The Original Craft Beer tour of Hanoi

Hanoi’s craft beer scene gives you a good reason to leave the Old Quarter after dark. This five-hour tour visits four local breweries, including an early brewery about 10 kilometers south of the historic center, with up to 12 beers and snacks along the way.

I like the easy transport and the small maximum group of 12. I also like the mix of Vietnamese and Western finger foods, since beer tasting is much more enjoyable with something to eat. The main thing to consider is the $120 price, which is a serious outlay in Hanoi, and the brewery stops can depend on each brewmaster’s brewing schedule.

Key points to know

• Four brewery stops: You travel beyond the Old Quarter to see parts of Hanoi that most short visits miss.
• Up to 12 tastings: The tour focuses on sampling several local beers rather than settling in at one bar.
• A guide such as Julien: English-speaking guidance adds context about Hanoi’s growing craft beer scene.
• Food comes with the beer: Vietnamese and Western snacks are paired with the tastings, with vegetarian food available by request.
• Small, easy group: The tour allows between two and 12 people and uses an air-conditioned minibus.
• Late afternoon start: Pickup begins at 4:00 p.m., with the tour ending near St. Joseph Cathedral.

Why Hanoi’s craft beer scene is worth an evening

Hanoi is famous for its inexpensive local beer, but the craft scene offers a different experience. Small breweries are experimenting with styles, ingredients, and brewing methods, and this tour gives you a way to sample that scene without spending your evening working out taxi routes.

You are not simply being taken to one polished taproom in the center. The route reaches a brewery about 10 kilometers south of the Old Quarter, then continues to other venues around the city. That matters because Hanoi’s newer beer culture is spread out, and the best way to connect the stops is by vehicle.

I like the contrast. You begin with pickup and group assembly in the Old Quarter, then watch the familiar tourist center give way to less visited parts of Hanoi. The city ride is part of the experience, even if traffic makes the journey slower than the map suggests.

The tour lasts about five hours and starts at 4:00 p.m. That timing works well for a relaxed evening. You can spend the earlier part of the day sightseeing, then let someone else handle transport while you sample beer and eat.

Four breweries, with the first stop 10 kilometers south

The opening stop is described as one of Hanoi’s first local breweries. It is about 10 kilometers south of the Old Quarter, and you spend roughly 45 minutes there.

Expect three craft beers and finger foods at this first venue. The short visit keeps the tasting moving, but it also means you should not expect a long brewery tour or a full meal at each stop. This is a sampling route, not a sit-down dinner with a single brewery.

The location adds real value. If you only visit central Hanoi bars, you will see just one slice of the city’s beer culture. Reaching a brewery outside the old center gives you a wider sense of how local brewing has developed.

There is one practical catch: Hanoi traffic can stretch a 10-kilometer trip. The air-conditioned minibus helps, especially in warm or rainy weather, but you should choose this tour for the overall evening rather than for a tightly timed schedule.

Stop two adds another three local beers

The second stop continues the tasting with three more craft beers and finger foods. Here, the guide explains the story of the newer local brewery before you taste its beers.

That short introduction is useful. Craft beer can seem like a list of unfamiliar names if nobody explains what you are drinking. A guide who connects the brewery to Hanoi’s growing beer scene helps you notice the differences between venues rather than simply counting glasses.

At this point, you may have tasted six beers, depending on the pours and the final schedule. The food matters more than it might at first appear. Even small portions of Vietnamese and Western snacks can make the tasting more comfortable, particularly if you have not eaten since lunch.

The tour also allows a vegetarian option, but you need to request it at booking. The same advice applies to other dietary needs. Do not wait until pickup to mention them.

The final stops focus on variety, not one long bar visit

The full route includes four breweries and up to 12 different craft beers. The supplied schedule gives specific details about the first two stops, but not the exact names or beer lineups for the final venues.

That uncertainty is worth keeping in mind. Brewery visits can depend on what the brewmasters are making and on the day’s operating schedule. You should expect a changing lineup rather than a fixed menu that is guaranteed for every departure.

Still, the four-stop format is the tour’s main strength. You can compare several Hanoi brewing operations in one evening, taste different beers, and meet other people who are interested in the same subject. A small group makes conversation easier than a large coach tour would.

The tasting is also not presented as a technical class. You will learn about local breweries through the guide and the visits, but the mood is meant to be relaxed. When Julien leads the group, his professional guidance and discussion of Hanoi’s craft beer scene are an important part of the experience.

What the minibus and pickup really add

Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered at selected hotels, and the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle. This is not a minor convenience in Hanoi. Crossing the city through heavy traffic can be tiring, and arranging several separate rides after drinking is poor planning.

The minibus also keeps the group together. You do not need to find each brewery, negotiate fares, or wonder if the next venue is across town. The driver and guide handle the route while you focus on the tasting.

