Expanding public toilets: A pressing urban need in Vietnam

Editor’s note: This piece on the urgent need for public toilets in Vietnamese cities is authored by Tuoi Tre (Youth) reader Duc Tuan and has been translated and edited by Tuoi Tre News for clarity and readability.

Residents and tourists alike are increasingly concerned about building public toilet systems in major cities in Vietnam.

At times, traffic jams force vehicles to crawl slowly, and it can take an hour to travel a short distance. Just when the need arises, finding a public toilet can be nearly impossible. This is the reality in densely populated urban areas.

Ho Chi Minh City was recently expanded to include the neighboring provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria – Vung Tau. With its larger area, traveling from the outskirts to the former central District 1 along major roads such as National Highway 51, National Highway 13, and My Phuoc – Tan Van Street highlights a significant lack of public toilets in the megacity.

Holding in urine is far more difficult than skipping food or drink. It has become common for people to suffer on the streets owing to the lack of public toilets, with women facing even greater challenges than men. Those who consider relieving themselves on the roadside are often deterred by fines of up to VND2 million (US$76).

The plan to build 1,000 public toilets in Ho Chi Minh City was launched more than 10 years ago, but progress has not kept pace with population growth.

Many gas stations and coffee shops already allow passers-by to use their restrooms for free, following the example of Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hoi An. Yet residents still hope for a fully professional public toilet system with broad coverage.

On major roads with wide sidewalks, public toilets could be installed near bus stops or under pedestrian overpasses. In central areas with limited space, 'mobile' toilets could be deployed, especially during fireworks displays or large events.

Access could be free for informal workers, street vendors, and ride-hailing drivers, while others might pay a small symbolic fee of VND1,000–2,000 ($0.04-0.08). The government could subsidize part of the cost for electricity, water, and staff.

Private investment could also be encouraged, similar to initiatives in public parks, in exchange for exclusive advertising rights inside and outside the facilities. Existing and new public toilets should incorporate solar panels for lighting.

Other countries such as Laos, Thailand, and South Korea have well-developed public toilet systems with high density, meeting the needs of both residents and tourists. Facilities are clean, well-decorated, and even include flowers near sinks, as well as images promoting the country’s tourism.

Similar initiatives should be quickly expanded across Vietnamese cities.