Da Nang Craft Beer Guide

Centrally located along Vietnam’s lengthy coastline, Da Nang – meaning ‘river mouth’ in tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) – has long been recognised for its stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and striking culinary traditions.

Moreover, Da Nang has been gaining an increasing amount of acclaim in recent years for its swiftly evolving craft beer scene. Once dominated by a few commercial lagers, a growing local interest in artisanal flavours and an influx of expatriates bringing diverse brewing traditions has fuelled a surge in the number of microbreweries and craft beer bars in Vietnam’s fourth largest city.

From bold IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing ales, Da Nang’s craft beer culture represents a fusion of traditional Vietnamese ingredients with global brewing techniques, appealing to both locals and tourists alike.

This craft beer guide to Da Nang delves into the rise of the city’s craft scene, exploring the pioneers behind the movement, the diverse range of brews on offer, and the growing community of beer lovers transforming the city into a craft beer destination.

A Rich History

Central Vietnam was ruled by the Cham from the 3rd century all the way through to the 19th. They were a seafaring and mercantile people, and enjoyed the riches of being a focal point of trade. Traces of Da Nang’s origins in the Cham civilisation can still be found today at the My Son Sanctuary world heritage site.

The flames of this long lasting empire were stamped out by the French, who colonised central Vietnam in the name of their last monarch, Napoleon III. Under the guise of protecting Christian missionaries, the conniving invaders launched a sneak attack and thus ended the era of Cham rule.

In a bid to take away the lifeblood of the Cham people, French troops seized the port of Da Nang (then known as Cửa Hàn). However, this was met with fierce opposition and after 2 years of bloody battle, the French withdrew their main force from Da Nang (which they called Tourane) and looked to occupy other parts of Vietnam – with better success.

The French occupation would go on to last another 80 years but the plucky city of Da Nang remained largely autonomous. That said, heightened interactions with colonists that settled in and around the port resulted in, among other things, the introduction of beer to the area.

Local Beer Culture – Planting the Seeds

During the interwar period in the first half of the 20th century, French brews – such as Biere Larue and Biere de Paris – became the stalwarts of a developing Vietnamese drinking scene. What really cultivated the beer culture present today, however, was the U.S. invasion spanning 20 years from 1955 onwards.

The already rising beer consumption in Vietnam exploded with the influx of U.S troops that demanded boatloads of beer, a sort of means to escape the horrors of war. After the war ended, a true beer-loving culture had been fostered, further supported by the increase in tourism around the now recovering country. These trials and tribulations have culminated into the globally recognised, present-day version of Da Nang.

One of the standouts about Da Nang for fellow beer enthusiasts is prices. Even in relation to Vietnam’s other major urban areas, it is incredibly cheap to stay, drink, eat, and partake in all kinds of activities. No matter the budget, you can certainly enjoy all Da Nang has to offer while still having plenty to spend on booze.

Craft Brewing in Da Nang – A Fast Moving Revolution

Before the 2010’s the craft beer industry was simply non-existent in Da Nang, dominated by a triarchy of Bia Sai Gon, Bia 333, and Bia Ha Noi. The intricacies of a perfectly brewed craft beer was unknown to Vietnamese beer enthusiasts, inexpensive light lagers were thought to be their past, present and future.

That idea was challenged by the 7 Bridges Brewing Company – one of the focal points of the Da Nang craft beer movements, who have unfortunately closed their Da Nang taproom for pastures anew.

Once the population got a taste of the artisanal delicacies of a good craft beer, a momentum was built that caused a boom in breweries that have become commonplace, littered around the city.

The culmination of the craft beer craze taking over is the inaugural Da Nang Beer Festival that took place in July at Section 30. From a rambunctious selection of beer Olympic Games to the grooves provided by an array of top bands, the festival truly celebrated the flourishing craft scene by putting 15 top brewers on display.

Hence, it should definitely be something to keep an eye on for future visits because if the first one was anything to go off, we’re sure the second is one not to be missed!

The Sightseeing Trail

Break up the Pub Crawl and soak up the city!

The scenery on display in Da Nang is truly a sight to behold. Experiencing that with a bit of a beer in the gut and a promise of more always tend to enhance the experience – at least for the Beer Asia team it does!

Considering Da Nang is the city of bridges, it would only be fitting to check a few of them out. First on the agenda is the Dragon bridge, which is indeed modelled after a dragon and even goes as far to ‘spit fire’ on the weekends. Drink enough and you wouldn’t be blamed in thinking it’s the real thing!

