Compared across countries
Can you drink the tap water?
For a trip that crosses borders — the same question, answered country by country.
The pattern
Only Japan and Korea are a plain yes. Taiwan and Thailand are certified by a city rather than a country, so the answer stops at the city limit and again at the building's own pipes. China and Vietnam are a plain no.
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Japan
Yes, anywhere in the country — including from the drinking fountains in stations and parks.
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China
No. Boil it or drink bottled — the kettle in every hotel room is there for exactly this reason.
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Thailand
The Bangkok utility certifies its supply as safe and drinkable. What that certification cannot cover is the building you are standing in — or anywhere outside its three provinces.
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Vietnam
No — the instruction from the tourism board is to stick to bottled water. Read the rest of that sentence carefully though: the caution about ice is written for rural areas, not for the whole country.
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South Korea
Yes — it is safe and heavily tested. Almost nobody drinks it straight anyway, out of habit rather than doubt.
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Taiwan
In Taipei, yes — the city's water department certifies it directly drinkable. That certification is Taipei's own, and it does not travel with you.
Japan
China
Thailand
Vietnam
South Korea
Taiwan