Mentioned in Robert Sheperd's Commodification, Culture and Tourism paper, symptoms of commodification of culture and traditions include diluting of culture, Disneyfication and alienation of producers from objects produced.

Diluting of culture: According to Vietnam Crafts Association, almost all the craft villages in Vietnam are located near major transportation routes, making them accessible for tourists who want to visit the village. The Ha Tay province for example, has been involved heavily in the tourism trade. A Ha Tay official said that many export contracts worth billions of VND were signed right at the craft festivals. Therefore, traditional arts and crafts are most likely massed produced for the sake of sale and not preservation of culture and traditions.

Alienation of producers from objects produced: Once a commodity assumes a monetary form, the social character of the labour behind it is concealed and the actual value of the commodity is now relative to other commodities. For example, when one buys a conical hat or a wooden figurine of a Vietnamese girl, one appreciates only what is made and not what goes into the making of the object.

Also, many tourists choose to buy small souvenirs like key chains and fridge magnets that are easily transportable to bring back home. Once there are home, the country (they've visited)is nothing more than the product they've brought home. However, we know that it is impossible to have all the beliefs, traditions, and culture encapsulated in a tiny souvenir bought from a specially erected tourist shop.

Many provinces and local communities have cultural richness and uniqueness that have been frequently marketed in various tourism product offerings. Coupled with increasing demand of authentic cultural experience, tourism is definitely a culprit in commodifying cultures and traditions in Vietnam.