Can You Drink Tap Water in Vietnam?
No, tap water in Vietnam is not safe for drinking. Even locals avoid drinking directly from the tap. Always use bottled water or filtered water provided by hotels.
👉 Use bottled water for brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Is Street Food Safe in Vietnam?
Vietnam is famous for its street food culture, from pho to banh mi. Most dishes are safe if you follow basic precautions:
- 🍜 Choose vendors with a high turnover of customers (fresh food).
- 🔥 Look for food cooked hot and served immediately.
- 🥗 Avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruits in street stalls.
- 🧼 Check for basic hygiene (gloves, clean surfaces).
💡 Tip: If locals are eating there, it’s usually safe.
Common Food & Water-Related Illnesses
Tourists may encounter the following issues:
- Traveler’s Diarrhea: Caused by contaminated food or water.
- Food Poisoning: From undercooked meat or seafood.
- Hepatitis A & Typhoid: Spread through food/water (preventable with vaccines).
Most cases are mild and treatable with rest and hydration, but severe cases may require hospital care.
How to Stay Safe
- ✅ Drink only bottled or filtered water (check seal on bottles).
- ✅ Wash hands or use sanitizer before meals.
- ✅ Stick to freshly cooked hot food.
- ✅ Avoid ice from street stalls (ice in hotels/restaurants is usually safe).
- ✅ Carry basic medicine (Imodium, rehydration salts, probiotics).
Recommended Restaurants & Hygiene Standards
In major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, many restaurants meet international hygiene standards. Hotels, coffee chains, and reputable restaurants are generally safe for all meals.
💡 Apps like Foody or Google Maps reviews help find safe eateries recommended by both locals and expats.