It’s hardly breaking news that travellers are increasingly curating itineraries for Vietnam. Obviously, social media is used for research purposes for all those hidden gems in Ho Chi Minh City, must-try street food spots in Phu Quoc, and the ultimate packing checklists.
But along with planning well for their trip, travellers are also carrying along something that they claim comes handy and protects their gut from ‘Vietnam Belly’.
If you are doing your due diligence on social media, you have probably come across a vial that travellers are buying, especially when heading to Vietnam. It’s called the ‘erceflora’ vial that several people consume before hitting the streets.
It’s not for energy or hangovers. These are probiotic vials that people take so they can go on food crawls without worrying about their gut (diarrhoea, stomach illness etc).
Why Vietnam? Well, it’s not just that. Travellers in the Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan are carrying it too. Basically Southeast Asia.
With the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, the travel landscape is anyway gravitating towards Southeast Asia. In fact, Agoda’s 2025 data shows Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam witnessing an eightfold rise in interest. Combining that with hassle-free visa norms across Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia – Southeast Asia is becoming a preferred travel choice for both short and long-haul vacations, especially for Indians.
Considering how much people enjoy sharing their experiences and documenting every lived moment, there are several videos about getting an upset stomach and now, these vials are popping up on the feed too.
What’s up with travel vials?
One thing that is common among modern-age travellers is the enthusiasm to go vocal for local. Everyone wants a bite of the local experience. Everyone has that curiosity. But in that culinary adventure you need a loyal ally: your gut.
One wrong bite, one bad sip and your stomach can go for a toss, taking your trip down with it. And that’s exactly why the erceflora vials are catching up.
“Erceflora is a probiotic that contains Bacillus clausii spores. It is supposed to survive stomach acid and heat, and is used to support gut health and balance intestinal flora during antibiotic use or digestive complaints,” confirms Sweedal Trinidade, chief dietician, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim.
Probiotics can help support gut health by maintaining the balance of good bacteria, especially when your body is exposed to new environments.
“Travellers carrying it to Southeast Asia may bank on its ability to survive stomach acid and temporarily colonise the gut, potentially reducing the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea when exposed to new or harmful bacteria in street food, but it’s not a failsafe technique,” she cautions.
While these may be simple probiotics, it is important to understand the right way to consume them.
“Probiotic vials are usually considered safe for healthy individuals when used as directed. They are mainly consumed as per medical advice, usually before or during travel. It is very important to follow instructions related to storage, maintain hygiene while consuming, and avoid mixing them with very hot liquids,” Dr Shoolpani Mishra, associate consultant – gastroenterology, Regency Hospital, Gorakhpur, tells India Today.
“However, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, or those with serious health conditions should definitely consult a doctor before use in order to prevent any complications,” he warns.
Checklist for traveller’s gut
Trying local food is half the joy of travel, but so is dodging the occasional stomach upset. “Delhi belly,” “Bali belly”—the names are already part of travel lore.
Before you leave, here are expert-backed tips to keep your gut healthy while travelling:
- Hand hygiene is of prime importance.
- Hydration is non-negotiable. Contaminated water is a major cause of stomach issues. So, drink bottled water, or fluids from sealed bottles.
- Stay hydrated with electrolytes like coconut water, lime water, or WHO-recommended oral rehydration solutions.
- Avoid raw and pre-cut fruits, and unpasteurised dairy or juices. Opt for steamed, grilled, or fried items.
- Eat smaller portions and avoid overeating.
- Trinidade also suggests having natural probiotics like curd, buttermilk, or kanji before travel.
According to Dr Mishra, similar probiotic formulations are available in India in sachets, capsules, or liquid vials. However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to choose the most suitable option based on individual travel needs.
Travellers and their vials are just something people are doing. Trend or not, it definitely did one thing – serve a reminder to pack for your gut and take care of it while you explore flavours and food.