Pickup details need attention. The listed meeting point is 19 P. Hai Bà Trưng in Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm, while the listed end point is 40 P. Nhà Chung, near St. Joseph Cathedral in Hàng Trống. Selected hotels receive pickup and drop-off, but you should confirm that your hotel qualifies after booking.

The tour has a minimum of two people and a maximum of 12. That range is a good fit if you want company without losing the personal feel of a small group. It is less suitable if you want a private itinerary or complete control over how long you stay at each brewery.

Twelve beers sounds generous, so pace yourself

The tour advertises up to 12 craft beers. That is a substantial number for one evening, even if the pours are tasting portions rather than full glasses.

You do not need to treat the number as a challenge. Taste slowly, eat the provided snacks, and use the guide’s explanations to decide which beers interest you most. The point is to sample Hanoi’s brewing scene, not to finish every drink quickly.

The included food is carefully paired with Vietnamese and Western dishes at the venues. The information describes these as finger foods, so plan to eat a proper meal before or after the tour if you need dinner-sized portions.

The details about payment deserve a careful look. Beverages and tastings are included in the experience, while alcoholic drinks available for separate purchase are not included. If you order anything beyond the scheduled tastings, expect to pay for it yourself.

The minimum drinking age is 18, and the minimum age for the activity is also 18. Most people can participate, but this is still a drinking-focused tour, not a general Hanoi sightseeing excursion with an optional beer stop.

Is $120 a fair price in Hanoi?

At $120 per person, this is not a budget beer crawl. Hanoi offers much cheaper drinking options, and you could spend less by visiting a single bar independently.

The value comes from the combination of four brewery visits, up to 12 tastings, snacks, an English-speaking guide, and round-trip transport. You are paying for access and organization as much as for the beer itself. A self-guided version would require researching breweries, checking their schedules, arranging rides, and deciding where to go next.

The price makes the most sense for you if you want a ready-made evening and prefer not to navigate Hanoi after drinking. It also works better for people who care about craft brewing and want to compare several venues rather than simply find the cheapest local beer.

For casual drinkers, the cost may feel high. If you are mainly looking for a fun night out, a lower-priced bar tour or an independent visit to one central venue could be enough. If you are curious about Hanoi’s newer breweries, the route and transport make this experience easier to justify.

What makes the small group useful

A maximum of 12 people keeps the tour from feeling like a large party bus. You have a better chance to ask questions, hear the guide, and chat with the other beer enthusiasts in the group.

The small format is especially helpful at the breweries. You can stay connected while moving between tastings, and the guide can explain the local beer scene without trying to speak over a large crowd.

The tradeoff is that the tour still follows a shared schedule. You will not be able to skip a venue, linger for an extra hour, or build the route around one favorite beer. The group size improves the social side, but it does not make the tour private.

I would choose this format if you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with a small group and want an easy way to meet people. It is also a good match for anyone who would rather have a guide introduce the breweries than arrive cold and order at random.

Practical details before you book

The tour starts at 4:00 p.m. and lasts about five hours. Pickup is available from selected hotels, but the exact arrangement depends on your booking details. If hotel pickup does not apply, use the listed starting point at 19 P. Hai Bà Trưng.

The tour ends near St. Joseph Cathedral at 40 P. Nhà Chung. That central location is useful if you want to continue your evening in the Old Quarter, though the final timing can be affected by traffic and brewery schedules.

You must be at least 18 years old. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to advise the operator when booking. Mention allergies and other dietary needs at the same time.

Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the tour is often booked about 27 days ahead, planning early is sensible if your Hanoi dates are fixed.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 4:00 p.m. start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this brewery tour?

I would recommend it to you if you like trying several beers, want to understand Hanoi’s local brewing scene, and prefer organized transport. The tour is also a strong choice for an evening when you want food, conversation, and city views from the minibus rather than another night at a central tourist bar.

It suits couples, solo visitors, and small groups who enjoy meeting other beer fans. The vegetarian option makes it more flexible, provided you request it early.

I would hesitate if you are seeking a cheap night out, a full brewery production tour, or a fixed list of famous beer styles. The final venues can depend on brewing schedules, and the food is described as snacks rather than a complete dinner.

The strongest reason to book is the combination of access and ease. With an English-speaking guide, four brewery stops, up to 12 tastings, paired snacks, and transport across Hanoi, you get a broad introduction in one evening. The strongest reason to pass is the price. At $120, this is best viewed as a guided craft beer experience, not simply a way to buy drinks.

FAQ

How long is The Original Craft Beer Tour of Hanoi?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 4:00 p.m.

How many craft beers will I taste?

You can taste up to 12 different craft beers during the tour.

How many breweries does the tour visit?

The route visits four different breweries.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels. The listed starting point is 19 P. Hai Bà Trưng in Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm.

Where does the tour end?

The listed end point is 40 P. Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, near St. Joseph Cathedral.

Is food included?

Yes. Finger foods and snacks are included, with Vietnamese and Western foods paired at the venues.

Can I request vegetarian food?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you should request it when booking. You should also provide details about other dietary requirements at that time.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.