Is Vientiane Tap Water Safe To Drink?

No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.

Tap water in Vientiane, Laos is generally not considered safe for drinking without treatment. Contamination risks include bacteria and microbes.

Water Sources
Drinking Fountains

Locals and visitors often prefer bottled water or boiling tap water before use. Infrastructure limitations affect consistent water quality.

For safe consumption, use purified bottled water or employ reliable filtration and boiling methods to eliminate pathogens and contaminants.

Last checked: 2025-06-30

Source of Water in Vientiane, Laos

Tap water in Vientiane mainly comes from the Nam Ngum River and local groundwater sources. These provide raw water for treatment plants.

Water treatment includes sedimentation, filtration, and chlorination to improve safety before distribution. However, treatment infrastructure varies in efficiency.

Seasonal changes and pollution impact water quality, making source protection and treatment crucial for supplying safe tap water to residents.

Vientiane Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains in Vientiane are generally not considered safe due to potential contamination from insufficient maintenance and water quality issues.

Users risk exposure to bacteria and microbes if fountains are connected directly to untreated or poorly treated water sources.

It is advisable to avoid using public fountains for drinking; instead, rely on bottled or properly treated water to ensure safety.

Drinking Water Map

Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Vientiane. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.

Nearby Places

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.

Disclaimer

* The information provided on this website regarding the safety of tap water in Vientiane is sourced from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), local water authorities, and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) from Yale University. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, it's important to note that water quality can vary over time and may be subject to factors beyond our control. Users are encouraged to verify the current water quality status with local authorities or consult additional resources before making decisions regarding water consumption. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided on this website.