In Vietnam, drinking alcohol is a social tradition best enjoyed with friends. Locals typically avoid drinking alone and rarely do so without accompanying food. Expect plenty of toasts to health, wealth, happiness, and sometimes even to international friendship. It’s customary to have your drink poured by someone else, ensuring that everyone’s glass is always filled.

Vietnam’s beer scene features both internationally recognized brands and a wide array of local brews. International beers such as Tiger, Heineken, Carlsberg, and San Miguel are brewed under license in the country, but many locals prefer the inexpensive yet tasty domestic beers like Halida, 333 (Ba Ba Ba), and Bivina. Beer enthusiasts may also recommend Bière la Rue from Da Nang, as well as Saigon Export, Hanoi Beer, and BGI as high-quality local options. Various regions have their own distinctive beer brands—Haiphong and Thanh Hoa have beers named after their towns, while Hue offers varieties like Huda and Hue Beer, all of which are worth sampling.

One of Vietnam’s most iconic drinks is bia hoi (draught beer), which was introduced from Czechoslovakia around forty years ago. Typically consumed in large quantities, particularly in the north, bia hoi is a light beer with an alcohol content of up to 4%. It’s incredibly affordable and, supposedly, free from chemical additives, meaning it’s less likely to give you a hangover. Since bia hoi has a very short shelf life of just 24 hours, it’s best enjoyed before the evening, and many establishments will sell out by nightfall. In the south, bia tuoi (fresh beer), a variant of bia hoi served from pressurized barrels, is popular and typically available in the late afternoon and evening.

Craft beer enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Vietnam is joining the global craft beer movement. Ho Chi Minh City is home to a growing number of craft beer bars, with new ones opening regularly. Some local breweries incorporate Vietnamese ingredients like jasmine and dragon fruit into their brews, and the most successful craft breweries distribute their products nationwide, ensuring you can enjoy these innovative drinks across the country.

The national spirit of Vietnam is ruou (rice wine), particularly favored in rural areas where it is often homemade. While it’s essentially moonshine, it can be risky if improperly prepared or made in unsanitary conditions. Bottled versions are safer, though they are potent, often containing up to 40% alcohol by volume, which might leave you feeling its effects long after consumption.

Wine has been gaining popularity in Vietnam, and it’s now easy to find in even smaller towns. Local wine production dates back to the French colonial era and is centered around Da Lat, with Vang Da Lat being the leading producer. You can find imported wines at high-end hotels, restaurants, or specialty shops, though they are typically more expensive due to the cost of proper storage and import fees.