Bia hoi; or 鈥榝resh beer' is a Vietnamese institution. The concept was first introduced by the Czechs but now beloved of beer-drinkers all over the country. Beer without preservatives is delivered fresh daily in small tanker-trucks. Bia hoi establishments are usually very basic.

The streets of the capital; Hanoi; and especially the largest city; Ho Chi Minh City bustle with enthusiasm and business energy. The abandonment of socialist economics and its gradual replacement by limited market-oriented capitalism has been welcomed by the populace. People everywhere are angling to make money; and the streets are filled with small-scale private enterprises selling all manner of items.