Tap water in Vietnam is not considered safe for drinking. You should avoid drinking it unless it’s been filtered or boiled.
Related: (links open in a new tab)
Can I Brush My Teeth With Tap Water in Vietnam?
In big cities or popular tourist spots throughout Vietnam, it’s generally safe to brush your teeth with tap water – just make sure you don’t swallow too much in the process. In more rural areas, you should avoid brushing your teeth with tap water and instead, stick to bottled water.
If you’re particularly concerned about it, or have a sensitive stomach, stick to brushing your teeth with bottled, filtered or boiled water, no matter where you are in the country.
Can I Wash My Face With Tap Water in Vietnam?
In urban areas, you can wash your face with Vietnamese tap water but in more rural areas, you should avoid doing so. However, if you’re showering with the water, washing your face with it is no different. Just be careful to not swallow any and avoid getting it in your eyes.
Do Locals in Vietnam Drink Tap Water?
No, Vietnamese people don’t tend to drink tap water unless it’s been filtered or boiled.
Is Ice in Vietnam Safe?
Ice in Vietnam is generally safe to consume. Much like other parts of Southeast Asia, factory ice is common in Vietnam. If your ice is cylindrical, with a hole in the middle, it’s safe to have in your drink. However, if the ice is shaved or comes in standard cubes, you should probably avoid it.
Are There Water Dispensers in Vietnam?
There are many water refill points in Vietnam. They’re most common in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi but can be found in most other popular tourist towns. Some are free, others charge a small amount for clean drinking water.
Bottled Water in Vietnam
Bottled water is everywhere in Vietnam. Expect to pay 5,000 – 15,000VND ($0.20-$0.60USD) per litre.
But it’s not quite that simple. You need to be careful with bottled water in Vietnam. There have been several cases of bottled water in Vietnam being found unfit for human consumption and several companies have been shut down for selling bad water. Stick to brands you know and recognise.
You should also be careful where you buy your water. Supermarkets and popular stores are fine but avoid buying water on the street if you can. Some dodgy folk have been known to refill good water bottles with tap water and sell it to unknowing tourists. Always check the seal on any bottle of water you buy when in Vietnam.
Can I Use a Filtered Water Bottle in Vietnam?
Yes, you can use a filtered water bottle in Vietnam. We recommend the Grayl UltraPress. It’s a purifier, rather than just a filter, so removes viruses and heavy metals, as well as bacteria and protozoa from your water.
Tap Water in Vietnam – Is It Drinkable?
No, tap water in Vietnam isn’t drinkable. You should avoid drinking tap water unless it’s been filtered or boiled. Brushing your teeth with tap water can be okay in big metropolitan areas but if you’re worried, stick to bottled water!