Vietnamese drinking culture
In Vietnam, drinking is much more than a social activity—it’s a vital part of daily life and cultural traditions. Unlike in many Western countries, where drinking is often reserved for weekends or nightlife, in Vietnam, it’s deeply intertwined with family gatherings, friendships, and even business dealings. From casual street-side beers to elaborate toasts at celebrations, drinking serves as a way to connect, celebrate, and strengthen relationships.
Family gatherings
Family bonds are central to Vietnamese culture, where extended families often come together to socialize and share drinks. These gatherings, which can include distant relatives, are not limited to casual visits but are also a key part of significant events like death anniversaries and Tet celebrations. Sharing drinks is seen as a way to honor traditions, pay respect to ancestors, and deepen familial bonds.
Friends socializing
In Vietnam, socializing with friends is an integral part of daily life, not limited to weekends or special occasions. Friends often gather over food and drinks to unwind, strengthen relationships, and enjoy each other’s company. Eating together is a common feature of these gatherings, and occasionally, karaoke might be included as an entertaining addition.
Neighborhood community
Vietnamese neighborhoods are tight-knit, and social interactions often extend beyond family and friends. Neighbors frequently drop by to share drinks, exchange news, or discuss local matters. This reflects the deep sense of community that defines Vietnamese life, where everyone feels connected and supported by those around them.
Business meetings
In Vietnam, drinking plays a crucial role in professional relationships, often going beyond socializing to serve a strategic purpose. Business partners may drink together to strengthen bonds or create trust, with important deals sometimes sealed over shared drinks. This practice underscores the cultural importance of interpersonal connections in the business world.
Where do Vietnamese people drink?
At home
Home is a common setting for drinking in Vietnam, especially during family gatherings, casual visits from friends, or neighbors dropping by. Sharing drinks at home fosters intimacy and strengthens relationships in a relaxed environment.
On the street
In northern Vietnam, especially Hanoi, bia hơi (fresh beer) is an iconic part of street culture. Small stalls and open-air seating areas offer inexpensive, freshly brewed beer, making it a popular choice for locals and travelers alike. Street drinking here often feels informal and communal, with patrons sitting on low plastic stools and engaging in lively conversations.
Bars and beer halls
Casual bars and specialized beer halls cater to a mix of locals and tourists, focusing heavily on food alongside drinks. Beer halls in Vietnam often serve snacks or full meals, emphasizing socializing over just drinking. The atmosphere is lively but more laid-back compared to Western-style pubs.
Clubs
Clubs cater primarily to the younger generation in urban centers like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Unlike Western clubs, Vietnamese clubs focus on table service, where groups are assigned a table to drink and socialize. Dancing space is often secondary, and the setup revolves around the drinking experience. Despite their growing popularity, some older generations still view clubs as unconventional or “naughty.”
Karaoke places
Renting a private room at a karaoke venue is a quintessential Vietnamese pastime. These spaces are perfect for drinking and singing with friends, family, or even business associates. The combination of music and alcohol creates a uniquely entertaining atmosphere that reflects Vietnam’s love for bonding over shared experiences.
Customs and etiquette
Drinking etiquette
- Cheers Together: In Vietnam, drinking is a communal activity. You should never drink alone; every sip is accompanied by a cheerful toast, often starting with the phrase: “Một, hai, ba, dzô!” (1, 2, 3, Cheers!).
- Respect the Host: Always wait for the host or the eldest person at the table to initiate the first toast as a sign of respect.
- Show Gratitude: When someone pours your drink, hold your glass with both hands to show appreciation.
Who pays?
- Business Settings: The person who extended the invitation typically pays as a gesture of hospitality and respect.
- Among Friends: It’s customary for one person to pay the entire bill, with the expectation that others will take turns next time. Splitting the bill is less common and often seen as overly formal.
Food and drinking
- Pairing with Meals: Drinking is rarely done without food. A meal or snacks (nhậu) are almost always served alongside drinks, as this practice fosters extended conversations and bonding.
