This is a topic no one wants to ask but everyone is wondering. In fact, it’s one of the most important things you need to know before departing for somewhere other than your home.
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In Vietnam, the level of access to toilets is not equal to the standard of living. This means that in a big city, you will find it easier to find a Western style toilet while in a rural area, except if you have a hostel, you will have a hard time finding one. You’ll soon realize that toilet paper is actually a luxury in many restrooms. It would be better if you bring your own.

If you can’t fit one in your luggage, wait until you’re out of the airport and settled into your first destination and buy one from the ubiquitous convenience stores. In Vietnam, people rarely flush toilet paper because the system is difficult to handle. Therefore, toilets often put a bin for you to throw garbage in.

Also, don’t trust the soap in the bathroom. It can be more hygienic to carry hand sanitizer and use it often. In remote and rural areas, it’s no surprise that squat toilets are popular. So be prepared and apply the same trick of bringing along a roll of toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Female travelers should note that there are no coin dispensers for tampons and there is no separate place to dispose of them. You just throw it in the bin next to the toilet.