What To Avoid To Buy When Choosing Presents From Vietnam

Buying gifts from Vietnam is a wonderful way to share your travel memories with loved ones. From handmade crafts to local delicacies, Vietnam offers countless beautiful options. However, not every souvenir makes a good gift — some may be culturally inappropriate or even illegal to export. This article helps you understand what to avoid buying when choosing presents from Vietnam, covering cultural taboos, legal restrictions, and ethical shopping tips so you can bring home gifts that are meaningful, safe, and respectful.

Common Mistakes When Buying Presents from Vietnam

When choosing presents from Vietnam, many travelers unknowingly make mistakes that lead to awkward situations or legal problems. Understanding these errors helps you avoid embarrassment and choose better gifts.

Cultural and Ethical Mistakes

The most frequent mistake is overlooking Vietnamese etiquette and social values. Some travelers choose gifts without considering the recipient’s age, relationship, or occasion. In Vietnam, the value of a gift lies not in its price but in the respect it conveys. Another common misstep is selecting overly personal or symbolic items that don’t fit the context, such as romantic gifts for business contacts, which can appear inappropriate.

Unlucky or Misinterpreted Presents

Vietnamese culture is deeply symbolic. Certain gifts may seem harmless but can carry meanings of separation, misfortune, or death. Anything that suggests parting, sadness, or bad luck should be avoided.

Spiritual items like charms or amulets can also cause misunderstanding if given without cultural awareness, as they may conflict with the recipient’s beliefs.

Legal and Customs-Related Mistakes

A more serious issue is ignoring export regulations. Some souvenirs — especially antiques, wildlife products, or counterfeit goods — are restricted or banned. Travelers have had items confiscated or faced fines for unknowingly breaking these rules.

Always check customs regulations and purchase only from reputable shops when selecting souvenirs or presents from Vietnam.

> Read more: The Ultimate Shopping Guide For What To Buy In Vietnam

Top Presents from Vietnam You Shouldn’t Bring Home

Before choosing presents from Vietnam, it’s important to understand local beliefs about gift-giving. Vietnamese culture values harmony and symbolism — a well-intentioned gift can be misinterpreted if it carries bad luck or a negative meaning. Here are common items you should avoid when buying gifts in Vietnam.

Shoes 

Shoes are believed to symbolize separation or departure. The Vietnamese word for “shoes” sounds like “sigh” or “parting,” so giving them as a gift can imply that the receiver will walk away from you or that the relationship may soon end.

Shoes may hint at walking away, so many avoid gifting them.

Sharp Objects and Cutting Tools

Items such as knives, scissors, or nail clippers represent cutting ties. They’re thought to “sever” relationships, making them inappropriate as gifts from Vietnam for friends, lovers, or business partners.

Sharp gifts can symbolize cutting ties or ending harmony.

Handkerchiefs and Personal Cloth Items

In Vietnamese tradition, handkerchiefs are used to wipe away tears. Giving one as a gift can symbolize sadness, farewells, or upcoming troubles. This makes it an unlucky or emotionally negative present.

Underwear or Intimate Clothing

Gifting underwear is seen as impolite and overly personal. In Vietnam, such a present may be interpreted as disrespectful or even offensive unless it’s between close lovers.

Rings as Vietnamese Presents

Rings carry strong romantic symbolism in Vietnam, usually tied to proposals or marriage. Giving a ring to someone outside of that context — especially during the Lunar New Year — may cause confusion or awkward implications.

Rings can imply commitment, which may cause awkward meaning.

Watches and Clocks as Gifts

Watches or clocks remind people of time passing. In Vietnamese, “tặng đồng hồ” sounds similar to “gọi hồn” (summoning the soul), which is associated with death. It’s best to avoid gifting timepieces to elders or superiors.

Candles Used in Religious or Funeral Rituals

Candles — especially red or white pillar types — are often used in temples or funerals. Because of this, they can carry spiritual or mourning connotations, making them inappropriate as presents from Vietnam.

Fabric Dolls and Masks as Souvenirs

Although colorful, dolls and masks are sometimes linked to spiritual beliefs or superstitions in Vietnam. Some people think these items can attract bad energy or be “possessed,” so they’re best avoided as gifts.

Some dolls or masks may be linked with superstition.

> Read more: 21 Unique Vietnam Souvenirs That Travelers Should Buy

Pillows  

A pillow is believed to bring misfortune if gifted by someone outside the family. It’s said to attract restless sleep or unwanted worries. Only couples or family members may exchange pillows without negative meaning.

Suitcases or Travel Bags

In Vietnamese culture, a suitcase symbolizes departure. Giving one as a gift might suggest that the receiver will pack up and leave soon. It’s especially inappropriate between lovers, as it can imply an upcoming breakup.

Pillows can imply laziness or an unwanted restfulness.

Umbrellas as Gifts from Vietnam

The Vietnamese word for umbrella, “ô” or “dù,” sounds similar to the word for separation or dispersion. That’s why many people avoid gifting umbrellas, fearing it could “scatter” relationships or friendships.

Empty Wallets as Presents

A wallet with nothing inside symbolizes poverty or financial loss. To make it a positive present, locals often place a small banknote inside — a gesture wishing for prosperity and wealth. Without it, the gift is seen as unlucky.

