The Perfect Farewell Gift: 4 Books to Remember Vietnam By
The expat life is a cycle of hellos and goodbyes. When a close friend or colleague’s time in Vietnam comes to an end, you want to give them a farewell gift that is more meaningful than a generic souvenir. You want to give them something that captures the spirit of the incredible country they’ve called home.
A book is the perfect solution. It’s a story they can take with them, a tangible memory that will transport them back to the sights, sounds, and feelings of their time here. This list features four books that make for a perfect, thoughtful farewell gift.
A Meaningful Goodbye, Delivered
Finding the perfect gift shouldn’t be stressful. We can deliver any of these thoughtful books right to your door, anywhere in Vietnam
Dumb Luck by Vũ Trọng Phụng
A hilarious and scandalous satire of colonial-era Hanoi.
For a friend with a sharp sense of humor, this book is a perfect and unexpected gift. Considered a masterpiece of 20th-century Vietnamese literature, Dumb Luck is a scathing and funny critique of the social chaos that occurred as Western and Vietnamese cultures collided in 1930s Hanoi. The story follows a ridiculous anti-hero, Red-haired Xuân, as he stumbles his way up the social ladder. It’s a brilliant snapshot of a specific, pivotal moment in Vietnamese history and a reminder that the country’s spirit includes a powerful dose of wit and satire.
Author: Vũ Trọng Phụng
Genre: Classic Fiction / Satire
Perfect for: The witty friend who loves social commentary and a good laugh.
Hanoi at Midnight: Stories by Bảo Ninh
A collection of poignant stories about life in the capital after the war.
For someone leaving Vietnam, this book offers a beautiful and authentic literary snapshot of Hanoi. Written by Bảo Ninh, Vietnam’s most famous chronicler of the war, this collection of 13 short stories explores the complex ways the conflict reshaped human relationships and the quiet, everyday moments that make up a life. It’s a perfect gift for someone who has walked the streets of Hanoi and wants to understand the soul of the city on a deeper level.
Author: Bảo Ninh
Genre: Short Stories / Fiction
Perfect for: The friend who wants to take a piece of Hanoi’s literary heart home with them.
Vietnamese: Simple Vietnamese Food to Cook at Home by Uyen Luu
A way to take the incredible flavors of Vietnam home with them.
The hardest part of leaving Vietnam is often leaving the food behind. This beautiful and accessible cookbook is the perfect solution, allowing your friend to recreate the tastes of their favorite phở, bánh mì, and spring rolls in their own kitchen. It’s more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a way for them to share a tangible piece of their Vietnamese experience. For an even more personal touch, you can learn how to create your own custom family cookbook for a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Author: Uyen Luu
Genre: Cookbook / Food
Perfect for: The foodie friend who will miss the street food as much as the scenery.
Vietnamese Children's Favorite Stories by Phuoc Thi Minh Tran
A collection of charming and beautifully illustrated Vietnamese fables.
To truly understand a culture, you have to know its stories. This collection brings the classic folktales of Vietnam to life for an English-speaking audience. Full of clever talking animals, brave heroes, and timeless moral lessons, these stories are a joy to read for both children and adults, making it a souvenir the whole family can enjoy.
Author: Phuoc Thi Minh Tran
Genre: Folklore / Children’s Books
Perfect for: Sharing the foundational stories and cultural values of Vietnam with your family.
Make Your Gift Extra Special
A farewell gift should be personal. We can add a custom message inside any book or upgrade it to a beautiful hardcover edition to make it a true keepsake. For more ideas, check out our full guide to choosing the perfect book gift.
Say Goodbye with a Story
Pick a memory, send us a message, and give a gift that truly matters.