23 Best Halong Bay Souvenirs to Buy in 2025-2026: Ultimate Shopping Guide
Searching for authentic Vietnamese keepsakes from your Halong Bay adventure? Discover our expertly curated collection of 23 must-have Halong Bay souvenirs for 2025-2026. From exquisite handcrafted pearls to unique local delicacies, this comprehensive guide reveals where to find genuine treasures, what prices to expect, and how to choose the perfect memento that truly captures the magic of Vietnam’s most iconic seascape.
The Magic of Halong Bay Souvenirs: More Than Just Mementos
Halong Bay, with its 1,969 limestone islands rising dramatically from emerald waters, creates not just breathtaking scenery but also inspires an incredible array of local crafts and products. These souvenirs tell the story of this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s rich cultural heritage, maritime traditions, and the skilled artisans who call this region home.
When you cruise through Halong Bay’s stunning seascape, the memories created deserve to be preserved through thoughtfully selected keepsakes. The perfect souvenir serves as a tangible connection to your journey, sparking conversations and nostalgia for years to come.
In 2025-2026, visitors have more authentic shopping options than ever before, with local authorities working to promote genuine Vietnamese craftsmanship over mass-produced imports. Let’s explore the most coveted treasures you can bring home from your Halong Bay adventure.
1. Halong Bay Pearls: Lustrous Treasures of the Sea
Halong Bay’s pearl farms have been producing some of Asia’s most coveted pearls for generations. Unlike their freshwater counterparts, these saltwater pearls are distinguished by their exceptional luster, perfectly round shape, and durability.
Where Pearl Farming Happens in Halong Bay
The pearl farms in Vung Vieng and Tung Sau, located in the less-touristed parts of Bai Tu Long Bay, offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into sustainable pearl cultivation. Here, you can observe the entire pearl farming process—from oyster selection to pearl harvesting—a tradition that dates back centuries in Vietnamese coastal communities.
How to Identify Authentic Halong Pearls
Quality indicators for genuine Halong pearls:
- Luster: Authentic pearls reflect light with a deep, mirror-like quality
- Surface: While minor imperfections are natural, high-quality pearls have minimal blemishes
- Certification: Reputable vendors provide certificates of authenticity
- Weight: Real pearls feel slightly heavier than plastic imitations and cool to the touch
Price range: $40-60 for simple earrings, $150-800 for necklaces depending on pearl size and quality
Best places to buy: Pearl farms on luxury Halong Bay cruises often include pearl farm visits, or try the Halong Pearl Museum for certified authentic pieces.
2. Hand-Embroidered Artwork: Threads of Vietnamese Tradition
Vietnamese embroidery art represents thousands of years of meticulous craftsmanship. Modern artisans have adapted this ancient art form to capture Halong Bay’s iconic landscapes in thread, creating stunning pieces that blur the line between painting and textile art.
The Painstaking Process Behind Each Piece
A single detailed embroidery piece depicting Halong Bay can take a skilled artisan 80-120 hours to complete. Artists use up to 500 different colored silk threads to achieve photorealistic depictions of the bay’s limestone karsts, traditional junks, and fishing villages.
What makes them special: Unlike machine-made souvenirs, each embroidery piece features slight variations that make it truly one-of-a-kind. Many artists sign their works, making them collectible art pieces rather than mere souvenirs.
Price range: $35-45 for small pieces, $120-350 for large, intricately detailed works
Best places to buy: XQ Embroidery in Bai Chay, artisan workshops near Halong Night Market
3. Halong Bay Dried Seafood Delicacies: Taste of the Ocean
The pristine waters of Halong Bay yield exceptional seafood that locals have been preserving through traditional drying methods for centuries. These delicacies make for unique culinary souvenirs that allow you to experience Vietnamese flavors long after your journey ends.
