Having just returned from Bali and now planning a Phuket trip, I'm curious...can you drink the water there? If not, how bad is it? I know in Bali we were brushing our teeth in bottled water and not even eating salads since the lettuce had been washed from the tap.

Thanks in advance for your help! Also, does anyone know any good Thailand/Phuket travel forums? I have a lot to learn.

The only place in Asia, I'd drink tap water is in Singapore. Yes, you should observe water precautions in Phuket. That said, in many places, you can eat salads and such in 5 star hotels, as they wash their produce in purified water.

Bottled water, always! Costs B 5-7 per litre

I drink the tap water in most places including Singapore, Bangkok, KL, Pattaya and Phuket. No complaints - but with bottled water only a few baht I suppose you shouldn't take any chances in Thailand.

Bottled water! For sure! I wouldn't take any chances.

Whaever some people might say do NOT drink tap water in Pattaya or Phuket! If anyone has done so without a problem that is sheer luck. Untreated water can cause serious ( I mean serious ) illness and disease. Thai people do not drink from the tap!

How about the other precautions?
Brushing your teeth with bottled water?
Avoiding fruit cut up and peeled by others than yourself.
Avoiding fruit juice. etc.
Any thoughts?

You should follow routine water precautions. That does mean brushing your teeth with bottled water. You should also be cautious in eating anyhting that is not hot. So that does mean peeled fruit, salads, etc. However, as I mentioned above, 5* places will wash items in purified water and are safe for eating salads, cut fruits, etc.

You may want to read the cdc website (www.cdc.gov/travel) if you are not familiar with water precautions.

Thanks, Kathie. I'm very familiar with water precautions....maybe a little too familiar. I guess I was just hoping that I wouldn't have to be so overly cautious again.

The CDC advice is wonderful. I especially recommend the "pepto plan" as a prophylactic. We followed it with success on Bali this month.

Ericka, once you get used to following water precautions when traveling, you'll find it becomes automatic. It will no longer feel like a bother.

Enjoy your stay on Phuket!

As Kathie says, once to get used to it you will find it automatic. I cannot get used to people actually 'drinking' tap water!! Even when we went to Switzerland my wife looked horrified when she saw me fill a glass of water from a tap/faucet and drink it, I was only doing it to show that it was fine!