Ultimate Guide to Drinking Water in Chiang Mai (2024)

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Are you traveling to Chiang Mai, Thailand, and wondering if the drinking water in Chiang Mai is safe? 

Or maybe you’ve heard rumors about unreliable or unsafe tap water in Chiang Mai and need to know what your options are? 

I had this same question when I first moved to Chiang Mai. I lived there for a couple of months and learned all of the tricks for finding cheap and safe drinking water. 

Drinking tap water in Chiang Mai is not a good idea, despite how good the government claims Thailand’s water quality is.

Having tummy trouble when you’re out exploring is no fun (believe me, I’ve been there), but don’t worry!

When it comes to safe drinking water in Chiang Mai, Thailand there are a lot of potential solutions for travelers and locals alike. 

But with so many options out there from bottled waters to reverse osmosis filtration systems, how do you know which option is best for you?

I’ll answer all these questions and more. Let’s look at the common concerns about the potability of tap water in Chiang Mai as well as the World Health Organization’s recommendations on local resources for maintaining good drinking habits. 

We’ll also explore other ways of buying safe and clean drinking water including from vending machines, delivery services or even installing a personal filtration system.

So grab your reusable water bottles and let’s go!

Can You Drink Tap Water in Chiang Mai?

If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, you might be wondering about the safety of drinking tap water in Chiang Mai. 

Unfortunately, few people trust the water coming out of their taps, even locals. And getting sick in Thailand when you should be enjoying yourself is not fun. You can’t hike the famous Monk’s Trail if you’re having diarrhea!

You may have heard that boiling water is the solution to this problem, but it turns out that this might not be enough.

While boiling water can kill bacteria, it doesn’t eliminate other contaminants that may be present in the water, like heavy metals or chemicals. In fact, boiling water can even concentrate some of these substances, making them more dangerous to consume.

So what are your options for safe drinking water in Chiang Mai? 

One option is to buy bottled drinking water, although this can be expensive and environmentally unfriendly. Another option particularly for residents is to invest in a water filtration system, which can help remove impurities from the tap water.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure that you’re informed about the potential risks of drinking tap water in Chiang Mai. 

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Can you drink tap water in Thailand?

Tap water in Thailand is not considered safe for drinking due to the high level of contaminants and microorganisms present in the water. 

Boiling tap water in Thailand may eliminate bacteria but it won’t rid it of other pollutants such as heavy metals, which can also cause harm.

To stay safe, it is always best to stick to bottled water in Thailand or other safe drinking options.

However, most people are able to safely use tap water for showering, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. I used tap water for brushing my teeth without any problems when I was living in Chiang Mai.

💧 Thirsty? Always have clean drinking water on hand and save money with this reusable water bottle! It works great, turning tap water into safe-to-drink water that tastes good.

Best Chiang Mai Water Options for Travelers

My go-to is using a water bottle with a built-in filter that turns any tap water into clean and safe drinking water. It’s super convenient for travel (there’s nothing worse than arriving somewhere and having to run out to find bottled water), and has saved me so much money!

Bottled Water in Chiang Mai

Buying and drinking bottled water in Chiang Mai is the easiest solution for thirsty travelers. 

You can buy bottled water almost anywhere, whether it’s a Tesco, 7/11, Big C, or the simplest convenience store or market, you can access bottled water quickly and easily. A large 6-liter bottle costs about 35 baht ($1 USD) and fits easily between your legs on your scooter if you have one.

The sources of this water are public water supply, underground aquifers, or spring sources, yet producers are not obligated to show the exact source of the water, which can be annoying if you’re picky about where your water is coming from.

As a traveler in Chiang Mai, buying bottled water is an excellent option, with one proviso. While it may be a convenient and cost-effective solution, single-use plastic is a downside that many travelers may not appreciate. 

