Are there any other war-related sites in Ho Chi Minh City that complement the museum visit?
Beer Street Hanoi—also known as Bia Hoi Corner—is where the city's energy explodes onto the pavement. Plastic stools spill into the street. Ice-cold beer is poured straight from metal kegs. Locals and travellers sit shoulder to shoulder, raising glasses of freshly brewed Bia Hoi Hanoi that costs less than 1 dollar. It looks chaotic. It is chaotic. And it’s one of the most authentic, unforgettable experiences Hanoi has to offer.
In this guide, you’ll discover what Bia Hoi really is, where to find the best spots to drink it, what to expect when you go, and why this local beer tradition is something you shouldn’t leave Hanoi without trying.
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1. What is Bia Hoi?
Bia Hoi is Vietnam’s iconic fresh beer—light, crisp, and brewed daily without preservatives. But to really understand it, you need to know where it came from.
The origin of Bia Hoi
Beer first came to Vietnam with the French, who introduced European-style brewing and drinking culture during the colonial period. But the Bia Hoi you drink on the streets today is very different from a French lager.
After the war, Vietnam leaned heavily on support and influence from the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries. That’s when things changed. The focus shifted to making beer that was effective to produce, fast to brew, and easy to share.
What emerged was Bia Hoi—a low-cost, quick-fermenting beer brewed in bulk and delivered daily to street vendors across Hanoi. It was designed for the working class. No bottles, no labels, no storage—just straight from the keg to your glass.
What Makes Bia Hoi unique
What sets Bia Hoi apart is its freshness and simplicity. Unlike commercial beers, it’s brewed without preservatives or pasteurisation, which means it has to be consumed on the same day it’s made. The taste is light, crisp, and slightly watery compared to bottled beers—but that’s exactly the point. With only around 3% alcohol, Bia Hoi is designed for long, casual drinking sessions in the heat of Hanoi. It’s served ice-cold, straight from steel kegs into whatever glass is handy, and always enjoyed kerbside on tiny plastic stools. Best of all? It’s incredibly affordable. No frills, no labels—just fresh beer, good company, and the street as your bar.
Bia Hoi isn’t brewed to impress—it’s brewed to bring people together. That’s why it’s found on every corner, especially around the legendary Bia Hoi Junction, where the beer is as fresh as the conversation.
2. Why fresh beer’s a must-try in Hanoi
You’ll see a lot in Hanoi—pagodas, scooters, street food—but Bia Hoi offers something different: a way to actually join in. It’s not just a drink; it’s a slice of daily life served cold, cheap, and right on the pavement.
First, there’s the vibe. Walk past Bia Hoi Corner any evening and you’ll hear it before you see it—laughter, clinking glasses, the scrape of plastic stools being shuffled around to make room for one more. It’s loud, fast, and completely unpretentious. Locals unwind after work. Backpackers pull up a chair. Everyone is welcome.
Second, it’s uniquely Vietnamese. While bars and cafés are everywhere these days, Bia Hoi culture hasn’t changed much in decades. It’s still about gathering in open spaces, drinking something brewed that very morning, and sharing food and stories with whoever’s nearby.
And finally—it’s just fun. There’s no dress code. No fancy taps. No need to overthink it. You sit, you drink, you eat, and you watch the world blur past. Whether you’re on your own or with a group, Bia Hoi gives you that rare, easy connection to a place and its people.
3. Where to go to taste Bia Hoi
If you’re in Hanoi, there’s no shortage of places to try Bia Hoi. But not all spots offer the same experience. Some are loud and legendary, others are tucked away and laid-back. Here’s where to go depending on the vibe you want.
Bia Hoi Corner (a.k.a. Beer Street Hanoi)
This is the one everyone talks about—and for good reason. By sunset, the entire corner is packed. Locals, backpackers, and street vendors all crowd into the tiny space, and the energy is non-stop. If you want loud music, a party atmosphere, and people from all over the world shouting “Dô!” (Zoooo) in unison, this is your spot.
Go here if: You want to feel the buzz of the city and don’t mind a crowd.
Location: Intersection of Ta Hien street and Luong Ngoc Quyen street, Hanoi Old Quarter
Local Bia Hoi spots
Other than the famous Bia Hoi Corner, I will introduce to you the kind of Bia Hoi places where no one’s trying to impress you. These are simple, often family-run joints with plastic tables, big kegs, and a loyal local crowd. The food is often better, the prices are lower, and the atmosphere is more relaxed.
Go here if: You want a more authentic, local experience and don’t need English menus.
Location:
Quan Bia Hoi Bat Dan, 50 Bat Dan Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Bia Hoi Co Tan, 23A Tong Dan Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Bia Lan Chin, 22 Hang Tre street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Bia Ba Bat, 5 Dao Duy Tu street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Bia Hoi Lien Yen, 5 O Quan Chuong street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Bia Hoi Ngoc Linh, 2 Duong Thanh street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
4. What to expect: Plastic stools, cold beer, and controlled chaos
If you’ve never had a beer on a Vietnamese street corner, your first Bia Hoi experience might feel a bit chaotic. That’s part of the charm.
