The short answer
Hotels and good restaurants in the main tourist areas generally have western-style toilets. Public places, some roadside stops and many village lodges use squat toilets, and on treks the facilities are simple and sometimes shared. Soap and paper are not always supplied.
Carry tissues or toilet paper in a small bag, hand sanitiser, and a little hand soap. Wash hands before eating, and use bottled or purified water for brushing teeth. On the road, use the stops your driver chooses and ask your guide if you need a break sooner.
Key facts
- Tourist hotels
- Western-style
- Roadside, villages
- Often squat style
- Carry
- Tissues, sanitiser, soap
- Habit
- Wash hands before eating
How it works
- Pack a hygiene pouchTissues, sanitiser, small soap.
- Wash before mealsSoap and clean water when possible.
- Use purified water for teethAvoid tap water.
- Take breaks earlyAsk the driver or guide to stop.
Insider tip
Keep a small pouch with tissues and sanitiser in your daypack.
Avoid this
Do not assume paper or soap will be provided.
Related questions
Are squat toilets common?
Yes outside tourist hotels, so practise before a long trip if unsure.
Is paper provided?
Not always, so carry your own.
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