6 Refreshing Vietnamese Summer Drinks Every Traveler Should Try

02/07/2026 Paul Lee

Vietnam's summer can be hot and humid, but don't worry, locals have plenty of refreshing drinks to beat the heat.
Here are six popular summer drinks you should try during your trip.
Join VIET DOVE Travel and discover how Vietnamese people stay cool in the tropical weather.

Table of Contents

Travelers walking outdoors during a hot humid summer day. — NTravelers walking outdoors during a hot humid summer day

Iced Tea (Trà Đá)

If there is one drink you will see everywhere in Vietnam, it is iced tea.
Simple, refreshing, and inexpensive, a glass of cold tea is the perfect way to cool down after walking under the summer sun. The natural caffeine also helps you stay alert during a busy travel day.

Travel Tip

Most local restaurants offer free iced tea with your meal. Many coffee shops also serve it complimentary alongside your coffee, so don't miss the chance to try this everyday Vietnamese favorite.

Cold glasses of traditional Vietnamese iced tea with lemon.

Sugarcane Juice (Nước Mía)

Fresh sugarcane juice is one of the most popular summer drinks in Vietnam.
Sweet, naturally refreshing, and served over ice, it is the perfect companion on a hot afternoon. Watching vendors press fresh sugarcane right in front of you is also part of the experience.

A tourist enjoys fresh Vietnamese sugarcane juice in summer.

Coconut Water (Nước Dừa)

Nothing feels more tropical than drinking fresh coconut water straight from a young coconut.
Rich in natural electrolytes, coconut water helps hydrate the body and recover energy after a long day of sightseeing. It is widely available in coastal cities and tropical regions across Vietnam.

Tourists enjoy fresh coconut water on a tropical beach.

Fresh Fruit Juices

Vietnam is a paradise for tropical fruits.
Watermelon, pineapple, orange, and passion fruit juices are among the most common choices. These drinks are packed with vitamins and help replenish fluids during hot summer days.

Local Favorite

Passion fruit juice is especially popular thanks to its perfect balance of sweetness and refreshing acidity.

A colorful variety of fresh tropical fruit juices in Vietnam.

Dracontomelon Juice (Nước Sấu)

A unique specialty from northern Vietnam, nước sấu is made from preserved dracontomelon fruit mixed with sugar, ginger, water, and ice.
The result is a refreshing drink with a wonderful combination of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors. It is particularly popular in Hanoi during the summer months.

Refreshing iced dracontomelon juice perfect for hot summer days.

Pennywort Juice (Nước Rau Má)

Pennywort juice may look unusual at first, but it is one of Vietnam's healthiest traditional drinks.
Made from fresh pennywort leaves, it has a mild herbal flavor and is believed to help cool the body naturally. Many locals enjoy it as a refreshing alternative to sugary beverages.

Healthy traditional Vietnamese pennywort juice served with ice cubes.

Conclusion

From a simple glass of iced tea to fresh coconut water and traditional pennywort juice, Vietnam offers plenty of delicious ways to stay cool during the summer.
If you're visiting Vietnam in the warmer months, be sure to try these local favorites. They are not only refreshing but also provide a taste of everyday Vietnamese life.

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