Buzz
Lanterns, silk, pop-up cards, green bean cakes, bronze statues,... are fascinating gifts you can give to your loved ones and friends after your Hoi An trip.
Discover 7 Hoi An specialties that are ideal for souvenirs
Lanterns
Among the handmade crafts displayed in Hoi An's shops, the shimmering multicolored lanterns leave a lasting impression on visitors. It's not an exaggeration to say that when lanterns are mentioned, most people will immediately think of Hoi An. Hoi An's lanterns come in a variety of colors and sizes, crafted under the skilled hands of local artisans.
Not only found in stores, these lanterns also grace the streets, outside restaurants, and local residents' homes. Naturally, these lanterns have become an integral part of this place.
Hoi An lanterns boast a diverse range of designs, styles, and colors, with prices starting from 15,000 VND for a small lantern.
Shopping reference:
– Easily acquire a lantern from souvenir shops along the streets of Hoi An or the Hoi An night market.
– Alternatively, visit and purchase at the Hoi An Lantern Workshop by Huynh Van Ba (54 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai) or Ha Linh Workshop (72 Tran Nhan Tong, Ward Cam Chau).
Silk/Clothing
Hoi An silk is characterized by its cool, lightweight, and soft texture. From this material, tailors have created various products such as clothing, bags, and scarves with elegant designs and diverse patterns. In addition to ready-made items, you can also customize your own design and receive it within a day. The average price for a silk scarf is 150,000 VND, while clothing ranges from one million to several million VND, depending on the type.
Shopping references:
– Yaly – 358 Nguyen Duy Hieu
– A Dong Silk – 40 Le Loi
– Lana – 130 Tran Phu
– Bao Khanh Silk – 101 Tran Hung Dao
– Thu Thuy – 60 Le Loi
– Tony the Tailor – 294 Nguyen Duy Hieu
– B’lan Silk – 23 Tran Phu
Bronze Sculptures from Phuoc Kieu Village
In Hoi An, there's a craft village specializing in bronze art called Phuoc Kieu (Dien Phuong commune, Dien Ban town, Quang Nam province) that is well-known. Aside from sightseeing, you can purchase small bronze statues as souvenirs. Each piece is priced around 130,000 – 350,000 VND depending on size. Alternatively, you can buy small items like bells, animal figurines, bronze drums, and more. While souvenir shops in Hoi An's central area also offer these bronze statues, for the best prices, it's recommended to buy directly from the workshops.
Thanh Ha Pottery
The Thanh Ha pottery village is situated along the Thu Bon River, in Thanh Ha ward, Hoi An city, approximately 2km west of the Old Town.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Thanh Ha was a prosperous village, renowned for its pottery and clay products traded wholesale across the central provinces of Vietnam. Thanh Ha's main products include daily-use items such as bowls, plates, jars, vases, flower pots, decorative planters, and animal-shaped figures. These items come in a wide range of styles and colors, distinctively lighter than similar products from other regions.
Visitors to the craft village not only buy pottery but also receive guidance to craft traditional handmade products themselves.
Artistic Paintings
Hoi An attracts a large community of renowned painters and photographers, offering beautiful artworks priced from a few million to several tens of millions. To purchase art as gifts or admire artistic pieces, you can visit:
– Phu Tam Photography – 99 Nguyen Thai Hoc
– Art House Gallery – 692 Hai Ba Trung
– T&G Art Gallery – 46 Nguyen Thai Hoc
– Hoi An Art Craft Manufacturing Workshop – 9 Nguyen Thai Hoc
– Hoi An Art Café – 30 Nguyen Thai Hoc
– Hay Hay – 155 Tran Phu
– Ami Galerie – 46 Nguyen Thai Hoc
– Au Lac Wood Art – 152 Tran Phu
– Ngan Xua Gallery – Tran Phu
– Hoi An Fine Art Gallery – 42 Phan Boi Chau
Pop-up Cards
Pop-up cards are not sold in upscale stores but are primarily found on the sidewalks of Hoi An streets and in the night market. Many tourists adore these intricate and refined cards. The special feature of each card is that when opened, a vibrant paper model pops up. You can choose from various designs such as the Japanese Bridge, lotus flowers, or boats, priced at an average of 40,000 VND per card.
Green Bean Cakes
While Hoi An's green bean cakes are sweet treats, what sets them apart is the crispy, savory lard filling, providing a unique salty taste. The cakes are imprinted with the character 'Van,' carefully dried and meticulously packaged, ensuring a long shelf life. Many traditional bakeries preserve different techniques and secrets to create their distinctiveness. Made primarily from green beans, these cakes are also a healthy option.
There are two types of green bean cakes: dry and moist. Both variations are molded into thin, compact circles that fit in the palm of your hand. Dry green bean cakes are crispy, while moist ones are soft and tender.
Shopping references:
– Baked Green Bean Cakes Mrs. Trinh – 62 Le Loi
– Hoi An Market
Tieu Lam (Mixed)
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourNovember 11, 2016
