Vietnam, traditionally known for its lager beers, has witnessed an exciting evolution in recent years with a surge in craft breweries offering a wide range of locally produced beers. If you're an avid beer lover or someone looking to explore the craft beer scene in Vietnam, this guide will provide you with tips and insights on how to plan an "Easy Trip" to Vietnam's best craft breweries, ensuring a memorable experience with minimal stress.
1. Choose Your Destination: The Craft Beer Hotspots of Vietnam
The first step in planning your "Easy Trip" to craft breweries in Vietnam is to choose your destinations. While craft beer is available in many parts of the country, certain cities are known for their vibrant brewing communities and large selection of craft breweries. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the two most prominent cities for craft beer lovers, offering a variety of local and international flavors. However, the craft beer scene is growing rapidly in other cities as well, including Da Nang, Hoi An, and even the coastal areas of Phan Thiet.
Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling economic hub of Vietnam, boasts numerous craft breweries with a vibrant craft beer culture. Places like the "BiaCraft" brewery and "The Pasteur Street Brewing Co." have become iconic in the local craft beer scene, serving a variety of craft beers, from IPA to stouts, often paired with delicious local food. Similarly, Hanoi is home to an emerging craft beer culture, with many new establishments like "Turtle Lake Brewing Co." and "Funky Monkey Brewing" gaining popularity for their inventive brews.
For an "Easy Trip" to these craft breweries, consider staying in the cities that boast the largest concentrations of breweries, as it will minimize travel time and allow you to hop between different locations with ease. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, exploring the smaller breweries in cities like Hoi An or Da Nang could offer a more intimate and slower pace for enjoying craft beer.
2. Research the Craft Breweries
Once you've decided on your destination, the next step in planning an "Easy Trip" to craft breweries is to research the breweries themselves. Vietnam’s craft beer scene is diverse, and each brewery has its own unique style, atmosphere, and specialties. Some breweries focus on international beer styles, while others may feature innovative brews that incorporate local ingredients. Researching the breweries ahead of time will ensure you don’t miss out on any must-visit spots.
Websites and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TripAdvisor are great places to read reviews and get recommendations from other beer enthusiasts. Make a list of the breweries you’d like to visit and take note of their hours of operation, signature beers, and any special events they may be hosting. Many craft breweries in Vietnam offer tasting flights, so you can sample a variety of beers during your "Easy Trip" without committing to a full pint of each.
In addition to visiting breweries, keep an eye out for beer festivals or beer-related events happening during your trip. Vietnam has seen a rise in beer festivals where craft brewers showcase their latest offerings, and you can taste a variety of beers all in one location. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to meet brewers, learn about the brewing process, and immerse yourself in Vietnam's craft beer culture.
3. Plan Your Brewery Tour Route
To make your "Easy Trip" even smoother, plan a route that allows you to visit multiple craft breweries without wasting time on long commutes. Many of the best craft breweries in Vietnam are located in the downtown areas of major cities, making it convenient to hop from one location to another. In Ho Chi Minh City, for instance, you can easily spend a day walking or cycling from one brewery to another, as many are within a short distance from each other in the bustling district of District 1. This proximity allows you to enjoy multiple brews and get a good sense of the local craft beer scene.
If you're exploring cities like Hanoi or Da Nang, it's best to take advantage of ride-sharing apps like Grab, which make it easy to get around and minimize the hassle of finding transportation. Some breweries may even offer free shuttles or arrange private transportation for groups, so be sure to inquire about transportation options when booking your visit.
To make your trip truly "easy," consider organizing a brewery tour through a local company that specializes in craft beer experiences. These tours usually provide transportation, local guides, and curated itineraries that introduce you to the best breweries in the area. You can enjoy sampling beers with others and learn about the brewing process, all while having a local expert guide you through the experience.
4. Enjoy the Local Pairings
One of the joys of visiting craft breweries in Vietnam is the opportunity to enjoy beer with delicious food pairings. Vietnamese cuisine, with its fresh herbs, vibrant flavors, and diverse textures, makes for an excellent complement to craft beer. Many breweries offer food menus featuring local dishes, and the combination of a craft beer and Vietnamese food is an experience that you won’t want to miss during your "Easy Trip."
From pho and banh mi to fresh seafood and grilled meats, there’s a wide variety of options for pairing with different types of craft beer. Lighter beers like pale ales or wheat beers pair well with fresh spring rolls or seafood, while richer beers like stouts and porters are perfect with hearty dishes like grilled pork or beef. Many breweries in Vietnam even offer special beer pairing menus, where you can enjoy a carefully crafted meal alongside beers that enhance the flavors of each dish.
In addition to food pairings, consider visiting breweries that feature local ingredients in their beer recipes. Some Vietnamese breweries infuse their beers with tropical fruits like lychee, mango, and passionfruit, adding a distinctly local twist to their brews. This is a great way to experience the unique flavors of Vietnam while enjoying the craft beer culture.
5. Take Advantage of Local Craft Beer Souvenirs
As part of your "Easy Trip" to Vietnam’s craft breweries, consider purchasing some beer-related souvenirs to remember your trip by. Many craft breweries offer branded merchandise such as glassware, t-shirts, and even bottles or cans of their signature brews. Some breweries also allow you to buy craft beer directly from the source, which makes for a perfect souvenir or gift for fellow beer lovers back home.
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about the brewing process or how to brew your own beer, many craft breweries offer workshops or brewery tours that dive deep into the craft of brewing. These experiences can be a fun way to connect with the local brewing community and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft beer you're enjoying.
6. Consider Sustainable Travel Choices
As you plan your "Easy Trip" to Vietnam’s craft breweries, keep sustainability in mind. Vietnam is home to some stunning natural landscapes, and many craft breweries are committed to reducing their environmental footprint. From using locally sourced ingredients to minimizing waste, several Vietnamese craft breweries are adopting eco-friendly practices that help preserve the environment.
When traveling around Vietnam, consider sustainable transportation options like bicycles or walking tours, especially in cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Opt for reusable water bottles and bags to reduce plastic waste, and support breweries that implement sustainable practices, such as reducing water usage and employing eco-friendly packaging.
Conclusion
An "Easy Trip" to Vietnam’s craft breweries is an unforgettable way to explore the country’s emerging beer scene while enjoying its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the more laid-back atmosphere of Da Nang and Hanoi, Vietnam offers a growing number of craft breweries that provide unique experiences for beer enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy a variety of local brews, sample delicious food pairings, and immerse yourself in the country’s craft beer culture, all while keeping things environmentally friendly. Whether you’re hopping from brewery to brewery or enjoying a curated brewery tour, your "Easy Trip" to Vietnam will undoubtedly be filled with memorable moments and new tastes to explore.
Design Your Tour Today And Get A Quote. Contact Us Here: +84.975.504.825
Source: Easytrip247 Team compiled.