amateurs and professionals for its combination of organoleptic qualities and modest price. In general, there is no better candidate for the role of a mass souvenir for colleagues.
Silver
Silver embossed dishes made of silver are an indispensable component of the original Vietnamese tea ceremony, moreover, it is very easy for the wallet, because silver products are quite cheap here. Original products should be found in large shops and supermarkets or on the main "streets" of local markets. And the farther into the forest, the thicker the guerrillas - in the dark nooks and crannies the chance of running into a counterfeit grows exponentially.
Pearl
Vietnam was one of the first countries in the world to master the technology of growing artificial pearls, and was engaged in this in industrial volumes during the existence of Annam and the Viet Empire. The best place to buy pearls is the coast, where prices are low and production sites are close.
True, these are souvenirs with character, and it is better to take up the purchase only if you are one hundred percent sure of the authenticity.
Non
The traditional headdress of the inhabitants of Southeast Asia in the shape of a cone is made from palm leaves. It is very convenient to hide from heavy rains and rays of the scorching subtropical sun. It is almost impossible to meet peasants without this element of clothing, although there are such hats in the cities.
Healing ointments
Well-known in the widest circles of domestic consumers ointment "Golden Star", came to us from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
But numerous analogues based on the secrets and fats of animals, snake poisons and other recipes of traditional medicine may be of interest to lovers of curiosities. True, this is the case when it is better to bypass market versions: look for a better professional certified pharmacy.
Fan
Another popular ethnic souvenir. Fans from Vietnam are real masterpieces! Small versions can be used for their intended purpose, and large ones will serve as an ideal addition to the oriental interior, decorating the hallway, living room or bedroom.
Unlike cheap Chinese wooden fans, the Vietnamese do not use clichés and stamps, painting on fabric or sandalwood is done by hand, so it is impossible to find two identical fans. Sandalwood is smooth, velvety, drawings and letters look very elegant on it. Another option is embroidered silk fans depicting traditional landscapes, racing chariots, sailing ships or peasants working in rice fields.
You can buy this in any shop or on the market. If time allows, you can even order an individual pattern.
Han Doll
If the previous souvenirs were mainly intended for colleagues and friends, then this one is ideal for a child. Each such doll is made by hand, the material can be wood, ceramics, ivory, silver. Accordingly, the cost of production can also vary in the widest range. Dolls are dressed in national clothes, which adds color and uniqueness to each product.
Maracas
The name is similar to Mexican, but in fact have nothing to do with them. They are made of wood, covered with a bizarre floral ornament, a little less often depict animals. Painting is done by hand.
It can be used as a stylish interior decoration or for its intended purpose: the sound of the instrument is quiet, melodic, promotes relaxation and relaxation.
Sticks
Any fan of Asian or Pan-Asian cuisine will be delighted with such a practical and valuable "fitting", because it is much more pleasant to eat the dishes of national oriental cuisines with your own sticks made of bone, metal, wood or even glass, covered with painting and a variety of varnishes, than to use for this purpose splintered and burrs-covered consumer versions.
Box
The Vietnamese have long been famous as skilled craftsmen. One of the traditional souvenirs of this eastern country is handmade wooden or stone boxes. They can take on a variety of shapes and be large or small. Some craftsmen decorate the case with amazing drawings or carvings, there are options covered with silk inside or outside, which makes them ideal for storing jewelry.
There are a few dozen traditional schools of casket making, some enthusiastically hunted by collectors, others can be found in any market. The main thing is not to buy Chinese crafts.