I don’t feel good about buying a lot of bottled water when I travel due to the environmental impact, so I like to use a filter water bottle. Using a filtered water bottle while traveling to Chiang Mai has many benefits. You can have access to safe, clean, filtered water without plastic. This easy-to-carry bottle features a filter that can purify water from any source, so you can refill and reuse it whenever you need. It’ll save you some money. Plus, it’s great for the planet! 🌍

If you do decide to buy bottled water, as many travelers do, opt for a larger 6-liter bottle and refill your reusable bottle from there, saving some plastic. A 6-liter bottle costs roughly around 35 Baht (approximately $1 USD).

Drinking safe water during your stay in Chiang Mai is essential, and bottled water is a safe and convenient option. 

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Filtered Water and Ice provided in Restaurants

The food in Thailand is incredible, and eating out at local restaurants and street food stands is an essential part of any traveler’s experience. But the food is sometimes spicy and will have you reaching for water pretty fast – you can’t only drink Chang beer the whole time!

When you eat out in Thailand, you may be offered complimentary filtered water and ice cubes by restaurants. The big question is – can you trust it?

I eat out in Chiang Mai every day, usually twice a day, and have often drank the water provided. In places that have a lot of tourists like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, you can feel fairly confident that the water they are serving has been filtered. Same with the ice.

You can tell if ice is filtered easily – if the ice has a hole in it, it’s filtered.

Restaurants can’t have a successful business if their customers are falling sick! 

And some larger restaurants have built-in water treatment systems that purify all of the incoming tap water for the kitchen, ensuring that the water used to cook, clean, and prepare dishes is free from contamination.

You can always ask for bottled water if you want to be extra cautious, but I personally like to save the bahts for food and Chang. 

Some people may think that using tap water to wash produce or cooking pasta and rice is risky, but the truth is it’s not poisonous. In fact, most of the tap water in Thailand is perfectly fine for washing and cleaning. You just don’t want to drink the tap water in Thailand. 

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Water Refill Dispensers in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in Thailand, known for its rich history, culture, delicious food, and beautiful nature. 

However, when it comes to quenching your thirst, you can’t always rely on the quality of Chiang Mai tap water. The good news is that there’s a sustainable solution that’s been around for years – self-service water purification machines!

Conveniently scattered all over the city, these machines allow you to refill your container with purified water at any time of day or night. And for just 1 baht, you can get 1-3 liters of freshly filtered water into your own empty containers, making it both affordable and sustainable.

So why do many expats in Chiang Mai seem so wary about this option?

The most common purification method used in these machines is reverse osmosis, but some also have additional purification methods like ozone sterilization or ultraviolet purification. And if you’re looking for a refreshing drink, some machines even provide chilled water!

But there’s always a catch, right? 

While these machines might seem like an ideal solution for your thirst, there are hygiene concerns that can’t be overlooked. 

In 2015, the Bangkok Post reported that only 50% of the dispensers surveyed were found to be above hygiene standards, and only 15% of the examined machines were registered with the Department of Local Administration.

According to my expat friends in Chiang Mai, some of the machines are better to use than others. So, which machines should you use? 

The ones inside private condominiums and hotels are generally newer and well-maintained. Sometimes there’s a service date sticker on the machine you can check. 

Machines that aren’t maintained are no better than drinking tap water. 

One local I talked to even commented, “I wouldn’t be caught dead using one, not worth the risk.”

Self-service water purification machines are a sustainable and affordable option in Chiang Mai, but it’s always important to use caution. 

If I’m being honest, I had originally planned to use this option for drinking water in Chiang Mai, but talking to other expats freaked me out. It seems to be too much of a gamble, so instead I alternated between buying bottled water and using my own filtered water bottle. 

Ask around for the best and most reliable options, and always keep a lookout for newer machines that are clean and well-maintained.

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How to Operate the Water Refill Dispenser Machines in Thailand

The instructions for these water vending machines are usually in Thai, but they’re usually pretty easy to figure out. 

1. Insert coins – only 1, 2, 5, and 10 baht coins are accepted and the price should be listed on the machine. Don’t expect change.
2. Open the compartment doors on the front of the machine.
3. Pull down or lift up the trays to the right height for your container.
4. Position your empty container under the opened nozzle.
5. Press the green button to start/stop the flow of water.

