The Original Craft Beer tour of Hanoi

If you’re a beer enthusiast heading to Hanoi, you’ll want to add this craft beer tour to your list. This half-day experience offers a fantastic way to explore the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene while enjoying guided tastings at four different breweries. With everything from transportation to snacks included, it’s designed to give an authentic and relaxed insight into Hanoi’s local brewing culture.

What really makes this tour stand out is the small-group format—just 12 people max—ensuring a more personal, laid-back experience. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off means you won’t have to worry about navigating busy streets or figuring out transportation. We’re especially fond of the opportunity to taste a wide variety of beers, up to 12 in total, accompanied by carefully paired Vietnamese and Western snacks.

One thing to consider: the tour is focused on craft beer tasting, so if you’re expecting a traditional pub crawl or a deep dive into Hanoi’s broader nightlife, this might be more specialized than some travelers want. Still, it’s a fantastic pick for those curious about local brewing trends, food lovers, or anyone wanting a relaxed, informative experience in Hanoi’s less touristy neighborhoods.

This tour is best suited for beer lovers, curious travelers looking for authentic local experiences, and small groups wanting a more intimate look into Hanoi’s craft beer scene. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides and well-curated tastings, this is a compelling choice.

Key Points

• Diverse Beer Samplings: Taste up to 12 different craft beers across four breweries.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, snacks, and bottled water.
• Small-Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized service.
• Authentic Local Insight: Visit breweries outside the typical tourist spots, with informative commentary from guides.
• Culinary Pairings: Enjoy Vietnamese and Western snacks designed to complement each beer.
• Ideal for Beer Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who love trying new brews and exploring Hanoi’s emerging craft scene.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The Pickup and Initial Journey

Your day begins with hotel pickup from select Hanoi accommodations, which sets the tone for a stress-free adventure. The friendly English-speaking guide, possibly Julien or similar, will gather the group in an air-conditioned minibus. This vehicle isn’t just for transport—it’s your mobile base, taking you comfortably through Hanoi’s busy streets to some of the city’s best craft breweries.

Traveling in a small group means the experience feels more like a private tour, with plenty of chance to chat with your guide and fellow beer lovers. The journey covers approximately 10 kilometers south of the Old Quarter, giving you a peek into Hanoi’s less crowded, more authentic neighborhoods.

Stop 1: A Local Brewery Near the Old Quarter

The first stop introduces you to one of Hanoi’s pioneering local breweries. Here, you’ll spend about 45 minutes sampling three craft beers and nibbling on finger foods carefully paired to enhance each flavor. The brewery’s setting offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s small-scale brewing culture—often family-run, passionate about quality, and bursting with character.

One reviewer, Annette_F, appreciated the guide Julien’s expertise, noting how much she learned about Hanoi’s craft beer scene. The relaxed atmosphere allows you to appreciate the nuances of Vietnamese craft brews, which are becoming increasingly popular among both locals and visitors.

Stop 2: A Growing Hanoi Brewery

Next, the tour heads to a newer local brewery, where the focus shifts to understanding the brewing process and the story behind this emerging hotel. Once again, you’ll enjoy three beers, each paired with finger foods. The guide’s storytelling about the brewery’s history and brewing schedule adds a rich layer to the tasting experience—making it more than just sipping beers.

Traveling North to the Next Destinations

The minibus then whisks you further north, to explore two more breweries. Each offers unique brews and stories, from traditional recipes to experimental flavors. The guide will introduce you to the local craft scene’s diversity, including how these breweries fit into Hanoi’s evolving drinking culture.

Final Stops and Tasting

By the end of the tour, you will have sampled up to 12 different beers. The expert guidance ensures you understand the flavor profiles and brewing styles, whether the beers lean towards hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, or innovative stouts. All the while, snacks — Vietnameses and Western — are served at each stop to keep your palate refreshed.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The transportation is a major advantage—remember, Hanoi’s traffic can be chaotic, and the air-conditioned minibus makes hopping between breweries comfortable and effortless. Plus, the small group size offers a more relaxed, intimate vibe, perfect for conversations and questions.

The guide’s knowledge stands out. From the reviews, Julien and others seem well-informed, sharing insights about each brewery’s history, brewing techniques, and the local craft beer scene. This isn’t just a tasting; it’s an educational journey that helps you appreciate the craftsmanship behind each brew.

Food pairings are thoughtfully curated, with vegetarian options available. The snacks don’t just fill the gap—they’re designed to complement the beers, enhancing the tasting experience and making it more satisfying.

Flexibility and convenience are notable. Hotel pickup and drop-off save you time and hassle, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Hanoi’s streets. The entire experience lasts around five hours, a perfect half-day activity that leaves plenty of time to explore other parts of the city afterward.

What Could Be Better?

While the tour is comprehensive, some might wish for more brewery visits or longer tasting sessions. The schedule is fairly tight, aiming to balance variety with comfort. Also, the focus on craft beers means you won’t see traditional Vietnamese beers, which might disappoint those expecting a broader sampling of Hanoi’s beer culture.

Another consideration: the $120 fee per person might seem steep for casual drinkers, but when you factor in the multiple tastings, snacks, transportation, and guided insight, many find it offers good value—especially given the small group size and quality of the breweries visited.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

If you’re passionate about craft beers or eager to see Hanoi through a different lens, this tour delivers a blend of education, cultural insight, and relaxed fun. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer small-group experiences, want to avoid the hassle of organizing transport, and love pairing good drinks with tasty bites.

The casual, friendly atmosphere means you’ll probably make new friends and leave with a deeper appreciation for Hanoi’s evolving brewing scene. Plus, the chance to visit breweries off the beaten path adds an element of discovery, avoiding the usual tourist crowds.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For beer lovers and curious travelers, this tour offers a rare glimpse into Hanoi’s craft beer scene, which is rapidly growing but still relatively undiscovered by mainstream travelers. The combination of guided tastings, engaging stories, and authentic brewery visits make it a well-rounded experience that’s both fun and educational.

The small-group setting gives it a personal touch, and the inclusion of snacks and transportation means you can relax and enjoy without fuss. It’s a fantastic way to spend half a day, especially if you want to connect with local brewers and discover flavors you wouldn’t find in a standard pub or supermarket.

Overall, if you’re seeking a relaxed, insider look at Hanoi’s craft beer revolution, this tour is a solid choice that balances value, authenticity, and fun.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from selected hotels is included, making the start of your day hassle-free.

How many beers will I taste during the tour?
You’ll taste up to 12 craft beers across four breweries, with each stop offering about three different brews.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian food options are available and can be specified at the time of booking.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, including transportation, brewery visits, and tastings.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, the minimum drinking age is 18 years. Travelers should be of legal drinking age to participate.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, the Original Craft Beer Tour of Hanoi offers a relaxed, informative, and flavorful way to experience Hanoi beyond the usual sights. It’s perfect for those who enjoy discovering local flavors, learning about brewing, and sharing a few laughs with fellow explorers. The combination of curated brewery visits, knowledgeable guides, and well-paired snacks makes it a standout choice for a half-day activity in Hanoi—especially if craft beer is your thing.