Can I Drink Water in Vietnam? (2024)

FAQs

Can I Drink Water in Vietnam? ›

In Vietnam, avoid tap water as much as possible and only drink bottled water. Generally, even locals will avoid tap water and will drink boiled or filtered water at home. Bottled water is almost always available for sale at any local restaurants, hotels and convenience stores.

Drinking tap water generally isn't recommended in Vietnam. Water contaminated with pathogenic organisms is a major source of sickness and can lead to traveler's experiencing diarrhea, gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera, giardia, dysentery and hepatitis A.

Can I Brush My Teeth with Tap Water in Vietnam? In the urban area, yes. Rinsing or brushing your teeth with tap water in Vietnam is fine, as long as you don't swallow a significant amount of it.

Tips for Buying Coffee on the Street

Follow the locals, if you see locals sitting and drinking coffee at a vendor, you will usually be okay. Avoid purchasing anything from street vendors if you are in poorer areas of Vietnam, meaning very rural areas that lack education or proper hygiene.

In Vietnam, ice cubes are made from purified water so that they are safe to drink.

Fruits with edible skins

Vietnamese farmers, like many others around the world, rely on pesticides. For things like oranges and bananas it's not much of a concern because we don't eat the skin. But you should be wary of fruits like apples and guava.

From 2011 to 2016, on average, there were 668,673 foodborne disease cases, and 21 deaths per year. In addition, during the same period, 1 007 food poisoning outbreaks with 30 395 food poisoning cases had been reported.

Water filter system at hotels in Vietnam

If the answer is yes, it will be great. Although you should not drink tap water directly, you can brush your teeth, wash fruits, vegetables and take a shower without worrying about your health.

If there's a waste bin, be sure to toss your used tissues away, but if you're in a hotel or shopping centre with an efficient sewage system, definitely flush!

Three Weeks

This route cuts down on travel costs as the only expense there would be renting a motorbike, which is quite easy to do in Hanoi Old Quarter or Pham Ngu Lao in Ho Chi Minh. You shouldn't spend more than $4-$6 per day. Three weeks could be done as cheaply as $800, but more realistically aim for $1,500.

Can I eat salad in Vietnam? ›

Many Vietnamese eat uncooked vegetables as a salad with a meal, but this is often discouraged for tourists. Nuoc mam is indispensable in the preparation of food.

And it's considered impolite if you leave the table when others have finished their meal. Show your respect by talking with them or helping to serve dessert if you have finished your meal. Vietnamese style of dining is similar to other Asian countries.

Weapons and Explosives: We know that some countries allow citizens to own some kinds of weapons. However in Vietnam, using or bringing weapons (such as pistols, shotguns, and firearms) or explosives is totally prohibited. If you are caught with these items, you will definitely in trouble!

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but it is always appreciated. If you're happy with the services provided by waiters, drivers and other service workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation.

Managing Travellers' Diarrhea. At the first sign of diarrhea, drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS), a mixture of salt and sugar designed to replenish electrolytes and treat dehydration. Antimotility agents like loperamide can also be used to reduce symptoms, but they do not treat the gastrointestinal infection.

The crime rate in Vietnam is not very high, especially crimes towards travelers and tourists. Of course you have to be careful like in every other country in the world. When you are in big cities or on public transport, you have to keep your belongings safe because it's always possible to find some pickpockets around.

Pigs and pig keeping, and pork and pork eating, are ubiquitous in Vietnam, where pork remains the favoured meat—the food choice of both the poor and the rich, of the rural farm worker and the urban elite. Pork is consumed daily and widely in Vietnamese…

Beef Noodles from Huế

It might be the best-known Vietnamese dish worldwide. This wonderfully meaty, noodle dish comes from the former capital of Vietnam, Huế in the center of Vietnam.

At Western dinner tables, it's considered bad manners to eat with your hands or to place your elbows on the table. In Vietnam, though, you'll frequently need to eat with both hands, including when wrapping up food in bánh tráng (rice paper) or lettuce.

Although there may be many factors contributing to these high death rates due to chronic diseases, risky health behaviors, such as smoking, and the state of the healthcare system can be considered two main contributors to the leading causes of death in Vietnam.