Solo travellers beware, the next stop is the Love Lock bridge. Beautifully lit up by heart-shaped lanterns, it’s a great stop for a lovely photo opportunity with your partner – or to parody the lovey-dovey atmosphere with a group of mates!

Moving on, for all you Ferris wheel buffs, do we have a treat for you! The Sun Wheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels in Asia, is well worth a visit. Offering a fantastic view of the entire city, it could most definitely provide a bit of entertainment after a few pints as well. However, please avoid any of the other, faster moving rides on the Asia Park premises…

Next up, the Helio night market is just a stone’s throw away. This bustling shopping and dining extravaganza has live artists to enjoy while you tuck into some local grub before heading off to the next bar.

Finishing our list of recommendations, that is by no means exhaustive, is the Han river. A walk along its picturesque waterfront will surely reveal further points of interest and guarantee great views of the lit up skyline to boot.

Da Nang Craft Beer Directory

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Craft Beer Venues in Da Nang

Hương Bia

Local craft brewery Hương Bia seamlessly blends traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with contemporary brewing techniques, offering an experience that tantalizes both the palate and the senses. The venue exudes a rustic charm, with bamboo accents, lantern-lit corners, and an open-air layout that invites guests to enjoy the surrounding atmosphere.

Whether you’re sipping on a crisp lager or a bold IPA, Hương Bia delivers a taste of Vietnam that resonates beyond the glass, transporting visitors to the heart of local culture.

• Address
  18 Tạ Mỹ Duật, An Hải Bắc, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call +84 982 710 740
• Like on Facebook
• Operating hours
  5PM – 11PM daily
  

Bia Nhá Brewhouse

A great place to get bang for your buck, Bia Nhá’s cheaper selection is almost one-third the price of some of the more established craft beer hotspots in Da Nang.

However, this by no means is an indicator of Bia Nhá shirking quality, the brewery notably winning a bronze award for its Milk Stout at Brew Asia 2023.

A cobbled outdoor seating area will take you to sitting at a cafe on a lovely summer’s day in a European city (not that there’s many of those, at least in England…). The delicate lights that have been spread along the quaint space add to the peaceful atmosphere of the bar.

• Address
  Lô 24 Lê Ninh, An Hải Bắc, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call +84 90 467 93 89
• Visit Website
• Like on Facebook
• Check-in on Untappd
• Operating hours
  5PM – 11PM daily
  

Nháy Craft Beer & Coffee

Rustic Beer Garden offering its blend of craft beers while also stocking the latest hits from around town.

Be it for a morning cure of the widespread ‘hangover’ disease or planting the seeds for the next one, this a perfect stop for a bit of calm before and after the storm. The Hai Van IPA is Nháy’s most notable success story, so be sure to check it out if and when you swing by.

• Address
  7/2a, Lý Tự Trọng, Thạch Thang, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call +84 905 439 556
• Visit Website
• Like on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram
• Check-in on Untappd
• Operating hours
  6:30AM – 4:30PM = Coffee
  4:30PM – 12AM = Craft Beer
  

Heart of Darkness Da Nang

One of the pinnacles of beer brewing in not just Da Nang, but Vietnam as a whole, is Heart of Darkness. Initially established in Saigon in 2016, the brewery’s influence has spread throughout the region and beyond. However, and most importantly for you, dear reader, it has a brilliant taproom in Da Nang!

We could wax lyrical about this microbrewery from its classy setup to its excellent food but, since this is a beer guide, you’re probably wondering about the brews. In that respect, we cannot help but admit, it lives up to its reputation.

The Quietest Creature Lemongrass Wit was a standout for us, the golden wheat beer containing a citrus zip which will give a good rebate from the humidity for those not used to the Vietnamese heat or simply craving for something refreshing.

• Address
  178 Trần Phú, Phước Ninh, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call +84 911 323 759
• Visit Website
• Like on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram
• Check-in on Untappd
• Operating hours
  10AM – 12AM daily
  

East West Brewing

A stunning ocean outlook, a gentle sea breeze washing over you, and a cold beer in hand – if that doesn’t sound like a perfect way to kill the afternoon, we’re not sure what would! Rounding out the whole experience is the brilliant service and food that’s not just easy on the eye, but incredible for a feed.

East West Brewing’s expansive craft beer menu guarantees any beer enthusiast will find a brew to their liking. Notable brews include the Far East IPA and East West Pale Ale that incorporate brewing techniques from India and the USA. While the aforementioned are certainly well worth a try, you should by no means feel hampered from exploring the rest of the brewery’s quality range!

