Capital city in Vientiane Prefecture, Laos
Can you drink tap water in Vientiane?
NoNo, drink bottled
Can you drink the tap water in Vientiane?
Don't drink the tap water. Drink bottled or filtered water. Refill stations are common at guesthouses and cafés.
Key facts
- In Vientiane: Drink bottled or filtered water. Refill stations are common at guesthouses and cafés.
- Across Laos: Drink bottled or filtered water; many guesthouses have refill dispensers. Ice in towns is usually factory-made.
- Safely managed drinking water: 35% of people in Laos (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water across Laos
| Place | Tap water |
|---|---|
| Luang Prabang | No, drink bottled |
| Vang Vieng | No, drink bottled |
| Vientiane | No, drink bottled |
| 4000 Islands | No, drink bottled |
| Pakse | No, drink bottled |
| Nong Khiaw | No, drink bottled |
| Thakhek | No, drink bottled |
| Phonsavan | No, drink bottled |
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in Vientiane?
Don't drink the tap water. Drink bottled or filtered water. Refill stations are common at guesthouses and cafés.
Can you drink tap water in Laos?
Drink bottled or filtered water; many guesthouses have refill dispensers. Ice in towns is usually factory-made.
More about Vientiane
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Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF)
- CDC: food and water safety for travelers
- Laos Tourism
Verdicts reflect official utility statements and what locals actually do. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.