Can You Drink The Water In Thailand? Safe Travel Tips 2023
Wondering if you can drink the water in Thailand?
As a born and bred North Dakota girl, the heat and humidity of Thailand hits me hard every time I step off the plane.
It doesn’t take long before I feel like I am dying of thirst. And want to reach for the nearest and easiest water source near me.
If you make it to your hotel or Airbnb before hitting up a 7-Eleven, you may glance at the nearest innocent-looking faucet and wonder, can I drink the tap water in Thailand?
I have visited this exotic destination countless times for its gorgeous landscapes, rich culture, and amazingly kind local people.
I have spent months traveling the entire country, hiking the northern mountains, and island hopping through the south. And I have gotten to know and love Thailand and its people.
One of the most common concerns I hear voiced among visitors is the safety of the tap water in this beautiful country.
(As well as whether or not people speak English in Thailand.)
Travelers often ask me, “Can you drink the water in Thailand?”
The short answer is no, you cannot drink tap water in Thailand.
However, this opens up tons of other questions.
Is it safe to use tap water to brush your teeth? What if my Bangkok hotel says their water is safe to drink? What about ice cubes in my drink? Why is the water not safe to drink?
And where can you find safe, clean water to drink in Thailand?
In this article, I will answer all of these questions.
I’ll also provide essential facts about drinking water in Thailand. And discuss safe travel tips to ensure you stay healthy during your adventures.
From navigating tap water alternatives to practical strategies for staying hydrated, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in.
Can You Drink Tap Water In Thailand?
Drinking tap water in Thailand is not safe and should be avoided by any means.
You may hear some Thai people say that the quality of tap water is safe when it leaves the water treatment plants.
However, after traveling through unsanitary pipes and infrastructure, the water is not safe to drink.
Although it is safe to use for brushing teeth and steaming.
Can You Brush Your Teeth With Tap Water In Thailand?
Brushing your teeth with tap water in Thailand is a common question among travelers. There are many concerns about the safety of the local tap water.
Generally, it is considered safe to use tap water for this purpose. As the level of contaminants in the water should not pose a significant risk when used briefly for oral hygiene.
It’s essential to keep in mind that individual experiences may vary depending on factors such as location and personal health.
For example, someone staying in a luxury hotel room in Bangkok might have access to higher-quality tap water. Someone visiting a rural area may find untreated water sources more common.
To be safe, I strongly recommend not drinking Bangkok tap water even if your hotel says it is safe to drink.
Regardless of where you find yourself in Thailand, it is always wise to consult with locals. You can also talk with fellow travelers about their experiences using tap water for brushing their teeth.
In my personal experience, I have used Thailand’s tap water to brush my teeth in luxury hotels, urban areas, and rural homestays without issue.
Are Ice Cubes Safe In Thailand?
Ice cubes in Thailand are generally considered safe. They are typically produced commercially under hygienic conditions from clean water sources.
Many bars and restaurants purchase their ice from reputable suppliers to ensure the safety and satisfaction of their customers.
To minimize potential health risks associated with contaminated ice in Thailand, travelers should opt for establishments with a good reputation.
I have frequented many fun drinking places in Thailand, and I haven’t gotten sick from ice in my drinks (or cocktail buckets) yet.
If you are nervous, you can choose to avoid accepting offered ice at roadside stands. Or at small eateries where its origin is uncertain.
Risks Associated With Drinking Tap Water
Drinking tap water in Thailand poses several health risks, primarily due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria and contaminants like heavy metals.
Despite efforts by the Thai government to improve water quality with added chlorine treatments, inconsistencies remain in some areas that render it unsafe to drink.
Tourists may not be aware of the underlying issues within local infrastructure or modes of contamination affecting the tap water supply.
For example, outbreaks of gastroenteritis or traveler’s diarrhea are often linked to unregulated street food vendors who use untreated water when preparing dishes.
