Souvenir Guide (Vietnam), Top Picks & Guides, Vietnamese Snacks & Food
Top Vietnamese Alcohol Souvenirs: What Types Are Available?
Jul
Not sure what souvenirs to buy during your trip to Vietnam? Traditional ornaments and embroidered handicrafts featured in guidebooks are always worth considering, but why not choose a bottle of Vietnamese alcohol as something a little different?
Vietnamese alcohol makes an excellent souvenir not only for those who enjoy drinking, but also as a gift for parents, colleagues, or supervisors. So, what kinds of alcoholic beverages can you find in Vietnam?
YUGOC Liquor: Coconut Liquor with a Rich Tropical Flavor
Alcohol Content: 25%
Here we introduce the signature alcoholic beverages offered by the Vietnamese souvenir brand YUGOC.
First is the Coconut Liquor, made using coconuts sourced directly from one of the coconut-producing regions in Vietnam’s iconic Mekong Delta.
YUGOC partners with a well-known local coconut farm and distillery to produce this exclusive liquor under the YUGOC brand.
Coconut liquor is commonly found at local specialty shops throughout the Mekong Delta, but it is much less common in Ho Chi Minh City and other parts of Vietnam. While traditional coconut liquor sold locally often contains nearly 40% alcohol, YUGOC has adjusted the alcohol content to 25% for a smoother, more approachable taste.
YUGOC Liquor: Red Dragon Fruit Liqueur – Enjoy It Like a Cocktail or Fruit Juice
Alcohol Content: 8%
If you’re looking for something lighter than a 25% spirit or want an alcoholic drink that’s easy to enjoy even if you don’t usually drink, YUGOC’s Red Dragon Fruit Liqueur is the perfect choice.
Made with the extract of sweet red dragon fruit—one of Vietnam’s most iconic tropical fruits—this liqueur offers a rich, fruity flavor in every sip.
With an alcohol content of just 8%, it has an even richer taste than cassis liqueur, making it smooth and enjoyable even for those who don’t normally drink alcohol. It’s difficult to find outside Vietnam and isn’t available in ordinary supermarkets or souvenir shops within Vietnam either.
Be sure to pick up a bottle during your trip to Vietnam.
A Must-Know Service for Travelers: Hotel Delivery Available Across Vietnam
When you purchase through the official YUGOC website, your order can be delivered directly to your hotel anywhere in Vietnam. As payment is completed in advance, the products will be delivered to the hotel reception by your requested date and time.
There is no need to wait at the hotel for the delivery. You can enjoy sightseeing as usual and collect your order from the reception when you return.
Same-day delivery may be available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Delivery to other cities and regions usually takes around 2–3 days.
In Vietnam, there is little distinction between vodka and shochu-style distilled spirits. Most are simply labeled as “vodka.” Visit the liquor section of any supermarket and you’ll find a wide selection, with many produced by HALICO, Vietnam’s largest vodka manufacturer.
Depending on the bottle size and product, the alcohol content is typically 30–40%. If you’re looking for a smoother 25% option, YUGOC’s coconut liquor is a great alternative.
Alcohol Content: 30–40%
This is one of the most commonly available vodkas in supermarkets, convenience stores, and small local grocery shops. Its main appeal is the low price, with a 700ml bottle costing around $3. Since it has very little distinctive flavor, it is best enjoyed mixed with juice, soda, or another beverage.
Vietnamese Spirit ② Lua Moi / HALICO
Alcohol Content: 40–45%
A distilled spirit made from glutinous rice. Because it has very little distinctive flavor, it is commonly used as a base for cocktails and mixed drinks. As a souvenir, however, it may feel a little plain.
Vietnamese Spirit ③ Nep Moi / HALICO
Alcohol Content: 40%
Nep Moi is one of the best-known Vietnamese spirits among foreign travelers. It has subtle notes of cinnamon and coconut, but its high alcohol content makes it quite strong. It is also known locally as a lower-quality spirit, and counterfeit products are reportedly common on the market.
Types of Vietnamese Wine and Liqueur
In Vietnam, wine and liqueur are not always clearly distinguished. Both generally have a relatively low alcohol content of around 7–15%. Their strong fruit flavors make them easy to enjoy even for people who do not usually drink alcohol. For those with a high alcohol tolerance, they may taste almost like fruit juice.
Vietnamese Liqueur ④ Thanh Mai / HALICO
Alcohol Content: 25%
A fruit liqueur made with apricot extract from apricots grown in northern Vietnam. It has a pleasantly tangy flavor and a light brown color. Although it is classified as a liqueur, its alcohol content is relatively high, so it is best enjoyed in moderation.
Vietnamese Wine ⑤ Vang Dalat Wine / LFSC
Alcohol Content: 11%
When it comes to Vietnamese wine, the best-known varieties are the red and white wines produced in Da Lat, a city in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
Among the many wineries in Vietnam, Lam Dong Foodstuff Company (LFSC) is regarded as one of the country’s leading producers. Its Vang Dalat Wine is well known for its quality and is popular with both local consumers and international travelers. A bottle typically costs around US$7–10.
Vietnam Offers Many Types of Alcohol—but Which Ones Make the Best Souvenirs?
Vietnam has a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, but most products available in supermarkets and other general retail stores are made by major manufacturers. Other locally produced or specialty drinks are often available only through online shops or recommendations from local residents.
When choosing alcohol as a souvenir, the flavor and bottle design are just as important as the product itself. Try comparing several varieties and take your personal favorite home as a memorable souvenir from Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnamese Alcohol
Below are some frequently asked questions for travelers considering buying Vietnamese alcohol as a souvenir.
Q: What types of alcohol are popular in Vietnam?
A: Vodka, rice spirits, liqueurs, and wine are widely available. HALICO products such as Vodka Hanoi, Lua Moi, and Nep Moi are well-known local staples. In recent years, fruit liqueurs and coconut liquor have also become increasingly popular.
Q: Where can I buy YUGOC fruit liqueurs?
A: They can be purchased from the official YUGOC online store and delivered to hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. These limited products are not available in supermarkets or airports.
Q: Are YUGOC Coconut Liquor and Dragon Fruit Liqueur strong?
A: YUGOC Coconut Liquor has an alcohol content of 25%, while the Dragon Fruit Liqueur contains 8%. Both have been crafted to offer a smoother, more approachable taste. The Dragon Fruit Liqueur is especially sweet and can be enjoyed like a cocktail.
Q: What do rice spirits such as Nep Moi and Lua Moi taste like?
A: Lua Moi is almost flavorless and odorless, while Nep Moi has subtle coconut and cinnamon notes. However, both contain more than 40% alcohol, so they are quite strong when consumed straight.
Q: Is alcohol sold in Vietnamese supermarkets suitable as a souvenir?
A: It is inexpensive, but many products have simple packaging and mild or unremarkable flavors, so they may feel less special as souvenirs. For gifts, a specialty brand such as YUGOC may be a better choice.
Q: How long does Vietnamese alcohol last?
A: Most unopened bottles can be stored for at least one year. Keep them away from direct sunlight and store them at room temperature or in a cool, dark place.
Q: Is there any Vietnamese alcohol suitable for people who do not usually drink?
A: YUGOC Dragon Fruit Liqueur contains only 8% alcohol and has a sweet, juice-like flavor, making it popular with people who do not usually drink alcohol.