Haiphong Craft Beer Spots for a Relaxed Night Out in the City
Haiphong craft beer is a small but growing scene, and it sits alongside the city’s much older love affair with cheap, fresh draft beer. On a night out you can sip a hoppy IPA in a cozy bar near the city center, then join locals on low plastic stools for a glass of bia hoi and a plate of grilled snacks. For travelers who enjoy a good beer without the backpacker party crowds, Haiphong is a relaxed and friendly place to drink.
This guide from the Haiphong Adventure team explains the types of places to look for, what to order, what to eat with your beer and how to enjoy the night safely. Bars open and close often, so treat it as a general guide, updated October 2026, and check recent reviews before you go.
The Haiphong Craft Beer Scene At A Glance
Compared with Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong has fewer dedicated craft breweries. What you will find is a mix of small bars and pubs that stock Vietnamese craft beers, a few places pouring their own house brews, and countless local beer spots serving fresh draft. Many visitors enjoy moving between the two worlds in one evening.
| Type of place | What you get | Atmosphere | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craft beer bar or taproom | IPAs, pale ales, stouts and seasonal beers from Vietnamese craft brewers | Calm, music, small groups | Beer lovers wanting variety |
| Bia hoi corner | Light, fresh draft beer brewed for same day drinking | Loud, social, very local | Cheap fun and people watching |
| Beer garden or beer restaurant | Draft or bottled lager with big plates of food | Busy, family style | Groups and long dinners |
| Live music cafe or pub | Bottled beer, cocktails, sometimes craft cans | Acoustic sets, friendly | Couples and a slower evening |
Where To Find Craft Beer In Haiphong
Around the Opera House and city center
The streets around the Opera House, the flower garden boulevard and Tam Bac Lake hold many of the city’s cafes, pubs and bars. This is the easiest area for a first evening, with short walks between venues and plenty of food nearby. Look for bars with a chalkboard of beers or fridges full of colorful craft cans.
Busy restaurant streets
Some main roads lined with restaurants and cafes, popular with residents and expats, also have bars that stock imported and Vietnamese craft beer. A short ride by taxi or Grab from the center will get you there.
Hotel bars and rooftop lounges
Several larger hotels have bars with city views. Choice may be limited to a few bottled craft beers, but the setting is comfortable and quiet.
For more ideas on evening plans, see our list of favorite things to do in Haiphong on a weekend.
>>> My Haiphong Tours Itinerary For Weekend Getaway
Bia Hoi And Local Beer Culture
You cannot talk about beer in Haiphong without bia hoi. This light, fresh draft beer is brewed to be drunk the same day and is poured from kegs at simple corner shops and eateries. It is cheap, refreshing and the heart of local social life.
- Mot, hai, ba, zo: locals count one, two, three, then cheer zo before drinking. Join in.
- Clink often: it is polite to toast with everyone at the table, not just once.
- Ice is normal: some beers are served over ice, especially bottled lager in hot weather.
- Order food: beer here is always shared with snacks.
Haiphong also has its own local beer brand, and you will see it in many simple eateries. Trying the local brew next to a craft IPA is a fun way to compare styles.
What To Order At A Craft Beer Bar
Vietnamese craft brewers often use local ingredients such as passion fruit, lemongrass, coffee, cacao, jasmine and pepper. Menus change, but these styles are common:
- Pale ale and IPA: hoppy, citrusy and the most popular choice among visitors.
- Fruit beers and sours: tropical flavors like passion fruit or mango, refreshing in the heat.
- Wheat beer: soft and easy drinking, a good match for spicy food.
- Coffee or chocolate stout: rich and dark, often made with Vietnamese coffee or cacao.
- Lager: clean and crisp when you just want something cold.
Craft beer costs noticeably more than bia hoi or mass market lager, closer to bar prices in other Asian cities. Ask for a taster if you are unsure, and check the price on the menu before ordering imported bottles.
