What to Buy at Vietnam Duty-Free? Check the Essentials! Are you looking to make the…
Vietnam Duty-Free Guide: What to Buy and Where to Shop

What to Buy at Vietnam Duty-Free? Check the Basics!
Do you want to enjoy the best shopping experience during your transit at Vietnam’s airports, even with limited time? Shopping at Duty-Free is a perfect opportunity to save time and money. Here, we provide essential information for shopping at Vietnam’s major airports.
Where Is the Best Place to Shop?
The main airports include Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Both airports offer a wide range of duty-free shops with products ranging from fashion brands to liquor.
What Are the Operating Hours?
Many duty-free shops are open 24 hours, though some specialty stores may have limited hours. The main duty-free areas, such as Tan Son Nhat Duty-Free (Ho Chi Minh) and Noi Bai Duty-Free (Hanoi), are open 24/7, but it’s essential to check the hours for individual stores.
What Should You Buy?
Luxury brand cosmetics and perfumes, as well as local specialty souvenirs, are particularly popular. Be sure to check out unique Vietnamese items like Vietnamese coffee and spice sets.
- Recommended Items: Vietnamese coffee, silk scarves, local liquor “Son Tinh,” and more.
Duty-Free Allowances
As of October 2024, the duty-free allowances in Vietnam are as follows:
- Tobacco: Up to 200 cigarettes
- Alcohol: Up to 1 liter (over 22% alcohol) or up to 2 liters (under 22% alcohol)
- Perfume: Up to 50ml
For more details, please visit the Vietnam Customs official website.
While sightseeing during a layover can be fun, are you thinking you’d rather take it easy and relax?
If so, I recommend scheduling some rest at a transit hotel specifically for layovers.
Check out the article below for affordable transit hotels in Ho Chi Minh where you can rest.

Efficient Shopping Guide for Short Transits
Here, we provide a time-efficient schedule for those who want to enjoy shopping even with a short transit.
Sample Time Schedule (For a 2-Hour Transit)
- First 15 Minutes: Check the airport map and locate the main duty-free areas.
- Next 45 Minutes: Browse through brands and souvenirs. Purchase popular items like cosmetics and perfumes early.
- Last 60 Minutes: Add liquor and sweets to your shopping cart. Utilize packing services if needed.
Top 5 Must-Buy Vietnamese Souvenirs
- Vietnamese Coffee Set Vietnamese coffee is known for its rich flavor and distinctive aroma. The traditional brewing method using the “Ca Phe Phin” filter is especially famous. Many people love the sweet and strong taste of Vietnamese coffee when enjoyed with sweetened condensed milk. Drip coffee sets make a popular and convenient souvenir.
- Dried Fruit Mix Vietnam is known for its variety of tropical fruits. Dried fruits such as mango, banana, papaya, and dragon fruit are colorful and concentrated in sweetness, making them an ideal, lightweight souvenir. The natural sweetness with minimal additives is also a key selling point.
- Silk Scarves Vietnamese silk is known for its smooth texture and sheen. Silk products made in the “Van Phuc Village” near Hanoi are especially known for their high quality, using traditional handmade techniques. Scarves and shawls come in various colors and designs, making them appealing as fashion accessories and souvenirs.
- Local Spice Set A set of spices and seasonings essential for Vietnamese cuisine makes a perfect gift for cooking enthusiasts. It often includes “Nuoc Mam” (fish sauce), lemongrass, and lime leaves—ideal for recreating authentic Vietnamese flavors at home.
- Vietnamese Rice Wine “Rượu gạo” “Rượu gạo” is a traditional Vietnamese rice wine that pairs well with local dishes. It has a relatively low alcohol content and a slightly sweet taste. It’s not only a great accompaniment to meals but is also considered beneficial for health.
Enjoying Vietnamese Liquor: A Guide to Duty-Free Spirits
- Son Tinh Son Tinh is a traditional Vietnamese herbal liqueur made with a variety of herbs and spices. Known for its deep aroma and unique flavor, it’s a popular choice as an after-dinner drink. This liqueur offers a unique way to experience Vietnamese culture with every sip.
- Đà Lạt Wine Produced in the highlands of Da Lat in central Vietnam, this wine is known for its fruity aroma and light taste. It’s a must-try for wine lovers. While Vietnam’s wine industry is relatively new, the local climate allows for successful grape cultivation, and Vietnamese wines are starting to gain international recognition.
Food and Beverage Souvenir Selection: From Sweets to Spices
- Pho Soup Kits Pho, the iconic Vietnamese dish, can be recreated at home with soup kits, making it a perfect Vietnamese souvenir. The kits include soup stock and noodles, allowing anyone to prepare pho easily.
- Cashew Nut Chocolate Vietnam is a major producer of cashews. Cashew nut chocolate combines the crunchy texture of nuts with the rich flavor of chocolate, creating a delightful treat. It’s a popular sweet for adults due to its balanced sweetness.
- Nuoc Mam (Fish Sauce) Essential in Vietnamese cooking, “Nuoc Mam” is a fermented fish sauce with a unique flavor. It adds depth to dishes, allowing you to recreate the taste of Vietnamese home-cooked meals. The small bottles make it easy to bring back as a gift.
Save More with Duty-Free! How to Use Vietnam’s VAT Refund
Vietnam offers a VAT (Value-Added Tax) refund system for travelers who meet certain conditions.
Conditions for Refund Application
- Purchases of over 2 million VND (around 90 USD) per day at the same store.
- Items purchased within 30 days of your departure date.
- The goods must be unused.
Refund Application Process
- Receive a “VAT Refund Receipt” at the time of purchase.
- Apply at the VAT refund counter inside the airport before checking in.
- After verification of your items, you will receive a refund in cash or via bank transfer.
For more information, please visit the Vietnam Ministry of Finance official website.
Best Shops for Last-Minute Shopping
- Tan Son Nhat Duty-Free
- Main Area Hours: 24 hours
- Location: Near International Terminal A Gates at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City
- Noi Bai Duty-Free Store
- Main Area Hours: 24 hours
- Location: Near International Terminal C Gates at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi
For the hours of individual specialty stores, please refer to airport signage or official websites.
While sightseeing during a layover can be fun, are you thinking you’d rather take it easy and relax?
If so, I recommend scheduling some rest at a transit hotel specifically for layovers.
Check out the article below for affordable transit hotels in Ho Chi Minh where you can rest.
