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Shopping In Sapa Vietnam: Best Souvenirs And Gifts To Bring Home

Best Sapa souvenirs and gifts to bring home

As a renowned tourist city in northern Vietnam, Sapa offers many ideal souvenirs to bring home after your trip. From handcrafted products reflecting the identity of ethnic minorities to local specialties infused with natural flavors, each product carries a unique mark that will remind you of your stay in this misty town. Discover the list below of the best Sapa souvenirs and good places to go shopping!

I. Shopping in Sapa: Best things to buy as souvenirs
II. Best shopping spots for Sapa souvenirs

I. Shopping in Sapa: Best things to buy as souvenirs

1. Handwoven brocade products

Traveling to the misty town is the perfect opportunity to bring back handmade textile products adorned with ethnic patterns as Sapa souvenirs. These items are crafted by local artisans, mostly women of all ages, from young girls to grandmothers belonging to the Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Nung ethnic groups. They preserve the art of traditional weaving using ancient techniques, local materials, and their creativity to convey cultural richness through ethnic motifs.

The products available are varied: traditional costumes, scarves, wallets, bags, and keychains with typical patterns. You can buy them in local villages and ethnic markets in Sapa. By purchasing these items, you also help preserve the traditional craftsmanship of the region's ethnic minorities.

Brocade products, accessories, and jewelry are some of the most unique souvenirs from Sapa

2. Sapa jewelry and accessories

The Sapa ethnic minorities express their identity not only through their colorful traditional clothing but also through a wide variety of jewelry and accessories. This is why silver engraving for jewelry is common, providing tourists with beautiful souvenirs from Sapa. These finely crafted items reflect the exceptional skills of local artisans, who often engrave specific motifs to indicate which ethnic group they belong to.

Silver jewelry holds significant importance for the locals, as it is believed to protect against illness, ward off evil spirits, and bring good fortune to the wearer. As a result, tourists often buy these local accessories as lucky charms.

Tip: When selecting this Sapa souvenir, pay attention to the weight, as genuine silver jewelry is usually heavier and thicker.

3. Beeswax paintings of Hmong people

What to buy in Sapa Vietnam? Beeswax paintings make a unique Sapa souvenir to take home. For a long time ago, the art of beeswax patterns has been passed down within the Hmong ethnic group, becoming an important part of their cultural heritage.

Beeswax-printed paintings are generally cheaper than hand-drawn ones. The former are made using pre-made molds featuring various motifs like flowers or animals, while the latter requires the skill of local artists who draw directly with melted bee wax.

The Hmong use bee wax to draw on fabric, as it transitions from liquid to solid. Once the drawing is complete, the fabric is dried in the shade, and then boiled to dissolve the wax, leaving white patterns on the fabric. If you appreciate art and enjoy displaying paintings, this Sapa souvenir is a must-have!

Traditional Hmong beeswax patterns technique

4. Natural soap of Red Dao people

One of the most popular Sapa souvenirs and gifts in recent years is natural soap. A young woman from the Dao ethnic group, originally from the Kim Ngan village in Sapa, developed the idea of making vegan soap (called xà phòng thuần chay in Vietnamese) from locally grown medicinal plants and herbs.

This product is entirely natural, and free from chemicals, ensuring both consumer health and environmental respect. It not only showcases the creativity of the Dao people but also reflects the rich ethnic cultural and traditional values of Sapa.

Natural Soap - Authentic souvenirs made by the Red Dao in Sapa

5. Sapa Herbal Tea

Another Sapa souvenir you shouldn't miss is herbal tea. Situated in a high-altitude region, Sapa boasts tea valleys known for their lush greenery year-round, producing locally grown teas with unique aromas and flavors. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous tea plantations in Sapa, where you can learn about the entire tea-making process from the locals.

Easy to bring home and perfect for tourists, Sapa herbal tea is also excellent for health, offering benefits like liver detoxification, body temperature regulation, blood pressure stabilization, and improved brain circulation.

Shopping in Sapa? Herbal tea is a must

6. Sapa traditional wine

Another famous drink to buy in Sapa is the local traditional wine. Made from locally grown ingredients and crafted using the artisanal skills of the locals, Sapa wine has a delicious and unique flavor. Some varieties of wine you can bring back from Sapa include:

San Lung wine by the Dao ethnic group (made from rice).
Corn wine from the Dao and Hmong in Sapa.
Wild apple wine from the Dao (called táo mèo in Vietnamese).
Cordyceps alcohol from the Hmong and Giay (called sâu chít in Vietnamese).

The locals of Sapa harvest plums to make plum wine

II. Best shopping spots for Sapa souvenirs

All Sapa souvenirs can be found in the city center and ethnic markets of the region. If you want to experience authentic shopping in Sapa, we recommend visiting the ethnic markets. However, these markets are usually held only once a week, so you need to check their schedule in advance. Additionally, here is a list of some well-known Sapa souvenir shops, favored by many visitors:

1. Hemp & Embroidery - Souvenirs from the black Hmong people

Address: 26b Cau May Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Google Maps: link

2. Indigo Cat - Handcrafted gifts made by the Hmong

Address: 034 Fansipan Street, Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Google Maps: link

3. Linht Handicraft - Unique ethnic fashion products

Address: Cat Cat Village, Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Google Maps: link

4. Sapa Hemp - Refined Sapa brocade products

Address: 18D Cau May Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Google Maps: link

5. Red Dao Mountain Botanicals - Dao people’s natural products

Address: No 21/29 Fansipan Street, Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam

The best spots to go shopping in Sapa Vietnam

Here are the unique Sapa souvenirs and a list of the best shopping places to visit during your trip. If you need help creating your itinerary in Vietnam or other Indochina countries, feel free to contact Autour Asia, your Vietnam travel company, for travel advice and assistance for your dream trip to Southeast Asia!

You can refer to:

> Sapa travel map

> Sapa travel guide

> Vietnam North tour

> Halong Sapa tour

5/5 - (1004 Vote)

Joey

5.0 Excellent

Should I visit Sapa or Tam Dao in Vietnam?

It depends on your travel preferences when choosing Sapa or Tam Dao.

Sapa, in the northwest, is famous for its rice terraces, vibrant ethnic markets, and cultural diversity, offering an immersive experience with local minority groups. It’s ideal for trekking and exploring traditional villages like Cat Cat or Ta Van.

Tam Dao, closer to Hanoi, is a tranquil mountain retreat with a cooler climate and charming French architecture. Perfect for a weekend escape or a short trip, it features scenic viewpoints, the Stone Church, and nature trails. For adventure and culture, pick Sapa. For relaxation and convenience, Tam Dao is a great choice.

Meljorie

5.0 Excellent

What kind of products are sold at the Sapa ethnic markets?

Sapa ethnic markets offer a wide range of unique products and Sapa souvenirs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region's minority groups.

Visitors can find beautifully handcrafted textiles, embroidered clothing, and brocade items, all showcasing intricate designs by the ethnic communities.

Silver jewelry, handwoven bags, and traditional accessories are also popular.

The markets often feature natural products like herbal teas, medicinal plants, and essential oils prepared by the locals.

Additionally, visitors can purchase fresh produce, local delicacies, and traditional tools. These markets provide an authentic shopping experience, connecting travelers to the artistry and traditions of Sapa's ethnic groups.

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