An Insider's Guide to Vietnamese Beer

From the time-honoured classics to craft breweries pushing the boundaries of flavour, Vietnamese beer culture has been steadily evolving over the past 150 years, resulting in the diverse array of choices we enjoy today.We caught up with longtime B&amp;R Guide, An Do Truong, as he shares insights and recommendations on Vietnamese beer culture.

Beer was first introduced to <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/asia/vietnam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vietnam</a> 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.&nbsp;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:&nbsp;<a href="https://pasteurstreet.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Pasteur Street</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://heartofdarknessbrewery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Heart of Darkness</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://eastwestbrewing.vn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">East West Brewing</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/fuzzylogicbrewing/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Fuzzy Logic</a>, to name a few. As a beer-lover, I am lucky to live here! Hanoi and Danang also have a few (notably,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TurtleLakeBrewingCompany/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Turtle Lake Brewing</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/furbrew/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Furbrew</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.7bridges.vn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7 Bridges</a>).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, most of these breweries have brewpubs in other cities and distribute their stock throughout the country, so you can usually find them!

SaigonI 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 NhonWhen guiding our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/vietnam-biking-expedition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vietnam Biking Expedition</a>, 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 AnI 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.&nbsp;HanoiFor 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 VietnamAfter hiking through jungles and villages on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/northern-vietnam-walking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Northern Vietnam Walking</a> 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!

Explore 150 years of evolving Vietnamese beer culture, from time-honoured classics to innovative craft breweries

Vietnam

From north to south, Vietnam is a contrast of distinctly local cultures. Welcome to a land of magic and mystery, whose rich history and fascinating cultural traditions are trumped only by the astonishing variety of its cuisine and unwavering graciousness of our local friends. Even with its vibrant economic growth, the country is as beautiful and enchanting as it was ten years ago.

Explore breathtaking bays and lush rice terraces

Experience Vietnam with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel.

Vietnam | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

If there’s anything better than luxurious hotels, beautiful landscapes and delectable dishes, it’s the ability to appreciate it all at your own pace. We’ve plotted out the quintessential Vietnamese experience, preloaded the routes onto your GPS, and lined up local friends from Hue to Danang to take you in deep. Prefer to go deep into the pool? Take the plunge – it’s your vacation.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane&nbsp;was named Vietnam’s Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Incredible Rides

Insider Access

Authentic Food

From rice paddies to pagodas, Vietnam dazzles at every turn—and this self-guided spin lets you savour it your way. Pedal peaceful backroads, feast with a local family, and coast along sandy trails from Hue to Hoi An. Feeling bold? Conquer the legendary Hai Van Pass. This journey’s got it all—except a fixed pace. That’s up to you.

Uncover Vietnam's hidden charms

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designer

Venture between lands where ancient temples rise from the jungle, rivers carve through timeless landscapes, and the air hums with the echoes of past civilizations. This journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia takes you from misty mountain valleys and emerald rice terraces to sacred caves and golden-spired temples. Ride along the Mekong, walk through hidden villages where time slows, and stand in awe before the stone-carved wonders of Angkor. As you move from one destination to the next, you'll be immersed in the warmth of local traditions, from Buddhist blessings to vibrant market scenes and uncover layers of history, culture, and natural beauty that make this corner of the world truly unforgettable.&nbsp;B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Active Adventure

Cultural Immersion

Luxurious Stays

Misty mountains, golden temples and ancient stories—this journey through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is pure magic. We walk through rice terraces and hidden villages, cruise the Mekong, and stand in awe before Angkor’s stone-carved wonders. Along the way, vibrant markets, sacred rituals and warm welcomes reveal the heart of this unforgettable corner of the world.

A cultural journey through ancient lands

Experience Designer 

In Laos, discover a UNESCO-protected city filled with colonial architecture, a Buddhist legacy, and miles of tranquil Mekong-side riding with thriving landscapes on the horizon. Switch gears and explore Siem Reap’s ancient Khmer temples of Angkor at sunrise and revel in the mystical atmosphere. Across these unique regions, connect with the wilderness and culture through rare intimate experiences.

Roll past friendly villagers, rice paddies and cruise up the Perfume River. Feel the rush of our favourite city, Hoi An, and savour the mind-blowing Viet fusion cuisine made by our local friends. Our incredible guides have been working with us for decades and have real chops. What more could you want? How about three nights at the riverside Anantara Hoi An Resort? Sleep on it.&nbsp;(Price is inclusive of $170 internal flights.)

Culturally and naturally diverse, the path less travelled through Northern Vietnam reveals new wonders at every turn. Starting in Hanoi, explore the city on a cyclo ride and indulge your inner foodie alongside expert chefs. Head north and meander through the back roads of Ninh Binh and Mai Chau, where a natural labyrinth of soaring limestone mountains, crystal streams and hidden temples reveal the country's most authentic side. Along the way, our charming friends will open their doors for a glimpse into local life, from members of the Tay community to humble farmers replete with clever techniques.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

A Stroll For The Senses

Vietnam's beauty knows no bounds. B&amp;R was one of the first travel companies to explore the country on two wheels, and our experience on the ground goes a long way. Over two decades later, we've scoped out more luxurious hotels, curated biking routes and exclusive experiences with our local friends—from historic Hoi An to the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. You'll roll past friendly villagers, cruise up the Perfume River, and even savour mind-blowing cuisine with relatives of the last Vietnamese dynasty.&nbsp;On this Expedition trip, the rich culture and serene bike routes are only trumped by the unwavering graciousness of our local friends.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Vietnam’s beauty is boundless, and over the past two decades, we’ve uncovered even more luxurious stays, crafted new biking routes, and created exclusive experiences with our trusted local friends. From the timeless charm of Hoi An to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, this journey takes us through the heart of this extraordinary land. Ride past welcoming villagers, cruise along the Perfume River, and enjoy unforgettable meals with descendants of the last Vietnamese dynasty. On this Expedition trip, the deep-rooted culture and tranquil bike routes are only surpassed by the warmth and hospitality of our local friends.

