Vietnam’s beer scene is overflowing with choices — from iconic national brands to regional favorites you’ll only find in certain cities. With so many bottles and cans on the shelves, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time (and taste buds). This guide narrows it down to the top 10 Vietnamese beers you should try, with tasting notes, local tips, and a bit of cultural flavor along the way. Get ready to sip your way through Vietnam’s most beloved brews and discover why beer is such an essential part of life here.
Vietnam Beer Guide
A Quick Look at Beer Culture in Vietnam
Beer (or bia in Vietnamese) isn’t just a drink here — it’s a social ritual. From tiny street-side “bia hơi” stalls in Hanoi serving fresh draft beer for a few thousand dong, to lively beer halls in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has one of the most vibrant beer cultures in Asia.
The most popular styles are light, crisp lagers that pair perfectly with the country’s tropical climate and flavorful cuisine. Drinking is almost always a shared experience, with friends clinking glasses and saying “một, hai, ba… dzô!” (one, two, three… cheers!).
1. Bia Saigon Red Label Premium
Stepping up from standard Saigon Lager, Bia Saigon Red Label Premium delivers a noticeably richer, creamier profile—perfect for those coming from hoppier beers like IPAs. Brewed by Sabeco (Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation) in Ho Chi Minh City, this smooth lager brings a slightly sweet malt backbone with subtle fruit notes and a clean, balanced finish that still feels refreshingly light.
- Brewery: Sabeco in Ho Chi Minh City
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 4.9%
- Price 16k VND per Can ($0.61)
2. Bia Saigon Green Label
Known simply as Saigon Lager, the Green Label is Vietnam’s go-to, everyday beer—light, crisp, and instantly satisfying. Also brewed by Sabeco in Ho Chi Minh City, it offers a mellow malt character with delicate grain and grassy notes. If you want something easy to sip all day, this is the quintessential choice for scorching afternoons and casual gatherings
- Brewery: Sabeco in Ho Chi Minh City
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 4.3%
- Price 9k-16k VND ($0.35-$0.61) varies by location.
3. Beer Ruby – Budget-Friendly
Beer Ruby has earned its spot thanks to its unbeatable price—it’s often one of the cheapest beers you’ll find in Vietnam, yet it still delivers a surprisingly drinkable experience. Brewed by Masan Brewery in Ho Chi Minh City, this amber lager offers mild caramel malt sweetness with a light, clean finish. It’s not the most complex, but for value drinkers, it’s a clear winner.
- Brewery: Masan Brewery in Ho Chi Minh City
- Style: Amber Lager
- ABV: 4.3%
- Price 12k VND per Can ($0.46)
4. 333 Smooth – Light, Easy-Drinking
A softer take on Vietnam’s famous 333 brand, 333 Smooth lives up to its name with a lighter body and gentler carbonation. Brewed by Sabeco in Ho Chi Minh City, it brings subtle malt sweetness and a faint floral note, making it an easy choice for long sessions or hot afternoons when you want refreshment without heaviness.
- Brewery / City: Sabeco / Ho Chi Minh City
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 4.3%
- Price 16k VND per Can ($0.61)
5. Larue Beer Special
Brewed in Da Nang by Heineken Vietnam, Larue Beer Special is a well-known lager across Central Vietnam. It delivers a smoother, slightly maltier body than the regular Larue, with mild sweetness and just enough bitterness to keep it refreshing. Affordable, reliable, and widely available, it’s a go-to for locals and travelers alike in coastal cities.
- Brewery / City: Heineken Vietnam / Da Nang
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 4.6%
- Price 14k VND per Can ($0.53)
6. Bia Ha Noi Red Label
A staple of Northern Vietnam, Bia Ha Noi Red Label is known for its clean, crisp profile and no-nonsense drinkability. Brewed by Habeco (Hanoi Beer–Alcohol–Beverage Corporation) in Hanoi, this pale lager leans dry with a mild grainy malt backbone and light bitterness. It’s a straightforward, refreshing option that pairs well with the region’s cooler evenings and hearty street food culture.
- Brewery / City: Habeco / Hanoi
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 4.1%
- Price 16k VND per Can ($0.61)
7. Bia Saigon Special – Hoppier
Brewed by Sabeco in Ho Chi Minh City, Bia Saigon Special stands out from the standard Saigon lineup with a bolder, slightly hoppier character and a cleaner finish. It uses 100% malt (no rice), giving it a fuller body and a touch more depth, while still staying easy-drinking. Popular among those who want a bit more bite without going heavy.
- Brewery / City: Sabeco / Ho Chi Minh City
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 4.9%
- Price 20k VND per Can ($0.76)
8. 333 Premium Export Beer
One of Vietnam’s most recognized beer brands, 333 Premium Export Beer (Ba Ba Ba) has been brewed by Sabeco in Ho Chi Minh City for decades. It offers a smooth, balanced profile with mild malt sweetness and light bitterness, making it a dependable choice in bars, restaurants, and minimarts nationwide. Not the most complex, but consistently drinkable.
- Brewery / City: Sabeco / Ho Chi Minh City
- Style: Pale Lager
- ABV: 5.3%
- Price 17k VND per Can ($0.65)
9. Larue Smooth
Larue Smooth is the softer, more easygoing sibling of the classic Larue. Brewed by Vietnam Brewery Limited in Da Nang, it’s designed for effortless drinking in tropical heat. At just 4.2% ABV, it delivers a crisp, mellow lager profile with gentle malt sweetness and only the faintest hint of hops. While not the most complex beer, its light body and refreshing finish make it a reliable go-to for casual gatherings or beachside sipping in central Vietnam.
