Ta Hien Street

Ta Hien Street is one of the most iconic international intersections of Hanoi Old Quarter, beloved by both locals and foreign tourists. Blending a touch of history with a modern vibe, this vibrant street is a true heaven for street food enthusiasts and nightlife seekers. 

Here, locals and travelers come together not just to drink. But also to connect, as they share laughter and slices of daily life over a glass of the city’s most iconic beverage, bia hoi. Any description of Ta Hien Street would fall short without a nod to its famous bia hoi. Now, let’s explore this lively street with Asia King Travel!  

Ta Hien Street (Source: Suc Khoe Va Doi Song)

Get to know more about Bia Hoi

What is bia hoi? 

Bia hoi, or fresh beer, is a light lager that’s deeply embedded in Vietnamese street culture. Commonly enjoyed in simple, reused glasses, it’s mostly found at roadside stalls throughout the country, especially in Hanoi. 

Bia hoi boasts a light, crisp flavor with a mildly bitter finish that makes it incredibly refreshing and suitable to quench one’s thirst on a typical scorching day in Hanoi. Unlike heavier Western-style beers, it is low in alcohol and carbonation, which gives it a smooth, easy-to-drink quality. 

Served fresh and cold, it carries subtle notes of malt and grain, offering just enough body to satisfy without overwhelming the palate. In fact, to maintain this unique taste and quality, people will brew beer and deliver daily in metal kegs.

A fresh, cold drink to cool down on a hot day (Source: Adventures of Jellie)

How Bia Hoi Became a Vietnamese Icon

The story of bia hoi shares roots with other Vietnamese staples like coffee, pho, and banh mi. It began when the French introduced beer to Vietnam during French colonial rule in the late 1800s. After the French left in 1954, Vietnamese brewers took over production and made it their mission to make beer accessible to everyone. 

Faced with a shortage of glass, beer was stored in reusable metal kegs and poured into cheap refillable glasses. This was an inventive solution that not only addressed the scarcity but also laid foundation for the fresh, budget-friendly bia hoi culture we know today. 

According to a report published by the Visual Capitalist in 2023, Vietnam ranked ninth in countries with the highest beer consumption. This definitely reaffirms Vietnamese people’s great love for beer.

Location

Ta Hien Street starts at Dinh Liet Street and stretches to the intersection where it meets Luong Ngoc Quyen and Ma May Streets. From the glowing neon lights that bathe the street in color by night to the tantalizing scent of local delicacies drifting through the air, Ta Hien delivers a fully immersive glimpse into the soul of the city. 

Ta Hien Street at night (Source: La Sinfonia Viet Nam)

Steeped in history, this street was once part of the busiest commercial area during the French colonial era. Today, it serves as a perfect gathering spot for those wanting to experience the dynamic and colorful nightlife of Hanoi.

How to get there

If you’re near Hoan Kiem Lake, getting to Ta Hien Street is just a short walk away. From the northern end of the lake, head toward Hang Bac Street and follow it until you reach Ta Hien Street. Walk along for a few minutes, and you'll soon arrive at the intersection with Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, known as Bia Hoi Corner. 

But if you prefer not to walk, you still can easily book a ride using local transport apps like Grab or Be. The ride will only take about 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Best time to visit

Ta Hien Street truly comes to life as evening falls. More specifically, summer nights are undoubtedly the best period to enjoy a refreshing glass of bia hoi, as the warm weather makes it the perfect drink to satisfy your thirst and cool down after a long day. 

Foreigners enjoy Bia Hoi (Source: VietnamNet)

There are some time references for you to choose from:

Arriving between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM offers a vibrant yet manageable atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a cold beer and the lively street scene before the crowds peak. 

From 8:00 PM to midnight, the energy intensifies with bustling crowds, music, and street performances.

Or if you prefer a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weekday evening when the area is less crowded, allowing you to savor the authentic ambiance at a leisurely pace.

Read more: Ha Noi Old Quarter Tour 3 hours: Taste of Street Food in Hanoi

What to eat and drink at Bia Hoi Corner

Bia hoi

A visit to this lively street wouldn’t be complete without sipping on a glass of bia hoi. With its pale golden hue and light foam, bia hoi is crisp, mildly malty, and incredibly refreshing.
Served cold straight from metal kegs, it contains just around 3% alcohol perfect for Hanoi’s heat and long chats with friends. At only from VND 7,000, it’s one of the most affordable drinks in Vietnam.

Fried fermented pork roll (nem chua ran)

Nem chua ran, a popular Vietnamese street snack made from fermented pork, deep-fried until crispy, is a must-try when visiting Hanoi. The flavor is a perfect balance of sour, salty, and savory, best enjoyed with chili sauce and a cold drink. Priced around VND 5,000–10,000 per piece, it’s a favorite side dish at Bia Hoi Corner and a true local comfort food.

The saltiness of nem chua ran and the heat of chili sauce makes you want to drink more bia hoi (Source: Collective)

Honey-grilled Quail

Although you can find this dish at many restaurants across Hanoi, regulars say that nowhere does it taste better than Ta Hien Street. What makes this quail stand out is its rich aroma, crispy skin, and firm yet juicy meat. Every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Even the small bones are grilled to the point where they’re crunchy and can be eaten, adding a unique texture to the experience.

Around VND 70,000 – 100,000 for 4 pieces, well worth it for a dish that’s won over so many locals.

Honey-grilled quail (Source: Collective)

What to do at Ta Hien Street

Watch street performances

Beyond its vibrant food and drink culture, Ta Hien Street also offers visitors the chance to enjoy captivating street performances. From traditional folk music and modern pop to circus acts and live instrumental talent, each show brings its own charm and energy to the lively atmosphere.

Street performance at Ta Hien Street (Source: Threeland Travel)

Bars, Pubs at Ta Hien Street

Whether you're looking for a laid-back spot to sip cocktails, a lively pub to dance the night away, or a cozy corner to chat with friends over a few drinks, each venue offers its own atmosphere and style, catering to a variety of tastes and moods:

• Funky B: Found at No. 2 Ta Hien Street, Funky B is one of the oldest bars on Beer Street. It’s the go-to spot for electronic music lovers, spinning everything from Deep House and Funky House to Progressive House in an intimate, upbeat setting.
• 1900 Le Theatre: Located at No. 8 Ta Hien Street, this iconic bar is known for its nostalgic charm, featuring an eye-catching mezzanine and energetic dance floor. A favorite among Hanoi’s youth, it regularly hosts live DJ sets and themed parties.

1900 Le Theatre (Source: TripAdvisor) 

• Fat Cat Bar: Situated at No. 25 Ta Hien Street, this laid-back venue offers indoor, outdoor, and attic seating, making it a great choice for both quiet drinks and lively music nights. Regular themed parties and a chill vibe keep the crowd coming back.

Fat Cat Bar (Source: TripAdvisor)

• Prague Pub: Located at No. 38 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, this pub draws inspiration from the Czech capital. It blends good food, quality drinks, and live music into a relaxed, European-style pub experience right in the heart of Hanoi.

Prague Pub (Source: Terry Feuerborn)

Conclusion

With all of those sneak peeks above, Ta Hien Street is definitely a must-try destination for fun seekers during their trip in Vietnam. Don’t hesitate to book your own Hanoi nightlife experience today with Asia King Travel, and let us guide you through the vibrant rhythm of the city.

Read more: Hanoi Old Quarter Trip 1-day: Explore the beauty of Hanoi by Bike