Charming towns & rural beauty

Roll past rice paddies and cruise up the Perfume River. Feel the rush of our favourite city, Hoi An, and savour the mind-blowing Viet fusion cuisine made by our local friends. Our incredible guides have been working with us for decades and have real chops.&nbsp;Below are a few of our trip highlights in Vietnam to inspire your private, tailor-made journey.

Unique Gastronomy

Vietnam is a sensory adventure—rice paddies, river cruises, imperial tombs and street food that’ll ruin you for takeout forever (in the best possible way, of course). Bike to ancient villages, wander lantern-lit Hoi An and sip pho with our friends who know every shortcut and secret. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, this is history, flavour and soul—served B&amp;R-style.

as wondrous as the first time we ventured here more than a decade ago

Venture off the beaten path and fall in love with Vietnam

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Vietnam Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Pedal from floating markets to Imperial tombs along colourful country and coastal roads.

You will be picked up at the airport in Hanoi and transferred to your hotel, Sofitel Metropole

These destinations offer a rich fusion of history, culture and diverse cuisines. Explore the highlights, from lush jungles to scenic coastal roads. In Cambodia, marvel at the ever-changing history of Angkor Wat. Visit Vietnam and discover UNESCO-listed Hoi An, blending preserved history with Chinese temples, Vietnamese tube-houses, the ornate Japanese bridge, and eclectic restaurants. Conclude your week in Hue's Imperial City, where bullfrogs and crickets serenade you as Nguyen Dynasty relatives share grand history over royal cuisine.

Historic Sites

Cultural Immersion 

Pedal through our favourite corner of Southeast Asia, where ancient wonders pair beautifully with vibrant culture and outrageously good cuisine. Tuk-tuk past Angkor’s jungle-clad temples, then spin through Vietnam’s lush countryside and historic Hoi An. Cruise over the legendary Hai Van Pass, savour imperial flavours with Nguyen Dynasty descendants, and float down the (utterly magical, profoundly moving and aptly named) Perfume River.

Enchanting Cambodia & Dynamic Vietnam

Venture off the beaten path and fall in love with Cambodia and Vietnam

Can't find your dates?

Go Bespoke

In a corner of Asia known for its magic, we pull back the curtain on two distinct cultures united in the undeniable warmth of their people—and their delectable cuisine! Soak up quiet rice fields and endless miles of scenic coastal roads as we start in Cambodia for a behind-the-scenes look at Angkor's temples before flying to Vietnam where we'll immerse ourselves in both city and rural life.&nbsp;(Price is inclusive of $390 internal flights.)

Cambodia & Vietnam Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Northern Vietnam, where lush rice paddies, ancient forests and picturesque villages lie quietly. Your journey begins in Hanoi, where you’ll head to a local cooking school and indulge in your authentic creations. Wander to the ancient capital of Dai Viet and visit centuries-old temples. Take a scenic boat ride into mountain caves in Ninh Binh, then venture to one of the world's most biodiverse regions in the Cuc Phuong National Park. Spend each day exploring at your own pace before unwinding at your stunning hotel for the night.

Great Walks

Northern Vietnam serves up misty peaks, rice paddies, and ancient temples—hold the crowds, add a dash of extra charm. Cook like a local in Hanoi, boat into secret caves in Ninh Binh, and wander through biodiverse wonderlands in Cuc Phuong. This one's self-guided, so stroll at your own pace, snack often, and let Vietnam work its quiet magic.

Wander through ancient forests and rice paddies

$5,700 based on 2 travellers. $4,795 based on 4 travellers. $4,595 based on 6 travellers.

In Cambodia and Vietnam, every corner turned reveals a unique story woven by ancient histories and vibrant cultures. On this adventure, wander through sacred temples rising from the jungle floor in Cambodia, and experience the vast beauty of Angkor Archaeological Park. A short flight to Vietnam brings you to a different side of Southeast Asia teeming with culture, vibrancy and life. Starting in Hoi An, set out to explore local markets pulsing with energy, and travel under the iconic&nbsp;Hải Vân Pass, or "Pass of the Clouds" to bring us to the Imperial City&nbsp;of Hue. Dine aboard a cruise along the Perfume River, and head to the traditional home of our local friends for a special final night celebration.&nbsp;

We've spent decades wandering these two countries for one simple reason: here, every step reveals a captivating story. We start by strolling through Cambodia’s jungle-cloaked temples, then hop to Vietnam’s energetic markets, take in Hoi An's colourful lanes, then cross beneath the majestic Hải Vân Pass en route to Hue’s Imperial City. And we finish aboard a Perfume River cruise, where our local friends have cooked up something special.

Vietnam

An Insider's Guide to Vietnamese Beer

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