- Balancing Act: Guests are expected to eat as much as they drink to maintain balance, and not eating enough may be seen as unusual or impolite.
Drinking culture
- Competitions: Drinking competitions or playful boasts about alcohol tolerance are a frequent and entertaining part of gatherings.
- Refusing Drinks: While outright refusal of a drink may be seen as rude, it’s perfectly acceptable to politely explain your limit or simply slow your pace. Vietnamese culture values participation over excess.
Legal drinking age in Vietnam
Current laws
- Legal Drinking Age: The legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol in Vietnam is 18.
- Sales Restrictions: It is illegal to sell alcohol to minors under the age of 18.
Enforcement
- Urban areas: While the law exists, enforcement in cities is minimal. Bars, restaurants, and stores rarely check IDs unless a person looks exceptionally young. Police enforcement of these regulations in nightlife venues is virtually unheard of.
- Rural areas: In rural regions, the laws are even less observed, with underage drinking being socially accepted in many cases.
- At home: Alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, and during informal settings like family or community gatherings, age restrictions are often overlooked.
Unique Vietnamese drinks
1 Bia Hơi
Bia hơi, or “fresh beer,” is an iconic drink in Vietnam, particularly in the north. This unpasteurized beer is light, affordable, and enjoyed at roadside stalls, embodying the communal spirit of Vietnamese drinking culture.
2 Local Beers
Vietnam is home to a variety of regional beers, including Saigon Beer from the south, Hanoi Beer from the north, Huda Beer from central Vietnam, and the popular 333 (Ba Ba Ba). Each brand reflects the diverse drinking preferences across the country.
3 Rice & Corn Wine
Traditional rice and corn wines, known as rượu gạo and rượu ngô, are strong, homemade beverages often served during family gatherings, festivals, and ceremonies. They symbolize hospitality and tradition in Vietnamese culture.
4 Snake Wine
Snake wine, infused with snakes, lizards, or scorpions, is believed to offer health benefits and symbolize strength. While controversial, it remains a cultural curiosity and part of traditional Vietnamese beliefs.
5 Coconut & Banana Wine
Coconut wine, popular in the Mekong Delta, is sweet and fermented in coconut shells, while banana wine, mostly found in rural areas, is a fruity, locally made beverage tied to regional traditions.
Tips for experiencing and enjoying drinking in Vietnam responsibly
1. Drink Bia Hơi in Hanoi
Experience authentic Vietnamese street culture by sitting on a low plastic stool and enjoying bia hơi, the world’s cheapest beer, in Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter.
2. Join Nightlife Tours in Ho Chi Minh City
Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant nightlife with a local guide on a motorbike. They’ll take you to hidden gems where only locals gather, offering a unique perspective on the city after dark.
3. Enjoy a Family Dinner
For a truly immersive experience, join a family dinner, often hosted in ethnic minority homestays. These basic but charming stays include communal meals where rice or corn wine flows freely, providing insight into local traditions.
4. Make Vietnamese Friends
If you have the opportunity, socializing with Vietnamese locals over food and drinks is unforgettable. Meals are often accompanied by laughter, shared stories, and sometimes even karaoke.
5. Drink in Moderation
While it’s tempting to indulge, drinking responsibly is key, especially in an unfamiliar environment.
6. Use Grab for Safe Transportation
Avoid unregulated taxis or motortaxis after drinking. Use the Grab app for safe and reliable rides back to your accommodation.
7. Be Aware of Illegal Venues
Some karaoke places or late-night spots with shutters closed might host illegal activities. Stay cautious and avoid questionable locations.
8. Read Reviews Before You Go
Research venues in advance to ensure they suit your expectations. Be mindful of cultural differences, such as clubs focusing more on tables and less on dancing, with music like Vinahouse dominating the scene.
9. Protect Your Ears
Clubs in Vietnam can be extremely loud. Invest in high-quality earplugs to enjoy the music while protecting your hearing.
10. Explore Our Nightlife Guides
Dive deeper into Vietnam’s nightlife with our city-specific guides:
