Drinking Culture in Vietnam: Top Local Drinks You Must Experience

The drinking culture in Vietnam is more than a glass in hand—it is a story of community, tradition, and modern creativity. From the light and social bia hơi of Hanoi streets, the communal jars of rượu cần in the Central Highlands, to the floral rượu sim of Phu Quoc and the bold innovation of Sông Cái Gin, every drink reflects heritage and connection. With guidance from Vietpower Travel, travelers can explore these flavors responsibly, discovering how food, toasts, and etiquette bring people together across Vietnam.

1. The Heart of Vietnamese Drinking Culture

Communal Spirit – Drinking as Social Bond

In Vietnam, drinking has long been a way of connecting people. Whether at a family celebration, a business dinner, or a casual street-side gathering, the focus is on sharing rather than drinking alone. The most recognizable ritual is the loud cheer “Một, Hai, Ba, Dzô!”, which means “one, two, three, cheers!” This chant is shouted together before raising glasses, creating a sense of unity and excitement that instantly brings people closer, even if they have just met.

Etiquette and Respect at the Table

Vietnamese drinking etiquette emphasizes harmony and respect:

• Drink together: wait until everyone has a full glass before toasting.
• Show deference to elders: hold your glass with both hands and clink slightly lower than a senior’s.
• Serve others first: It is polite to pour for others before refilling your own glass.
• Beer with ice: In Vietnam’s hot climate, it is common for servers to bring a bucket of ice to keep drinks cool.
• Polite exit: when you cannot continue, thank your host and ask permission to stop rather than quietly leaving your glass untouched

Coffee vs Alcohol – Two Sides of Vietnam’s Drinking Life

Vietnam is equally famous for its coffee and alcoholic drinks, each shaping daily life in different ways. Morning and afternoon hours are often devoted to strong cups of robusta coffee, while evenings are filled with beer sessions, rice wine rounds, or modern cocktails. This contrast highlights the unique coffee drinking culture in Vietnam, where both caffeine and alcohol are essential social connectors.

Discover more posts on the same topic and dive deeper into Vietnam’s traditions, beliefs, and artistry. Explore our Vietnam culture category to find inspiration for your next cultural journey.

2. Top Local Drinks You Must Experience in Vietnam

Bia Hơi – The Everyday Spirit of Hanoi Streets

Imagine Hanoi at sunset: sidewalks turn into living rooms, plastic stools line the Old Quarter, and silver kegs roll in on bicycles. This is bia hơi—a draft beer brewed overnight, poured at dawn, and finished by dusk. With just 3–4% ABV, it’s light enough for long conversations, yet lively enough to fuel endless rounds of “Một, Hai, Ba, Dzô!”.

• Best streets to join the fun:
  • Bia Hơi Corner – Ta Hien & Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan Kiem. Crowded, noisy, perfect for first-timers.
  • Bia Hơi Hà Nội – 9B Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem. A landmark spot serving Hanoi’s signature fresh brew.

Traveler’s note: Bia hơi isn’t about quality brewing—it’s about stories shared elbow-to-elbow with strangers.

Rượu Cần – Bamboo-Straw Wine of the Highlands

In Vietnam’s Central Highlands, rượu cần isn’t poured into cups—it’s drawn from earthen jars with bamboo straws. Guests sit in a circle, taking turns, each sip carrying the rhythm of gong music and the warmth of the fire. Sweet and slightly tangy, usually 15–25% ABV, it’s less about intoxication and more about belonging.

• Where to experience authentically:
   
  • Kon K’Tu Village – Đăk Rơ Wa Commune, Kon Tum. Community dinners with rượu cần and gong performances.
    Ako Dhong Village – Tan Loi Ward, Buon Ma Thuot. Êđê culture preserved in village homes often welcomes travelers with a communal jar.

Traveler’s note: Never drink rượu cần alone—it’s considered a breach of hospitality.

Rượu Nếp & Rượu Gạo – Wines of Family and Ritual

Every Vietnamese festival table has a small ceramic cup of rice wine. Rượu nếp, mild and sweet, sometimes served with rice grains floating inside, connects families during ancestor worship. Rượu gạo, distilled and powerful (up to 40% ABV), fuels weddings, village fairs, and New Year’s Eve toasts.

• Authentic regions to taste:
   
  • Bàu Đá Hamlet – Nhon Loc Commune, An Nhon, Binh Dinh. Known nationwide for its sharp, fiery liquor.
  • Làng Vân – Van Ha Commune, Bac Giang. Historic center of glutinous rice wine, once reserved for elites.
  • Gò Đen – Ben Luc, Long An (Highway 1A). Roadside shops selling “Rượu Gò Đen,” the South’s proud spirit.

Traveler’s note: These are drinks to sip slowly and respectfully—each cup carries both flavor and family tradition

You can find more posts related to this topic in the category below:

• Vietnamese Dining Etiquette: Respect, Sharing, and Being Together
• The True Culture of Vietnam Food: Taste, Tradition & Identity

Rượu Sim – Rose Myrtle Wine from Phu Quoc

On Phu Quoc Island, rose myrtle bushes bloom purple, and their berries become the base of rượu sim. The wine, usually 12–16% ABV, tastes like a mix of plum and cranberry, light yet aromatic. Locals often gift bottles during holidays as symbols of prosperity and sweetness.

