Is Hoi An Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Hoi An, Vietnam, is generally not safe for direct drinking due to potential contamination and outdated infrastructure. Locals and tourists typically avoid it.
Bottled water or filtered water is recommended for drinking and cooking. Many accommodations provide purified water or water dispensers for safe consumption.
Boiling tap water can reduce some risks but may not eliminate all chemical contaminants. Using reliable water sources ensures better health protection.
Last checked: 2026-02-17
Source of Water in Hoi An, Vietnam
Tap water in Hoi An mainly originates from surface water sources like the Thu Bon River and nearby reservoirs. These undergo basic treatment.
Groundwater is also used, extracted from wells to supplement supply. However, over-extraction has led to quality and quantity concerns in some areas.
Water treatment plants provide chlorination and sedimentation but may not fully remove all contaminants. Distribution infrastructure affects water quality reaching consumers.
Hoi An Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Hoi An often lack regular maintenance, increasing the risk of contamination. Their safety for direct drinking is generally not guaranteed.
Bacteria and pollutants can accumulate, especially in older or poorly managed fountains. Users should exercise caution before drinking directly from them.
Using bottled or filtered water remains the safest option. If necessary, boiling water from public sources is recommended to reduce health risks.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Hoi An. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
- Da Nang
(24 km)
- Siem Reap
(556 km)
- Ho Chi Minh City
(591 km)
- Phnom Penh
(605 km)
- Hanoi
(629 km)
- Vientiane
(652 km)
About the Author
Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job, it's something I truly care about.