Common causes of food poisoning in Vietnam
Food poisoning in Vietnam can be caused by various factors, often related to food handling, hygiene, and water quality. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Contaminated food or water – Food left out too long, improperly stored, or exposed to bacteria can lead to illness. Street food and local markets often have food sitting out in the open.
- Poor hygiene at food stalls/restaurants – Not all food vendors follow strict hygiene practices, and cross-contamination can occur in shared cooking spaces.
- Eating raw or undercooked seafood and meats – Fresh seafood is a highlight in Vietnam, but if not properly handled or cooked, it can carry bacteria or parasites.
- Ice and tap water consumption – Tap water is not safe to drink in Vietnam. Ice from unknown sources may also be made from unfiltered water, increasing the risk of contamination.
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables – Fresh produce can carry bacteria, pesticides, or parasites if not properly washed with clean water before consumption.
How to avoid food poisoning in Vietnam
Food poisoning is often preventable if you take the right precautions. While Vietnam is famous for its street food culture and diverse local dishes, not all food establishments maintain high hygiene standards. Here are some practical tips to minimize your risk of food poisoning while enjoying Vietnamese cuisine.
1. Choose where you eat carefully
Opt for busy restaurants and food stalls with high customer turnover. A high number of locals eating at a place is usually a good sign that the food is fresh and safe. Avoid places where food has been sitting out for a long time, and be cautious with buffets that are not kept at proper temperatures.
2. Avoid tap water
Drink only bottled or filtered water, as tap water in Vietnam is not safe for consumption. When buying bottled water, ensure the seal is intact to avoid tampered bottles. If you’re staying long-term, consider a portable water purifier or refillable filtered water stations, which are available in some hotels and hostels.
3. Be careful with ice
Most restaurants and cafes use factory-made ice, which is generally safe. However, if you are in smaller, less touristy areas, check if the ice has a clear appearance (factory ice) rather than cloudy (which might be made from tap water). If in doubt, ask for drinks without ice.
4. Peel or wash fruits & vegetables
Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce, as it may have been rinsed with tap water or exposed to bacteria. If you buy fresh fruits or vegetables, peel them or wash them with bottled/filtered water before eating. Many markets and street vendors sell pre-cut fruit—only buy from places where they store the fruit properly and use gloves.
5. Be cautious with seafood and raw dishes
Seafood is a major highlight in Vietnam, but freshness is key. Only eat seafood from reputable restaurants or markets known for high turnover. Be extra careful with raw seafood dishes like oysters or sashimi, and avoid seafood that smells overly fishy or looks discolored. If trying local specialties like gỏi cá (Vietnamese fish salad), ensure it is from a well-reviewed, high-quality establishment.
6. Watch food handling hygiene
When eating at food stalls or local restaurants, observe how the food is handled. Vendors should use clean utensils, gloves, or tongs rather than their bare hands when handling cooked food. Avoid places where raw and cooked foods are being handled with the same utensils or surfaces.
7. Trust your instincts
If something smells or looks off, don’t eat it. Trust your gut—if a place feels unhygienic or the food doesn’t taste right, it’s best to leave it and eat elsewhere. It’s better to waste a meal than to risk getting sick for days.
Symptoms of food poisoning
Food poisoning symptoms can vary in severity, but they typically start within a few hours to a day after consuming contaminated food or water. If you experience any of the following, it’s likely that you have food poisoning:
- Nausea and vomiting – A common reaction as your body tries to expel harmful bacteria or toxins.
- Diarrhea (sometimes with blood) – Frequent, loose, or watery stools, which may sometimes contain blood if the infection is severe.
- Stomach cramps and bloating – Painful abdominal cramping and gas are common signs of foodborne illness.
- Fever and chills – Your body may respond to an infection by raising its temperature to fight off bacteria.
- Dehydration – Due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration can occur quickly. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine, and feeling weak.
Most cases of food poisoning are mild and resolve on their own within a couple of days, but in severe cases, medical attention may be necessary.
What to do if you get food poisoning
If you get food poisoning in Vietnam, the key is to stay hydrated, rest, and give your body time to recover. Most cases resolve on their own within a day or two, but knowing how to manage symptoms properly can make a big difference in your recovery. Below are essential steps to take when dealing with food poisoning.
Rest and stay hydrated
Dehydration is the biggest risk with food poisoning due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Drink plenty of water, coconut water, or electrolyte drinks (available at any pharmacy in Vietnam). Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee or strong tea, as they can worsen dehydration. Taking small sips frequently is better than drinking large amounts at once if you feel nauseous.
Take medication if needed
If symptoms are mild, you may not need medication, but if diarrhea is persistent and affecting your ability to function, consider taking Loperamide (Imodium) to slow it down. Oral rehydration salts (ORS), available at pharmacies, help replenish lost electrolytes. Avoid taking anti-nausea medication unless prescribed by a doctor.
Eat light foods
Once you feel ready to eat, stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like plain rice, toast, bananas, broth, or porridge (cháo in Vietnam, which is widely available and often given to people who are sick). Avoid oily, fried, or rich foods that can further upset your stomach.
Avoid dairy, alcohol, and spicy foods
Dairy products, alcohol, and heavily seasoned or spicy foods can irritate your stomach and make symptoms worse. Stick to simple, non-irritating meals until you fully recover.
Monitor your symptoms
Most cases of food poisoning clear up within 24 to 48 hours, but if you have severe dehydration, a high fever, blood in your stool, or symptoms that don’t improve, seek medical attention immediately. Vietnam has pharmacies everywhere, but if symptoms persist or worsen, visit a reputable hospital.
Where to get help for food poisoning in Vietnam
If your food poisoning symptoms are severe or not improving, it’s important to know where to seek help. While most cases resolve on their own, Vietnam has plenty of resources, from pharmacies to hospitals, if you need medical assistance.
Let accommodation staff know
If you’re staying at a hotel or guesthouse, inform the staff about your condition. Vietnamese hospitality culture often means they’ll go out of their way to help—whether it’s bringing food and drinks to your room, running to a pharmacy for you, or arranging transport to a doctor if needed.
Visit a pharmacy
Pharmacies are widely available across Vietnam, and many medications, including rehydration salts, anti-diarrhea medicine, and stomach relief tablets, are sold over the counter. If you explain your symptoms, staff can often recommend appropriate treatments. Trusted pharmacy chains include:
Find a doctor or hospital
If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to visit a doctor or hospital. Major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang have international hospitals with English-speaking doctors. You can find a list of recommended hospitals here: Hospitals & Healthcare in Vietnam.
Call emergency services (115) if symptoms are severe
In extreme cases, such as severe dehydration, uncontrollable vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or loss of consciousness, call 115, Vietnam’s emergency medical number. Note that response times can vary, and in some situations, taking a taxi or Grab to the hospital might be faster.
