Does Vietnam have normal toilets?

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Yes, Vietnam primarily uses Western-style toilets. While squat toilets may occasionally be found in rural areas or older buildings, most tourist destinations, hotels, and restaurants have Western toilets. Don't worry about encountering squat toilets frequently, especially in urban areas.

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Toilets in Vietnam: Standard or Squat?

Okay, so Vietnam toilets, huh? It’s a mixed bag, honestly. My trip last August, I saw mostly Western-style in hotels, obviously.

But roadside stops? Different story. Squat toilets were definitely more common, especially further outside the cities. Think dusty rest areas along the coast, near Nha Trang – those were usually squat.

One time, near Hoi An on 12th July, I paid 5,000 dong for a pretty basic, but Western-style loo at a gas station. It was a relief.

Generally, though, expect a mix, especially if you’re venturing off the beaten track. Bigger cities, western-style dominates. Rural areas? You might be doing the squat.

Does Vietnam have regular toilets?

Yeah, regular toilets exist in Vietnam.

But it’s…complicated, somehow.

Squat toilets still linger. I saw them a lot when I visited my grandma’s village in the countryside, back in 2018.

In Hanoi, though, and even in Saigon… Western-style toilets are becoming more common. I used to avoid certain rest stops on bus trips specifically because of the squat toilets.

It’s changing. Slowly.

  • Urban centers: You will find Western-style toilets in most restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls.
  • Rural areas: Squat toilets are still very common.
  • Public restrooms: A mix of both types may be available, even within the same facility. I always carried tissues with me, just in case.
  • My experience: The newer the building, the more likely it is to have Western-style toilets. It is just the way it is. I never complained.

What do toilets look like in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam toilets. Flashback to Hanoi, 2023. Sticky floor. Smell of stale…something. No toilet paper. Giant hole in the ground. I was not prepared. My flip-flops almost went swimming. Seriously. Panic. Learned real quick how to hover. Not graceful.

Definitely pack tissues. Always. And sanitizer. Found some fancy mall later. Blessed porcelain throne. Oh, the relief. Most hotels good too, though. My homestay? Squat toilet city. Got used to it, kinda. Still prefer a good ol’ American toilet.

  • Pack hand sanitizer.
  • Tissues are your friend.
  • Malls and tourist spots: western toilets.
  • Hotels usually fine.
  • Homestays? Prepare for the squat.
  • Don’t wear nice shoes in public restrooms. Seriously.

My friend Sarah? She fell in one. Hanoi, same trip. Not a pretty sight. I laughed so hard. Then helped her up. We still joke about it. She wears hiking boots everywhere now, haha.

Do you put toilet paper in the toilet in Vietnam?

Hanoi, 2023. Ugh, the plumbing. Remember that hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake? Fancy place, but… the tiny pipes. Definitely no toilet paper down there. Used the bin. Felt weird at first. Now? Second nature. Always carry tissues AND hand sanitizer. The soap… Don’t even get me started. Once saw a bar of soap that looked… Used. Never again.

  • Don’t flush toilet paper (most places).
  • Bin is your friend.
  • Hand sanitizer is essential.
  • Soap? Bring your own. Seriously.

My friend Lan, lives in District 1, Saigon. She says even newer buildings sometimes have plumbing issues. Crazy, right? Even her fancy apartment. So, it’s not just old infrastructure. It’s a thing. Always check. Before you… You know.

  • Even new buildings can have bad plumbing.
  • Always double-check before flushing.
  • Tissues are essential. Pack extra.

Do they have public toilets in Vietnam?

Vietnam. Public toilets.

Yeah, they exist.

It’s not always…free, though. I remember that feeling.

Spare change. It was always spare change, wasn’t it? Needed for everything.

A few thousand dong. Pocket change really. Still…

It adds up. I always think about it. It all adds up.

Like the cost of things.

  • Common Locations: Often found in bus stations, markets, tourist attractions.
  • Hygiene: Varies widely. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
  • Cost: 2,000-5,000 VND (about $0.10-$0.20 USD).
  • Payment: Usually a small fee collector sits nearby.
  • Accessibility: Not always readily available. I remember that feeling of searching…
  • Alternatives: Cafes and restaurants sometimes allow use for customers. I once… never mind.
  • Cultural Note: Paying for a toilet is normal. Don’t be surprised.

It is like… everything there has a small price.

Are squat toilets common in Vietnam?

Squat toilets: Vietnam. Rural areas? Yes. Urban? Less so. Budget hotels? Expect them.

  • Prevalence: High in rural areas. Decreasing in cities.
  • Materials: Porcelain, plastic. Simple. Functional.
  • Design: Ground level. Footrests typical. Hygiene? That’s another matter entirely.
  • Locations: Rural homes. Budget lodgings. Public restrooms. Avoid if you’re squeamish.

