Viet Nam
Viet Nam is particularly known for its various styles of lacquer ware (mother of pearl inlay and duck shell) and its growing silk industry. A wide array of other handicrafts is also available, including quality hand embroidery, wood carvings, ceramics, silk painting, brass and marble figurines and ivory and tortoise shell accessories. Contemporary paintings and copies of masterpiece work are also widely available in Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi. War paraphernalia remain popular souvenirs as old cameras, watches, stamps, coins and flick lighters.
Ceramics
Vietnamese ceramics and pottery are widely recognized. Different regions have various kinds of ceramics. The traditional ceramics come from Bat Trang village outside Ha Noi. Chu Dau in Hai Duong is the oldest cradle of pottery and ceramics. In the south, Song Be, Dong Nai, and Da Lat are major ceramics centers thanks to their available natural materials. The quality and art of drawing is superb, but the cost is low. Hand-made ceramics are the cheapest souvenirs in Viet Nam. Mailing by air or ship can be negotiated directly at the shops.Lacquer ware paintings
Lacquer trees are planted in Southeast Asia. The resin of the tree is used as main raw material for lacquer ware objects and paintings. Lacquer ware is used widely in Asian countries like China, Japan, Viet Nam, Korea… However, the Vietnamese develop it to the highest traditional art. Egg shells can be used for decoration together with teak wood. Special lacquer ware paintings can stand cold weather. To finish one lacquer ware piece takes weeks or months polishing by hand.Paintings
Modern painting drawn by Vietnamese artists are displayed and sold at many galleries in major cities. Canvas material includes silk, cotton or even paper like Ho folk paintings in the north of Viet Nam. Oil paint or natural ink is the main material for drawing. The general topics are the Sun, The Moon, Stars, countryside, human beings and daily activities. These kinds of paintings are for sale at most galleries in cities like Ho Chi Minh, Ha Noi, Hue, and Hoi An. Silk new year cards are well known and inexpensive.Wood and Stone Carvings
Vietnamese are skilful at making wood carvings. Trees or roots can be turned into art with various surprising shapes. Wood statues such as water puppets, dolls, gods, grave statues… are well known. Wood-carved products comprise traditional utility goods, especially art statues of three Gods, the God of Happiness, Wealth and Longevity. Popular fake antiques are sold which are illegally exported.Other Materials
Rattan and bamboo are widely used by the locals for making all handicrafts which are so inexpensive and handy enough to take home.
Vietnamese are experts in making artifacts and things made of animal hide, tortoise shells, oyster shells, and animal horns. Just visit some handicraft workshops like Tay Son, Lam Son, Phuong Nam in Ho Chi Minh City or shopping streets at Ha Noi old quarter. Handicraft souvenirs are available.