• Address
  1A Võ Nguyên Giáp, Phước Mỹ, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call  +84 846 926 799
• Visit Website
• Like on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram
• Operating hours
  8AM – 12AM daily
  

B.G. House by Brothers Grimm

A fairly recent challenger to the Vietnamese craft beer plate, launching in 2023. B.G. House’s strict law of producing per the German purity law will be sure to satisfy any German craving for a taste of home.

Stocking hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, B.G. House is a perfect stop in the beating heart of Da Nang to refresh weary travellers. For anyone wanting to make connections, the warm atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to meet and chat with the broad audience that the B.G. House attracts.

Its high-quality brews aren’t the only attraction – B.G. House also prides itself in being able to provide a good feed. What’s the point of good beer if you haven’t got good food in your belly to accommodate more of it?!

• Address
  44 An Thượng 8, Da Nang
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call +84 911 323 759
• Visit Website
• Like on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram
• Check-in on Untappd
• Operating hours
  6PM – 1AM daily
  

Ongbalo Quan

Located a little off the beaten path, if you look hard enough you’ll be able to find Ongbalo Quan in one of the meandering alleyways dotted around the city – we promise it’s worth the journey!

While Ongbalo Quan doesn’t produce a craft range itself, the bar offers a diverse assortment of local and international craft beers that should satisfy every punter’s taste. The welcoming variety of beers extends to its overall atmosphere, which possesses a cozy and relaxed vibe, underlined by an owner who is always keen on exchanging pleasantries with their patrons.

• Address
  20/4 Mai Lão Bạng, Thuận Phước, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call +84 90 543 62 29
• Like on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram
• Operating hours
  4:20PM – 12AM daily
  

Da Nang Rooftop – Craft Beer

What can be assumed from the name, is a brilliant view overlooking the harbour – and that, we must say, is certainly delivered! The slick interior has a bit of an old western steampunk feel to it, with the wooden and bronze decor giving the place a rustic atmosphere.

Although Da Nang Rooftop doesn’t brew its own beers, you’ll find a wide range of Vietnamese elixirs on offer that can be consumed as chasers while you drink in the intoxicating view.

• Address
  Tầng thượng, 1B Đ. Lê Duẩn, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call +84 783 102 103
• Like on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram
• Operating hours
  Tuesday – Wednesday: 5:30PM – 2AM
  Thursday: 4:20PM – 2AM
  Friday – Sunday: 5:30PM – 2AM
  

Bistro Kaz

Highly rated for its eclectic menu of fusion dishes – consisting of organically grown, local ingredients – and exceptional service, Bistro Kaz also stocks a variety of locally produced and imported craft beers. A range of Heart of Darkness, 7 Bridges, and Fuzzy Logic brews are available, among others.

• Address
  140 Hồ Xuân Hương, Khuê Mỹ, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call +84 967 087 959
• Like on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram
• Operating hours
  3PM – 11PM daily
  

Section 30

Priding itself as the heartbeat of a night out in Da Nang, Section 30 offers a delectable range of craft beers and an electric party atmosphere with live music on the weekends.

Section 30’s interior is wholly made up of repurposed shipping containers, a nod to the city’s roots of being a central port. In turn, this makes it the perfect venue for open-air events, most notably the previously mentioned Da Nang Beer Festival.

• Address
   An Thượng 30, Bắc Mỹ Phú, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call +84 903 017 001
• Visit Website
• Like on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram
• Check-in on Untappd
• Operating hours
  Monday – Friday: 4PM – 1AM
  Saturday – Sunday: 9AM – 1AM
  

Dirty Fingers

Dirty Fingers is a Texas BBQ / TexMex-themed sports bar and restaurant that pours an extensive selection of both craft and mainstream brews. Live music performances are also frequently held.

• Address
  406 Võ Nguyên Giáp, Bắc Mỹ An, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Call +84 236 3552 297
• Like on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram
• Operating hours
  11AM – 1AM daily

Beer 4P’s

Located in Indochina Mall, Beer 4P’s is a tap room operated by the Pizza 4P’s chain. An abbreviation of ‘For peace’, 4P’s has opened restaurants in Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, India, and will be expanding to Indonesia soon.

At Beer 4P’s Da Nang, patrons get to enjoy a rotating selection of 8 in-house brews and ciders.

• Address
  74 Bạch Đằng, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng
• Open location on Google Maps
• Visit Website
• Like on Facebook
• Operating hours
  Monday – Friday: 11AM – 10PM
  Saturday – Sunday: 10AM – 10PM