Bia Hoi Culture In Hanoi & The 6 Best Places To Cheer

A typical chillout in Hanoi in 2025 would not be complete without Bia Hoi (fresh beer or light Vietnamese craft beer). This stunning, golden lager adorned with a touch of white foam and served ice-cold can awaken your taste buds any time of year.

Hanoians often enjoy Bia Hoi in long sessions, particularly after a hard day's work in the sweltering summer heat. Meanwhile, travelers savor this drink not only for its flavor but also as a way to socialize. The intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets in the Hanoi Old Quarter, known as Bia Hoi Corner, is a hotspot for both locals and visitors to mingle over fresh mugs of beer.

Before diving into the must-try places to enjoy Bia Hoi in Hanoi, it's important to note a couple of characteristics. Firstly, Bia Hoi is brewed daily before sunrise and consumed within hours, making it nearly preservative-free.

With an alcohol content of approximately 3%, this beverage is frequently considered a perfect choice for those who wish to drink without the fear of becoming too intoxicated after a few brews.

Additionally, Bia Hoi remains incredibly affordable, typically priced between 10,000 - 20,000 VND per mug. This budget-friendly option is always popular among those looking to enjoy a drink without breaking the bank. It is undeniably one of the quintessential local beverages served in small bars, with countless Bia Hoi spots and humble sidewalk eateries where patrons simply pull up their miniature plastic stools to revel in their drinks.

The experience of enjoying beer at a local stall is wrapped up in the term “nhậu”. Here are six must-try locations for the best Bia Hoi (or “nhậu”) in the city.

Bia Hoi Corner

Known as "Bia Hoi Corner" (also referred to as Bia Hoi Junction or Bia Hoi Old Quarter), this bustling beer haven is a vibrant intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen Streets. It attracts both travelers and young locals alike who gather to socialize over ice-cold Bia Hoi while perched on colorful plastic stools. This intersection has become a top choice for party-goers and anyone looking to enjoy fresh beer in a lively atmosphere. It remains an unforgettable nightlife destination for both foreign tourists and locals in Hanoi.
Photo: orli.barton

While Ho Chi Minh City is famous for Bui Vien, Hanoi is celebrated for Ta Hien, where a tall glass of authentic Hanoi Bia Hoi typically ranges between 10,000 VND and 15,000 VND. Bustling Bia Hoi joints and breweries line the streets, filled with countless tiny plastic stools serving fresh beer at just a few cents a mug, along with a variety of street foods like steamed peanuts, fried tofu, savory beef jerky, and grilled dried squid.

Additionally, several bars in this area offer a selection of non-alcoholic drinks and imported beers like Tiger and Heineken for around 25,000 VND per bottle.

Bia Hoi Lan Chin

Familiar to locals, this traditional spot is a must-visit for anyone visiting Hanoi for the first time. Sitting on a small plastic stool on the pavement, you can enjoy cold, refreshing cups of beer while observing the bustling city traffic. Here, the fresh beer consistently tastes cold and refreshing, topped with lasting white foam. In addition to the beer, this popular spot also serves several delicious dishes, including green papaya salad, fried spring rolls, and fried duck.

Photo by @incensetravel

Bia Hoi Ngoc Ha

Located on a quiet corner of Ngoc Ha Street in Ba Dinh, Bia Hoi Ngoc Ha is just behind the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Presidential Palace. This beloved location is considered one of Hanoi’s most relaxing beer gardens, frequented by locals. Due to its proximity to the mausoleum, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy a mug of fresh beer after visiting the monument. This establishment serves beer in plastic jugs alongside a range of unique Vietnamese dishes such as fried eel and grilled frog.

Photo by @vunhuhuy

Bia Hoi Van Ho

Established in 1991, this venue has been a staple in the Bia Hoi scene for nearly 35 years. Van Ho is a favorite among locals for its light and refreshing flavor, free of bitterness, encapsulating the unique taste of "Bia Hoi Hanoi". Those seeking an escape from the city's noise and congestion will find this beer garden a delightful refuge to enjoy drinks in a natural setting surrounded by trees and fresh air. Beer tastes even better when accompanied by a selection of traditional Vietnamese snacks such as roasted peanuts, steamed peanuts, and fried chicken. In addition to beer, this spot has a variety of other beverages available.

Photo by @storervoer

Bia Hoi Duong Thanh

Sipping on “Bia Hoi” while seated on a tiny stool, chatting with friends over ice-cold beer, encapsulates a typical night out for locals. Hanoians relish the frothy, sweet fresh beer available here, often accompanying it with snacks like steamed peanuts, grilled meat, and grilled squid. This location also offers delectable hot pot dishes for the chilly Hanoi winters.

Bia Hoi Hai Xom

For Hai Xom, there is nothing more relaxing than enjoying a long session of beer with friends in a vibrant atmosphere, especially after a long day. This establishment is a go-to spot for groups of men, friends, and colleagues. The fresh beer here is low in bitterness and boasts a unique subtle rice flavor. Similar to other Bia Hoi locations in Hanoi, Hai Xom offers a variety of food, including fried rice, barbecued chicken, grilled dried squid, and fried tofu. This spot is well-known among local men as a favorite gathering place.

Photo by @mingggg88