Uploaded June 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Going to Asia? You'll want to see this, the Asian style "squat" toilet. If you've not used one before, watch to avoid an unexpected surprise. It is common over most of Asia (China, India, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, ...). This bathroom is a bit fancier than most as it has an inside sink. Some have bottom sprayers, this one does not. This particular one is located in rural Thailand.
Oh, and it's usually BYOP (bring your own paper).
If you think it's awkward, you should try getting toilet training at age 28 from a strange woman who barely speaks English while you are fending off an attack of stomach disorder while getting lectured. THAT's awkward.
Depending on the country, these are more common in rural areas. In big cities and fancier hotels they have been disappearing for decades. Still it's useful to know BEFORE you have to.
Let's cover the use and etiquette of the Asian or Thai-style squat toilet, a type of bathroom fixture still widely found across rural parts of Asia including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, China, and beyond. This guide demonstrates how squat toilets are used, common bathing setups in the same space, and how-tos such as proper positioning, flushing with water, keeping clothes dry, and maintaining cleanliness for the next person. We also discuss cultural expectations, like bringing your own toilet paper, using water and the left hand for hygiene, and rinsing down the area after use, helping others avoid awkward surprises. Whether preparing for Asia travel, cultural immersion, or simply curious about international bathroom technology, understanding squat toilet etiquette is both practical and eye-opening.
#SquatToilet #TravelTipsAsia #ThaiToilet #CulturalEtiquette
Going to Asia? You'll want to see this, the Asian style "squat" toilet. If you've not used one before, watch to avoid an unexpected surprise. It is common over most of Asia (China, India, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, ...). This bathroom is a bit fancier than most as it has an inside sink. Some have bottom sprayers, this one does not. This particular one is located in rural Thailand.
Oh, and it's usually BYOP (bring your own paper).
If you think it's awkward, you should try getting toilet training at age 28 from a strange woman who barely speaks English while you are fending off an attack of stomach disorder while getting lectured. THAT's awkward.
Depending on the country, these are more common in rural areas. In big cities and fancier hotels they have been disappearing for decades. Still it's useful to know BEFORE you have to.
Let's cover the use and etiquette of the Asian or Thai-style squat toilet, a type of bathroom fixture still widely found across rural parts of Asia including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, China, and beyond. This guide demonstrates how squat toilets are used, common bathing setups in the same space, and how-tos such as proper positioning, flushing with water, keeping clothes dry, and maintaining cleanliness for the next person. We also discuss cultural expectations, like bringing your own toilet paper, using water and the left hand for hygiene, and rinsing down the area after use, helping others avoid awkward surprises. Whether preparing for Asia travel, cultural immersion, or simply curious about international bathroom technology, understanding squat toilet etiquette is both practical and eye-opening.
#SquatToilet #TravelTipsAsia #ThaiToilet #CulturalEtiquette
