Asia · Last reviewed 2026-04-29

Can I drink tap water in
Laos?

🚫Avoid tap water

Tap water in Laos is not safe to drink — use bottled water, including in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

At a glance

What's safe in Laos

💧

Drink tap water

🪥

Brush teeth

🧊

Ice in drinks

💡Bottled or filtered water is recommended

Practical advice

How to stay hydrated safely

Buy bottled from reputable shops

In Laos, buy sealed bottled water from supermarkets, hotels, or established shops. Check the seal is intact before drinking — refilled bottles are sold in some markets.

Use a travel water filter

A filter bottle (LifeStraw, Grayl, Sawyer) covers any tap source and saves money and plastic on longer trips. UV pens (SteriPEN) also work for clear water.

Boil water if you have a kettle

A full rolling boil for at least one minute kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. This is the cheapest and most reliable treatment if your accommodation has a kettle.

Be careful with ice and food washing

Avoid ice unless you can confirm it was made from filtered or bottled water. Salads and unpeeled fruit washed in tap water can also carry pathogens — peel fruit yourself or order cooked vegetables.

If you do get sick, hydrate aggressively

Traveller's diarrhoea is usually short and self-limiting. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are widely available — keep sipping fluids. See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, you have a fever, or you see blood.

FAQ

Laos tap water · questions

Can I drink tap water in Laos?

Tap water in Laos is not safe to drink — use bottled water, including in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Is it safe to brush my teeth with tap water in Laos?

No — use bottled water for brushing teeth in Laos. Even small amounts swallowed during brushing can carry waterborne pathogens.

Is ice safe in restaurants in Laos?

Avoid ice in Laos unless you can confirm it was made from filtered or bottled water. Reputable hotels and tourist restaurants usually use safe ice — street vendors often don't.

What about hot drinks like coffee and tea in Laos?

Boiling water for at least one minute kills most pathogens, so hot tea and coffee made from properly boiled water are generally safe even where tap water isn’t. Be cautious of warm drinks that may not have been brought to a full boil.

Should I bring a water filter to Laos?

Yes — a reusable bottle with a built-in filter (LifeStraw, Grayl, Sawyer) saves money and plastic over buying bottled the entire trip. UV pens (SteriPEN) also work for clear water.

When was this guidance last reviewed?

Last reviewed 2026-04-29. Tap water conditions can change after major infrastructure events or boil-water notices — always check the latest official sources before travelling.

Sources

Disclaimer: This is general traveller guidance for Laos, not medical advice. Conditions change after infrastructure incidents or boil-water notices — always check official sources before drinking. Last reviewed 2026-04-29.

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Can I drink tap water in
Laos?

What's safe in Laos