When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, coffee is invariably at the top of the shopping list. However, rather than buying expensive packages at tourist traps, local travelers recommend heading straight to the supermarkets for the best value and authenticity.

Specifically, the Co.opmart supermarket is highlighted as a prime destination for purchasing coffee as a souvenir. Located just a five-minute walk from certain accommodations in District 3, it is a convenient stop for travelers. The prices here are transparent, making it the preferred choice for buying hand gifts like coffee without the fear of being overcharged.

For those looking to enjoy a cup before buying beans, the city is dotted with fantastic cafes. You might check out Lạc Café or The Hummingbird Café & Roastery, which are popular among local young people. Additionally, Cafe Linh offers a salted cream coffee that evokes a nostalgic "childhood coffee candy" flavor, while The Workshop is noted for its workshop-style atmosphere, though opinions on their cakes vary.

• Where to buy: Co.opmart (District 3 and other locations).
• Why it's a great souvenir: Transparent pricing and authentic local brands available in a convenient supermarket setting.

For fashion-forward travelers, Vietnamese local brands are becoming a major draw. One specific brand that has generated significant buzz is Chautfifth. It is considered a niche bag brand that has gained enough popularity to warrant queues at their physical store.

Travelers have reported waiting in line just to shop here, a testament to its rising status. The store often runs events with different activities, making the shopping experience engaging. If you are looking for a stylish accessory that isn't mass-produced global fast fashion, a bag from Chautfifth is a unique memento of Saigon's modern design scene.

• Shopping Tips: Be prepared for potential queues, especially during event days or evenings around 6 PM.
• Vibe: Niche, trendy, and locally designed.

Saigon's youth fashion scene is vibrant and affordable. If you want to bring home some cool clothing, The New Playground is the place to go. It is described as a fashion hub similar to a "fashion version of the Cafe Apartment."

Located near the Vincom Center, The New Playground houses various local streetwear brands. The environment is air-conditioned (a huge plus in the Saigon heat) and features styles that lean towards Korean fashion or trendy street looks like Cosmo.

• Price Range: Tops average around 100,000 - 200,000 VND, while jackets and pants range from 300,000 to 600,000 VND.
• Why go: It is a concentrated area for local潮牌 (trendy brands) where both men and women can find stylish pieces.
• Another Option: Kido Studiowear on the "fashion street" is another spot where prices are clearly marked, saving you the hassle of bargaining.

Beauty enthusiasts should look out for local Vietnamese cosmetic brands. A standout mentioned by travelers is Cocoon. You can find this brand at Sociolla, a beauty retailer located opposite the famous Coffee Apartment.

Sociolla is compared to beauty retailers like "Wow Colour" or "The Colorist," offering a wide range of products. Cocoon is a vegan-friendly Vietnamese brand known for using local ingredients. Buying these products locally is often cheaper than finding them abroad, making them excellent souvenirs or gifts for friends back home.

• Where to find: Sociolla (near the Coffee Apartment) or other drugstores.
• What to look for: The Cocoon brand products.

While MAN MOI is primarily known as a Michelin-recommended restaurant serving Vietnamese home-cooked dishes, it offers a hidden shopping gem. Located right next to the War Remnants Museum, the first floor of this establishment features a Vietnamese gift shop.

Travelers have noted that the items sold here are handmade and very exquisite. If you are on a tight schedule and don't have time to scour the markets for high-quality crafts, this is a perfect one-stop-shop. You can combine a delicious meal (average 200 RMB) with shopping for refined, artistic souvenirs.

• Location: Next to the War Remnants Museum.
• Best for: Travelers seeking high-quality, handmade gifts without the chaos of a market.

For a souvenir with a personal touch, why not make it yourself? In District 2 (Thao Dien), hidden spots like Workshop Hub offer a variety of DIY experiences.

Located up a small staircase opposite Aramour Coffee, this studio allows you to create sand paintings, clay art, wind chimes, beaded chains, scented candles, and even cotton dolls. Prices are reasonable, ranging from 150,000 to 500,000 VND (mostly around 200k-300k). It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and leave with a truly unique item.

Additionally, places like Allie Flower in District 1 offer seasonal workshops, such as making your own Christmas tree using noble fir, providing a festive and creative souvenir option if you are visiting in December.

• Activity: Workshop Hub for candles/beads; Allie Flower for seasonal decor.
• Cost: Approx. 200,000 - 300,000 VND for general crafts.

It might sound unusual to list a sandwich as a souvenir, but the Banh Mi in Saigon is so good that travelers explicitly mention packing it for their flight home. Banh Mi Hong Hoa is a standout favorite.

Reviewers describe the baguette as perfectly crispy without being dry, filled with flavorful roasted meat, pate, pickles, and herbs. One traveler was so impressed they ate one immediately and bought another to take on the plane the next day. Another highly rated spot offers a pork sandwich that is reportedly even better than mango or egg coffee sandwiches, featuring a layer of cheese and freshly toasted bread.

• Tip: If buying for the flight, ask for the vegetables on the side to keep the bread crispy.
• Why it's iconic: It provides a "cheap but impactful satisfaction" that defines Saigon street food.

Saigon is a surprising destination for high-quality formal wear. Travelers recommend visiting the "Women's Clothing Street" (near the Vincom Center area), where you can find stunning dresses suitable for engagements or formal events.

While basic styles might cost 100-200 RMB, there are shops offering higher-end garments with excellent texture and fabric quality in the 1,000 RMB range. These pieces are noted for their unique designs, making them a fantastic option if you are looking for an outfit that stands out from the crowd back home.

• Location: Women's clothing street near Vincom Center.
• Best for: Engagement dresses, formal gowns, and high-quality fabrics.

For those who appreciate aesthetics, Saigon has a growing number of concept stores. OHQUAO The Local Edit and in nờ corner are two shops mentioned by visitors as "amazing shops" to browse.

These locations are perfect for finding curated local art, stationery, ceramics, and home decor items. Unlike the mass-produced goods in Ben Thanh Market, the items here reflect a more modern, artistic sensibility, often showcasing the work of local illustrators and potters. They are ideal for finding small, tasteful gifts that fit easily into a suitcase.

• Vibe: Artistic, curated, and local.
• Products: Ceramics, prints, and stationery.

Before leaving, a final sweep of a local supermarket like Co.opmart is essential for edible souvenirs. Aside from coffee, Vietnamese yogurt is a highlight. Many accommodations, such as serviced apartments, come with fridges, allowing you to stock up on this treat during your stay, and it's a popular item to try.

Additionally, dried fruits are a staple Vietnamese snack. Some boutique hotels even provide high-quality dried fruits (like dried pineapple and lychee) as welcome amenities, which hints at their popularity. These make for easy, lightweight gifts for colleagues and family.

• Where to buy: Co.opmart or local convenience stores.
• Top Pick: Vietnamese yogurt (for immediate consumption) and dried fruits (to bring home).