2026 Ho Chi Minh City Aromatherapy Souvenir Recommendations | Carpe Diem scented candles, fragrance gift boxes, and a buying guide

If you want an unusual Vietnamese gift, consider aromatherapy products.

When traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, besides coffee, snacks, and handicrafts, aromatherapy items also make great souvenirs. They have delicate packaging and their scents can linger at home after the trip ends; one brand that has been widely talked about among travelers in recent years is Carpe Diem.

What is Carpe Diem's style?

Carpe Diem specializes in handmade scented candles, fragrance gift boxes, diffusers, and other home fragrance products. Its signature is not overpowering or cloyingly sweet scents but leans toward native botanicals, floral heart notes, woody and fresh fruity accords, which diffuse slowly through a space—suitable for people who don't like a strong perfume feel.

The brand's packaging is also distinctive, and you'll find fragrance stones, essential oils, diffusers, and candles in various sizes in store. If buying for a friend, choose based on their usual preferences: go for floral-fruity or herbal notes for a fresh feel, or look for woody and tea scents for a more subdued atmosphere.

District 1 Grade B shop: most convenient for travelers to pick up en route

Carpe Diem's District 1 shop is located at 58 Lê Lợi, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, with official opening hours daily 10:00–22:00. This shop is situated inside the Grade B home and lifestyle selection space, not a standalone large street storefront; upon arriving at 58 Lê Lợi, look for the Grade B sign and internal floor indicators—Carpe Diem may be on an upper level within the space.

This location fits well into a District 1 City Walk itinerary; visit after checking out Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, or Saigon city center. Besides aromatherapy items, the shop also offers ceramics, home accessories, and Vietnamese design selections, so companions who aren't especially into scents can still enjoy browsing.

District 2 Thảo Điền branch

If your itinerary includes Thảo Điền, you can also visit 28 Thảo Điền, Hồ Chí Minh. Official opening hours are Monday to Friday 09:00–20:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:00–20:30. Compared to the District 1 shop, the Thảo Điền branch is more suitable for leisurely strolling along with cafés, home stores, and lifestyle boutiques.

Prices and how to choose a souvenir?

On Carpe Diem's official website, scented candles are listed at about 485,000 Vietnamese dong (approx NT$595 / RMB ¥130 / HK$146); Signature fragrance gift boxes are about 595,000 Vietnamese dong (approx NT$730 / RMB ¥160 / HK$180). More elaborate floral or premium gift boxes are about 630,000–690,000 Vietnamese dong (approx NT$770–850 / RMB ¥170–185 / HK$190–208). Actual prices may vary depending on style, size, and in-store promotions on the day.

For a first purchase, choose a small-to-medium candle or an entry-level gift box—the weight won't be too high and it's easier to fit in your suitcase. If giving to elders or colleagues, a gift box with fragrance stones is more complete than a single candle; if for personal use, smell several scents first, then pick one that best suits the room's atmosphere. When packing candles in your luggage, keep the outer box and wrap it in clothing to avoid deformation from heat or impact.

After buying aromatherapy items, relax at Win Royal Spa

Carpe Diem's District 1 shop is close to the central shopping route. If you're tired after shopping, you can go to Win Royal Spa, located at 48 Lê Thị Hồng Gấm, open daily 09:00–22:00, to experience a Vietnamese-style head wash massage. Buy a Vietnamese-flavored aromatherapy souvenir first, then finish your Ho Chi Minh City trip with a massage—it's a comfortable and practical half-day plan.