The global demand for durable and lightweight travel duffels is rising as travelers look for practical and stylish options for everyday use and long trips. Vietnam has become a dependable sourcing destination thanks to its strong manufacturing capacity, skilled labor, and competitive pricing.
However, importers still face real challenges, especially when verifying suppliers, checking product quality, and ensuring compliance. This guide will give you a complete overview of the production process, cost structure, sourcing channels, and best practices you need to import travel duffels from Vietnam with confidence.
Overview of the Global Travel Duffel Market
The travel duffel bags market is entering a period of remarkable growth, driven by consumer preferences for lightweight, versatile, and trendy luggage. Besides, as industries across the globe continue to innovate and evolve, the travel duffel bags market is no exception.
The market was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2024, supported by the resurgence of international tourism, rising interest in outdoor and adventure travel, and the growing popularity of flexible, cabin-friendly luggage options. Looking ahead, the industry is expected to maintain strong momentum, with a projected CAGR of 6.5% between 2026 and 2033, with the market expected to reach USD 2.12 billion by 2033.
Why Buyers Choose Vietnam for Travel Duffel Manufacturing
Vietnam has become an important global manufacturing and exporting hub for travel bags, including duffels, suitcases, and backpacks. Importing travel duffels from Vietnam offers many advantages that support both product quality and cost efficiency.
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Cost-effective manufacturing
Vietnamese offers competitive production costs due to its lower labor costs compared to other major exporting hubs like China, India, and Thailand. Current data shows that Vietnam’s labor costs are less than 25% of the global median wage
In addition, Vietnam also maintains industrial electricity prices at a very competitive level, among the lowest globally. This helps factories control overhead costs and offer travel duffels at attractive price ranges.
This combination has made Việt Nam one of the most attractive destinations in the global market for exporting travel duffels.
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High-quality products
Products labeled “Made in Vietnam” are well received in global markets because they look good, function well, and maintain stable quality. This strong reputation comes from the craftsmanship and work ethic of Vietnamese artisans. They work with precision, creativity, and strong attention to detail, which contributes to the high quality of travel duffels produced in the country.
In particular, Vietnam has a young and skilled workforce, with more than 52.9 million people in the labor force. The number of workers in the textile and garment industry has increased from nearly 1.8 million people in 2012 to about 3 million people in 2024. This strong labor base allows manufacturers to maintain stable production and ensure consistent output.
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Industrial infrastructure
Vietnam’s textile and garment sector contributes strongly to the national economy. In 2024, the industry generated about USD 44 billion in export value and plays an important role in Vietnam’s GDP.
By 2024, the country had around 7,000 textile and garment enterprises operating nationwide. Vietnam also has several major textile and garment hubs:
- Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Dong Nai are the largest production zones in the south, with many factories and a large labor pool.
- Hanoi and Hai Phong serve as key centers in the north with strong manufacturing bases and skilled workers.
- Nam Dinh stands out in the Rang Dong Manufacturer, which has become a growing cluster for spinning, weaving, and dyeing.
On the other hand, provinces such as Hung Yen, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Da Nang, and several central coastal regions are developing new industrial zones. These zones focus on spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finished goods to support the long-term expansion of the textile industry.
Many factories actively adopt advanced machinery and new production methods to improve product quality and increase capacity. This helps Vietnam meet the rising global demand for durable and well-made travel duffels.
Manufacturing Process for Travel Duffels in Vietnam
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Receive the customer’s brief
The process begins when the factory receives the partner’s request. You can select an existing design or submit a full customization brief for their travel duffel.
When placing an order for travel duffels, you should consider several important factors:
- Choose materials that are durable and water-resistant to protect items during travel. Common materials include canvas, polyester, and nylon, which provide strength, light weight, and good resistance to outdoor conditions.
- The design should be modern and convenient. International buyers often prefer wide openings, strong handles, removable shoulder straps, and extra compartments for easy packing.
- The size range should meet different market needs. Some customers prefer compact duffels for short trips. Others need larger capacities for sports, outdoor travel, or longer vacations.
In addition, you also need to select the hardware for the travel duffels, including zippers, snap buttons, buckles, and other metal details that match both style and function.
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Sketch the design
After all requirements are confirmed, the manufacturer begins sketching the design of the travel duffel. This sketch serves as a detailed blueprint. It shows the folds, stitching lines, zipper placement, snaps, and other components. With this layout, you can easily visualize the overall shape and structure of the final bag.
