Is water safe to drink in Vietnam? | Intrepid Travel (2024)

FAQs

Is water safe to drink in Vietnam? | Intrepid Travel? ›

Water. It's important to stay hydrated while traveling in Vietnam. We recommend packing a reusable bottle with filtered water to take with you as local tap water is not safe to drink.

Can you drink tap water in Vietnam? Drinking tap water is generally not recommended in Vietnam.

Brushing teeth with tap water

While brushing your teeth with tap water is generally considered safe in urban areas of Vietnam, it is better to be more careful in regions where water quality may be less. To minimize the risks here, it is recommended to use bottled or filtered water for brushing your teeth.

The tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink, so you should always opt for bottled water or boiled water. You should also avoid ice cubes, unless you are sure they are made from purified water.

Tap water in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is not for immediate consumption. You need to boil the water before drinking. Some families get a water filter system, but that is optional.

Drinking tap water generally isn't recommended in Vietnam. Drinking or eating products that may have been washed by tap water can upset your system and make you ill.

The water in Vietnam, and in particular in the major centers, is of a good standard. Some small pockets may still be using old pipes which may cause minor concern but, generally, the water is good and eating salads and other raw products is generally acceptable in Vietnam.

ensure you wash your hands with soap and water regularly. where possible, opt for fully cooked fresh food and only eat fruit that you peel yourself. avoid mosquito bites, as you may be at risk of contracting illnesses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE) or malaria in some rural parts of Vietnam.

As is the case in (almost) all places in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, you cannot flush used toilet paper down the toilet. This is because many sewer systems in the region are unable to handle it, leading to potential blockages.

Is it safe to eat fruit in Vietnam? ›

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.

As a result, it is important that you only drink filtered water – even when brushing your teeth – although tap water is perfectly fine for bathing and showering in. Tap water is however fine for hot drinks as the boiling will kill the majority of the harmful parts.

Coffee is everywhere in Vietnam, from busy street stalls to unassuming little cafes hidden around the corner. Discover the country's vibrant coffee culture and explore the different drink styles that are most popular.

Contaminated water is a major source of illness so it's very important to understand what you are getting into. 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.

Pho, Banh Cuon, and Bun Rieu are typical breakfast dishes in the North. Central Vietnam is well known for its generous use of spices. Notably, in Hue, the foods are influenced by the traditional royal cuisine of Vietnam.

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.

"The Mekong River is the most important water source for the people living along it. Based on the practices of my ancestors, villagers would fetch water from the river and then drink it without boiling it to kill any pathogens in advance."

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.