Hotline: +84 985 237 882
- SG$ Singapore Dollar
- A$ Australian Dollar
- £ British Pound Sterling
- C$ Canadian Dollar
- € Euro
- MYR Ringgit Malaysia
- US$ United States Dollar
- đ Vietnamese Dong
Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 86 622 7878
Email: sales@asiamystika.com
About Us
Destinations
Travel Styles
Travel Guide
Blogs
News
What is Bia Hoi? Where to buy the best Bia Hoi Hanoi? Our 2025 guide covers the price, safety, and etiquette for drinking fresh beer on a tiny plastic stool in the Old Quarter.
Forget fancy rooftop bars or imported craft brews. The single most authentic drinking experience in Hanoi happens on a tiny plastic stool, on a bustling street corner, with a freshly poured glass of beer that costs less than your morning coffee. Welcome to the wonderful world of Bia Hoi Hanoi.
Light, social, and unpretentious, bia hoi is what keeps Hanoi buzzing after sunset. It’s not about the alcohol — it’s about connection. Every glass poured is an invitation to slow down, talk, laugh, and share life’s small moments with strangers who feel like friends by the second round.
So, consider this your personal invitation to pull up a stool and join the locals. In this guide, we’ll show you what bia hoi really is, where to find the best spots, and exactly how to enjoy it like a true Hanoian.
What Is Bia Hoi Hanoi?
At its core, bia hoi means “fresh beer”. Brewed in the morning, pumped into steel kegs, and by midnight, every drop is gone. The next day, the process starts again, no preservatives, no pasteurization, no bottles. Because it’s meant for immediate consumption, bia hoi tastes fresher and cleaner than most canned or bottled beers.
Bia hoi Hanoi is known as the cheapest beer in the world, as a glass of beer only costs 12,000 – 18,000 VND per glass ($0.45 – $0.75). With a low alcohol content of only 3% ABV, bia hoi is light, easy to drink and incredibly refreshing, especially in Hanoi’s humid summer heat. Thanks to its higher water content, you can can sit for hours, sip glass after glass, without feeling heavy or dehydrated — which is exactly how locals do it.
Why Bia Hoi Matters?
Because it was never just about the beer; it was about being together. After work, people would gather on sidewalks, sit on low plastic stools, and toast over simple snacks like peanuts, fried tofu, or grilled pork skewers. It’s the kind of place where a stranger can become a drinking buddy in minutes. There’s no pretense, no dress code, no reservations — just the sound of laughter, the clink of glasses, and the familiar cheer of “Một, hai, ba, dô!” echoing through the streets.
Born as a working-class beer during post-war years, bia hoi became more than just a drink; it is a ritual that became part of Hanoi’s social DNA. In a city that changes fast, bia hoi remains the perfect reflection of Hanoi itself — honest, sociable, and full of shared moments. That’s what makes bia hoi so special.
It’s not just the cheapest beer in the world; it’s one of the richest experiences you can have in Vietnam.
If there’s one place every traveler asks about, it’s: What is the famous corner in Hanoi? It’s Bia Hoi Junction, an intersection between Ta Hien Street and Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, the heart of the Old Quarter nightlife. This tiny corner in the Old Quarter is the beating heart of Hanoi’s nightlife and the first stop for anyone searching for bia hoi Hanoi.
If you want the full experience, come around 6 – 9 PM when the street is most alive, but don’t expect to leave early. By night, the street transforms into a living postcard of Hanoi energy: tiny stools spill onto the road, locals and travelers squeeze shoulder to shoulder, and glasses of golden beer clink nonstop. It’s noisy, chaotic, but irresistibly charming. Vendors dart between tables shouting orders, woks hiss with garlic and lemongrass, and every few minutes, someone yells “Một, hai, ba, dô!” — one, two, three, cheers!
A few long-standing favorites for travelers include:
Bia hơi Corner – 9A Ta Hien – One of the original vendors with great turnover and cold beer.
Bia hơi Hà Nội – 18 Luong Ngoc Quyen – Slightly more spacious, perfect for groups.