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Create a handmade sample
To produce thousands of well-made bags, the manufacturing process must begin with a handmade sample. This sample helps both the factory and the buyer confirm the real quality before mass production.
Firstly, skilled artisans cut every piece of fabric by hand and sew it together with care. They add the zippers, snaps, straps, and inner lining to create a fully finished sample. This step shows exactly how the bag will look, feel, and function in real use.
You can request the manufacturer to send this sample for review. This allows you to check every detail against your original requirements. If you need any adjustments, such as the depth, width, pocket size, strap length, or the placement of zippers and snaps, you should share your feedback with the manufacturer.
Once the sample is approved, the process moves to mass production.
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Schedule production line
The factory will prepare materials, schedule the production line according to the approved specifications.
Based on the completed sketch from the design stage, skilled workers will mark and outline every small and large fabric piece on the main fabric roll. This stage also includes calculating the exact length of zippers and other closures to ensure consistency across all products.
Next, the factory prepares all necessary components for the bag, such as zippers, labels, and badges. If the bag requires embossed patterns or custom colors, the fabric is sent to a specialized facility for processing and dyeing according to your requirements. After dyeing and drying, the fabric is carefully rolled and delivered back to the sewing workshop for the next production steps.
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Cutting, sewing, and assembly
In this stage, skilled workers begin cutting the fabric according to the approved design. The factory uses modern cutting machines to prepare thousands of identical pieces at the same time, ensuring accuracy and consistent quality across the entire order.
After cutting, the fabric pieces are decorated or printed if the design includes patterns, logos, or branding.
Next, experienced workers start assembling the travel duffel. They attach all components, such as zippers, snaps, straps, buckles, and the inner lining. They also trim any excess threads to complete well-structured travel duffels that match the approved sample.
6. Quality inspection
In the inspection stage, the quality control team randomly selects several travel duffels for checking. The goal is to confirm whether the bags meet all technical specifications and the original design requirements.
Any bags with excessive loose threads, incorrect prints, or other defects will be rejected.
How to Find Reliable Travel Duffel Suppliers in Vietnam
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Attend trade shows
Visiting trade fairs allows you to meet manufacturers in person, inspect product quality firsthand, and compare different suppliers quickly. It also gives you a better understanding of materials, craftsmanship, and production capacity before placing large orders.
Notable events include
- VIFA EXPO: This is one of the most important events for the textile and garment sector in Vietnam. It brings together leading companies and creates a strong connection between local suppliers and global buyers. You can easily find travel duffel manufacturers at this event, explore their product lines, and discuss production capabilities directly with factory representatives. In 2025, VIFA EXPO featured over 650 exhibitors in a 55,000 m² area and attracted 7,128 visitors, including 1,835 international buyers.
- Global Sourcing Fair Vietnam: This event is a comprehensive trade connection platform that global buyers should not miss. It gathers verified Vietnamese suppliers from many industries, allowing buyers to meet reliable partners, compare products, and explore sourcing opportunities. In 2026, the Global Sourcing Fair will be held at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC) from April 22–24 in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Vietnam International Sourcing: This event is held annually under the direction of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (Agency for Foreign Market Development). It helps international buyers connect with certified Vietnamese manufacturers and promotes high-quality export-ready products, including travel duffels and other textile goods.
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Use verified sourcing platforms
Sourcing platforms help automate repetitive tasks such as checking supplier profiles, requesting RFQs, and comparing quotes based on MOQ, price, or lead time. These tools also provide visibility into a supplier’s real manufacturing capacity. You can quickly confirm their export history, factory scale, or certifications within minutes.
Below are some of the top B2B platforms where you can find verified suppliers:
- Alibaba: This is the world’s largest supplier directory and a popular choice for Asia-based sourcing. You can find many Vietnamese manufacturers here, review product catalogs, and contact suppliers directly for quotations.
- VinaSources: This is a Vietnam-focused B2B platform designed to help international buyers find reliable local manufacturers. You can browse verified suppliers, filter by product category, design type, or materials, and view export-ready product catalogs.
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Work with sourcing agencies
A sourcing agency is a specialized partner that helps you bridge the gap between your business and potential suppliers. These professionals understand the local market and can guide you through every step of the sourcing process. They will help you choose reputable suppliers, conduct factory audits, and support contract negotiations to protect your interests.
