Vietnam is a country that does many things well—street food, motorbikes, and, of course, drinking. Whether it’s downing ice-cold beers on tiny plastic stools, knocking back shots of rice wine at a countryside wedding, or celebrating a football victory with a city-wide booze-fueled motorcade, drinking in Vietnam is an experience in itself. This is a country that takes its alcohol seriously, and if you’re visiting, you’d better be ready to keep up.
The Legal Drinking Age in Vietnam: A Rule No One Follows
Technically speaking, Vietnam has a legal drinking age—18 years old. In reality? There is no drinking age in Vietnam. You’ll see teenagers drinking beer at street-side stalls, young guys sharing a bottle of rice wine at family gatherings, and even kids picking up booze for their parents at the local shop. If you wanted to, you could probably send a five-year-old to buy a bottle of vodka for you, and no one would bat an eyelid.
The authorities have made some half-hearted attempts to enforce drinking laws, but in a country where you can still smoke inside restaurants, don’t expect much in the way of ID checks. Simply put, Vietnam is one of the easiest places in the world to buy and consume alcohol, no matter your age.
The Beers of Vietnam: Cheap, Cold, and Plentiful
Vietnam is a beer lover’s paradise. The local beers are cheap, refreshing, and widely available. Some of the most popular brands include Bia Saigon, Hanoi Beer, 333, and Huda, but the real star of the show is Bia Hoi—fresh, locally brewed draft beer that’s sold for next to nothing at street stalls across the country.
Bia Hoi is an institution. It’s light, it’s easy to drink, and it’s served in tiny glasses that encourage endless rounds of toasts. If you find yourself in Hanoi, head to Bia Hoi Junction in the Old Quarter, where locals and tourists alike cram onto plastic stools and drink the night away.
Oh and you quite often get beer served over ice! But that is a whole other story.
Vietnamese Vodka: Surprisingly Good
For those who prefer something stronger, Vietnamese vodka is a hidden gem. Brands like Vodka Hanoi and Vodka Men are dirt cheap but surprisingly smooth. Unlike the gut-wrenching firewater you might expect at this price point, Vietnamese vodka is actually decent—especially when served ice-cold.
It’s not uncommon to see groups of Vietnamese men sitting around a restaurant table, taking shot after shot of vodka while feasting on grilled meats and seafood. If you get invited to one of these drinking sessions, prepare yourself—saying no is not an option.
The Rise of Soju in Vietnam
Korean influence is huge in Vietnam, and nowhere is this more evident than in the country’s growing obsession with soju. Once confined to Korean BBQ restaurants, soju is now everywhere, from street-side bars to supermarket shelves. Young Vietnamese drinkers love it—probably because it’s smooth, easy to mix, and doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck the next morning (well, not always).
Soju has become a go-to drink for nights out, and it’s common to see groups of friends knocking back bottles of Jinro while feasting on plates of grilled meat and kimchi. If beer isn’t your thing, soju is a great alternative.
Drinking Culture in Vietnam: No Half Measures
Vietnamese people don’t just drink—they drink. Drinking here isn’t just about getting a buzz; it’s a social ritual, a way of bonding, and sometimes a test of endurance.
When the national football team wins (which, to be fair, happens quite often), the entire country turns into one giant party. People flood the streets, waving flags, honking horns, and—of course—drinking. The roads become chaos as thousands of drunk motorbike riders take over, creating a spectacle that’s both thrilling and terrifying to watch.
Then there are weddings. I once attended a wedding in Cao Bang, a remote province in northern Vietnam, and let’s just say it was an experience. From the moment we arrived, the rice wine started flowing. The toasts were relentless, and refusing a drink was out of the question. By the end of the night, the entire wedding party—young and old—was absolutely hammered.
Rice wine, or ruou, is Vietnam’s answer to moonshine. It’s strong, it’s cheap, and it’s everywhere. Whether you’re in a rural village or a city restaurant, there’s always someone ready to pour you a shot. If you’re not careful, it will sneak up on you fast.
Final Thoughts: Can You Handle Drinking in Vietnam?
Drinking in Vietnam is more than just a way to unwind—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re sipping a Bia Hoi on a street corner, downing vodka shots with new friends, or trying to keep up at a wedding in the countryside, one thing is certain: you won’t leave Vietnam without a few good drinking stories.
Just remember—if you find yourself in the middle of a city-wide drinking celebration after a football victory, maybe think twice before hopping on a motorbike.
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