A striking red double-decker bus makes its debut in Vĩnh Long Province, giving locals and tourists a fresh perspective of the city. — Photos courtesy of SABECO

VĨNH LONG — A bright red double-decker bus has taken to the streets of Vĩnh Long Province for the first time, offering residents and visitors a bird’s-eye view of the city while celebrating the 150-year heritage of the Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (SABECO) and its commitment to sustainability and community connection.

Departing from the central park, the heritage bus carried passengers past local landmarks along the gentle Cổ Chiên River before returning to the city centre. From the top deck, many eagerly captured familiar streets that looked strikingly different from above.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to ride a double-decker bus in my own hometown. Seeing the river and the city from above, I feel Vĩnh Long is more beautiful than ever. I’m even prouder knowing that a Vietnamese beer brand has been with our country for 150 years, accompanying generations,” said Nguyễn Thị Hòa, a vendor at Vĩnh Long market.

From the top deck, many people eagerly captured familiar streets that looked strikingly different from a higher perspective.

On the same ride, Phạm Văn Minh, a visitor from HCM City, struck up a conversation with a group of students from the Western Construction University. Stories of local dishes, the Ok Om Bok festival and southern folk songs brought the journey to life.

“I’ve never had the chance to listen to đờn ca tài tử during a city tour before. What makes it even more special is learning about the 150-year journey of a Vietnamese brand. It made me reflect on how deeply a product can be tied to people’s daily lives,” Minh said.

Heritage on wheels and a green message

Visitors experienced SABECO’s 150-year legacy, discovering its brewing craftsmanship along with its commitments to community and sustainability.

At the city square, a heritage bus was transformed into three exhibition spaces: 'Heritage Rising High,' 'Mastery of Brewing' and 'Preserving Heritage and Responsibility.' Visitors explored SABECO’s 150-year journey, the artistry of beer brewing and its contributions to the community and environment.

“I remember when I was young, every family party or Tết (Lunar New Year) gathering had Saigon Beer on the table. Riding this heritage bus and looking back at 150 years, I see it’s not just about beer, but also about the memories of generations of Vietnamese,” said Nguyễn Văn Thạnh, a resident.

The exhibition also attracted younger visitors, who lingered over historical photos and milestones. Some filmed short TikTok clips, while others posed for selfies in front of the brand’s timeline.

“I was surprised to learn that Saigon Beer started from a small ice factory in Sài Gòn and became a national brand after 150 years. It’s not just about beer — it’s about perseverance and the spirit of growing with the country,” said Trần Minh Khoa, a student at Western Construction University.

In their curious eyes and excited smiles, the 150-year heritage story became more than history — it was a source of inspiration and national pride.

ESG commitments for sustainable growth

For locals, SABECO is a familiar name not only through its products but also through its contributions to community projects.

The event also underscored SABECO’s sustainability efforts based on the three ESG pillars: Environment, Society and Governance.

The company has adopted circular economy practices, with 100 per cent of its primary and secondary packaging reusable, renewable energy installed in 64 per cent of its breweries, and thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions reduced each year. All spent grain is recycled into animal feed, while sludge is converted into organic fertiliser.

In parallel, SABECO continues to support communities nationwide through programmes such as '63 Together – One Tết', 'Lighting up Rural and Border Roads' and 'Fostering Sports Dreams', bringing tangible benefits to tens of thousands of people.

For locals, SABECO is a familiar name not only through its products but also through its contributions to community projects. This event, with cheerful rides aboard the heritage bus, became another bridge connecting residents, visitors and a brand that has stood alongside Vietnamese people for 150 years.

“We believe every ride, every smile and every conversation along the way helps bring people closer together and adds new chapters to the story of Vietnamese heritage,” a SABECO representative said.

After Vĩnh Long, the Heritage Journey will continue to Vũng Tàu, Đắk Lắk, Khánh Hòa, Bình Định and Nghệ An, before concluding in Hà Nội in November 2025. — VNS