| Situation | Risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dish cooked to order (grilled bun cha, boiling pho) at a full stall | Low | Eat with confidence |
| Fresh herbs, salad, raw vegetables | Medium | Eat little early in the trip, or washed in filtered water |
| Ice in a drink | Variable | Established restaurants often use treated-water ice; a street stall is less certain |
| Tap water | High | Bottle opened in front of you or filtered water |
| Raw seafood, undercooked meat | High | Avoid |
| Unpeeled fruit washed in water | Medium | Choose fruit you peel yourself |
Choosing the stall
A stall where locals queue serves food that turns over fast, so it is fresh. Look at whether the dish is cooked to order, whether chopsticks and bowls are rinsed in clean water, and whether raw meat is kept apart from ready food. For a first evening, a guided tour picks the places for you: see street food in Hanoi. For specific dishes, read bun cha, the best pho in Hanoi and eating late at night.
Water and ice
Drink bottled water with an intact cap, or boiled or filtered water: see tap water in Hanoi. Ice raises more questions: according to health guides, that of established hotels and restaurants generally comes from purified water, while that of street vendors has an unknown origin. If in doubt, ask for the drink without ice. Brush your teeth with bottled water if your stomach is fragile.
Classic mistakes
- Diving into everything on day one: give your body 48 hours, especially with raw herbs.
- Neglecting hydration: heat is tiring and dehydration worsens digestive upsets.
- Dishes that have waited: avoid what has sat at room temperature.
- Hands: wash them or use gel before eating.
If you are ill
Rehydrate with oral rehydration salts, sold at pharmacies, and rest. The pharmacist can advise a treatment. See a doctor for fever, blood in the stool, persistent vomiting or symptoms lasting more than a few days. The French Hospital of Hanoi, the Family Medical Practice and Vinmec Times City are the addresses most often cited: see English-speaking doctors in Hanoi. The ambulance number most often quoted is 115; confirm it with your hotel. Private care has to be paid for: see travel insurance in Vietnam.
FAQ
Is Hanoi street food safe? Yes if you choose busy stalls and cooked dishes, and avoid tap water.
Can you have ice in Hanoi? That of established venues is generally made from treated water; for street stalls it is uncertain, so ask for no ice.
What to do about traveller's diarrhoea? Rehydration, rest, and the advice of a pharmacist or doctor if symptoms last.
The Hanoi Authority editorial team, 30 October 2026