Recommended tour
The Haiphong AfterDark and Street Food Tour
Ride through the city at night with a local guide, taste street food and share a drink where locals really go, safely back to your hotel at the end.
From $90 per person
Best Food To Pair With Beer
Haiphong is a port city, so beer snacks lean toward seafood and grilled meat. These pairings are local favorites.
| Dish | Pairs well with | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Oc (snails and shellfish) | Bia hoi, lager, wheat beer | Salty, garlicky flavors love a crisp beer |
| Nu nuong and grilled skewers | Pale ale, lager | Smoky meat and hoppy bitterness balance each other |
| Nem cua be (crab spring rolls) | IPA, fruit beer | Crispy and rich, cut by bright hops or fruit |
| Banh mi que | Any light beer | Spicy and crunchy, the ultimate drinking snack |
| Dried squid and peanuts | Stout, lager | Classic bar nibbles across Vietnam |
Discover more local dishes in our Haiphong street food adventure.
>>> Top Dishes To Try On Your Haiphong Food Tour Day
A Relaxed Night Out Plan
Here is an easy evening that mixes craft beer, local culture and good food.
- 18:00 Sunset stroll by the Cam River or around the Opera House.
- 18:45 Dinner of banh da cua or seafood at a local eatery.
- 20:00 Join locals for a glass of bia hoi and grilled snacks.
- 21:00 Move to a craft beer bar to taste two or three Vietnamese styles.
- 22:30 Late snack of banh mi que, then a taxi or Grab back to your hotel.
Safety And Etiquette Tips
- Never drink and ride: Vietnam has strict drink driving laws for motorbikes and cars. Take a taxi, Grab or a guided tour.
- Pace yourself: bia hoi is light, but toasts come quickly. Sip, smile and say no politely when needed.
- Watch your belongings: keep your phone off the table edge in busy street spots.
- Check the bill: at beer restaurants, items like wet towels and peanuts may be charged.
- Respect closing times: many local spots wind down earlier than big city bars.
- Carry cash: small places may not take cards, though QR transfers are increasingly common.
Riding a motorbike yourself during your trip? Read our Haiphong motorbike tour safety tips and keep the beer for after you park.
Craft Beer Vs Bia Hoi Quick Comparison
| Craft beer | Bia hoi | |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Bold, varied, hoppy or fruity | Light, crisp, mild |
| Price | Higher, similar to bar prices | Very cheap |
| Setting | Indoor bars, quieter | Sidewalk stools, lively |
| When | Evening to late | Afternoon to evening, while kegs last |
| Best for | Tasting and conversation | Local experience and people watching |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there craft beer in Haiphong?
Yes. A number of bars and pubs stock Vietnamese craft beers, and some pour their own house brews. The scene is smaller than in Hanoi but growing.
What is bia hoi?
Bia hoi is a light, fresh draft beer brewed for same day drinking and served at simple corner shops across northern Vietnam.
How much does craft beer cost in Haiphong?
Craft beer costs more than local draft and lager, roughly in line with bar prices elsewhere in Asia. Prices vary by venue, so check the menu.
Is it safe to go out drinking in Haiphong at night?
Generally yes. Central areas are busy and friendly. Use normal precautions, watch your belongings and never ride a motorbike after drinking.
What food goes best with beer in Haiphong?
Try oc, grilled nu nuong, crab spring rolls and banh mi que. They are classic local beer snacks.
Raise A Glass In Haiphong
Whether you prefer a carefully brewed IPA or a glass of fresh bia hoi on a busy corner, Haiphong craft beer and local beer culture offer a relaxed, authentic night out. Mix the two, add plenty of street food and let the city’s friendly spirit do the rest.
Want a local guide to show you the best evening spots? Haiphong Adventure runs night food rides and haiphong tours that end safely at your hotel. Message us:
- WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat: +84(0)934.555.001
- KakaoTalk, Line ID: haiphongadventure
Mot, hai, ba, zo. Cheers from Haiphong.
