Vietnam’s craft beer scene has exploded in the last few years, but here’s the insider secret most tourists and even expats miss: you don’t need to visit a fancy taproom to find great craft beer. Some of the best Vietnam craft beers are now sold in convenience stores, from Circle K to WinMart and 7-Eleven. That means you can grab a cold IPA, pale ale, or tropical lager for 29k–73k VND ($1.20–$3 USD) without paying bar prices. After personally testing the top breweries—including East West, Heart of Darkness, 7 Bridges, Rooster, and 5 Elements—this guide breaks down the best craft beer in Vietnam you can buy at convenience stores, ranked by taste, value, and drinkability in Vietnam’s hot climate.
Vietnam Craft Beer Guide
Why Vietnam’s Craft Beer Scene Is Exploding
Vietnam has rapidly become one of Asia’s most exciting craft beer destinations, driven by a wave of innovative local breweries like Pasteur Street Brewing Company, Heart of Darkness Brewing Company, East West Brewing Company, and 7 Bridges Brewing Company. These brewers are creating world-class IPAs, pale ales, and tropical wheat beers designed specifically for Vietnam’s hot climate. Unlike traditional lagers, Vietnam craft beer focuses on bold hop flavors, smooth drinkability, and unique local ingredients like passion fruit, jasmine, and lemongrass—giving travelers a completely different beer experience.
What makes Vietnam especially unique is accessibility. Craft beer is no longer limited to expensive taprooms—you can now find some of the best craft beer in Vietnam at everyday convenience stores like Circle K, WinMart, and 7-Eleven for just 29k–73k VND ($1–$3 USD) per can. This combination of affordable prices, high quality, and easy availability has turned Vietnam into a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers looking to explore new flavors without overspending.
East West Brewing — Best Overall Craft Beer in Vietnam
Founded in 2017 in Ho Chi Minh City, East West Brewing Company quickly became one of Vietnam’s most respected craft breweries by combining traditional European brewing techniques with modern American craft beer innovation. The brewery was established by brewers trained in Germany, which explains its reputation for exceptionally clean, technically precise beers. East West focuses on consistency and balance rather than extreme flavors, making their beers especially approachable for both beginners and experienced craft beer drinkers.
East West is best known for its wide range of styles, including crisp pilsners, smooth pale ales, refreshing wheat beers, and bold American-style IPAs. Their IPA is one of the most popular craft beers in Vietnam, offering strong tropical hop flavors while remaining smooth and drinkable in hot weather. They also excel at lighter styles like their Summer Hefeweizen and Pilsner, which are perfect for Vietnam’s tropical climate. Overall, East West Brewing delivers some of the most reliable, high-quality craft beer you can find in Vietnam convenience stores, making it an excellent starting point for travelers exploring the local craft beer scene.
Heart of Darkness — Best IPA Craft Beer in Vietnam
Heart of Darkness Brewing Company began in 2016 in Ho Chi Minh City with a bold mission: to push the boundaries of Vietnam’s beer culture. Rather than just making drinkable lagers, the founders wanted to craft beers with serious flavor that could stand up to international competition. Today, Heart of Darkness is one of Vietnam’s most recognized craft beer brands, known for creative brews and eye-catching cans that appeal to both locals and travelers alike.
Heart of Darkness specializes in hop-forward styles—especially IPAs and pale ales—that showcase bold citrus, tropical fruit, and resinous profiles. Their flagship Insane IPA is emblematic of the brewery’s approach: big on aroma, balanced bitterness, and refreshing despite its higher alcohol content. Other popular styles include Dream Alone Pale Ale (approachable and flavorful), Tropical (juicy and aromatic), and a crisp Craft Lager for those who want something lighter but still crafted with intention. For travelers seeking Vietnam’s best IPA experiences in convenience store fridges, Heart of Darkness consistently delivers standout quality and memorable flavor.
Rooster Brewing — Best Cheap Craft Beer in Vietnam
Rooster Brewing Company is one of Vietnam’s original craft beer pioneers, and its beers are some of the most accessible and affordable craft options you’ll find in convenience stores across the country. Born out of a passion for great beer without pretension, Rooster helped introduce many locals and travelers to craft beer by offering approachable, easy-drinking styles that pair well with warm weather and casual meals.
Rooster specializes in classic, sessionable styles that focus on balance and drinkability rather than intense hops or heavy malt. Their lineup typically includes crisp Blonde Ale (light, citrusy, and refreshing), smooth Dark Ale (with subtle caramel/chocolate notes), balanced Pale Ale, and a hoppy but not overwhelming IPA. These beers tend to be lower in alcohol and easy to enjoy in larger quantities, which makes them ideal for hot days exploring the city, beach afternoons, or pairing with Vietnamese street food. If your priority is quality craft beer at the best price, Rooster is a dependable and wallet-friendly choice.
7 Bridges Brewing — Best Craft Beer from Da Nang
7 Bridges Brewing Company is one of Vietnam’s standout craft breweries, rooted in Da Nang but beloved by travelers across the country. Known for its commitment to quality and consistency, 7 Bridges helped put Da Nang on the map as a craft beer destination, crafting beers that appeal to both seasoned beer lovers and casual drinkers alike.