Beyond Dried Squid: Halong’s Seafood Specialties
Dried squid (Mực khô) remains the most popular choice, but adventurous shoppers should also consider:
- Sá sùng (peanut worms): Considered Vietnam’s most expensive seafood at $450-550 per kilogram, these rare sea worms are prized for their umami-enhancing properties in cooking
- Ruốc biển (krill paste): A concentrated seafood flavor bomb used as a condiment in Vietnamese cuisine
- Cá bống (dried goby fish): Small finger-sized fish dried and caramelized with local honey and spices
Where to buy: Halong City Market features 42 dedicated seafood vendors, with the freshest selections available between 6-9 AM. Hon Gai Market offers more competitive pricing with fewer tourists.
Price range: $15-30 per 500g of premium dried squid, $8-12 for other dried seafood varieties
Storage tip: Quality dried seafood can last 6-8 months when stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
4. Halong Bay Limestone Art: Carved from the Bay’s Essence
Local artists have mastered the art of carving miniature replicas of Halong Bay’s limestone karsts from the very same limestone found in the region. These pieces literally contain the essence of the bay itself.
The Story Behind Limestone Carvings
The tradition began with fishermen carving during the monsoon season when fishing was impossible. Today, skilled artisans create everything from simple paperweights to elaborate dioramas featuring multiple islands, traditional boats, and even tiny figures representing local fishermen.
What makes them special: Each piece is carved from actual Halong Bay limestone, connecting your souvenir directly to the geological formation of this natural wonder.
Price range: $15-25 for simple carvings, $60-200 for detailed compositions
Best places to buy: Artist studios in Tuan Chau Island, craft shops in Bai Chay District
5. Vietnamese Coffee and Local Tea Blends
Vietnam’s coffee culture is legendary, and the Halong Bay region offers some unique local variations on this beloved beverage.
Halong Bay’s Exclusive Coffee Varieties
While not grown in Halong Bay itself, local roasters create special blends that incorporate flavors inspired by the region:
- Halong Misty Morning Blend: A medium-dark roast with notes of chocolate and caramel, packaged with images of the bay shrouded in morning fog
- Lan Ha Bay Robusta: A strong, full-bodied coffee with low acidity and high caffeine content
- Cat Ba Island Peaberry: Made from special round coffee beans that produce a sweeter, more intense flavor profile
Tea options: Look for lotus tea (harvested from Halong’s freshwater areas) and “Morning Dew” green tea blends collected from mountainous regions near the bay.
Complete sets: Many shops offer gift sets with Vietnamese phin coffee filters (the traditional metal drip brewers), condensed milk, and locally roasted beans.
Price range: $8-15 for 250g of premium coffee beans, $12-25 for complete coffee gift sets
Where to buy: Highlands Coffee outlets in Halong, local roasters at Halong Night Market, specialty shops in Bai Chay Tourist Area
6. Pearl-Infused Skincare Products: Beauty From the Bay
Halong Bay’s pearl industry has spawned an innovative range of beauty products that harness the skincare benefits of pearl powder—a traditional Asian beauty ingredient for centuries.
Science-Backed Pearl Beauty Benefits
Pearl powder contains amino acids, minerals, and conchiolin (a protein similar to keratin) that offers genuine skincare benefits:
- Natural exfoliation properties
- Promotes collagen production
- Contains natural SPF elements
- Brightens skin tone
Popular products:
- Pearl-infused facial masks (single-use and multi-use options)
- Pearl essence toners and serums
- Pearl powder soaps and cleansers
- Complete pearl skincare gift sets
Price range: $15-30 for individual products, $45-80 for premium gift sets
Where to buy: Halong Pearl Museum gift shop, upscale boutiques at major hotels, beauty counters at Vincom Plaza Halong
7. Halong Bay Ceramic Art: Fired with Tradition
The pottery traditions of northern Vietnam date back thousands of years, with nearby Dong Trieu village (just 30km from Halong City) producing some of the country’s most distinctive ceramics.
What Makes Halong Ceramics Special
Halong’s proximity to the sea influences local ceramic designs, with motifs featuring waves, fish, pearls, and limestone formations. The coastal clay used in production gives these pieces a distinctive durability and slight blue-gray undertone.
