If you’re keen to mix it with the locals, it won’t be long before you come across “Mot, Hai, Ba, YO!“, the noisy, beer-swilling Vietnamese drinking chant!
Common at almost any event where there’s alcohol, or at any gathering of Vietnamese guys (and girls), this drinks toast is one of the ultimate ways to make some local friends! Be prepared to down some delicious Vietnamese food too, as the locals rarely drink without some tasty dishes alongside their glass of beer and bucket of ice…
I first came across it in the north, when in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (probably from the balcony at this great, budget-friendly hotel!), and then again on the road on a Ha Giang Loop tour. Watch out for the shots of rice wine, aka Happy Water, as toast after toast will leave you feeling a little worse for wear…but you’ll be taking home some memories that will stay with you forever!
Just to get you in the mood, here’s a lovely local telling it like it is…
Here’s how you say it/write it like a true drinking pro (at least in the north of Vietnam – in the south they’ll typically only say the first line)…
một, hai, ba, /zo/!
(the zo is pronounced as Yo)
hai, ba, /zo/
hai, ba, uống
In English:
1, 2, 3, cheers!
2, 3, cheers
2, 3, drink!
One thing you should also be aware of when practicing your Mot Hai Ba YO chant is the discarding of the empty cans of beer – don’t be surprised to find those empties congregating around your feet under the table! It’s done at restaurant, bars, and even at friends’ houses, so be ready!
I get the concept when you’re at a restaurant/bar as the staff can count up the empties and charge you accordingly…but at a friend’s? Not sure I’m ever going to feel comfortable throwing my empties under a friend’s table, however happy I might be getting…welcome to Vietnam baby!