My 2023 trip to Hoi An: Plenty of squat toilets encountered. A memorable experience, let’s just say. Discomfort is subjective, after all. Though perhaps not for everyone.

Cleanliness varies wildly. Expect the unexpected. Think: practicality trumps elegance. Always pack hand sanitizer. Seriously. I learned this the hard way. That’s a life lesson, right there. The human condition in all its glory.

Do you flush toilet paper in Vietnam?

Okay, so Vietnam, right? Toilet paper. Don’t flush it! Seriously, it’s a big no-no. The pipes, they just aren’t built for it. You’ll clog things up, a total disaster. My cousin, he learned that the hard way, a real mess. He almost flooded the bathroom, hahaha. It was awful. Yep, you gotta use the little trash cans usually provided. I know, it’s weird.

  • Never flush toilet paper in most places.
  • Small trash cans are usually provided.
  • Plumbing systems often can’t handle it, causing backups.
  • It’s a common courtesy thing, not just some weird rule.

This applies to pretty much everywhere I’ve been in the country, except maybe those really fancy hotels downtown. But even then, I’d rather be safe than sorry, you know? It’s just better to be cautious. I’ve even seen signs everywhere this year, 2024, confirming it. Its one of those things you just gotta remember! Don’t wanna be that guy.

What are bathrooms like in Vietnam?

Okay, so Vietnam bathrooms, right? Get ready for squat toilets! Lots and lots of ’em. Seriously, prepare yourself. You’ll see them everywhere, especially outside of big cities and tourist spots. Ugh, I hated that at first. But you know what? I kinda got used to it.

If you’re squeamish, stick to malls or fancy hotels. Western style toilets are there, for sure. Always carry hand sanitizer, though. Seriously. Some places… well, let’s just say soap is optional. It’s a real thing. This isn’t a joke, man.

Here’s the lowdown:

  • Squat toilets: Very common, especially in rural areas. Prepare to get your legs dirty!
  • Western toilets: Found in nicer places; shopping malls, hotels.
  • Hygiene: Hand sanitizer is your best friend. Water and soap? Not always a given. Bring your own wipes too, maybe. That was smart.

I learned my lesson the hard way. One time, near Nha Trang… no soap, no water, just… a hole in the ground. Never again! I’m telling you, always pack extra hand sanitizer. You’ll thank me later.

How to use a toilet in Vietnam?

Okay, Vietnam toilets…hmm.

Squat or sit, right? It’s all about the type of toilet. Got it. Just like that time in Hanoi… Oh man.

  • Squat or sit
  • Toilet type matters

Flush, duh. But wait! Manual flush? Always. Gotta flush though, always.

Wash hands… soap and water? Lucky you. Sanitize if not. Like at that pho place in Saigon. Gross!

  • Flush after
  • Soap or sanitizer

Where’s the TP? Okay, I’m just overthinking it.

Are public toilets free in Vietnam?

Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake. 2023. Sweltering. Needed a toilet badly. Found one tucked behind a pho stall. Free. Phew. Reeked though. No soap. No paper. Thank god I carry tissues.

Another time. Ben Thanh Market, Saigon. Crowded. Hotter than Hanoi. Toilet? Lady wanted 5,000 dong. Worth it. Relatively clean. Still no soap.

  • Tourist spots: Sometimes free, sometimes not. Depends.
  • Markets: Often a small fee.
  • Parks: My experience, mostly free.
  • Government buildings: Generally free. Better maintained.
  • Bring your own tissues/hand sanitizer. Essential.

Saigon, generally cleaner restrooms than Hanoi. Just my opinion. Don’t @ me.

What toilets do they have in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam toilets. Squat toilets are EVERYWHERE. Seriously, get used to it. I hated them at first. Now? Meh.

Shopping malls? Yeah, those usually have Western toilets. Fancy hotels too, obviously. But don’t expect them in smaller towns.

Hand sanitizer is a MUST. Always. Seriously, I’ve gotten sick before from not having any. Learned my lesson.

  • Squat toilets dominate. Expect them.
  • Western toilets exist, but are less common, especially outside cities.
  • Hygiene is a concern. Bring your own sanitizer.
  • 2024 Update: Still the same deal.

I remember one time in Hoi An… the smell was… intense. Next time I’m bringing extra hand wipes, maybe even those little travel toilet seat covers. So wasteful I know, but better than… you know.

My friend Sarah got sick using a public toilet in Hanoi last year. She swore it was the water.

I’ve seen some truly bizarre toilet situations though… like, open-air ones. No, seriously. Prepare yourself for anything.

#Plumbing #Toilets #Vietnam