Is Ho Chi Minh City Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
It's not recommended to drink tap water in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, due to poor water treatment and infrastructure.
Tap water may contain bacteria, viruses, and contaminants like lead, copper, and industrial chemicals, posing health risks.
To stay safe, drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid consuming ice or unpeeled fruits and vegetables washed in tap water.
Vietnam is ranked as number 94 globally with a score of 53.7% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tap water in Ho Chi Minh City mainly comes from the Saigon River, Dong Nai River, and upstream reservoirs.
The Saigon River water is treated at the Hoa Phu Water Treatment Plant, while the Dong Nai River water is treated at the Thu Duc Plant.
Additionally, some water is supplied from underground aquifers and canals, although the quality of these sources can be questionable.
Ho Chi Minh City Drinking Fountains
Some shopping malls, airports, and high-end hotels may have safe drinking fountains with filtered or bottled water.
These fountains are typically marked as "drinking water" or "safe water" and are regularly maintained and tested.
However, it's still important to exercise caution and check if the fountain is well-maintained and frequently cleaned before drinking.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Ho Chi Minh City. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.