You’ll sit on small plastic stools, often elbow-to-elbow with strangers. Tables are low and basic, usually shared between friends, co-workers, or whoever finds a free seat. Under most tables, you’ll spot a small red or blue bin—this is your personal trash can. Locals use it to toss peanut shells, bones, tissues—basically anything they don’t want on the table.
Ordering is simple. Just say “Bia Hoi” and hold up how many glasses you want. Staff will bring it out quickly, poured fresh from a keg. Don’t expect a menu or polished service—this is quick and casual. The servers often have incredible memory: they’ll keep track of how many glasses your table drinks without writing anything down. When you’re done, just call out “Tính tiền!” (which means “check, please!”). They’ll tell you the total and you pay then, not when you order. Easy.
Bia Hoi is light, fresh, and easy to drink. It’s made to be enjoyed slowly and socially. Don’t expect strong flavours or heavy foam—it’s more about the vibe than the brew.
And that vibe includes one unmistakable sound: “Một, hai, ba, dô!” This is the Vietnamese version of “1, 2, 3, cheers!” You’ll hear it shouted across tables, loud and clear, often followed by a round of clinking glasses. It’s a spontaneous ritual—and if someone invites you to join in, say yes. A simple “Dô!” and a smile goes a long way here.
In Vietnam, beer always comes with food. These drinking snacks are known as “mồi”, and every table will have at least one or two plates. Here are some classics you’re likely to see—and should definitely try:
Boiled peanuts (Lạc luộc)
Fried tofu (Đậu lướt ván)
Fried fermented pork rolls (Nem chua rán)
Fermented pork sausage (Nem chua)
Grilled dried squid (Mực nướng)
Grilled pork skewers (Thịt xiên)
Fried intestines (Lòng rán)
Don’t worry if you don’t know the names—pointing works fine. The staff are used to tourists and usually know what’s most popular.
The atmosphere’s loud. It’s fast. It’s alive. You’ll hear scooters zooming past, the clatter of chopsticks, the sound of beer mugs hitting the table. People are talking over one another, pulling up extra chairs, passing dishes back and forth, waving for more drinks. It’s messy in the best way possible.
5. Safety & Cleanliness
Because Bia Hoi is brewed fresh every day and contains no preservatives, it doesn’t sit around long enough to go bad. Most vendors go through their supply fast—especially the busy ones—so you’re usually drinking beer that’s just a few hours old. That’s a good thing.
To be safe, stick to places that are busy and popular. High turnover means fresher beer.
Glasses are often rinsed quickly between uses, sometimes in a bucket or sink out back. They’re not always spotless—but they’re usually fine. If you're sensitive, give your glass a quick wipe or pour a little beer in, swirl, and toss it out (locals do this too).
As for ice: in most Bia Hoi joints, the ice is factory-made, delivered in big bags, and considered safe. If it looks clean and the locals are using it.
Food safety depends on the place. Again, the golden rule: go where the locals go. Popular spots tend to have higher standards because they can’t afford to make customers sick. The food is cooked fresh, and turnover is high. Still, if something smells off or looks like it’s been sitting too long—skip it.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese enjoys a local beer, sharing a toast during his visit to Vietnam.
6. How to make the most of this experience
Drinking Bia Hoi is easy—but a few local tips will make your experience smoother, more fun, and more authentic.
Go in the late afternoon or early evening:
The best time to go is around 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This is when locals finish work and head out for a drink. The atmosphere is lively but not too hectic yet. If you go later, especially to Bia Hoi Corner, expect full crowds and louder vibes.
Look for busy, Local-filled spots:
Follow the locals. A packed Bia Hoi joint usually means fresh beer, fast turnover, and better food. Don’t be put off by the simplicity of the setup—plastic chairs and tiny tables are part of the charm.
Don’t worry about a menu:
Some places don’t have a printed menu. Just point at what other people are eating or say the dish names out loud. Staff are usually friendly and used to tourists.
Learn a few helpful phrases:
These will go a long way:
- “Bia Hơi” – Fresh beer
- “Một, hai, ba, dô!” – One, two, three, cheers!
- “Không đá” – No ice
- “Tính tiền” – Check, please
- “Ngon quá!” – So delicious!
Even if your pronunciation is off, people will appreciate the effort.
Sit close to the action but not too close to the road:
If you want the full vibe, sit near the front—but keep a little distance from the traffic. Hanoi’s motorbikes don’t always respect the edge of the sidewalk. Bags on the inside, beer on the table.
Be open, be friendly
The Bia Hoi vibe is social. It’s totally normal for someone at the next table to raise their glass to you. Don’t overthink it—just smile and say “Dô!” back. Who knows, you might end up with a new friend or two.
If you're visiting Hanoi and skip Bia Hoi, you're missing a unique local experience. You’re missing a chance to sit shoulder to shoulder with local men, feel the pulse of the street, and take part in something real. Yes, it’s a little loud. It's a little chaotic. Maybe even a bit rough around the edges. But that’s what makes it memorable. So whether you go to the famous Hanoi Beer Street or find a tucked-away corner in a quiet neighbourhood, sit down, order a glass and let the night unfold.
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