Champagne Lovers’ Guide to Vietnam: restaurants, bars and things to do
Vietnam is an exciting destination for Champagne lovers, with a rapidly developing dining and hospitality scene alongside one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive food cultures. Champagne is most visible in the country’s larger cities and luxury hotels, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, while coastal destinations offer a more relaxed setting for enjoying it. The combination of warm weather, fresh seafood and lively dining makes Champagne an interesting addition to a Vietnamese food journey.
Vietnamese cuisine is built around freshness, herbs, acidity and contrasting textures, which can make it surprisingly compatible with Champagne. Try pho, banh mi, bun cha, banh xeo, goi cuon, cao lau and fresh seafood, as well as the many regional dishes that vary from north to south. Champagne works particularly well with seafood, fried dishes, spring rolls and foods with lime, herbs or a little spice. Its acidity can also cut through richer sauces and refresh the palate.
Vietnam has an extraordinary range of places to explore. Hanoi offers atmospheric Old Quarter streets, lakes, temples and a deeply traditional food culture, while Ho Chi Minh City is faster-paced, with French colonial architecture, markets, cafés and a vibrant modern dining scene. Hoi An combines historic architecture with lantern-lit streets and regional food, while Hue is known for its imperial heritage and refined cuisine.
The coastline and islands add another side to the country. Da Nang combines beaches with easy access to mountains and cultural sites, while destinations such as Phu Quoc offer tropical beaches, seafood and resort life. Vietnam’s landscapes also extend far beyond the coast, from the rice terraces of the north to the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
For Champagne lovers, Vietnam is particularly interesting because Champagne can be paired with one of Asia’s freshest and most aromatic cuisines. A seafood dinner, a bowl of Vietnamese noodles or crispy banh xeo with Champagne can create combinations that feel very different from classic European pairings.