Furthermore, environmental factors, including heavy rainfall, can significantly impact regional water sources like lakes and rivers. Ultimately increasing the chances of exposure to pollutants.
Thailand’s Tap Water Alternatives
Bottled water, water refill dispensers, and water filters are all safer alternatives to tap water in Thailand.
Bottled Water
Sealed bottles of water are a popular alternative to tap water in Thailand. And they are readily available at most convenience stores, supermarkets, and tourist spots.
It’s important to note that not all bottled waters are the same.
Some brands may only be purified, while some may add extra minerals for taste.
The best choice would be spring water. It comes from natural sources and undergoes minimal processing, ensuring its purity and quality.
You can easily find healthy spring water and mineral water at local 7-Elevens. Or roadside markets which are sprinkled all throughout the country.
However, checking the bottle’s seal before purchasing is crucial. Because refilled or counterfeit bottles can be found in some areas of Thailand.
Once, I bought what I thought was a bottle of natural spring water from a Thailand market store before a hike.
Halfway through the hike, I grabbed it from my pack for a drink. That’s when I noticed that the lid’s seal was already broken.
I tried a drink, and this water tasted nothing like the thirst-quenching deliciousness I had come to expect from this particular brand of bottled water.
Rather than chance it, I dumped that bottle of water and grabbed a different one from the next market I saw.
Always check to make sure the lid on your bottled water is sealed. That way, you can avoid buying bottled water that has been refilled with tap water or any other water that could potentially make you sick.
Water Dispensers
Water dispensers are a popular alternative to buying bottled water in Thailand.
These dispensers can be found all over the country in hotels, cafes, and street vendors, and they offer a cost-effective way to stay hydrated while on the go.
My advice? Don’t drink from the water dispensers.
A study conducted by the World Health Organization found that 40% of refill stations in Thailand failed to meet potable water quality standards.
This means that the water may contain bacteria or other contaminants that could make you ill.
Water Filters and Water Filter Bottles
Water filters can be an effective solution for improving drinking water safety in Thailand.
Various types of water filters are available, including portable ones that can easily fit in a backpack or suitcase.
Using a reliable water filter can make drinking tap water or refilling dispensers found throughout Thailand safer.
It’s important to note that not all refill dispensers meet potable water quality standards, so using a personal filter is often the best choice.
Even better, bring along your own personal water filter bottle. I strongly recommend (and use) these LifeStraw water filter bottles for travel because they are so long-lasting and reliable.
Additionally, some hotels may provide filtered drinking water in guest rooms or lobby areas.
Tips For Staying Hydrated And Safe While Traveling In Thailand
Carry a reusable water bottle like this one to refill from reliable water dispensers or filtered sources instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles. Use a trustworthy water purification system and be cautious when ordering food and drinks.
Carry A Reusable Water Bottle
Carrying a reusable water bottle, especially a self-filtering bottle like this one, is highly recommended while traveling in Thailand.
Not only does it help reduce plastic waste, but it also ensures that you have access to safe and clean drinking water at all times.
Purchasing bottled water can be expensive in the long run, so having a reusable bottle with you can save money too.
If you use a regular reusable water bottle, make sure to fill up your bottle from reliable sources such as dispensers or filtered water fountains instead of using tap water directly.
However, if you use a self-filtering water bottle, you can refill your bottle with tap water in Thailand safely.
Remember that choosing the right type of reusable bottle is important, too. Stainless steel bottles are great for keeping liquids cold, while eco-friendly glass bottles do not affect taste quality.
Additionally, some hotels may provide guests with complimentary refillable bottles as part of their amenities package.
Use A Reliable Water Purification System
When traveling in Thailand, it’s important to have access to safe and clean drinking water. While bottled water is a popular choice, it can be expensive and not always readily available.
Several types of water filters are available on the market, including portable gravity-fed, pump-style, and straw-style filters. These systems use various methods to remove contaminants from the tap or natural water sources.