Do tourists get food poisoning in Vietnam? ›

Vietnam is a paradise for culinary adventures and the vast and varied street food is the open window to the local culture. However, the quickest and most undesirable way to have your vacation ruined is getting food poisoning. Check out our comprehensive guides on how not to get food poisoning while traveling Vietnam.

Cough, Mild Fever, Heatstroke, Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Rabies. Staying Outdoors. Like many other tropical countries, Vietnam receives a large amount of sunlight. Going outdoors for a long time might give you a heatstroke, headache or mild fever.

In order to cover up and stay comfortable during your trip, it's crucial to find breathable fabrics that can dry quickly if you sweat. Lots of Vietnamese people who live in the city enjoy wearing denim, but following this trend can make sightseeing unpleasant since its so heavy.

Toilet paper in the bin rule

The same applies in Vietnam, where you'll often see a sign in toilets asking patrons not to flush toilet paper down the toilet. Primarily attributed to the inadequate plumbing systems and the threat of blockage, there will be a bidet shower (or bum gun) on hand to wash your derriere.

Yes, ice outside may not be safe because it may have been made with contaminated water. However, many restaurants buy ice from companies rather than manufacture it themselves, in which case it is quite safe. Many people, both locals, and foreigners, are able to enjoy drinks with ice in them without consequence.

Credit cards are widely accepted but, in rural areas particularly, you should carry cash as a back-up. It may be difficult to cash travellers' cheques.

Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.

Most budget lodgings in Vietnam will have squat (Turkish) toilets. These are basically porcelain or plastic holes in the ground with a flat place on each side to plant your feet. They may seem awful at first but they are considerably more hygienic than the western style and are a lot less complicated to install.

While cash is used for small purchases and street vendors in Vietnam, most establishments accept payments from major credit card providers such as Visa. Hotels, tour operators, boutiques, restaurants, grocery stores, and spas all generally accept international debit and credit cards.

When it comes to affordability, both Thailand and Vietnam are relatively inexpensive compared to many other destinations. However, in general, Vietnam is considered to be a more budget-friendly option than Thailand. Accommodations, food, and transportation are all cheaper in Vietnam, especially in rural areas.

How much cash should I carry to Vietnam? ›

bring the equivalent of $200 US or so (but DON'T convert to dong back home) and an ATM card (but tell your bank you are travelling). If you have an obscure currency, just bring the ATM card. In both case, bring $US for your pre-approved visa if that's what you're travelling on.

Pho is not only the most popular breakfast in Vietnam but is also internationally renowned as a symbol of Vietnamese gastronomy. Thousands of Pho stores deliver thousands of taste, that's why some Pho stores are much more well-known than the rest, and the mystery hidden in the broth of Pho.

When deciding what to wear in Vietnam, you can choose the clothing you feel most comfortable in. The Vietnamese are used to European styles and Western fashion has been adopted. This means that tourists can dress as they would in the West when visiting restaurants or bars in the main cities.

Dairy products such as milk, creams, and cheese are rarely found or used in Vietnamese cooking.

Vietnamese people typically avoid direct eye contact and may gaze downward when talking. Avoiding eye contact demonstrates respect to elders, people of higher status or of the opposite sex. Speaking in a loud tone with excessive gestures is considered rude, especially when done by women.

Avoid profusely complimenting people or using very colourful language to praise something. This can often be interpreted as insincere and may actually cause people to lose face . Don't assume that the Vietnamese people have a natural alignment with China.

While the middle finger is not traditionally an offensive digit in Vietnam, the typical “fingers crossed” gesture that many people from the West make to indicate that they are hoping for the best is highly impolite. If you hope for good luck, keep your fingers out of it!

How much cash can I carry into Vietnam? Currently, there is no legal limit on the amount of cash you can bring to Vietnam (either for Vietnamese Dong or any other foreign currency).

7. Most Hotels Will Ask To Keep Your Passport (But don't let them!) Many hotels will ask to keep your passport during your stay. Allowing someone else to keep your passport is risky, however, because they are not the ones who will be inconvenienced if your passport is lost or stolen.

To enter Vietnam, you will need to bring your passport which is valid for at least 6 months on arrival & enough blank page for visa stamped on it. A valid visa will be required for citizens from most foreign countries come to Vietnam for any purposes.

