An Insider's Guide to Vietnamese Beer

Beer was first introduced to Vietnam in the late 19th century, through French businessmen Victor Larue and Alfred Hommel, who built the first breweries in Gia Dinh and Ha Noi. Beer gained popularity among French soldiers and some Vietnamese locals with close connections to the community in the 1930s. Due to its high cost, the majority of the population, primarily rice farmers, preferred rice wine.

Amid the mid-20th-century conflicts, both Larue and Hommel breweries closed until the 1990s, when Vietnam's economy recovered. Under government ownership, they became Saigon Beer Company and Hanoi Beer Company. 

Beer played a crucial role in refreshing urban residents and workers in the tropical heat in the late 90s. Today, beer is integral to Vietnamese culture, with "beer o'clock" at 5 pm marking the time when beer gardens, bars and restaurants are filled with guests enjoying this ubiquitous beverage.

The term "craft beer" made its debut in Vietnam around 2014. Initially, it left locals puzzled, as the term "craft" in Vietnamese referred to handmade souvenirs, like bamboo crafts. As the craft beer movement gained momentum in Western countries, expats played a role in spreading the word.

Initially, most locals didn't appreciate craft beer due to its perceived bitterness, thickness, bold flavours and higher cost compared to lager beer.

In the years following, Ho Chi Minh City witnessed the gradual rise of the craft beer scene. Today, craft beers have become a popular choice among Ho Chi Minh City locals, often enjoyed with Vietnamese snacks.

The Saigonese lager "333" beer stands as the most popular in Vietnam and is the leading Vietnamese beer brand worldwide. Other local brands include Saigon, Hanoi, BGI (Can Tho city), Huda (Hue city), Larue (Hoi An town), and Qui Nhon (from the city of Qui Nhon).

Most craft breweries are still located in my home city, Saigon: Pasteur Street, Heart of Darkness, East West Brewing, and Fuzzy Logic, to name a few. As a beer-lover, I am lucky to live here! Hanoi and Danang also have a few (notably, Turtle Lake Brewing, Furbrew, and 7 Bridges).   

However, most of these breweries have brewpubs in other cities and distribute their stock throughout the country, so you can usually find them!

Saigon

I like Heart Of Darkness the most because they have the best IPA in Vietnam. If I only have $5 in my pocket, I'll cycle straight to their taproom, sip a beer slowly, and then cruise home through the scenic neighbourhoods of Saigon.

Mekong Delta

After a morning on the bike, a nice bottle of BGI completes a lunch of local specialties aboard a boat on the canals of the Delta.

Quy Nhon

When guiding our Vietnam Biking Expedition, I love visiting the patio bar overlooking the secluded cove at Zannier Bai San Ho, with the moon reflecting off the sea, is a fantastic vantage point where you can enjoy the local brew or the hotel’s selection of craft beers.

Hoi An

I always go to Hill Station for a nice Jasmine IPA. The nearby An Bang beach is a great place to relax with some live music and a bottle of Seven Bridges. 

Hanoi

For delicious beers in an amazing atmosphere, head to the Pasteur Street taproom on Ấu Triệu, a winding street just behind the historic St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Northern Vietnam

After hiking through jungles and villages on our Northern Vietnam Walking trip, I like to dangle my feet in the infinity pool at Avana Retreat, looking across the intricate rice terraces under a glorious sunset, with a tall cold one in my hand!