Below are some well-known sourcing agencies:
- Seditexa: A dedicated sourcing company in Vietnam with more than 15 years of experience. Seditexa provides sourcing consulting, supplier verification, and product development support. The company connects global buyers with reliable Vietnamese manufacturers across many product categories.
- Cosmo Sourcing: A global product sourcing company that specializes in connecting importers with manufacturers in Vietnam. Cosmo Sourcing assists buyers with supplier research, factory audits, sample development, and full production management.
Methods for vetting reliable suppliers
When sourcing travel truffles from Vietnam, verifying a factory’s credibility is an essential step. A reliable supplier helps reduce risks, prevent delays, and ensure consistent quality.
Here are practical ways to verify them:
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Conduct a thorough background check.
Review the supplier’s official website, business registration, physical address, phone number, and email. Check whether they hold valid manufacturing licenses. Look for real photos of their factory, team, and production lines instead of stock images.
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Conduct a factory audit
If possible, visit the factory directly. This allows you to inspect their production capacity, machinery, worker skills, and quality control procedures.
If you cannot visit, you can hire third-party auditors to assess on your behalf.
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Ask for standard certifications
You should request documents that confirm the manufacturer meets international standards, such as ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, OEKO-TEX for material safety, and ethical or sustainability certifications such as SA8000 or GOTS.
How to import travel duffels from Vietnam
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Negotiate pricing, MOQs, and lead time
Once you choose the right partner and approve the sample, you should negotiate the purchase terms with the supplier. Make sure to clarify all important conditions in the contract, especially the price, MOQ, and production lead time.
Typically, MOQ for travel truffles usually ranges from 300 to 1000 pieces, depending on the material, style, and complexity of the design.
Lead time covers the entire process from manufacturing and quality inspection to international shipping. To estimate an accurate lead time, the factory prepares a detailed production plan based on order quantity, printing or dyeing time, and delivery deadlines. This plan includes a clear schedule for sewing, inspection, packing, and final shipment. It also confirms the expected delivery date and shipping address.
Here are the typical MOQs and lead times for different types of travel duffels:
| # | Travel Duffel Type | Typical MOQ (units) | Estimated Lead Time (days) |
| 1 | Basic polyester travel duffel | 300 | 25-35 |
| 2 | Premium leather duffel | 100 | 40-55 |
| 3 | Canvas travel duffel | 200 | 30-40 |
In addition, you should discuss shipping methods, delivery times, and the incoterms you want to use, such as FOB or CIF. This helps avoid misunderstandings about shipping costs and responsibilities.
After both sides agree on the terms, you must sign a purchase order. This document is a legally binding agreement that protects the rights and responsibilities of both you and the manufacturer.
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Handle custom clearance
When setting up your import plan, you must prepare all documents required for customs clearance. This step ensures your travel duffels can enter the destination country without delays or penalties.
To complete customs clearance, you will need documents, including:
- Declaration form
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin
- Import permit for restricted goods
- Commercial invoice
- Report of inspection
- Delivery order
- Packing list
- Terminal handling receipts
If you do not have time or enough knowledge, you can hire a freight forwarder or customs broker. They help prepare the paperwork, estimate duties and taxes, and ensure your shipment is processed smoothly when it arrives.
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Choose shipping options
Once production is complete, you should carefully choose the most suitable logistics and shipping method based on your delivery timeline, order volume, and destination market.
Vietnam offers several transport options, including air, sea, and land. Each method comes with different costs and transit times. Working with an experienced freight forwarder or logistics partner can help you compare rates and manage customs documentation efficiently.
How VinaSources Supports Global Buyers
If you are looking for a dependable sourcing partner in Vietnam,
VinaSources is one of the most trusted platforms available. Our platform is designed to connect reputable Vietnamese suppliers with global buyers who seek quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.
VinaSources partners with a strong network of factories across Vietnam that specialize in producing high-quality travel duffels at globally competitive costs. Backed by more than 12 years of experience in cross-border e-commerce, supply chain management, and technology-driven sourcing, the VinaSources team helps thousands of international importers connect directly with verified manufacturers that meet export standards and international quality requirements.
On the platform, you can explore a wide range of travel duffel bags in different materials, designs, and sizes. Each supplier profile includes product catalogs, production photos, factory certifications, and key details that help you quickly evaluate options.
With a wide selection of ready-to-export bags
and a network of trusted suppliers, sourcing in Vietnam has never been easier.
You can call 1900 4356 or complete the quotation form to receive full assistance from the VinaSources team. We will help you find manufacturers that match your design, material, function, or price requirements.