Most popular ceramic souvenirs:
- Tea sets with Halong Bay imagery
- Fish-shaped serving dishes
- Ceramic junk boat miniatures
- Vases featuring pearl and seashell embellishments
Price range: $12-30 for small pieces, $40-120 for elaborate sets or large items
Where to buy: Dong Trieu Ceramic Village (for the most authentic experience), Ha Long Ceramic Museum Shop, or for convenience, the curated collections available on extended Halong Bay cruises
8. Traditional Conical Hats with Halong Bay Artwork
The iconic conical hat (nón lá) has protected Vietnamese from sun and rain for centuries. In Halong Bay, local artisans have transformed this practical item into a canvas for artistic expression.
Beyond the Basic Conical Hat
Standard conical hats can be found throughout Vietnam, but Halong Bay’s specialized versions feature:
- Hand-painted scenes of limestone karsts and traditional fishing boats
- Poetry verses written in Vietnamese calligraphy between bamboo layers (visible when held up to light)
- Pearl and shell embellishments that reflect Halong’s maritime heritage
Practical usage: Beyond being decorative, these hats provide excellent sun protection with a UPF rating of approximately 50+, making them functional souvenirs.
Price range: $5-8 for basic hats, $15-25 for hand-painted artistic versions
Where to buy: Bai Chay Market, Halong Night Market, roadside stands near major attractions
9. Halong Bay Stone Jewelry: Wearing the Bay’s Essence
The geological richness of Halong Bay extends beyond its famous limestone to include semi-precious stones that local artisans transform into distinctive jewelry.
Local Stones with Meaning
Halong Bay jewelry often incorporates:
- Cat’s Eye Agate: Found in the bay’s geological formations, believed to bring protection to travelers
- Jade: Symbolizing purity and harmony in Vietnamese culture
- Black Marble: Sourced from nearby mountains and polished to a high sheen
Many pieces combine these stones with Halong pearls for truly unique designs you won’t find elsewhere.
Price range: $20-45 for simple pieces, $75-200 for complex designs with multiple elements
Where to buy: Jewelry boutiques in Bai Chay Tourist Zone, craft shops near Royal Park, or directly from artisans at Halong Night Market
10. Vietnamese Silk Products: Lightweight Luxury
Vietnam’s silk tradition dates back over 2,000 years. While the major silk-producing regions are elsewhere in the country, Halong Bay shops offer beautifully curated silk products with designs inspired by the bay’s natural beauty.
Halong-Specific Silk Designs
Look for scarves, ties, and clothing featuring:
- Wave patterns representing Halong’s waters
- Limestone karst silhouettes
- Traditional junk boat motifs
- Pearl and seashell imagery
What makes Vietnamese silk special: The country’s silk is known for its lightweight feel and slight texture, making it cooler to wear than Chinese silk while maintaining exceptional durability.
Price range: $15-25 for scarves, $35-60 for clothing items, $8-15 for small accessories
Where to buy: Van Chai Silk Boutique in Bai Chay, Yen Duc Silk Shop, upscale hotel gift shops
11. Bamboo and Rattan Handicrafts: Sustainable Souvenirs
Bamboo and rattan crafts represent Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable materials. These lightweight, durable souvenirs are practical both in Vietnam and back home.
Evolving Traditional Crafts
While traditional baskets remain popular, contemporary artisans have expanded into:
- Collapsible bamboo backpacks and travel bags
- Rattan coasters and placemats featuring Halong Bay designs
- Bamboo straws and utensil sets (eco-friendly travel essentials)
- Innovative bamboo Bluetooth speakers with surprisingly good sound quality
Price range: $4-15 for small items, $25-50 for larger pieces or sets
Where to buy: Halong Traditional Craft Center, Bai Chay Market, eco-boutiques at major hotels
12. Local Rice Wines and Spirits: Taste of Tradition
Vietnamese rice wine (rượu) has been produced for centuries, with different regions developing their own distinctive varieties. Near Halong Bay, several specialized distilleries create unique blends.
Halong’s Distinctive Spirits
The most sought-after local varieties include:
- Rượu Rắn (Snake Wine): Despite controversial animal welfare concerns, this remains popular with some tourists. The snake is believed to impart medicinal properties.
- Ngô Hải Sâm (Sea Ginseng Wine): Made with sea cucumber and herbs collected from islands in the bay.
