Is water safe to drink in Vietnam?

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.

Can you drink tap water in Vietnam?

Drinking tap water is generally not recommended in Vietnam. Water contaminated with pathogenic organisms is a major source of sickness and can lead to travellers experiencing diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera, giardia, dysentery and hepatitis A. It’s also advisable to avoid raw vegetables, fruits with edible skins and drinks with ice. Opt for cooked foods and fruits that need to be peeled instead.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Bring a reusable bottle or canteen (we recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity) that can be refilled as needed. You could also bring purification tablets.

Some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. Your leader can tell you where to find filtered water.

Learn more about what to drink in Vietnam

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