3.5 Hours
Join-in tour
Min 1 pax
Max 12 pax
Tour start: 4:00 PM
Tour end: 7:30 PM
Allow us to introduce you to Bia Hoi, which translates to “fresh beer”. This type of draught beer is hugely popular in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam. Brewed daily without preservatives, Bia Hoi offers a light, refreshing taste that appeals to locals young and old. It’s not just about the beer; it’s about the lively atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the culture of sharing stories and laughs over a cold glass of Bia Hoi. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a casual drinker, Bia Hoi is a must-try experience that captures the essence of Vietnamese hospitality and conviviality.
Hanoi’s vibrant streets are alive with rich history and a love for Bia Hoi, the city’s quintessential draft beer. First-timers must have a million questions in mind about how to ensure they’re tasting the best! Worry no more — this guide will take you through the top Hanoi Bia Hoi tasting destinations.
Often referred to as “Vietnamese draft beer,” Bia Hoi is a light, unpasteurized beer brewed daily and served fresh in small, bustling street-side establishments across Vietnam.
This drink has an incredibly low price, typically ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 VND per glass (approximately $0.20 to $0.50 USD). Because it is brewed daily and has a short shelf life, it must be consumed within 24 hours.
Bia Hoi is a staple of Vietnamese drinking culture and a favorite among locals and tourists alike, thanks to its freshness and lack of preservatives. Bia Hoi establishments, often called “Bia Hoi corners,” are informal and lively, with patrons sitting on small plastic stools to share stories and enjoy the communal atmosphere.
Bia Hoi has its roots in the French colonial period of Vietnam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The French brought their beer-brewing traditions to Vietnam and established the first brewery in Hanoi in 1890, now known as the Hanoi Brewery.
Initially, beer was a luxury item consumed mostly by the French colonists and the local elite. However, over time, beer culture began to permeate Vietnamese society, eventually evolving into a more accessible and locally adapted beverage.
After Vietnam gained independence in 1945, the country faced economic challenges, which explained why producing imported-style beer became costly. To provide an affordable alternative for the masses, Vietnamese brewers developed Bia Hoi, the light, fresh, and unpasteurized beer brewed that we all know and love today.
As mentioned above, the method of brewing Bia Hoi differs from traditional commercial beer production since it avoids pasteurization, long fermentation times, and heavy use of preservatives.
Bia Hoi’s main ingredients comprise water, malted barley, hops, and sometimes rice or corn starch to reduce production costs. The latter lightens the body of the beer to give Bia Hoi its characteristic crisp and refreshing taste:
1. The malted barley (and sometimes rice or corn) is mixed with hot water in large vats, creating a mash. This process activates enzymes that convert starches into fermentable sugars. The liquid, known as wort, is then separated and boiled with hops to add bitterness and aroma.
2. The boiled wort is cooled and transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added. Unlike commercial beers that ferment for weeks or even months, Bia Hoi undergoes a short fermentation period of about 4-7 days. This results in lower alcohol content (typically 3-4% ABV) and contributes to its light and fresh taste.
3. Once fermentation is complete, Bia Hoi is transferred to large kegs or metal barrels for transportation. The beer is typically distributed in the morning to Bia Hoi vendors (who sell it throughout the day) and poured straight from the keg into small glasses.
Yes, Bia Hoi beer is generally safe to drink, especially when served at reputable establishments! However, as with any locally produced, unpasteurized beverage, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
For example, the safety of Bia Hoi often depends on the vendor’s hygiene practices. Some smaller or less reputable establishments may not adhere to high sanitation standards for their serving equipment, glasses, or kegs. Plus, since Bia Hoi is unpasteurized and lacks preservatives, it is more susceptible to spoilage if mishandled. If improperly stored or served after its freshness period, it could develop off-flavors or unwanted microbial growth.
To avoid all these risks, you should choose popular or well-reviewed Bia Hoi vendors, especially those frequented by locals and tourists. Plus, drink it fresh — preferably earlier in the day when the beer is most recently delivered.