7 Bridges offers a range of approachable yet flavorful styles, with particular strength in Blonde Ales and IPAs. Their Blonde Ale is light, crisp, and perfect for Vietnam’s heat—easy to drink on a beach day or after exploring the Marble Mountains. Meanwhile, the Dragon IPA delivers tropical fruit and citrus hop character without being overly bitter, making it a great choice for first-time craft beer drinkers or anyone craving something more flavorful than a basic lager. With solid quality and wide availability in convenience stores and local bars alike, 7 Bridges is a must-try craft beer brand for travelers in central Vietnam.
5 Elements Brewing — Unique Vietnam Craft Beer Options
5 Elements Brewing is one of Vietnam’s most creative craft breweries, known for blending classic beer styles with unexpected flavor twists that reflect the vibrant local palate. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, the brewery embraces a playful approach to brewing, experimenting with everything from German-style lagers to fruit-accented ales—making it perfect for travelers looking for something different from the usual craft lineup.
The 5 Elements range showcases a variety of styles, including Red Ale (malty with a gentle caramel backbone), Weizen (light and wheat-driven with banana/clove notes), Blonde Ale (crisp and refreshing), Pale Ale (balanced hop and malt), and Black Ale (smooth with subtle roast character). Each beer has its own personality, giving drinkers a chance to explore flavors beyond the typical IPA or pale ale. For anyone curious about how Vietnamese craft brewers are pushing boundaries and incorporating local influences into their beers, 5 Elements is a fun and flavor-forward brewery worth sampling.
Top 7 Craft Beers to Try in Vietnam (Convenience Store Picks)
1. East West Brewing Company — IPA
Best Overall Craft Beer in Vietnam
This is the safest, strongest recommendation for most travelers. East West’s IPA delivers bright tropical hop aroma — think mango, citrus peel, and light pine — with a clean malt backbone that keeps it balanced rather than overwhelming. The bitterness is present but smooth, making it powerful without being harsh.
It’s the kind of beer you can drink after a long humid day and still want another. If you’re only trying one Vietnam craft beer from a convenience store, start here.
2. Heart of Darkness — Kurtz’s Insane IPA
Best for Serious Hop Lovers
This is the bold one. Bigger aroma, stronger bitterness, and more aggressive hop character than most beers in local grocery fridges. Expect citrus, resin, and grapefruit with a dry finish.
It’s not subtle — and that’s the point. If you’re used to American West Coast IPAs and want something with punch while traveling, this is your move.
3. 7 Bridges Brewing Company — Son Tra Haze
Best Hazy IPA in Vietnam
Juicy, soft, and intentionally low on bitterness, Son Tra Haze IPA leans into ripe tropical fruit notes with a smooth, pillowy mouthfeel. This hazy-style brew delivers that modern craft beer character — vibrant, aromatic, and easy to drink.
If you enjoy New England–style IPAs with restrained bitterness and a fruit-forward profile, this one hits the sweet spot without overwhelming your palate.
4. 7 Bridges Brewing Company — Dragon IPA
Best Balanced IPA Alternative
Dragon IPA sits between aggressive and easy-drinking. It has noticeable hop aroma and tropical notes but doesn’t overwhelm your palate. The finish is cleaner and slightly smoother than heavier IPAs, making it a strong second-round option.
Great choice if you want flavor but not full hop intensity.
5. Heart of Darkness Brewing Company — Dream Alone Pale Ale
Best Transition Beer from Lager to Craft
This is where beginners should feel comfortable. Dream Alone offers hop character without strong bitterness. It’s balanced, lightly citrusy, and finishes smooth.
If you’re moving beyond mass-market lagers but aren’t ready for a full IPA, this is the bridge.
Klook.com6. East West Brewing Company — Pale Ale
Best Clean and Reliable Pale Ale
More malt-forward than Dream Alone, this one feels structured and polished. The hop profile is present but controlled, giving it a slightly fuller body and smooth finish.
It’s dependable. Not flashy — just solid, consistent craft quality.
7. Rooster Brewing Company — Blonde Ale
Best Hot Weather & Beginner Beer
Light, crisp, and refreshing with very low bitterness. This is the “sit outside in 33°C heat” beer. Easy to drink, easy to pair with street food, and often the most affordable craft option in convenience stores.
If you’re unsure about strong hops or just want something smooth and refreshing, this is the safest bet.
Final Verdict — What to Buy in Vietnam Convenience Stores
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.
Is craft beer expensive in Vietnam?
Craft beer in Vietnam is very affordable compared to Western countries. A 330ml can typically ranges from 50,000–70,000 VND in convenience stores. That’s often cheaper than imported beer and significantly less than bar prices.
What is the best craft beer in Vietnam?
The best craft beer in Vietnam depends on your taste, but hop-forward IPAs from leading local breweries are the most popular among travelers. If you enjoy bold tropical flavors, start with a well-balanced IPA. If you prefer something smoother, a pale ale or blonde ale is a great choice.
Can you buy craft beer at convenience stores in Vietnam?
Yes. Craft beer is widely available in convenience stores and grocery chains in major cities. Stores often stock IPAs, pale ales, lagers, and seasonal releases in refrigerated sections, making it easy for travelers to grab quality beer without visiting a taproom.
What’s the legal drinking age in Vietnam?
The legal drinking age in Vietnam is 18 years old. Alcohol is widely available, but visitors should always drink responsibly and follow local regulations.
What do locals drink in Vietnam?
Most locals traditionally drink mass-market lagers because they are inexpensive and easy to find. However, younger consumers and urban professionals are increasingly exploring craft beer, especially IPAs and lighter ales, as Vietnam’s craft beer scene continues to grow.
