What Are The Toilets Like In Vietnam?

Vietnam is an interesting country to visit as it is full of culture, stunning scenery, and friendly people. There are a lot of questions when traveling to Vietnam and one of those is about toilets. It is essential to be familiar with the types of toilets you may encounter and the proper etiquette for using them. So what are the toilets like in Vietnam?

Toilets in Vietnam are generally of poor standard but this can vary depending on the location and establishment. In urban areas and popular tourist areas, you will find toilets are of a good standard including modern flush toilets. However, in more rural or remote areas, you may encounter squat toilets where the standards are not good.

In this post, we will go through what are the toilets like in Vietnam. Let’s get started!

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What Are The Toilets Like In Vietnam?

The standards of toilets in Vietnam can vary depending on the location and place. Simply in urban areas and popular tourist destinations, you can find that toilets are decent in bars, shopping centers, and so on. And there is a decent range of toilet facilities, including modern flush toilets similar to those found in Western countries.

However, in more rural or remote areas, the standards are poor. Especially in local markets, small shops, or public restrooms, you may encounter squat toilets instead of seated toilets.

Here are some characteristics of toilets you may encounter in Vietnam:

1. Flush Toilets – In hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and tourist attractions, you will often find modern flush toilets with seated bowls and flushing mechanisms similar to Western-style toilets. These facilities usually provide toilet paper, soap, and running water for handwashing.
2. Squat Toilets – Squat toilets, also known as Asian-style toilets, are prevalent in many local establishments, including smaller shops, markets, and some public restrooms. Squat toilets are ground-level toilets where users squat over the hole. They may or may not have a flushing mechanism, and you may need to use a bucket of water or a ladle to flush manually. Toilet paper may not be provided, so it’s advisable to carry your own tissue or wet wipes.
3. Hygiene and Cleanliness – It’s important to note that the cleanliness and hygiene standards of toilets in Vietnam can vary but expect poor standards. While some establishments maintain clean and well-maintained facilities, others may not meet the same standards. Public restrooms, especially in rural areas, are poor, so it’s a good idea to carry wet wipes for hygiene purposes.
4. Paid Toilets – In some places, particularly public areas like train stations or tourist attractions, you may come across paid toilets. These facilities require a small fee to access, usually a nominal amount, and are generally cleaner and better maintained than free public restrooms.

It’s always a good idea to carry some toilet roll, hand sanitizer, or wet wipes with you when traveling in Vietnam. As not all public toilets provide toilet paper or handwashing amenities.

Can You Put Toilet Paper In The Toilet In Vietnam?

No, you can not flush toilet paper in Vietnam. Vietnamese plumbing is not built to handle flushing toilet paper. If you flush toilet paper in Vietnam you may cause a blockage. And there is plenty of signs asking you to put the toilet roll in the bin which is beside the toilet.

Do I Need To Bring Toilet Paper To Vietnam?

No, you do not need to bring toilet rolls to Vietnam as there are available in shops in Vietnam to buy. It is advisable to carry your own toilet paper or wipes when traveling in Vietnam. While some establishments, especially hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, may provide toilet paper in their restrooms, it is not always guaranteed, especially in public restrooms, smaller shops, or rural areas.

Carrying a small pack of tissues or travel-sized toilet paper can come in handy, particularly when using public toilets, squat toilets, or places where toilet paper will not be readily available.

In addition to toilet paper, it’s also a good idea to carry a hand sanitizer or wet wipes to maintain hand hygiene, as not all restrooms may have running water or handwashing facilities readily available.

Is It Safe To Drink The Tap Water In Vietnam?

It is NOT advised to drink tap water in Vietnam, their treatment plants put too much chlorine into the water for treatment. As well poor water pipe infrastructure has led to the water getting contaminated.

Vietnamese locals don’t drink straight out of a tap cause they don’t trust the water and there is a smell that is mostly caused by the chlorine.

Wrapping Up

Finally, toilets in Vietnam are generally of poor standard but this can vary depending on the location and establishment. In urban areas and popular tourist areas, you will find toilets are of a generally good standard including modern flush toilets. However, in more rural or remote areas, you may encounter squat toilets where the standards are poor.

And that’s it for now! I’d love it if this post on what are the toilets like in Vietnam was helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.

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