Toilets in Vietnam: What Travellers Should Know Before You Go
When planning your trip to Vietnam, you might think about street food, ancient temples, and breathtaking landscapes — but not toilets. Still, knowing what to expect from toilets in Vietnam can save you from awkward surprises on the road. From squat toilets to Western-style bathrooms, and from flushing toilet paper to the famous “bum gun”, here’s everything international travellers need to know before using the restroom in Vietnam.
🚽 Types of Toilets in Vietnam
Western-Style Toilets
In cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hoi An, most toilets in hotels, resorts, cafes, and restaurants are Western-style. These are clean, modern, and comfortable to use.
Thanks to government hygiene standards and tourism growth, Western toilets are now common — even in many homestays and local guesthouses.
Squat Toilets
You’re more likely to encounter squat toilets in rural areas, small villages, and roadside rest stops during long bus journeys.
While these can be a bit challenging for travellers unfamiliar with them, they are still widely used by locals and are considered more hygienic since there’s no direct contact with the toilet seat.
Traveller tip:
- Carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer when traveling outside major cities.
- Squat toilets often don’t provide paper, soap, or towels.
🏢 Public Toilets in Vietnam
Public bathrooms in Vietnam vary in quality and availability. In urban areas, you can usually find restrooms in:
- Shopping malls
- Coffee shops and restaurants
- Bus stations or petrol stations
However, dedicated public toilets (like those in Western countries) are still limited, especially outside the cities. In some areas, you might need to pay a small fee (2,000–5,000 VND) to use a public toilet.
💡 Where to Go When You Need to Go
If you can’t find a public restroom, just stop at a café or restaurant, order a coffee or drink (usually less than $1 USD), and use their toilet facilities.
This is a common and perfectly acceptable practice among locals and travellers alike.
🧻 Flushing Toilet Paper in Vietnam
One of the most common questions travellers ask:
“Can you flush toilet paper in Vietnam?”
In most places, the answer is no.
Vietnam’s sewage systems are not designed to handle toilet paper. Flushing it can cause clogs and blockages.
Instead:
- Use the trash bin next to the toilet for used toilet paper.
- If there’s no bin provided, only flush a small amount if necessary.
This rule applies across most of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.
💦 The Water Hose or “Bum Gun”
Next to almost every toilet in Vietnam, you’ll find a small spray hose — affectionately known as the “bum gun.”
It’s used to clean yourself with water instead of relying solely on toilet paper.
Here’s how to use it:
- Stay seated or squatting.
- Aim the nozzle gently and press the lever for a light spray.
- Clean with water, then use toilet paper to dry.
- Dispose of the paper in the bin beside the toilet.
While it might feel unusual at first, most travellers say the bum gun is cleaner, more refreshing, and eco-friendly. You may even want one at home after trying it!
🧴 Tips for Using Toilets in Vietnam
- ✅ Carry your own tissues or toilet paper. Many bathrooms do not provide them.
- ✅ Bring hand sanitizer or wet wipes. Soap is not always available.
- ✅ Do not flush toilet paper. Always use the bin provided.
- ✅ Use restaurant or café toilets. Buy a drink and you’ll be welcomed to use their facilities.
- ✅ On long trips, keep some supplies handy, as roadside rest stops may only have squat toilets.
- ✅ Try the bum gun! It’s hygienic and widely used across Vietnam.
🌏 Toilets in Vietnam: What to Expect Overall
If you stick to popular tourist areas and hotels, you’ll mostly find clean, Western-style bathrooms.
However, if you venture into the rural countryside, local markets, or bus rest stops, expect more basic facilities — sometimes just squat toilets.
Being prepared helps you stay comfortable and confident wherever your journey takes you.
🧭 Explore Vietnam with Local Experts
Planning to explore Vietnam with peace of mind?
At Chapi Tours, we specialize in authentic small-group and private tours — ensuring every detail, even the restroom breaks, are smooth and worry-free.
From half-day tours in Hanoi to multi-day adventures across Vietnam, our local guides make sure you travel comfortably and experience the real Vietnam.
