When it comes to souvenirs, we all want something special—something that isn’t just another fridge magnet or mass-produced keychain. If you’re travelling through Vietnam and looking for a keepsake that’s both unique and deeply personal, custom travel stamps are a must-have!
What Are Custom Travel Stamps?
These hand-carved wooden stamps feature your face, name, or even a custom design of your choice. They’re created by talented local artisans who skilfully transform a simple image into a one-of-a-kind travel memento. Some artists work from a photo, while others sketch a quick outline before carving the stamp by hand.
Once finished, you can use your stamp on postcards, travel journals, scrapbooks, or even letters to friends—turning every stamped image into a tiny, personal piece of travel art.
Where to Find These Stamps in Vietnam
Custom travel stamps are commonly found in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An, particularly in markets, souvenir shops, and small craft stalls. Some of the best places to look include:
- Hanoi’s Old Quarter – Street vendors and small shops around this historic area often offer stamp-making services.
- Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City) – A bustling marketplace where you’ll find everything from food to handmade crafts.
- Hoi An’s Night Market – Known for its charming atmosphere and artisan stalls, this is a great place to find hand-carved souvenirs.
Depending on the level of detail, some artists can finish a stamp within a few hours, while others might need a day or two.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
Prices for custom travel stamps can vary depending on the size, level of detail, and the artisan’s experience. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between 150,000 – 500,000 VND ($6 – $20 USD). Smaller, simpler designs will be on the lower end, while highly detailed or larger stamps will cost more.
Like many handmade souvenirs in Vietnam, prices can be negotiable – especially in tourist-heavy areas. Some vendors may start with a higher price, expecting you to bargain. While a little haggling is normal, it’s important to negotiate fairly and respect the artisan’s work.
To make sure you’re getting a fair deal, check Tengah before you start negotiating. Tengah is an app that gives you real-time price insights, showing what other travellers have paid for travel stamps in the same market.
With Tengah, you’ll always know the right price to aim for. Simply snap a photo of the stamp, and AI image recognition will match it with recent purchases, revealing what others paid in that exact location within the last three months. And it’s not just for stamps—Tengah helps you score fair prices on food, services, taxis, tours, massages, transport, and more!
For more haggling tips around the world, check out our blog post – Haggling 101: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Why You Should Get A Travel Stamp
- It’s Personalised – Unlike standard souvenirs, this one is literally made just for you!
- It’s Handmade – You’re supporting local artisans and taking home a piece of authentic Vietnamese craftsmanship.
- It’s Lightweight – No worries about excess baggage; this tiny souvenir slips easily into your backpack.
- It’s Interactive – Instead of just keeping it on a shelf, you can use it to decorate letters, postcards, or travel diaries.
The Perfect Travel Keepsake
A custom travel stamp isn’t just a souvenir—it’s a memory carved in wood. It’s a reminder of your adventures, the people you met, and the artistic spirit of Vietnam. Whether you keep it for yourself or gift it to a fellow traveller, it’s a small token that holds a big story.