It’s important to note that even with a purification system, it may still be necessary to take additional precautions, such as boiling the filtered water before consuming it.
Be Cautious When Ordering Food And Drinks
When ordering food and drinks in Thailand, it’s important to be cautious as some items may not be prepared or stored safely.
It’s best to stick with well-cooked hot meals that are served fresh, avoiding raw or undercooked foods like salads and seafood.
As for drinks, avoid tap water at all costs and opt for bottled beverages from reputable sources instead.
Even when ordering alcohol, make sure the ice cubes added do not contain untreated water, as this could still lead to illness.
Avoid Roadside Ice And Uncooked Foods
To stay safe and healthy while traveling in Thailand, avoiding ice that is not commercially produced and raw or undercooked foods is important.
This is because tap water quality in Thailand can be uncertain, and ice made from contaminated water can cause illness.
Instead, opt for hot-cooked meals such as stir-fries or curries served piping hot. If you’re craving something cold to drink, look for clean ice made from mineral water at reputable bars and restaurants.
It’s also helpful to carry a reusable bottle filled with filtered or bottled water so you always have access to safe drinking water on the go.
Properly Storing Water
Proper water storage is essential to staying hydrated and healthy while traveling in Thailand, along with bringing along essential water purifiers.
It is recommended to carry a reusable water bottle or invest in a reliable water purification system that can filter out bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
It’s also important to note that drinking from unprotected sources such as untreated tap water, fountains, or rural areas where the quality of the water may be questionable should be avoided.
The World Health Organization recommends treating all drinking and cooking water with chlorine tablets, boiling for at least 10 minutes before consumption, or filtering through a high-quality filtration device.
This is important to follow before consuming if locally treated potable tap water is not available.
FAQs
Below is some frequently asked questions about drinking water in Thailand:
Tourists should avoid drinking tap water in Thailand to prevent illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses commonly found in untreated water. The World Health Organization recommends that travelers use bottled or filtered water to drink, brush their teeth, and make ice cubes.
Many hotels and restaurants offer safe alternatives like dispensers with purified water or mineral water bottles for purchase. It’s also essential to be cautious when ordering food and drinks, as even seemingly fresh produce could be contaminated with harmful germs.
To avoid getting sick while traveling in Thailand, make sure to drink bottled water. Stick to established food vendors and avoid uncooked or unsafe street-stand foods.
Carry hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. Also, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.
While washing your face with Thai tap water is generally safe, it’s important to avoid getting any in your mouth or eyes. The bacteria content of the water can lead to skin irritation and infection if not careful.
It’s best to use bottled or filtered water for drinking, cooking, and washing your face while traveling in Thailand.
Drinking tap water in Phuket or most parts of Thailand is not recommended. Tap water may contain harmful bacteria and chemicals that can cause stomach issues like diarrhea and other diseases.
To stay hydrated, it’s best to use alternatives like bottled water, filtered water, or dispensers that provide safe drinking water.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, drinking tap water in Thailand is not safe and should be avoided.
Drinkable water is one of the most important things to have with you in Thailand, whether hiking through the high elevations in Chiang Mai or swimming near a beach in Koh Samui.
To stay hydrated and healthy while traveling in Thailand, it’s recommended to stick to bottled water or use reliable water purification systems like filters or dispensers.
It’s important to stay cautious when ordering food and drinks, avoid uncooked foods, store water properly, and carry a reusable water bottle, especially a self-filtering bottle like these ones, for convenience.
You can also use water purification tablets to purify water, making it safe to drink.
These simple precautions allow you to enjoy your travels in Thailand without compromising your health.
Now you know everything you need about Thailand’s drinking water.
It’s time to go off and make some incredible memories of tuk-tuk rides through chaotic streets, floating lanterns illuminating the night sky, and the warm embrace of Thai hospitality.
I wish you happy travels, my friends!