Discover the Distillerie d’Indochine in Hoi An
Unusual Discovery in Hoi An: the Distillerie d’Indochine
Looking for something atypical in Hoi An? If you are seeking a unique experience off the beaten path, I invite you on a captivating excursion just 15 km from the city.
Welcome to Distillerie d’indochine, a rum sanctuary where the famous SAMPAN is distilled with passion and expertise by French entrepreneurs.
This visit not only immerses you in the fascinating world of rum distillation, but it also opens the doors to a company that blends local tradition and international expertise.
Do you want to learn more, understand why this place deserves your attention and why it remains one of the best things to do in Hoi An? Read on to discover all the secrets of this unique distillery.
The Distillerie d’Indochine in Brief
Founded in 2019 by Antoine Poircuitte and two other French entrepreneurs, the Distillerie d’indochine produces SAMPAN, a 100% Vietnamese white agricultural rum made from locally grown sugarcane. This rum is also distinguished by its natural character, free of pesticides or chemicals.
Antoine is truly passionate about his craft, as he previously worked for Marie Brizard in Vietnam.
It is also relevant to note that the name “SAMPAN” refers to a type of boat traditionally used in Southeast Asia.
Visiting La Distillerie d’Indochine
From the very beginning of the visit, as a welcome, you will be offered a mojito. When we say that the French know how to receive guests…
The tour is conducted in English or French with Antoine, one of the founders, who will explain the entire process step by step for making the SAMPAN rum, from the harvesting of the sugarcane (which is done around the Distillery and is therefore 100% local) to the distillation of the rum, including the bottling. The manufacture of SAMPAN rum will no longer hold any secrets for you.
Interestingly, all the equipment used, such as the barrels, the still, and others, are imported from France, which highlights a notable cultural link between France and Vietnam.
Since last year, the distillery has started producing molasses rum (in the English style), which means it now operates year-round. You thus have the opportunity to taste and compare an English-style rum and a French-style rum.
Antoine is also working on other types of spirits, and you can smell and sometimes taste them. The tour is generally the same, but depending on what you have tasted at the time, each visit is a bit unique.
Tasting the SAMPAN Rum
The highlight of the visit is the tasting of three white agricultural rums produced on site: one at 45%, another at 54%, and the last at 65%.
The 54% rum, which is one of my favorites, has been awarded a DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL and has been named “Best Agricultural Rum” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, among others.
They are open daily from 9am to 5pm (the tour and tasting last about 1h15 to 1h30). It is advisable to book in advance for better organization, but they also accept visitors without reservations.
Rates for Visits and Tastings
- Non-alcoholic visit: 200,000 VND
- Visit + tasting of 3 rums (3 white rums): 300,000 VND
- Visit + tasting of 5 rums (4 white rums + 1 brown rum): 500,000 VND
- Tasting only: 250,000 VND
- The experience is FREE for children
In addition, the distillery also offers a homestay with a beautiful view of an isolated beach, away from the usual tourist circuits.
You can taste the SAMPAN rum in some bars and restaurants in Hoi An:
- Soul Kitchen
- Deckhouse An Bang
- Blue Nam Hoi An
- Moments Hoi An
- Dive bar rest Wine
- Anantara resort
- Blu Bar
- Cabanon Café
- Market bar
- REU restaurant
- TOK bar & restaurant
- Tank bar
- Luna d’Autunno
- Bikini Bottom
How to get to the Distillerie d’Indochine?
The distillery, located 15 km south of Hoi An, is quite difficult to find as it is lost in the middle of nature.
The easiest way is to use Google Maps and search for “Distillerie D’Indochine“. Follow the path carefully, as the signs on the road are quite poor. If I get requests in the comments, I’ll provide a photo tour of the route.
Essential Information about the Distillerie d’Indochine
- The Distillerie d’Indochine – Sampan Rum
- Thang Binh District, Quang Nam Province (15km from Hoi An)
- Hours: 9am – 5pm
- Email: jan@distillerie-indochine.com
- Website: www.distillerie-indochine.com
My Opinion
I had found the visit to the Distillerie d’Indochine in 2019 captivating, enriching, and especially rich in technical details, and my opinion has not changed in 2024.
Whether you are a rum consumer or just curious to learn more about this rum distillery, this atypical place should be on your travel list.