What is the basic etiquette in Vietnam? ›

Vietnamese Values

The Vietnamese people value humility, restraint, and modesty. Avoid being boastful or showing off wealth. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon so try to avoid touching people of the opposite sex. Dress conservatively and keep your body covered.

The average salary in Vietnam is 6.1 million Vietnamese Dong (VND) per month, according to the July 2021 press release by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam. As per the August 2021 exchange rate, this is equivalent to 277 USD/month. In Vietnam, it's common to pay employees a 13th-month salary as an annual bonus.

According to the traditional Vietnamese table manner, you should keep your back straight in a meal, never put your hands under the table or lean your elbows on it even when you need to raise the bowl to your mouth.

Consider some sun block, and avoid staying out in your bikini for 2 hours straight. Also, headgear is often a must, and can be found on the cheap side in Vietnam's many shops. Bring your thongs or if you are the shoes type, take in soft cotton socks and lightly-padded pairs, as your feet are going to sweat.

Pho or matzo ball soup

“Pho is always my go-to when I am not feeling 100%. It is my comfort food because I am Vietnamese and I like to believe that the ingredients do help my symptoms.” Nguyen said the ginger and licorice help with nausea and upset stomachs, and the salty broth helps with a sore throat and hydration.

What is this? Since it fully reopened for tourism in early 2022, becoming one of the first in SEA to drop entry rules and welcome U.S. travelers irrespective of vaccination status, demand for nationwide tourism has increased dramatically.

Is Vietnam safe for solo female travel? Yes, Vietnam is one of the safest places in Southeast Asia for solo travel. Violent crime is almost non-existent.

The Government of Vietnam and the U.S. Department of State recommend that travelers obtain a visa directly from an embassy or consulate of Vietnam prior to arrival. E-visa: U.S. citizens can apply online for a single-entry E-visa on the Vietnam Immigration website.

In Vietnam, avoid tap water as much as possible and only drink bottled water. Generally, even locals will avoid tap water and will drink boiled or filtered water at home. Bottled water is almost always available for sale at any local restaurants, hotels and convenience stores.

The Drinking Age in Vietnam

The legal drinking age is 18, while the legal gambling age is 21. Also, keep in mind that you are not allowed to bring cultural items into the country that the Government considers to be depraved. In other words, leave your T-shirt that advertises your favorite beer at home.

How much does a bottle of water cost in Vietnam? ›

Over 13 million Vietnamese do not have sufficient access to clean water for their daily activities, including 2.5 million people in rural areas, where many farmlands are located. Contaminated water accounts for nearly 80 percent of diseases in the country, including cholera, typhoid, dysentery and malaria each year.

6. Tap water is usually safe for brushing teeth, but you should not swallow them.

In general, tap water in Vietnam is not considered safe for consumption without further treatment, especially for foreigners or those who are not used to the local water supply.

In Vietnamese bathrooms, there is generally no barrier between the shower area and the toilet area. The good news is, it makes cleaning the bathroom easy. The bad news is the entire bathroom floor will often be wet if anyone has showered recently.

I haven't seen too many people walking around drinking as there are many, many places to sit and watch the world go by. Getting a cold beer while walking around can be difficult as beer is often served in glasses with ice to cool it down. If you are used to warm beer you should not have a problem walking the streets.

Where Is it Allowed? Travellers are free to smoke anywhere in the countryside. However, in the urban regions of the country, people are becoming increasingly aware of the hazards of secondhand tobacco smoke. Usually, unventilated spaces and public areas are considered to be smoke-free zones.

The sale and consumption of alcohol has been restricted in certain public areas, including health facilities, education institutions, centres targeted towards minors as well as workplaces of regulatory authorities and any other place as prescribed by the government.

Vietnam's culture demands that you observe certain rules, although the Vietnamese are generally forgiving of unintentional faux pas and very welcoming to foreign visitors. Generally, Vietnamese people are very appreciative if they see you knowing and trying to abide by the customs.

It depends on what kind of travelling you like to do; you will spend from just 600,000VND (~30 USD) for local style to over 1,400,000VND (~70USD) for luxury travel for 2 of you. It means that you should take 8,400,000VND (~420USD) to 19,600,000VND (~980USD) for spending during 2 weeks in Vietnam for food and drinks.