- Brewery: Vietnam Brewery Limited (Heineken Vietnam)
- Style: Lager
- ABV: 4.2%
- Price 15k VND per Can ($0.57)
10. Huda & Huda Gold
Brewed in Hue by Hue Brewery, Huda has long been a Central Vietnam favorite. The standard Huda is smooth, refreshing, and often priced lower than southern brands. Huda Gold is a slightly stronger, more refined version with a touch more malt character, yet still light enough for hot weather. Together, they represent Hue’s local pride and are a common sight at restaurants across Central Vietnam.
- Brewery: Hue Brewery (Carlsberg Vietnam)
- Style: Lager
- ABV: 4.7% & 5%
- Price 16k & 20k VND per Can ($0.61- $0.76)
Craft Beer Boom: Exploring Vietnam’s Hoppy Horizons
Vietnam’s beer scene is no longer just about light lagers and budget-friendly bottles. Over the last decade, a craft beer revolution has been brewing—bringing hops, bold flavors, and creativity to a market once dominated by the classics. While these microbrews come at a higher price (expect to pay around 60,000 VND / $2.36 per 330ml can at a minimart), the jump in taste and quality makes them well worth it for enthusiasts. Whether you’re a traveler chasing unique brews or a local curious about new flavors, Vietnam’s craft beer culture is thriving and only getting better.
Pioneering the Path:
- Pasteur Street Brewing Company:
Considered the pioneer of Vietnam’s craft scene since 2012, Pasteur Street has brewed over 200 unique beers ranging from fruit-forward IPAs to dark stouts—and even a durian beer for the adventurous! - Heart of Darkness Craft Brewery:
Known for bold and adventurous recipes, this brewery offers hits like the Black Saigon Lager, rotating seasonal brews, and award-winning IPAs. - East West Brewing Co.:
A Saigon institution since 2013, East West combines a modern taproom, great food, and 20+ beers on tap, including Vietnamese-inspired creations like Coffee Vanilla Porter.
Beyond the Big Cities:
The craft beer movement isn’t limited to metropolises. Here are some other spots to discover:
- 7 Bridges Brewery (Danang):
This riverside spot is perfect for enjoying craft beer with a view. Their IPAs have won international awards, and sustainability is at the heart of their brewing process. - Fuzzy Logic Brewing (Hoi An):
Bringing craft beer to the heritage town, Fuzzy Logic offers a mix of classics like pale ales alongside tropical twists such as a passionfruit wheat beer. - King Rooster Brewery (Hanoi):
A northern standout, King Rooster has a cozy vibe and a lineup that includes the popular Hanoi Pale Ale plus other rotating taps.
🍻 Want to know which bottles and cans are worth buying for home or hotel drinking? Check out my full guide here: Best Craft Beers in Vietnam
Conclusion of What Beer To Drink in Vietnam
From easy-drinking lagers like Saigon Special or Larue Smooth to the bold flavors of Vietnam’s growing craft beer movement, there’s a beer for every taste and occasion here. If you’re after a cheap, refreshing option on a hot day, local classics are unbeatable. But if you want to explore creative flavors, hoppy IPAs, or unique brews inspired by Vietnam’s fruits and spices, the craft beer scene is where you’ll find your next favorite pour.
What distinguishes Vietnam’s beer options?
Vietnam offers a diverse selection of beers, ranging from traditional lagers to craft brews, each with its own unique flavor profile and cultural significance. One distinguishing aspect of Vietnam’s beer culture is its emphasis on pairing beer with food. Whether it’s enjoying a cold Bia Hoi with a steaming bowl of pho or savoring a craft IPA alongside spicy Vietnamese street food, beer is often enjoyed as an accompaniment to the country’s rich and flavorful cuisine, enhancing the dining experience and complementing the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese dishes.
Which Vietnamese beer brands are worth trying?
Notable Vietnamese beer brands include Bia Saigon, 333 Beer, and Larue Beer, known for their quality and popularity among locals and visitors alike.
As a first-time visitor to Vietnam, what beer should I prioritize trying?
For an authentic Vietnamese beer experience, consider starting with Bia Hanoi or Bia Saigon, two widely available and beloved options that capture the essence of Vietnam’s beer culture.
Can you drink alcohol in public in Vietnam?
While the legal drinking age in Vietnam is 18 years old, drinking alcohol in public is generally accepted in certain settings such as restaurants, bars, and outdoor seating areas. However, it’s essential to be mindful of local customs and regulations, as drinking in public parks or on the streets may be subject to restrictions or cultural norms in certain areas. It’s always best to check with local authorities or establishments for guidance on where it’s appropriate to consume alcohol in public while in Vietnam.
Are there any emerging craft beer options worth exploring in Vietnam?
Vietnam’s craft beer scene is on the rise, with several popular breweries gaining recognition for their innovative brews. Some notable craft breweries to explore include Pasteur Street Brewing Company, Heart of Darkness Brewery, and Platinum Beer. These breweries offer a diverse range of flavors and styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, providing an exciting taste of Vietnam’s evolving beer culture.