Brushing Your Teeth in Chiang Mai

Most travelers to Chiang Mai can’t be bothered to brush their teeth with bottled water, and use tap water without any issues.

As someone who brushes my teeth with tap water in Chiang Mai regularly, I’m living proof that it’s perfectly fine. Just be careful not to swallow the water (although even if you swallowed a little water by accident, nothing will happen – it’s not poison). 

I’ve also used Chiang Mai tap water to make pasta and rice without any issues. 

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Best Chiang Mai Water Options for Residents

If you’re like me and you decided to stay in Chiang Mai longer, going out to the store every few days to buy big bottles of bottled water doesn’t make sense. It’s an inconvenience and not cost-effective, nor sustainable environmentally.

Luckily, there are multiple better options to consider, like having water delivered to your home or installing a water filter in your sink. Let’s talk about the options!

Water Delivery in Chiang Mai

Living in Chiang Mai? Stay hydrated with home-delivery water services!

As an expat, you’re probably used to the convenience of having delicious food or even groceries delivered to your doorstep, but did you know that you can also get water delivered straight to your home? It’s one of the best-kept secrets among the expat community in Chiang Mai!

Not only is having water delivered cheaper than buying bottled water at a store, but it’s also more sustainable. Plus, your apartment probably already has a water supplier that the other residents use – just talk to the juristic person for more information.

Tip the friendly delivery workers and they’ll carry the heavy water directly into your home for you – no heavy lifting required! 

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Water Delivery Companies in Chiang Mai

Glacier Water is the most popular water delivery service in Chiang Mai, and even though it’s a bit on the expensive side compared to the other companies, the reliability, and high quality more than make up for it. Locals love it and have been using it for decades!

With Glacier, you’ll pay 40 baht per crate for plastic bottles and 60 baht per crate for glass. A lot of people like the taste of the water in the glass bottles instead. When you receive a new delivery, they’ll take the empty bottles away. 

You’ll have a regular delivery day, pay in cash upon delivery, and if you’re not home you can just leave the cash in the crate. You will give a one-time deposit for the crate and bottles.

Glacier has no website and it can be hard to find their contact information online. Try this phone number 053 128 500. 

Dew Drop is the second most popular water delivery company in Chiang Mai and also offers glass bottles if you don’t want plastic.

If you have any problems setting up water delivery in Chiang Mai, ask your neighbors or landlord who likely already have a service set up. Some services cater to specific neighborhoods, so just go with whoever your neighbors are using.

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Spring Water Delivery in Chiang Mai

Some residents prefer to only use RO water (which is what a delivery service will bring you) for cooking and get spring water delivered from Tops supermarket for drinking – and Aura is definitely a brand to try. 

Keep in mind that RO water removes healthy minerals from the drinking water, but it’s less of an issue if you make sure to get enough minerals from your food.

Water delivery services aren’t just convenient – they’re also an eco-friendly and sustainable way to stay hydrated while living in Chiang Mai. 

Give it a try – your body and the environment will thank you!

Home Water Purification Systems in Chiang Mai

If you’re living in Chiang Mai long-term, water delivery might not be the most convenient option for you.

The most convenient and environmentally-friendly option for safe drinking water in Chiang Mai is to use a water filter, which can easily be installed in your home. 

Water filters remove impurities, chemicals, and contaminants from tap water, ensuring it’s safe for consumption and cooking. Water filters also help improve the taste and drinking water quality, making it easier to enjoy.

When purchasing a home water purification system, there are a few things to consider. The first thing is to determine which type of filter is best for your home. You can even buy a smaller unit that fits under your sink or on your kitchen counter. 

A filtration system costs about 4,000-10,000 baht. You can find water purification systems at Big C supercenters, Tesco Lotus Hypermarkets, or Homepro. Some Thai companies that sell them are Uni-Pure, Colandas, Aquatek, Clarte, Filtex, Treatton, and Mazuma.