- Hoa Cỏ May (Wild Flower Wine): A gentler option infused with flowers from limestone islands, creating a milder, more aromatic spirit.
Alcohol content: Most Vietnamese rice wines range from 20-45% ABV
Price range: $8-15 for standard bottles, $25-100 for premium aged varieties or those with special infusions
Where to buy: Specialty wine shops in Halong City, selected souvenir stores in Bai Chay, or directly from producers at the Night Market
Important note: Check your home country’s customs regulations before purchasing alcohol containing animal products.
13. Traditional Musical Instruments: Sounds of Vietnam
Vietnamese musical instruments make for unique souvenirs that bring both visual beauty and cultural sounds into your home.
Popular Portable Instruments from Northern Vietnam
- Đàn bầu (monochord): A single-stringed instrument with a distinctive haunting sound that represents the soul of Vietnamese music. Compact travel versions are available.
- Sáo trúc (bamboo flute): Available in various sizes and keys, these flutes produce the melancholic, breathy tones characteristic of Vietnamese folk music.
- T’rưng (bamboo xylophone): Smaller versions with 5-7 bars make manageable souvenirs that produce authentic sounds.
Price range: $15-35 for quality beginner instruments, $50-120 for professional-grade pieces
Where to buy: Music shops near Halong Cultural Center, craft stores specializing in traditional Vietnamese items
Added value: Many shops offer free mini-lessons or include basic instruction booklets with purchase.
14. Hand-Painted Lacquerware: Glossy Elegance
Vietnamese lacquerware combines practical functionality with artistic beauty. Traditional techniques involve applying multiple layers of tree sap with meticulous hand-polishing between each coat.
Halong-Themed Lacquerware
Look for pieces featuring:
- Limestone karst landscapes in mother-of-pearl inlay
- Traditional fishing scenes with eggshell detail work
- Sea life motifs in gold leaf and abalone shell
Common items: Jewelry boxes, serving trays, decorative plates, coasters, and home accessories
Price range: $25-45 for small pieces, $75-250 for elaborate designs or larger items
Where to buy: Halong Artisan Center, high-end souvenir shops in Tuan Chau Island, selected vendors at Halong Night Market
15. Authentic Fishing Village Crafts: Supporting Local Communities
The floating fishing villages of Halong Bay represent a way of life that dates back generations. By purchasing crafts directly from these communities, you support their traditional lifestyle.
Unique Finds in Fishing Villages
During extended luxury cruises through Halong Bay, you may have opportunities to visit villages like Cua Van, Vung Vieng, or Cong Dam, where you’ll find:
- Hand-tied fishing nets made into decorative wall hangings
- Miniature wooden fishing boats crafted from recycled vessel wood
- Shell art created from locally collected materials
- Simple jewelry made from fish bones, shells, and other natural elements
Price range: $5-30 depending on complexity and materials
Where to buy: Directly from floating villages during cruise excursions, or from community-supported shops in Halong City
16. Aromatic Halong Bay Incense and Essential Oils
The limestone islands of Halong Bay support unique plant life that local artisans transform into fragrant souvenirs.
Signature Halong Bay Scents
The most distinctive local aromatics include:
- Island Pine Incense: Made from resin collected from the hardy pines that somehow manage to grow on limestone karsts
- Sea Fennel Essential Oil: Distilled from a succulent plant that grows along the shorelines
- Halong Lotus Incense: Created from flowers harvested in the freshwater ponds of larger islands
Price range: $8-18 for incense sets, $15-35 for essential oils
Where to buy: Herbal medicine shops in Halong City, specialty aromatherapy stores in tourist areas
17. Vietnamese Painted Eggshells: Delicate Art
One of Vietnam’s most delicate art forms involves emptying eggshells, reinforcing them, and hand-painting them with intricate designs. Halong Bay-themed eggshell art features miniature seascapes that are astonishing in their detail.
The Meticulous Process
Artists use chicken, duck, and even ostrich eggs as their canvas. After emptying and cleaning the shell, they apply a strengthening agent before painting with ultra-fine brushes—some containing just 1-2 bristles for the finest details.
