Toilets in Vietnam: Surviving the Squat WC & Public Bathrooms

Let’s be honest—when you travel, toilets matter more than you expect. In Vietnam, they quickly become part of the adventure. You’ll face two main types: the Western sit-down toilet and the traditional squat toilet. Each has its own quirks, and figuring them out can feel like a rite of passage.

In big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, you’ll see plenty of Western-style toilets in malls, hotels, and modern cafés. But venture into rural towns or hop on a long-distance bus, and the squat toilet is waiting. I still remember my first night bus ride north—half asleep, balancing over a squat toilet, laughing at how unglamorous yet real travel can be.

It’s these moments, awkward as they are, that stick with you. Mastering Vietnam’s toilet culture isn’t just about comfort—it’s part of the travel story you’ll share later, maybe even with a smile.

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Vietnamese toilets: how do they really look like?

When you Google “Vietnamese toilet”, the images usually show dirty squat toilets without doors. They look gross and can scare travelers away. But that picture feels outdated. Vietnam long been changed and new facilities appear at an incredible pace.

Many travelers also worry about toilet paper. In most public restrooms, restaurants, hotels, and even homes, toilet paper exists—but people often throw it in a wastebasket instead of flushing to avoid plumbing problems.

As a parent traveling with a freshly potty-trained child, I felt anxious. Would she use the toilet or refuse and risk accidents? That worry followed me everywhere at first.

what are the public toilets really like these days?

Traveling with a baby made toilets one of my biggest worries. But parents and squat-toilet haters—don’t stress. Vietnam surprised me in the best way.

In all of the hotels we stayed, cafes we sat, malls, and tourist sites, I kept finding clean family toilets. They usually included a Western-style toilet, a tiny kids’ toilet (only in bigger malls and +4star hotels). For families, that setup felt like a lifesaver.

Airports, not bus stations, and most public places also offered accessible toilets. Locals—especially the elderly—use them often, but Western travelers usually prefer them too.

What shocked me most was how common Western-style toilets with seats have become in big cities and tourist attractions. They were clean, well-maintained, and easy to find. After doing some research, I realized Vietnam invested heavily in modern facilities, making bathroom breaks far less stressful than I expected.

Types of Toilets You’ll Encounter in Vietnam

1. The Squat Toilet

The squat toilet is a porcelain fixture set directly into the floor, and for many travelers, it’s the first true test of adapting to life in Vietnam. Using it isn’t as intimidating as it looks: place your feet on the raised platforms, crouch low, balance carefully, and aim. It may take a little practice, but locals have been doing it with ease for generations.

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You’ll most often encounter squat toilets in older restaurants, local homes, rural guesthouses, bus stations, and even on trains. They have their quirks, perfect for adopting a natural squatting posture that some claim is healthier, yet not exactly convenient when you’re carrying a backpack or after indulging in a few too many bia hơi. I still remember the first time on a night train — balancing was a whole new challenge.

2. The Western Toilet

The Western-style sit-down toilet is the familiar sight most international travelers expect. You’ll find these in hotels, newer restaurants, modern shopping malls, airports, and most tourist-friendly areas. Their numbers are steadily growing across Vietnam’s cities, making things easier for those who prefer comfort over squatting skills. Still, when traveling off the beaten path, don’t assume one will always be available. Nothing beats the relief of stumbling into a café after hours of exploring, only to find a Western toilet waiting for you.

3. Public Toilets

Public toilets are scattered around parks, bus stops, and popular tourist attractions. They’re usually functional but basic, and you’ll need to pay a small fee, typically between 2,000 and 5,000 VND for access. It’s wise to carry tissues or a roll of toilet paper, as these aren’t always provided. The coins jingling in your pocket suddenly feel like a blessing when you really need them.

Toilet Paper and Hygiene Practices in Vietnam

Limited Availability of Toilet Paper

In many public and household restrooms across Vietnam, toilet paper is not provided. This is due to longstanding cultural practices in which water, rather than paper, is considered the primary means of cleansing. For travelers, this means it is advisable to carry personal supplies, such as pocket-sized tissue packs, which are widely available for purchase. After forgetting once, I never left my guesthouse without tissues again.

Waste Disposal and Plumbing Considerations

It is important to note that toilet paper should not be flushed into the toilet in most facilities. The plumbing systems in many regions are narrow and not designed to handle paper waste. Improper disposal may lead to blockages and damage to infrastructure. Instead, used paper should be placed in the designated wastebasket located beside the toilet. This practice, although unfamiliar to many visitors, is standard in Vietnam. The first time I saw a bin full of tissues, I hesitated—but soon realized it’s just part of the norm here.

The Bidet Sprayer (“Bum Gun”)

A defining feature of sanitation facilities in Vietnam is the presence of a handheld bidet sprayer, commonly referred to as the “bum gun.” It is installed next to both squat toilets and Western-style toilets. The sprayer provides a stream of water for post-defecation cleansing, serving either as a complete substitute for toilet paper or as a preliminary cleaning method before drying. From a hygienic perspective, water-based cleansing is more effective at removing residue than dry wiping alone. It also reduces paper consumption, making it an environmentally sustainable practice. Many travelers report preferring this method once accustomed to it — myself included, after a few nervous first tries.

Usage Guidelines:

• Ensure stable positioning before operating the sprayer.
• Direct the nozzle toward the appropriate area prior to activating.
• Apply gentle pressure on the trigger to control water flow.
• After cleansing, dry the area using tissues or toilet paper, which should then be discarded in the wastebasket.

A Quick Guide to Public Restroom Etiquette

• Carry tissues, hand sanitizer, and a few small coins.
• Don’t flush toilet paper, use the bin provided.
• Keep 2,000–5,000 VND handy for public toilets.
• When in doubt, head to a hotel or shopping mall; they usually have clean, free facilities.
• Learn the key words: Nhà vệ sinh means restroom, and “WC” is widely understood.

Navigating by Venue: What to Expect Where

• Luxury Hotels: Western toilets, often with bidet functions, toilet paper, and spotless upkeep.
• Hostels & Guesthouses: A mix of squat and Western, usually clean, but toilet paper is hit-or-miss.
• Touristy Restaurants & Cafés: Likely Western.
• Local Eateries: Squat toilets are common, so bring your own tissue.
• Sleeper Buses & Trains: Tiny, basic toilets, often squats. If possible, wait for rest stops — I learned that lesson quickly on an overnight journey.
• Public Rest Stops: Squat toilets, with a small fee (around 5,000 VND) for access and tissue.

Conclusion

Toilets in Vietnam may surprise you at first, but with a little preparation, they become just another part of the journey. Carry tissues, don’t flush them, get friendly with the bum gun, and keep some coins in your pocket.

It’s nothing to stress over. These small details are what make travel richer, teaching you to adapt and laugh at life’s awkward moments. In the end, even the most unexpected bathroom break becomes a story to share, and a reminder that travel is about embracing every part of the experience.

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About the Author: Thu is a Vietnamese traveler and storyteller who loves sharing practical tips and cultural insights to help visitors experience Vietnam with confidence.