Are you a first-timer or a seasoned traveler? It doesn’t matter; the six best Bia Hoi tasting spots below will take your breath away regardless:
Also called the iconic “Bia Hoi Corner,” this bustling intersection of Luong Ngoc Quyen and Ta Hien is the epicenter of Hanoi’s nightlife!
Visitors flock to this vibrant spot to sit on colorful plastic stools, drink affordable Bia Hoi for as little as 5,000 VND per glass, and soak in the carnival-like atmosphere. Aside from beer, a variety of street food, such as beef jerky, grilled squid, and fried tofu, is also available to ensure every moment feels lively and flavorful.
Bia Hoi Van Ho has been a beloved beer garden since its founding in 1991, providing a peaceful retreat with lush greenery and fresh air, ideal for escaping the city’s chaos!
The beer here is often enjoyed with traditional Vietnamese snacks like steamed tofu, roasted peanuts, and fried chicken. Coupled with the spacious setting, it’s definitely a favorite for locals seeking a relaxed drink with friends or family.
Bia Hoi Lan Chin, situated in the bustling Old Quarter, is a classic destination for anyone looking to experience Hanoi’s traditional beer culture. This spot offers fresh, frothy beer with a hint of sweetness, always served ice-cold with a lasting white foam.
You can enjoy a laid-back Hanoi Bia Hoi tasting experience while sitting on small plastic stools and watching the city’s lively streets. To accompany your beer, try the crispy duck, fried spring rolls, or green papaya salad.
For an authentic taste of Hanoi’s vibrant beer culture, Bia Hoi Hai Xom is a must-visit. Its subtle rice-infused beer flavor and low bitterness are hard to resist!
This joint fosters a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding with friends or colleagues. The food menu is extensive, too, featuring fried tofu, fried rice, dried squid, grilled chicken, and many other options to complement your drinks. Large group gatherings or huge meetings will become twice as lively.
Next is Bia Hoi Ngoc Ha, which offers a unique combination of peaceful atmosphere and cultural proximity. Feel free to try it out after visiting nearby landmarks like the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. The Bia Hoi is served in plastic jugs, accompanied by adventurous dishes such as grilled frog or fried eel. Every food lover agrees it’s one of their most unforgettable experiences
Nestled at the center of the Old Quarter, Bia Hoi Duong Thanh is a cozy spot where locals gather to enjoy frothy, sweet beers in a pleasant atmosphere.
We suggest savoring the beer with snacks like steamed peanuts, fermented pork rolls, or grilled squid. Better yet, during colder months, the spot serves hearty hotpot meals to warm up the chilly evenings.
Why miss out on the ultimate Hanoi Bia Hoi Tasting Tour? For just $45 per adult, you can experience the city’s vibrant beer culture, visit the Bia Hoi junction Hanoi, and savor authentic Vietnamese street food — all while guided by local experts who know the city inside and out.
👉 Book now for an unforgettable adventure! For more details or questions, reach out to us through these channels:
English-Speaking Local Guide
The freshest Bia Hoi in town
Local Snacks
Pick-up and drop-off Service
Tips & Gratuity
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance
Meet your local tour guide at Ta Hien Beer Corner and begins the trip
Tucked away under a bridge you will find our first stop, pull up a small plastic chair and join the locals for your first sip of this refreshing beer. Your tour guide will teach you the best way to order just like the locals.
Arrive at second spot where you will enjoy a variety of must-try drinking snacks
Arrived at the 3rd location, a great Bia Hoi spot with an view of famous train street
As we make our way to the final Bia Hoi, take in the sights of some of Hanoi’s famous landmarks pointed out by your guide, we promise this walk is worth it as you prepare to quench your thirst with a refreshing beer waiting at the next stop.
Say goodbye to your guide as he recommends some must-try dishes for dinner or check out the nearby Beer Street and join in on the party!
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