Beer 2KU – 61A Luong Ngoc Quyen – A backpacker-friendly hybrid bar with both bia hoi and bottled options.
While Bia Hoi Corner is iconic, the real local experience lies in the hidden bia hoi joints scattered throughout the city. For a truly authentic experience, away from the traveler crowds for once, track down a proper bia hoi store in a local neighborhood. It’s cheaper, friendlier, and feels like actually stepping into Hanoi’s living culture.
Here are a few beloved local hangouts:
Bia Hơi Bát Đàn – One of the city’s oldest bia hơi spots, known for serving fresh beer straight from the Hanoi Beer factory. Expect locals spilling into the street, especially after work hours.
Address: 50 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/93cuKE8EJFJTBmZ99
Price range: 14,000 VND per glass ($0.53)
Bia Hơi Hải Xồm (Hai the Bearded’s Beer) – A long-running institution popular with office workers and families. Big portions, lively atmosphere, and the best local snacks.
Address: 64 Nguyen Du, Tran Hung Dao, Hai Ba Trung District
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YNMbP8UxvZ8MyfpWA
Price range: 13,000 VND per glass ($0.50)
Bia Hơi Cường Hói (Cuong the Bald’s Beer) – A bustling after-work spot overlooking the West Lake, best known for strong snacks, loud laughter, and endless chatter.
Address: 1 Trich Sai, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho District
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KQ4Wq7KoLsHstF3k8
Price range: 12,000 – 18,000 VND per glass ($0.45 – $0.75)
Bia Hơi Cường Nga (Cuong Nga’s Beer) – A typical working-class bia hoi spot that has been there forever, famous for great service and refreshing beer.
Address: 138 Le Duan, Kham Thien, Hai Ba Trung District
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3gY6kdMGjciT1qsv7
Price range: 15,000 VND per glass ($0.60)
Quán Nhậu Tự Do (Freedom Tavern) – The tavern does live up to the free spirit of its name. Casual and open-air, it’s perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.
Address: 67A Pho Duc Chinh, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh District
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ez4MU9aLf2gEHfxr8
Price range: 35,000 – 45,000 VND per glass ($1.30 – $1.70)
These spots may not appear on every tourist map like the Bia Hoi Junction, but for locals, they’re the first names that come to mind when one mentions “bia hoi”. You’ll see groups of men in office shirts with sleeves rolled up, clinking glasses over plates of fried tofu and boiled peanuts — the real Hanoi after dark.
You can find bia hoi anywhere on the streets of Hanoi, but not every bar selling “local draft beer” is a true bia hoi. Some upscale restaurants use the term loosely or water down the experience. If you want the real deal, here’s what a proper bia hoi joint looks like:
Red-and-yellow “BIA HOI HA NOI” signs out front.
Tiny plastic stools and metal tables spill onto the sidewalk.
Old, mismatched glasses that have probably poured thousands of beers.
The sound of “Một, hai, ba, dô!” echoing every few minutes.
Trays of golden beer constantly making their way to new tables.
The place is filled with locals, especially middle-aged Vietnamese men (that’s when you can tell a place is good!)
Locals often say, “Drink bia hoi where the laughter is loudest.” That’s the surest sign the beer is fresh, the company is good, and the night will be memorable. If you’ve checked all the boxes, you’ve found a real bia hoi. Grab a stool, order a glass, and enjoy the most authentic drinking experience Hanoi has to offer.
So, you’ve found a spot with plastic stools, a sea of laughter, and that unmistakable red-and-yellow sign — now what? Don’t worry. Drinking bia hoi like a local is simple, social, and endlessly fun. Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Grab a Stool
There’s no reservation, no formality. See an open seat? Take it. Don’t hesitate to share a table — that’s half the fun. Locals will likely smile or raise their glass to welcome you.
Step 2: Order Your Beer
Just hold up your fingers to show how many glasses you want, or say:
“Một bia hơi, cảm ơn.” (Moht bee-ah hoy, kahm un — One bia hoi, thank you.)
Your server will bring over a cold, freshly poured glass in seconds.