Empty wallets may symbolize empty luck or financial loss.

Fish Tanks or Aquariums as Gifts

While keeping fish is believed to bring fortune, receiving a fish tank as a gift does the opposite. Many Vietnamese think that luck tied to the fish must be self-earned — gifting a fish tank can “give away” one’s fortune.

God of Wealth Statues

Statues of Thần Tài (the God of Wealth) are sacred and should be purchased personally. Receiving one as a gift is thought to transfer the giver’s luck away or disturb the spiritual balance at home.

Ivory, Rhino Horn, and Wildlife Products

Souvenirs made from elephant ivory, rhino horn, tiger skin, or turtle shell are strictly banned under the CITES Convention. Purchasing or carrying them across borders supports illegal poaching and can result in severe penalties. These are among the most unethical souvenirs from Vietnam to avoid.

Wildlife products are illegal and unethical to buy or gift.

Tiger Bone Glue

This traditional product is made from endangered tigers and is illegal to buy or sell. Possessing it can lead to arrest or prosecution in Vietnam and abroad. Avoid such items to show respect for wildlife conservation.

Coral Jewelry and Sea Turtle Souvenirs

While colorful coral bracelets or turtle shell ornaments may look appealing, they come from protected marine species. Buying them encourages coral destruction and wildlife trade — both prohibited under Vietnamese law.

Protected Plants and Agarwood Products

Certain plants, including agarwood (trầm hương) and rare orchids, are protected species. Some souvenirs made from these materials are harvested illegally. Always check export regulations before buying nature-based presents.

Some plants and woods require permits and strict regulations.

Antiques and Cultural Relics

Vietnam strictly controls the sale and export of genuine antiques. Buying historical artifacts without legal documentation can lead to confiscation at customs. Always ask for official certification if you purchase antique-style presents from Vietnam.

Fake Antiques and Counterfeit Cultural Items

Many “old-looking” bronze or ceramic pieces sold in markets are modern fakes. Besides being low quality, they may originate from illegal trade networks, making them risky and unethical gifts to bring home.

Talismans and Spiritual Objects as Presents

Amulets, Buddha statues, or talismans hold deep spiritual meaning in Vietnam. Giving them casually may offend religious beliefs or be seen as disrespectful if the symbolism isn’t fully understood.

Counterfeit Fashion and Branded Goods

Knock-off designer bags, watches, or clothing are widely sold in local markets but are illegal to export. Customs officers can confiscate them and fine travelers for violating intellectual property laws.

Cheap Mass-Produced Handicrafts

Low-cost crafts made from weak materials often break easily and don’t reflect authentic Vietnamese artistry. Buying these mass-market souvenirs doesn’t support local artisans and results in waste.

Low-quality souvenirs break easily and feel less meaningful.

Unlabeled or Homemade Food Products

Street food and homemade snacks may look tempting but lack safety labeling or expiration dates. Such items can cause food poisoning or fail customs checks, making them unsuitable as presents from Vietnam.

Weapon Replicas and Dangerous Items

Replica guns, knives, or swords are considered weapons under airport regulations. Even decorative versions can be seized at customs and cause unnecessary legal trouble.

Drugs and Controlled Substances

Vietnam enforces extremely strict drug laws. Carrying, purchasing, or gifting any illegal drug — even small amounts — can lead to imprisonment or the death penalty. Never attempt to buy or transport such substances.

> See tour: The Very Best of Vietnam Tour 15 days

Local Tips When Buying Presents from Vietnam

Follow these tips to make your shopping experience smoother and ensure your gifts are both meaningful and appropriate.

Quality and Sourcing Tips

• Buy authentic local handicrafts. Choose durable, handmade products that represent Vietnamese culture.
• Avoid mass-produced items. Cheap factory souvenirs lack artistic value and often break easily.
• Shop from trusted stores. Purchase from certified retailers or traditional craft villages to ensure authenticity.
• Request certification for gemstones. Always ask for documents proving origin and quality.

Cultural and Sentimental Tips

• Place a small note or banknote in wallets. It’s a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
• Choose gifts with personal meaning. Items like handcrafted notebooks, postcards, or photos are heartfelt and timeless.
• Respect local customs. Learn about Vietnamese traditions to avoid misinterpreted gifts or unintentional disrespect.

Legal and Customs Tips

• Check customs rules before purchase. Especially for antiques, animal products, or food.
• Avoid CITES-restricted items. Never buy souvenirs made from endangered wildlife or coral.
• Select clearly labeled food products. Branded, packaged items pass customs more easily.
• Stay away from counterfeit goods. Fake brands and pirated items are illegal and risk confiscation.

Final Thoughts

Buying presents from Vietnam can be a rewarding experience if done thoughtfully. By respecting cultural traditions, avoiding banned items, and supporting local artisans, you not only bring home beautiful souvenirs but also contribute positively to Vietnam’s sustainable tourism and heritage preservation.

Choose wisely, because a meaningful and authentic gift says far more than its price tag. If you’re unsure, simply ask our guides at Asia Pioneer Travel, we’re always here to help you pick the perfect present. Let us help you build a personalized trip filled with authentic, meaningful experiences.