Hanoi is the place to be to drink fresh, cheap beer! It’s called Bia Hoi and it is a popular and refreshing session beer!
Where to drink Bia Hoi in Hanoi?
There are countless spots dotted around the city with big clusters around the old town which is where most tourists stay.
While you can find Bia Hoi all over, the most iconic spot is Bia Hoi Junction (at the corner of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets). It’s touristy but a must-see for the atmosphere.
How much does Bia Hoi cost in 2024/2026?
Prices start as low as 7,000 VND per glass at local roadside spots, though you might pay up to 13,000 VND in more tourist-friendly areas.
The cheapest place we had Bia hoi it only cost 7,000 VND which is 38 Canadian cents / 23 pence English! The glasses are around 350 ml.
We also paid 10,000, 12,000 and even 13,000 VND! Still very cheap!
What does it taste like?
Bia Hoi is a very light beer whose taste does vary from barrel to barrel. It’s got a slightly bitter taste and reminds me of a light German beer. It’s really very good and has a slight fizz to it.
Is Bia Hoi a good session beer?
Bia Hoi is a great session beer because it only weighs in at around 3%. This means you can while away your time having a few drinks, watching the world go by and eating different snacks or plates of food.
Don’t forget to order some local snacks! Boiled peanuts are the classic choice, but we also loved the fried tofu with lemongrass. These salty treats make the light beer even more refreshing.
There’s something uniquely Hanoi about sitting on a tiny plastic stool, inches away from the buzzing motorbikes, with a cold glass in hand. It’s the ultimate people-watching experience.
Drinking Bia hoi is a must do cultural activity when in Hanoi!
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