Step 3: Get Some Snacks (Mồi Nhậu)
Nobody drinks bia hoi on an empty stomach. These small shared dishes are an essential part of the experience:
Lạc luộc (boiled peanuts) – the classic pairing.
Đậu phụ rán (crispy fried tofu) – the definite must-have.
Nem chua (fermented pork rolls) – tangy and addictive.
Thịt xiên nướng (grilled pork skewers) – smoky and irresistible.
And more savoury local snacks, varying depending on each local vendor’s menu
Point to what looks good on the next table if you’re unsure — locals will be happy to help.
Step 4: Join the Toast
Sooner or later, you’ll hear someone shout “Một, hai, ba, dô!” (One, two, three, cheers!) — and you’ll be expected to join in. Raise your glass, clink gently, and drink together. It’s a small gesture that breaks the ice instantly.
Step 5: Pace Yourself & Enjoy the Moment
Bia hoi isn’t about getting drunk — it’s about connection. Drink slowly, chat, laugh, and let time slip by. You’ll soon realize that bia hoi isn’t just a drink — it’s Hanoi’s way of saying, “Stay a little longer.”
Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure where to start, join a local food and beer tour with Asia Mystika. Their guides know the most authentic bia hoi corners — the kind you’d never find alone — and they’ll help you dive into the heart of Hanoi’s drinking culture safely and confidently.
Before you pull up a stool, here’s everything you need to know about the world’s cheapest beer — how much it costs, how strong it is, and how to enjoy it safely like a local.
Bia Hoi Hanoi Price
A glass of bia hoi costs between 12,000 – 18,000 VND per glass ($0.45 – $0.75). Even with a few snacks, it’s hard to spend more than a few dollars for an entire evening. This unbeatable price makes bia hoi not only the cheapest beer in the world, but also one of the most social experiences you can have in Vietnam.
How Much Alcohol Is In Bia Hoi?
Bia hoi is intentionally light, sitting around 3 – 4% alcohol by volume (ABV). It’s brewed to be refreshing and easy to drink — perfect for Hanoi’s humid weather. The higher water content keeps you hydrated so you can sit for hours chatting, snacking, and watching life go by without feeling heavy or dizzy.
Is Bia Hoi Safe to Drink?
For most travelers, bia hoi is perfectly safe — and fresher than you might think. The beer is delivered straight from the factory every morning and consumed the same day. To stay on the safe side:
Choose busy spots with lots of local customers (high turnover means fresh beer).
Avoid empty-looking places with dusty kegs or beer that tastes off.
If you have a sensitive stomach, start with one glass or opt for a bottled Bia Hanoi instead.
It's a cheap, fresh, unpasteurized draught beer that is brewed and consumed daily. It's also a major part of Hanoi's social culture.
It's the famous intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets in the Old Quarter, known as the main hub for drinking Bia Hoi.
Typically between 7,000 and 12,000 VND (about $0.30–$0.50).
It's a light beer, usually around 3-4% alcohol by volume.
Yes, it's generally safe, especially at busy establishments with high turnover where the beer is always fresh.
Bia Hoi Corner is the most famous and a must-do experience. For a more local vibe, look for any busy corner spot with the classic yellow and red "BIA HOI HA NOI" sign.
A visit to a bia hoi corner is about far more than chasing the world’s cheapest beer — it’s stepping right into the heartbeat of Hanoi. It’s where strangers share tables, conversations flow as easily as the beer, and laughter spills out into the streets. This is where you see the city’s soul — open, unpretentious, and joyfully alive.
So, don't be intimidated by the tiny stools or the chaotic energy. Pull up a seat, order a glass, learn the cheers, and let yourself become part of the crowd. It’s one of the most authentic and unforgettable experiences your Vietnam trip will offer. Dô!
Ready to experience Bia Hoi like a local? Join a custom Hanoi street food and beer tour with Asia Mystika. Our local experts will take you beyond the tourist trail — to the hidden bia hoi joints where the beer is freshest, the food is best, and the stories are real. Sit, sip, and discover why Hanoi’s simplest drink captures the heart of its people.
