From colorful plastic baskets to natural-material ones woven from rattan and water hyacinth, Vietnam's basket bags are a popular souvenir. Instagrammable plastic baskets are for everyday use, and natural-material bags are easy to pair with a yukata or summer outfits, and can be chosen at Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City's select shops. The tips for choosing are in thecomplete guide to Vietnam's basket bagsexplains it in detail too.
What are basket bags?
The features of basket bags
Vietnam's basket bags broadly split into two lines: plastic baskets woven from plastic cord, and natural-material bags made of rattan, water hyacinth, sea grass, and the like. Plastic baskets have vivid colors and are water-resistant, and have gained popularity on social media. Natural-material bags have the texture of the weave and are easy to pair with a yukata or summer attire. They're reasonably priced, light, and easy-to-carry-home goods that make good souvenirs.
Why it's chosen as a souvenir
- Light and easy to carry home— foldable ones fit into the gaps in your luggage
- Reasonably priced— plastic baskets in particular are cheap, suited both for yourself and as gifts
- Popular on social media— colorful plastic baskets photograph well and tend to become talking points
- Usable for everyday— they pair with shopping, travel, and a yukata, so they get plenty of use
Standard souvenirs that convey Vietnamese character go well together too.
Types and how to choose
The mood of a basket bag changes greatly with the material. Plastic baskets suit everyday use and photos, while natural materials suit a natural look. Choosing shape and size to match too makes them easier to use.
Types of basket bags
| Plastic basket | Plastic-cord woven. Colorful, water-resistant, and suited to everyday use |
|---|---|
| Rattan bag | A bag woven from rattan. Round or box shapes give an elegant impression |
| Water hyacinth / sea grass | The soft texture of natural materials. Easy to pair with a yukata or summer clothes |
| Drawstring / pouch type | A small size that's easy to give as a share-around souvenir |
| Large tote | A high-capacity type for shopping or the beach |
Points for choosing
- Tightness of the weave— the tighter and more even the weave, the less it loses shape and the less the contents fall out
- Strength of the handles— check whether the stitching or weaving at the base is solid
- Whether it folds— many plastic baskets are soft and foldable, handy when packing
- Presence of lining and inner pockets— a lined bag is practical, as small items don't catch on the weave. Since plastic baskets are often unlined, choose according to your use
- A size that suits the purpose— choose the size to match the use, such as everyday, shopping, or a share-around souvenir
Major producing areas and labels
At specialty and select shops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose branded items. Since design direction differs by brand, comparing to match your taste makes choosing easier.
| hansry | Runs stores in various places as a basket bag specialty shop |
|---|---|
| Hello Vietnam | A brand handling Vietnamese goods |
| Mai Vietnam | A brand making natural-material bags |
Recommended ways to use and display
Basket bags can be used regardless of season or scene. Making the most of each material's mood broadens your coordination options.
- Use plastic baskets for shopping or leisure, using the vivid color as an accent
- Pair a rattan bag with a dress or smart clothes to pull together an elegant look
- Pair water hyacinth or sea grass bags with a yukata or summer clothes for a natural look
- Use a drawstring type as an accessory case or sub-bag, reusing it while traveling and every day
Continuing with handmade goods, try these souvenirs too.
When you want to know more about choosing by material, here's this too.
Where to buy and price ranges
Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City's select shops are the main sources, and you can also get them at markets and airports. The specialty streets offer variety, and markets offer price bargaining.
- Hang Chieu Street (Hanoi Old Quarter)— a plastic-basket specialty street where colorful items all gather in one place
- Thao Dien area (Ho Chi Minh City)— you can choose stylish natural-material bags at select shops
- Ben Thanh Market and Saigon Square— many reasonable items, and you can bargain on price
- The specialty shop hansry / airport duty-free shops— a stable selection, handy for a last-minute addition before departure
The two major cities with basket-bag specialty streets and select shops are here too.
Price range
| Drawstring / pouch type | About 300–1,000 yen |
|---|---|
| Plastic basket (small) | About 500–1,500 yen |
| Plastic basket (large) | About 1,000–2,500 yen |
| Water hyacinth / sea grass bag | About 1,500–4,000 yen |
| Rattan bag | About 2,000–6,000 yen |
Tips for making it a souvenir
While basket bags are light, you need to watch out for losing shape and things catching on the weave. Packing to match the material lets you hand them over in good condition. Detailed advice on choosing by material is in thecomplete guide to basket bagsis also a helpful reference.
- Fold plastic baskets and wrap them in clothing, placing them in the upper layer of your suitcase so they don't get crushed
- Stuff rolled-up clothing inside rattan or water hyacinth bags to prevent them from losing shape
- Baskets rarely cause problems at customs, but if you have many, keep the receipts
- Use drawstring types as share-around souvenirs and rattan or natural-material bags for special recipients
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better as a souvenir, a plastic basket or a natural-material bag?
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Plastic baskets are light, foldable, and reasonably priced, so they suit share-around souvenirs and casual uses. Natural materials like rattan and water hyacinth have an elegant texture and suit gifts for special recipients.
- Can basket bags be folded to carry home?
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Many plastic baskets are soft and foldable, fitting into the gaps in your luggage. Since hard materials like rattan can't be folded, stuff clothing inside to prevent them from losing shape when carrying them.
- Can plastic baskets be used even on rainy days?
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Being plastic-cord woven, they're water-resistant, and a bit of rain is no problem if you wipe them off. Natural-material bags are easily damaged by getting wet, so avoiding rainy days makes them last longer.
- Where can you buy them with the most variety?
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Hang Chieu Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter is a plastic-basket specialty street where you can compare colors and shapes. For stylish natural-material items, the select shops in Ho Chi Minh City's Thao Dien area are well stocked.
