Not Safe
Vietnam
·
Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Ho Chi Minh City?
No, tap water in Ho Chi Minh City is not safe to drink. SAWACO treats water from the Dong Nai River, but aging distribution pipes and low-pressure zones allow contamination. Locals rely on bottled or filtered water for all drinking needs.
Hardness
Moderate (100–150 mg/L calcium carbonate typical for Ho Chi Minh City supply)
Country
Vietnam
Rating
Not Safe
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
Dong Nai River, treated by SAWACO (Saigon Water Corporation) at municipal treatment facilities
Contaminants & Concerns
Bacteria from pipe leaks in low-pressure zones, sediment and rust from aging distribution infrastructure, residual chlorine, potential industrial runoff contaminants
Tips
- •Use only bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth throughout your stay
- •Boiled water served at local restaurants and pho shops is safe to consume
- •Avoid ice at street food stalls—reputable restaurants typically use commercially produced ice made from purified water
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
- •CDC Travelers' Health destination pages
- •The municipal water utility's published quality data