Food safety tips

1. Check restaurant reviews

Before choosing a restaurant, it is important to read online reviews from both local and international sources. These reviews can provide insight into the restaurant's food safety and hygiene standards.

2. Be careful with restaurants that have too many menus.

Restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines, especially those with Western options, may stock large quantities of food. This increases the risk of using ingredients that have been stored for too long. Choose local eateries or those with smaller menus, as they tend to focus on fresh ingredients and quick turnover.

3. Choose famous street food places

Street food vendors with a high local customer base are often indicative of good food quality. Busy stalls and restaurants ensure a constant supply of fresh ingredients, reducing the risk of food spoilage.

4. Take hygiene measures

Evaluate the sanitation standards of the food facility. Look for clean preparation areas, adequate handwashing facilities for employees, and general cleanliness in the dining area to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

5. Choose cooked and hot foods

Choose thoroughly cooked, hot meals. High temperatures kill bacteria, making hot foods safer. Avoid raw or undercooked foods such as raw seafood or rare meats to reduce the risk of infection.

6. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly

When consuming fresh produce, wash it with clean water or peel it before eating to remove contaminants such as dirt or pesticide residues.

7. Maintain personal hygiene

Make sure your hands are clean before eating. Carry hand sanitizer with you in case water is not available, especially before preparing food.

8. Trust your instincts

If you feel uneasy about a food establishment or have concerns about food safety, trust your instincts and choose an alternative.

9. Bring diarrhea medicine when traveling

Have over-the-counter medication available to prevent diarrhea when traveling.

10. Take probiotics and prebiotics about 30 days before going.

An effective way to avoid digestive diseases when coming to a new country is to supplement healthy probiotics. Probiotics, also known as probiotics, are bacteria that can bring many benefits to the digestive system in general. That is also the reason why Probiotics are considered good bacteria for everyone's health. In fact, this type of probiotic is found in the ingredients of some foods, biological products or supplements, etc. Meanwhile, Prebiotics are foods that are difficult to digest in our stomach and small intestine. Fibers are considered to be a rich and diverse source of Prebiotics. If probiotics benefit the digestive system, Prebiotics are a source of nutrients that help beneficial bacteria grow and develop more strongly. So in essence, Probiotics and Prebiotics do not have the same task. They complement each other, contributing to improving the efficiency of the digestive system in the body.

Water Safety in Vietnam

Drinking water

Always choose bottled or filtered water in Vietnam to avoid waterborne diseases. Avoid drinking tap water or using tap water to brush your teeth unless it has been boiled.

Tap water quality

Tap water quality in Vietnam varies by region and often contains contaminants such as E. Coli, ammonia, and arsenic. In general, tap water is not safe to drink.

Ice and drinks

Most ice in Vietnam is safe, but opt for cold drinks if you are concerned. Make sure drinks in restaurants are made with purified or boiled water.

Brush teeth and personal hygiene

In urban areas, brushing your teeth with tap water is generally safe, but bottled water should be used in areas with inconsistent water quality.

Bottled water options

Bottled water is widely available and is the safest option to drink. Brands such as Vinh Hao, Lavie, Aquafina, Dasani and Evian are reputable. Always check the seal before buying.

Tips for using tap water

1. Choose cold drinks instead of iced drinks.
2. Make sure bottled water is tightly sealed and undamaged.
3. Use bottled water to rinse contact lenses or treat minor wounds.
4. Order canned or bottled drinks when dining out.
5. Use bottled water to brush your teeth if you are concerned about the quality of tap water.

These tips aim to enhance your travel experience in Vietnam by ensuring food and water safety, allowing you to enjoy the rich cuisine with peace of mind.