The Original Craft Beer tour of Hanoi

Hanoi’s craft beer scene is best explored away from the tourist center, and this five-hour small-group tour takes you to four breweries in one evening. You can taste up to 12 beers, pair them with Vietnamese and Western snacks, and let someone else handle Hanoi’s traffic.

I like the small group of no more than 12 people, which gives the guide room to explain the beers and brewery stories. I also like the included minibus, since traveling roughly 10 kilometers south of the Old Quarter is far easier than trying to arrange several rides after drinking.

The main thing to consider is the price: $120 per person is a serious tab for Hanoi. It makes better sense if you value the transport, food, multiple brewery visits, and English-language guidance rather than simply counting the cost of each glass.

Key points at a glance

• Four brewery visits: See several parts of Hanoi’s craft beer scene instead of staying in the Old Quarter.
• Up to 12 tastings: Sample a broad range of local beers during the evening.
• Vietnamese and Western snacks: Food is paired with the beer at each stop, with a vegetarian option available.
• Air-conditioned minibus: Hotel pickup and transport make the route simple and safe.
• Small group format: The tour accepts a maximum of 12 people, giving it a more personal feel.
• Guide-led beer education: An English-speaking guide explains the breweries and the growth of local craft beer.

Why this tour gets beyond Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Many Hanoi food and drink outings stay close to the central lanes around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. This one makes a point of heading farther out. The first brewery is about 10 kilometers south of the Old Quarter, so the tour gives you a look at parts of the city you would probably miss on a short visit.

That change of setting matters. You are not simply ordering a beer at a central bar. You are moving between local brewing venues and hearing how each one fits into Hanoi’s newer craft beer culture. The tour also gives you a comfortable way to cross the city without worrying about traffic, navigation, or finding your next stop after a few samples.

The route begins at 4:00 p.m. Pickup is offered from selected hotels, while the listed starting point is at 19 P. Hai Bà Trưng in Hàng Bài. The tour ends near St. Joseph Cathedral at 40 P. Nhà Chung in Hàng Trống. That ending point puts you back in central Hanoi, where you can continue your evening on foot.

The first brewery, about 10 kilometers south

After the group gathers, you board an air-conditioned minibus and head to the first stop. This brewery is described as one of the earlier local breweries in Hanoi, giving the opening visit some useful context. You stay for about 45 minutes and taste three craft beers with finger foods.

That first stop sets the rhythm for the evening. You get a few small pours rather than one large drink, then move on before the tasting becomes repetitive. The snacks are important here. They give you something to eat while sampling and help make the beer tasting feel like part of dinner, not just a string of drinks.

The route also gives you a chance to see how far Hanoi’s craft beer movement reaches beyond the central tourist streets. The exact beers can change, so you should not book this expecting a fixed menu. Brewing schedules affect what you taste, and the brewery visits depend on whether the brewers are working at the time.

The second stop adds brewery background

The minibus then carries you to a newer local brewery. At this stop, the guide explains the brewery’s story before you taste another three craft beers with finger foods.

The contrast between the first and second breweries is one of the more useful parts of the experience. You are not only sampling beer styles. You are also seeing different stages of Hanoi’s brewing business, from an early local operation to a newer brewery. That gives the evening a little more shape than a standard bar crawl.

I would pay attention to the guide’s explanations here. The beer itself is the obvious attraction, but the background helps you understand why craft beer has become a growing part of Hanoi’s drinking culture. If Julien is leading your group, his role includes discussing the local craft beer scene and helping you make sense of the tastings.

The supplied itinerary gives clear details for the first two stops, then describes the tour as continuing to four breweries overall. You should expect the final two visits to follow the same general pattern: brewery time, beer samples, and food, with the exact pours shaped by the brewing schedule.

Twelve beers, served as a tasting rather than a drinking contest

The advertised maximum is 12 different craft beers. That is a wide sample for one evening, especially because the tour moves through four venues instead of asking you to drink four full pints in one place.

The word up to matters. You may receive fewer than 12 if a brewery has limited stock or if the available tasting lineup changes. The tour also says that brewery access depends on the brewmasters’ schedule, so the operating setup may vary from one date to another.

This is best approached as a tasting. Take notes if a particular beer catches your attention, and ask the guide what makes each brew different. You are sampling Hanoi-made beer in several settings, not ordering a guaranteed list of famous international styles.

The included drink arrangements need a close look. The tour includes beverages and beer tastings, while the conditions also state that alcoholic drinks are available to purchase and are not included. I would treat the included amount as the planned tasting pours and budget extra if you want additional alcoholic drinks at any stop.

Vietnamese and Western snacks keep the evening grounded

Food is included throughout the tour, with a mix of Vietnamese and Western snacks selected for the different venues. These are described as finger foods, so do not count on a full sit-down meal.

That is enough to make the tasting more comfortable, but you may still want to eat a proper meal before or after the tour. Five hours is a long evening, and 12 beer samples can add up even when the pours are small. The tour ends in the center near St. Joseph Cathedral, which makes it easy to find another meal afterward, though the experience does not promise a specific restaurant stop.

Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. You should also report other dietary needs in advance. The information provided does not list exact dishes, so you will need to ask the operator what can be arranged for your date.

Why the minibus matters in Hanoi

Hanoi traffic can make short distances feel much longer. A private air-conditioned minibus removes the need to find a taxi or ride-hailing car each time the group changes breweries.

The transport is especially useful because the route leaves the Old Quarter. The first stop alone is about 10 kilometers away, and the tour continues to several venues before returning to central Hanoi. Round-trip transport also means you can focus on the beer without having to plan your own route after drinking.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels only. If your hotel is outside the pickup area, you may need to reach the listed starting point yourself. Confirm that detail before booking, since the central meeting information and the hotel pickup offer are not identical.

The tour ends at 40 P. Nhà Chung, near St. Joseph Cathedral. That is a practical finish for anyone staying in central Hanoi, but the details provided do not promise a return to your exact hotel.

A small group with room for questions

The maximum group size is 12 people, with a minimum of two people required per booking. This is a useful middle ground. You get the social side of meeting other beer fans, but the group should remain small enough for the guide to manage the tastings without turning the evening into a crowded party.

A smaller group also helps when you want to ask about ingredients, brewing methods, or the differences between venues. The tour is conducted with an English-speaking guide, and the guide leads the group through the breweries rather than leaving you to work out the route on your own.

The experience is not designed as a private beer consultation. You will share the minibus, brewery time, and tastings with other participants. If you want a quiet meal or a highly tailored schedule, this format may feel too social. If you enjoy swapping impressions over a drink, the group size should work well.

What the $120 price includes

At $120 per person, this is priced as a full evening activity rather than a casual tasting. The value comes from several parts working together:

• Transport between four breweries
• Selected hotel pickup and drop-off
• An English-speaking driver and guide
• Up to 12 craft beer tastings
• Bottled water
• Vietnamese and Western snacks
• A small-group format capped at 12 people

If you only want to try one or two Hanoi beers, you can spend far less at a local bar. This tour earns its price through variety and convenience. You are paying to reach several venues, avoid transport hassles, and have a guide explain the local beer scene.

The value is strongest for a first visit to Hanoi, especially if you would not know which breweries to choose or how to connect them in one evening. It is less compelling for someone who already knows the city’s breweries and prefers to order individual beers at their own pace.

Remember that extra alcoholic drinks are not included. The tour also does not list a full dinner, so include the cost of another meal if snacks will not be enough for you.

Timing, age rules, and booking details

The tour starts at 4:00 p.m. and lasts about five hours. That makes it an evening plan, not a quick pre-dinner activity. You should keep the rest of your schedule flexible because traffic and the number of stops can affect the pace.

The minimum drinking age and minimum participation age are both 18. Most people can take part, and the tour is near public transportation. A minimum of two people per booking applies, while the maximum group size is 12.

Booking confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour is often reserved about 27 days ahead, so booking early makes sense if your Hanoi dates are fixed.

You can cancel without a fee up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows Hanoi local time.

Who should book this Hanoi beer tour

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a guided introduction to Hanoi’s craft beer scene and prefer not to arrange transport between breweries. It also suits couples, friends, and solo drinkers who like meeting a few other people during an evening out.

It is a good fit if you enjoy trying many small samples rather than settling into one brewery. The Vietnamese and Western snacks add useful food along the way, and the vegetarian option makes the tour workable for more diets with advance notice.

You may want to skip it if you do not drink alcohol, want a substantial dinner, or dislike fixed group schedules. The tour is also not ideal if you want a guaranteed list of beers or a promise that every brewery will be operating in the same way on your date.

The strongest praise attached to this experience focuses on the guide. One participant specifically highlighted Julien’s professional approach and the chance to learn about Hanoi’s craft beer scene. That is worth keeping in mind: the quality of your evening depends partly on how well the guide explains the breweries and manages the tastings.

Should you book The Original Craft Beer Tour of Hanoi?

Book it if you want a simple, well-organized way to visit four breweries, taste up to 12 local beers, and see more of Hanoi than the central streets. The included minibus, snacks, and small group solve several practical problems, which helps explain the strong value for visitors who are new to the city.

At $120, it is not the cheapest way to drink beer in Hanoi. But if you would otherwise spend time choosing venues, arranging rides, and guessing what to order, the price buys structure and access. For a first visit, a beer enthusiast, or anyone keen to learn from a guide such as Julien, it is a sensible evening splurge.

FAQ

How long does The Original Craft Beer Tour of Hanoi last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

What time does the tour start?

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

How many breweries will I visit?

The tour visits four different breweries in Hanoi.

How many beers can I taste?

You can taste up to 12 different craft beers. The exact selection can depend on the breweries’ brewing schedules and available beers.

Is transportation included?

Yes. The tour uses an air-conditioned minibus and includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks are included, with Vietnamese and Western foods served along the route. A vegetarian option is available if requested when booking.

How old do I need to be to join?

You must be at least 18 years old. The minimum drinking age is also 18.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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