Westerners enjoy 'Free Restroom' on Hanoi streets

Practical model

Walking along Hang Than Street (Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi) on her first day in Vietnam, a female tourist named Gai (25 years old, Israeli nationality) was surprised to see "Free Restroom" signs at many shops and cafes. She said she had used many public restrooms in tourist cities around the world, which usually cost a fee, otherwise "the quality was quite poor".

“Free Restroom” signs on Hang Than Street

PHOTO: MINH NHAN

"I really enjoy this model, just like the slogan "Make yourself at home" helps me feel more comfortable when traveling ", said Ms. Gai.

Since the beginning of March, Truc Bach Ward has launched the "Free Restroom" free restroom socialization model, aiming to reduce the shortage of public restrooms and promote the friendly image of Truc Bach.

Mr. Le Tat Thanh, Chairman of Truc Bach Ward People's Committee, said that the model was piloted at food service establishments, accommodation establishments... on two main streets, Truc Bach and Hang Than, and the Ngu Xa food and walking area.

Businesses in Truc Bach Ward respond to the "Free Restroom" model

PHOTO: MINH NHAN

The model is based on the voluntary spirit of the owners of the establishments to create conditions for passersby and tourists to use the toilet conveniently and for free. Just by seeing a sign with a smiley face and the words "Free Restroom" in green or blue, visitors can use the toilet for free.

"Up to now, there have been 25 "Free Restroom" points in operation. We expect to cover 80% of other streets in the area by April 30 - May 1," said Mr. Thanh.

As one of the first households to post the "Free Restroom" logo on Hang Than Street, Ms. Nguyen Thu Phuong (41 years old) said that she was previously invited by the People's Committee of Truc Bach Ward to disseminate and get opinions on the pilot model.

"We fully support the pilot, because this model is very practical for tourists, and at the same time promotes the image of Hanoi tourism," said Ms. Phuong.

Previously, her banh com shop had created conditions for tourists to use the toilet without having to buy anything. The woman believes that this not only helps customers have a better experience but also helps limit the situation of public defecation.

"To maintain the model in the long term, each person needs to be responsible for maintaining public hygiene, so that both tourists and shops feel comfortable," she said.

Truc Bach Ward officials posted a "Free Restroom" sign at a restaurant on Ngu Xa Street.

PHOTO: MINH NHAN

Ms. Nguyen Quynh Nga (43 years old) has opened a pho cuon restaurant on Ngu Xa Street for more than 20 years. Since the beginning of March, she has responded to the call of the People's Committee of Truc Bach Ward to "support tourists and passersby".

"Instead of having difficulty finding a restroom, tourists or residents coming to Ngu Xa can go to any restaurant or eatery and be welcomed and given a free restroom," said Ms. Nga.

Her restaurant arranges cleaning staff to ensure the restrooms are always in the best condition to serve residents and tourists.

Friendly but not easy

On the morning of March 21, Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh (58 years old) and staff of Truc Bach Ward posted a "Free Restroom" sign in a visible location in front of her 22-year-old pho cuon restaurant.

"I hope tourists feel comfortable coming here," the shop owner said.

According to Ms. Vinh, the restaurant's restroom is located on the first floor, convenient for visitors to come and go. Not only Western guests, many locals, taxi drivers, and delivery people sometimes need to use the restroom urgently, and have also asked to come into the restaurant. On such occasions, she enthusiastically supports them, saying "feel free to come in."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh is ready to invite people and tourists in need to use the toilet for free.

PHOTO: MINH NHAN

The restaurant of Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa (45 years old) is also one of the first businesses to respond to "Free Restroom". Previously, she "invited" customers who needed to use the restroom without charging or requiring them to use the restaurant's services.

Admitting that she was a bit concerned about the difficulty in controlling visitors, Ms. Hoa said she would arrange appropriate staff to guide each need, while maintaining a clean and polite space.

"This model shows the friendliness of Truc Bach people and at the same time promotes the image of Hanoi tourism," said Ms. Hoa.

According to Mr. Le Tat Thanh, establishments have the right to refuse service to people who are drunk or show strange signs such as drug use, and can take advantage of this behavior to steal or use illegal substances in the restroom.

"Establishments are not required to serve "indecent" customers. We clearly advise shop owners: be friendly and supportive but not easygoing, to avoid unfortunate incidents from happening," Mr. Thanh emphasized.

The Chairman of the People's Committee of Truc Bach Ward informed that the ward welcomes an average of 300 - 600 tourists every day. During the 3 weekend days, the number of visitors increased to 800 - 1,000, most of whom are international visitors staying in the ward. To help residents and tourists easily identify and search for "Free Restroom" spots, the Ward People's Committee will apply digital transformation, update the database on the ward's information portal, website and fanpage.

Mr. Murray Morison hopes this model will be replicated throughout Hanoi.

PHOTO: MINH NHAN

Sitting and enjoying Vietnamese coffee at a shop on Truc Bach Street, Mr. Murray Morison, a British tourist, assessed the idea of ​​free toilets as a big plus for tourism in Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular.

"I have traveled to many places and it is really difficult to find a public toilet. First-time visitors to Hanoi who do not know any information can look at these stickers and use the toilets for free. I hope this model will expand throughout Hanoi in the near future," the male tourist wished.

"Free Restroom" is a form of public restroom socialization, piloted by the People's Committee of Truc Bach Ward on many food business streets since March, creating conditions for passersby and tourists to use the restroom conveniently and for free.

Businesses that agree to participate will post the logo "More refreshing at home" in front of the facility and the restroom area so that residents and visitors can easily identify them. Just by seeing the blue "Free Restroom" smiley logo, visitors to Truc Bach Ward can feel completely secure using the restroom for free.