You generally don’t need to bring toilet paper when traveling to Vietnam.
This product it is easy to find in grocery stores and supermarkets, with a wide range of options from budget to premium. Most hotel and restaurant restrooms that serve tourists are also equipped with toilet paper.
However, when exploring Vietnam, it’s still a good idea to keep some toilet paper in your handbag, since some free public restrooms may not provide it in order to cut costs.
Is toilet paper expensive in Vietnam?
No, it is still at a reasonable price for consumers. Currently, common toilet paper brands such as An An cost 37,000 VND for a pack of 10 rolls, while Thien Phat is around 38,000 VND for a pack of 6 rolls, which is roughly 3,700 to 6,500 VND per roll. However, grocery stores and supermarkets rarely sell individual rolls, offering packs instead, as this is a household staple that is used frequently every day.
In addition, there are rectangular or square boxed toilet papers (about 100 sheets per box) priced from 15,000 VND per box, depending on the brand and quality. This type is convenient for travelers, as the compact box fits easily in luggage and allows sheets to be pulled out one at a time. To protect the environment, it’s better to choose paper boxes instead of plastic boxes or nylon bags, though slightly more expensive, this small choice helps reduce plastic waste.
Premium toilet paper lines are typically 30% to 50% more expensive than regular brands. For example, a 10-roll pack of Bless costs around 93,000 VND, and a 10-roll pack of Pulppy is about 100,000 VND. Four- and five-star hotels in Vietnam often use these premium brands, which offer extra-soft quality for their high-end guests.
What is the difference between premium toilet paper and regular toilet paper?
The main difference lies in the raw materials used. Premium toilet paper is usually made from pure pulp with little to no impurities, making it softer and safer to use. In contrast, regular toilet paper often uses ordinary pulp, which may contain impurities, and may require additional processing to achieve a white and smooth finish.
Additionally, premium toilet paper is typically naturally white, smoother, and at the same time stronger and more absorbent. Regular toilet paper, on the other hand, is often ivory-colored, has a coarser texture, can feel lumpy, is less absorbent, and may crumble or clump during use.
Why toilet paper is sometimes on dining tables in Vietnam?
Sometimes, you’ll see a roll of toilet paper placed right on the dining table at a cheap restaurant or street food stall. It may sound strange, but in Vietnam, this roll of toilet paper serves many purposes, from wiping the table, cleaning spoons and chopsticks, and removing food stains from clothes or mouths, to handling any other small “emergency” situations.
Vietnamese people often see this roll as a convenient, multipurpose item, as long as it hasn’t been used in the toilet, it can still be placed on the dining table without issue!
However, there is an important note: don’t bring the entire roll from the dining table to the toilet and hold it upside down. If you need to use it, take only the amount you need and dispose of it in the toilet, rather than bringing it back to the table.
How to Use Toilet Paper in Vietnam?
Many public toilets in Vietnam can be slightly damp, especially around the toilet bowl. In that case, you can use toilet paper to dry the surface before use. If you still feel uneasy, you can place a layer of paper on the toilet seat where your body will make contact. Afterward, dispose of the paper in the toilet if it is water-soluble, or in a trash bin if one is provided.
If you forget to bring toilet paper while eating or drinking coffee, you can always ask the staff. Most are happy to provide some, as long as the facility has it available.
Additionally, some toilets in Vietnam are equipped with a water spray instead of toilet paper. This sprayer is used for cleaning after using the toilet, so paper may not be available in that area. When using the sprayer, be careful to avoid splashing water on yourself, as the area can be a bit wet.
If you need toilet paper and don’t have any with you, you can ask your driver for help by saying “giấy vệ sinh” in Vietnamese. Many drivers often carry some in their cars, and if you need more, they can easily stop at a small shop to buy it.
To learn more about different bathroom setups and facilities, see our guide to toilets in Vietnam.
Toilet paper in Vietnam can bring some small but memorable travel experiences. Knowing these things in advance will help you feel more comfortable and adapt more quickly while traveling around the country.