Types available:
- Standing display eggs (with tiny wooden bases)
- Hanging ornaments (perfect for seasonal displays)
- Egg dioramas (with cutaway sections showing 3D scenes inside)
Price range: $10-25 for chicken egg art, $35-80 for larger ostrich egg masterpieces
Where to buy: Craft boutiques in Bai Chay, selected high-end souvenir shops
Packing tip: Vendors usually provide specialized protective cases for safe transport.
18. Handcrafted Ship Models: Maritime Heritage
The traditional wooden junk boats with their distinctive fan-shaped sails are icons of Halong Bay. Detailed miniature replicas make for impressive souvenirs that showcase Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Quality Variations in Ship Models
Ship models range from simple tourist versions to museum-quality pieces:
- Tourist-grade: Basic models with simpler details, approximately 8-12 inches long
- Mid-range: Greater detail, fabric sails, and better wood quality, typically 12-18 inches
- Collector-grade: Museum-quality reproductions with historical accuracy, working features, and premium hardwoods, often 18-36 inches
Price range: $25-40 for tourist models, $60-150 for mid-range, $200-500+ for collector pieces
Where to buy: Maritime Museum gift shop (for highest quality), specialized ship model stores in Halong City
19. Vietnamese Cooking Tools and Spices
For culinary enthusiasts, Vietnamese cooking implements and local spice blends make practical souvenirs that will bring the flavors of Halong Bay into your kitchen.
Essential Vietnamese Cooking Tools
- Clay pot caramelizing vessels: Traditional pots used for making the caramelized sauce essential to many Vietnamese dishes
- Bamboo steamers: Specialized designs different from Chinese versions
- Fish sauce tasting sets: Featuring different aged varieties from Halong region
- Handcrafted wooden spoons and chopsticks: Often made from sustainable bamboo or reclaimed wood
Halong Bay spice blends: Look for northern Vietnamese spice combinations featuring star anise, black cardamom, cinnamon, and clove—distinctive from southern Vietnamese flavors.
Price range: $10-25 for utensils, $15-30 for complete cooking sets, $5-12 for spice packages
Where to buy: Cooking supply sections of local markets, culinary specialty shops
20. Halong Bay Photography Books and Prints
Professional photographers have captured Halong Bay in every season and light condition, creating stunning coffee table books and prints that showcase the bay’s ethereal beauty.
Beyond Tourist Snapshots
Look for works by renowned Vietnamese photographers like:
- Réhahn Croquevielle, known for capturing the human element of Halong Bay
- Tran Tuan Viet, whose dramatic aerial compositions reveal patterns invisible from sea level
- Nguyen Vu Phuoc, whose black and white studies of karst formations have won international awards
Price range: $30-50 for quality photography books, $20-100 for limited edition prints (depending on size and photographer)
Where to buy: Bookstores in major hotels, Halong Bay Cultural Center, photography galleries in Halong City
21. Ethnic Minority Textiles and Handicrafts
The provinces surrounding Halong Bay are home to diverse ethnic minority groups, each with their own distinctive textile traditions and handicrafts.
Cultural Diversity in Craft Form
Northern Vietnam’s ethnic diversity is reflected in handcrafted items from:
- Dao people: Known for indigo-dyed fabrics with geometric embroidery
- Tay artisans: Creators of intricate brocade fabrics in vivid colors
- San Diu crafters: Specialists in beadwork and appliqué techniques
Common items: Table runners, wall hangings, traditional clothing, bags, and decorative items
Price range: $15-40 for smaller items, $50-150 for larger textiles or clothing
Where to buy: Ethnic Craft Centers in Halong City, specialty boutiques focusing on fair trade
22. Halong Bay Sand Art Bottles: Layered Beauty
A relatively new but increasingly popular souvenir, sand art bottles contain carefully layered colored sands that create scenes of Halong Bay’s landscape when viewed from the side.
