There’s no need to travel to Munich to experience the spirit of Oktoberfest. Right in the heart of Hanoi, long communal tables, traditional German food and costumes, German beer, and lively Bavarian music recreate the atmosphere of the 200-year-old festival.
After 11 previous editions, Oktoberfest has expanded beyond the German community to give Vietnamese people an opportunity to experience German culture firsthand.
Hanoi resident Vu Xuan Tien said: “Experiencing it in person gave me a much better sense of its cultural atmosphere. The traditional costumes, music, and food all make it distinctive. I find it fascinating that I can get a taste of Bavarian culture right here in Hanoi, without traveling to Germany. For me, it’s a special cultural experience.”
The festival serves up modern pop and rock performances in addition to traditional Bavarian folk music. This year, Hanoi was the final stop on the festival’s national tour, following events in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
Hoang Thanh Xuan, Head of External Communications and Branding at Messer Industrial Gases Vietnam, part of Germany’s Messer Group, said: “Over the years, Oktoberfest has become a much-anticipated annual event. It offers a distinctive cultural experience, reflecting the close and diverse ties between Germany and Vietnam. We’re delighted to contribute to this year’s events in 3 cities, helping connect businesses and people from both countries. We hope the festival will foster connections, cultural exchange, and, above all, friendship between Germany and Vietnam.”