I talked to some local expats about their systems to get an idea of what to buy. One guy bought a Stiebel Eltron Glacier 2 years ago and is very happy with it. It’s one of the more expensive options, but worth it, he says.  

Another used the Mazuma brand from Homepro, which he got for less than 9,000 baht including installation, and it’s working well. 

And a third has had a Mazuma RO system for 6.5 years and works great. He paid about 8,500 baht and needs to change the sediment filter every 6 months, and the other filters every 12 months.

If you are a renter, you may need permission from your landlord to install a system.

There are many types of filters on the market, including activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and UV water disinfection systems.

Activated carbon filters are the most popular because they are affordable and effective. They remove chlorine, pesticides, and other impurities from the tap water. Reverse osmosis systems are great for removing heavy metals and mineral salts from the water. UV water disinfection systems use UV light to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses.

Another factor to consider is the size of the filter. If you have a large family or use a lot of water, you’ll need a bigger filter to handle the demand. It’s also important to ensure that your filter is regularly serviced and replaced, as a clogged or dirty filter can reduce the efficacy of the system.

Finally, it’s important to be familiar with the maintenance requirements of your water purification system. Filters are not a one-size-fits-all solution and will require different levels of upkeep. When purchasing a filtration system, be sure to ask for guidance on maintenance tasks and schedules.

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How Much is the Water Bill for Residents in Chiang Mai?

Are you thinking about moving to Chiang Mai and wondering about the cost of living? One thing you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank on is your water bill! 

Water in Chiang Mai is ridiculously cheap, costing just pocket change. New residents may find it hard to believe, but it’s true! 

Most expats living in Chiang Mai pay around 80-200 baht (less than $6) for their monthly water bill, depending on the size of their home and how many people are living there. It’s as simple as that! 

Of course, with any utility bill, your usage will affect the total amount you pay. But rest assured, you won’t be paying an arm and a leg for water in Chiang Mai. 

Too bad the electric bill is not as cheap as the water bill!

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Budget

My pick for the best hostel in Chiang Mai is Hostel Lullaby. I stayed here multiple times when I was backpacking Thailand. It’s a quiet hostel that attracts more mature backpackers and is in a great location with super comfortable beds that have curtains, and rooms that have A/C. I made so many friends at the complimentary breakfast who I traveled with all over Northern Thailand.

Mid-Range

My top pick for a hotel in Chiang Mai is POR Thapae Gate because it’s in the perfect location and has a great breakfast! The staff here is amazing, and you’ll love having a relaxing place to come home to after a full day of exploring.

Luxury

My pick for the best 5-star luxury hotel in Chiang Mai is Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai, with a near-perfect 10 rating and a swimming pool. This is the tranquil retreat from the city you need! 

Water in Chiang Mai FAQs

👉 My top pick for a hotel in Chiang Mai is POR Thapae Gate because it’s in the perfect location and has a great breakfast! The staff here is amazing, and you’ll love having a relaxing place to come home to after a full day of exploring.

Final Thoughts: Water in Chiang Mai

When exploring the wonders of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, the last thing you want is an upset stomach from drinking tap water. 

So, is Chiang Mai water drinkable? Not the tap water.

Remember to always avoid tap water and opt for bottled water or filtered water instead. 

You might think the answer to this predicament is to drink more Chang beer (the real best drinking water in Thailand), but there are other options!

When I’m traveling through Southeast Asia, which I’ve done quite a lot, I like to use a filtered water bottle so that I can have clean and safe water wherever I go without using a bunch of plastic or spending extra money.

Residents in Chiang Mai can easily stay hydrated by using a water delivery service like Glacier or filtering the water in their own homes by installing a water filtration system. Water refill stations are also a great option, however, make sure to choose machines that are clean and well-maintained. 

This advice works for drinking water in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand as well.

Now you know all about drinking water in Chiang Mai, so it’s time to decide the best place to rent your motorbike from!

Drink up!

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