Artistry in Sand
Each bottle requires painstaking work as artists use thin tools to place different colored sands in precise patterns. The most skilled artisans create bottles showing:
- Multi-layered karst formations with realistic shading
- Traditional boats with detailed sails
- Sunset or sunrise scenes with gradients of color
Price range: $10-25 for small bottles, $30-60 for large or extra-detailed pieces
Where to buy: Art stands at Halong Night Market, souvenir shops in Bai Chay
23. Specialty Vietnamese Teas: Rare Varieties
Beyond common green tea, northern Vietnam produces several specialty teas that make excellent gifts for tea enthusiasts.
Halong Region Tea Specialties
- Snow Mountain Tea: Harvested from high-altitude tea gardens near Halong, known for its delicate flavor profile
- Lotus Tea: Green tea scented by placing it inside lotus flowers overnight, absorbing their fragrance
- Ancient Tree Tea: From 300-400 year old wild tea trees growing on limestone mountains, producing a complex mineral taste
Price range: $12-30 for 100g of premium tea, $40-75 for gift sets with brewing accessories
Where to buy: Tea specialty shops in Halong City, high-end food boutiques
Essential Tips for Buying Souvenirs in Halong Bay
Authenticating Your Purchases
For pearls: Authentic pearls feel slightly cool to the touch and have a gentle weight to them. The tooth test (gently rubbing against your teeth should feel slightly gritty, not smooth) is reliable.
For handicrafts: Look for imperfections—perfect uniformity often indicates machine production rather than handcrafting.
For food items: Check packaging for proper Vietnamese ingredient listings and manufacturing information.
Bargaining Etiquette
While bargaining is expected in markets, it should be approached respectfully:
- Start at 40-50% of the initial asking price
- Maintain a friendly, good-humored attitude
- Be prepared to walk away if the price isn’t right
- Don’t haggle extensively over very small amounts
Payment Methods and Currency
As of 2025-2026, more vendors in Halong Bay accept cards than in previous years, but cash still dominates:
- Small vendors and markets: Cash only (Vietnamese Dong preferred)
- Mid-sized shops: Cash, some accept major credit cards
- Upscale boutiques and hotel shops: All payment methods including UnionPay, Visa, and Mastercard
ATM availability: Readily available in Halong City and Bai Chay Tourist Area, but carry cash when visiting remote areas or floating villages.
Where to Shop in Halong Bay: Best Markets and Stores
Halong Night Market
Location: Bai Chay Tourist Area
Open: 6 PM to midnight daily
Specialties: Wide variety of souvenirs at negotiable prices
Best for: Budget shopping, street food, and lively atmosphere
Bai Chay Market
Location: Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay Ward
Open: 6 AM to 6 PM daily
Specialties: Fresh seafood, local products, everyday items
Best for: Authentic local shopping experience, food ingredients
Halong Pearl Museum Shop
Location: Tuan Chau Island
Open: 8 AM to 6 PM daily
Specialties: Certified authentic pearl jewelry and pearl-based products
Best for: High-quality pearl purchases with certification
Dong Trieu Ceramic Village
Location: 30km west of Halong City
Open: 8 AM to 5 PM daily
Specialties: Traditional and contemporary ceramics
Best for: Watching artisans at work, factory-direct pricing
Souvenir Shopping on Cruises
For the most convenient souvenir shopping, consider the onboard boutiques available on premium Halong Bay cruise experiences. These shops carefully curate authentic local products, saving you time while ensuring quality. While prices may be slightly higher than in city markets, the convenience and quality assurance often justify the difference.
Treasures Beyond the Journey
The souvenirs you select from Halong Bay do more than occupy space in your suitcase—they continue to tell the story of your Vietnamese adventure long after you’ve returned home. The best souvenirs connect you to the bay’s remarkable beauty, rich cultural traditions, and the skilled artisans who transform local materials into lasting treasures.
Whether you choose the luxury of a perfect pearl, the flavor of local delicacies, or the beauty of handcrafted art, each item carries with it a piece of Halong Bay’s unique heritage. As tourism in this magnificent region evolves through 2025-2026, the emphasis on authentic, locally-made souvenirs provides travelers with more meaningful shopping opportunities than ever before.
By choosing thoughtfully and shopping responsibly, your Halong Bay souvenirs become not just mementos of your journey, but ambassadors of Vietnamese culture and craftsmanship that you’ll treasure for years to come.
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