• Famous wineries to visit:
   
  • Sim Sơn Winery – Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To. The island’s most famous brand; tastings and souvenirs available.
  • Thanh Long Sim Wine – Suoi May Hamlet, Duong To. Traditional family-run winery.
  • Bảy Gáo Sim Wine – 124 30/4 Street, Duong Dong. Town-center spot, easy for quick tastings.

Traveler’s note: Pair it with grilled scallops or squid for a true Phu Quoc experience.

Vietnamese Whisky – A Toast to Prestige

In Vietnam, whisky is less about heritage and more about prestige. Bottles of Chivas, Johnnie Walker, or Macallan often dominate business banquets, where pouring a guest’s glass is a gesture of respect. Shared neat or with ice, whisky marks milestones—from deals closed to weddings celebrated.

• Where to enjoy rare collections:
   
  • Firkin Bar – 20 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1, HCMC. Chic, whisky-focused bar with a deep collection.
  • Track 61 – Capella Hanoi, 11 Le Phung Hieu, Hoan Kiem. Hidden speakeasy known for curating exceptional whiskies.

Traveler’s note: Whisky in Vietnam is usually tied to formality—expect it at boardrooms, not street corners.

Sông Cái Gin – The Craft Spirit of Modern Vietnam

Vietnam’s first craft gin, Sông Cái, distills heritage into a bottle. Jungle pepper, cardamom, and local herbs infuse it with bold, herbal notes. Bartenders in Hanoi and Saigon are reinventing cocktails with Sông Cái, proving that Vietnam’s drinking scene is as inventive as it is traditional.

• Best cocktail bars to order it:
  • The Triệu Institute – 10 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1, HCMCC. Elegant, Vietnamese-inspired cocktails.
  • Nê Cocktail Bar – 3B Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Famous for the “Phở cocktail,” showcasing Vietnamese flavors.
  • Hybrid Saigon – 57 Nguyen Du, District 1, HCMC. A lab-style bar blending science and local spirits.
  • Ministry – Social Club, Melia Hanoi, 44 Ly Thuong Kiet. Hosts guided gin tastings, including Sông Cái.

Traveler’s note: If bia hơi tells Vietnam’s past, Sông Cái Gin hints at its future.

3. Food Pairings and Drinking Snacks (Mồi Nhậu)

In Vietnam, drinking is rarely done without food. Locals believe that sharing snacks while drinking extends the joy and helps balance the alcohol. These snacks, known as “mồi nhậu,” are a cultural symbol of companionship as much as they are flavorful dishes.

Common mồi nhậu you will encounter:

• Peanuts (đậu phộng rang): roasted and lightly salted, a simple yet satisfying starter.
• Nem chua: fermented pork with garlic and chili, tangy and slightly spicy.
• Grilled squid (mực nướng): smoky, chewy, often dipped in chili sauce.
• Chicken feet (chân gà nướng or chân gà sả ớt): marinated, grilled, and served with lime and chili salt.

These dishes keep the conversation going and reflect the Vietnamese value of sharing. Travelers exploring Fun Facts About Vietnam Culture will quickly notice that the food is as integral to the drinking session as the drinks themselves.

4. Drinking During Vietnamese Festivals and Celebrations

Tet (Lunar New Year) – Rượu Nếp & Family Toasts

During Tet, families often prepare rượu nếp, a sweet sticky rice wine. Served in small cups, it accompanies ancestor worship rituals and family gatherings. The drink embodies good fortune and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.

Weddings and Birthdays – Beer & Whisky as Symbols of Unity

At weddings and birthday parties, beer and whisky dominate the table. Beer symbolizes togetherness, while whisky signals prestige and generosity. Endless toasts—each glass lifted with cheers of “Một, Hai, Ba, Dzô!”—reinforce unity among friends and family.

National Day & Public Gatherings – Street Beer Culture

On Vietnam’s National Day (2 September) and other large public events, beer becomes part of the celebration. Streets, parks, and open-air venues fill with tables, where people gather around bottles or kegs. Here, alcohol expresses national pride as much as camaraderie.

Let’s explore more posts on this topic to discover even more about Vietnam’s unique culture:

• Specialty in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers
• Is Vietnam a Tipping Culture? What Visitors Must Know

5. Responsible Drinking for Travelers

Safety and Pacing

• Know your limit: Many Vietnamese drinks, such as rice wine or whisky, can be stronger than expected. Sip slowly, and don’t feel pressured to finish every toast.
• Eat while drinking: Snacks like peanuts, grilled squid, or nem chua are always served for a reason—they help balance the alcohol.
• Hydrate: Alternate between alcohol and water to stay comfortable during long gatherings.

Respect for Local Customs

• Toast with everyone: Raise your glass when others do. Drinking alone at the table is considered impolite.
• Respect elders: When clinking glasses, lower your glass slightly as a sign of deference.
• Decline politely: If you cannot drink more, smile and say, “Xin phép, tôi nghỉ một chút” (Please allow me to rest for a while). This shows courtesy without offending your hosts.

Conclusion

Exploring the drinking culture in Vietnam is a journey through heritage, flavors, and social connections. From bia hơi corners in Hanoi to highland rượu cần ceremonies and modern gin bars in Ho Chi Minh City, each experience reflects the country’s warmth and hospitality. With Vietpower Travel as your trusted companion, you can enjoy these traditions responsibly, savor authentic pairings, and connect with locals in ways that bring Vietnam’s culture to life.

You can find more stories and travel inspiration in our Vietnam culture category. Discover the beauty of Vietnamese traditions and join a culture tour with Vietpower Travel to see them come alive.