Answer: Is drinking tap water in Vietnam really safe?

 In foreign countries, especially European and Australian countries, people often use tap water directly for drinking. Therefore, many foreign tourists traveling to Vietnam always wonder “Is drinking tap water in Vietnam?”. Let’s find out the answer with Vietnam Motorbike Tours Club through the article below. 

General information about tap water in Vietnam 

Tap water is an essential and crucial water source in daily life. In Vietnam, tap water is sourced from various origins such as rivers, lakes, streams, and groundwater. After collection, water undergoes a rigorous treatment process including coarse filtration, chemical treatment, fine filtration, and disinfection before being distributed and supplied to the public for use.

Overall, the quality of tap water in Vietnam is relatively good and ensures safety for domestic use. However, there are still some areas where water quality doesn’t meet standards due to factors such as incomplete water treatment systems, old and leaky pipeline systems, and environmental pollution of water sources.

Tap water can be utilized for various domestic purposes such as bathing, laundry, cooking (after boiling), dishwashing, and household cleaning.

Should we drink tap water in Vietnam? Is it safe? 

Drinking tap water directly in Vietnam is a matter of concern for many people. However, it is not advisable to drink tap water directly for several reasons.

Firstly, the quality of tap water is not consistent. Although water treatment systems are gradually improving, many areas still do not meet standards, leading to potential health risks. Tap water may contain impurities, bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals exceeding permissible levels.

Secondly, the old and leaking water pipeline system can contaminate water with bacteria, dirt, and harmful substances.

Thirdly, natural water sources can be polluted by agricultural chemicals, domestic waste, and industrial wastewater.

Types of safe drinking water in Vietnam 

When in Vietnam, if you cannot drink tap water directly, what should you drink? In Vietnam, you can choose from the following types of water:

• Bottled water: This is the safest option in Vietnam. Bottled water is produced through strict processes and undergoes regular quality checks. Popular bottled water brands in Vietnam include Lavie, Aquafina, etc. Bottled water is widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide.
• Boiled water: Boiling water is an effective way to kill bacteria and other pathogens in water. Water should be boiled for at least 1 minute at elevations above 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) and 3 minutes at elevations below 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). You can use tap water after boiling it for drinking.
• Water filtered through water purifiers: Water purifiers can remove impurities, bacteria, and chemicals from water. There are many types of water purifiers on the market, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs.
• Spring water: Natural spring water is usually safe to drink, but it’s important to ensure that it comes from a reliable source. Avoid drinking spring water from areas that may be contaminated by wastewater or agricultural activities.

• Ice water: Ice made from safe drinking water is also safe to drink. However, it’s important to ensure that the ice is properly processed and stored in clean containers.
• Tea and coffee: Tea and coffee brewed with safe drinking water are safe to drink. However, limit the amount of sugar and milk you add to these beverages, as they can affect your health.
• Fruit juice: Fresh fruit juice is a good way to supplement vitamins and minerals for the body. However, it’s important to wash fruits thoroughly before juicing and drink the juice immediately after squeezing.

Notes when drinking tap water in Vietnam  

Apart from being unfit for direct consumption, tap water in Vietnam can be used in the following cases:

• Generally, tap water in Vietnam is safe for activities like bathing and washing clothes.
• Tap water is also used for cooking.
• The quality of tap water may vary depending on the region. Therefore, it’s advisable to inquire with local residents or hosts about the water quality in your area.
• The concentration of chlorine in tap water in Vietnam may be higher than in other countries. Chlorine can create an unpleasant odor in water, but it helps to kill bacteria.
• It’s essential to understand the water usage culture in Vietnam to avoid wasting water.
• Water conservation is a collective responsibility.

These are our insights regarding whether to drink tap water in Vietnam or not. Vietnam Motorcycle Tours Club hope that with the information we’ve provided, you’ll gain valuable travel knowledge.