Drinking Water, Ice and Food Hygiene in Phuket

Tap water

Tap water in Phuket is treated, but guides and residents generally advise against drinking it straight from the tap, because of old pipes, rooftop tanks and storage in buildings. It is considered fine for showering, washing and cooking where food is boiled. Most sources say brushing teeth with it is acceptable, although some people use filtered water to be safe, especially in the first months.

Hotels vary. Many drink only bottled or filtered water even in good hotels, so drink from the bottle in the room if you are unsure.

Where residents get drinking water

• Refill machines outside shops, petrol stations and on many streets, dispensing filtered water at about 1 to 2 baht a litre. Bring your own bottle or jug.
• Delivered 19 or 20 litre cooler bottles, often quoted at about 35 to 60 baht each, which suit homes and offices.
• Bottled water from shops, usually cheap but wasteful.
• A home filter: counter-top filters, UV purifiers or under-sink reverse osmosis systems, with guides quoting from a few hundred baht for jugs to around 5,000 to 15,000 baht for under-sink systems.

Clean refill bottles and filters on schedule, since dirty containers can undo the benefit. Ask your landlord about the building's water tank and any filter already installed. The electricity and mould guide covers the other household water issues.

Ice

Ice at established restaurants and bars is generally made by commercial suppliers using filtered water, and the cylinders with a hole in the middle are the usual sign of commercial ice. Crushed or irregular ice at roadside stalls may be less reliable. If in doubt, skip the ice, or ask the vendor whether it is filtered ice.

Food hygiene habits

• Choose busy stalls and restaurants where food is cooked fresh and served hot.
• Be careful with salads, raw shellfish and anything washed in tap water if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Wash fruit and vegetables from markets in filtered water.
• Wash your hands before eating, and carry sanitiser.
• Keep fridge food covered and cooked food refrigerated. The eating and markets guide covers where residents shop and eat.

Vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly suggested for people eating a lot of street food, and hospital travel clinics can advise. See the health and insurance guide.

When to see a doctor

• Diarrhoea that lasts more than a couple of days, or comes with fever, blood or severe pain.
• Vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down, especially in children and older people.
• Signs of dehydration: dark urine, dizziness or a very dry mouth.

Drink oral rehydration solution, which pharmacies sell. For medicines and prescriptions, see the guide to pharmacies and bringing medicine, and for dengue and other hazards see the health hazards guide.