Free Beer Paradise: Vietnam's Tax System Makes Alcohol Cheaper Than Water

• Vietnam offers free beer in hotels, from 5-star to budget 'Happy Hours', making it a paradise for drinkers.
• Local beer 'Bia Hoi' costs as little as 18-35 rupees, while bottled water can be 200-300 rupees due to scarcity.
• This unique situation stems from Vietnam's tax system, which places low taxes on low-alcohol rice beer.
• Potable water is scarce and expensive, with tap water being unsafe to drink, driving up bottled water prices.
• Similar free alcohol offers exist in resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, with Japan also adopting 'Free Beer Hours'.

Why It Matters: Vietnam's tax system and water scarcity make beer freely available and cheaper than water.