Free toilet in the heart of Hanoi: Small mark, big plus for tourism in the capital

Years ago, public toilets in Hanoi used to be a nightmare for international tourists when exploring the capital of Vietnam. Dirty, damp, smelly, broken doors, lack of water... even having to search hard to find them were what they were forced to experience for an essential paid service. But now, "those days are long gone..."

Because the “sensitive corner” of Hanoi is gradually becoming more beautiful with the “Free Restroom” signs appearing more and more in the Old Quarter, making tourists excited and… relieved. This initiative not only enhances the tourist experience but also solves the lack of public toilets in the “heart” of the country.

Experience “More Refreshing at Home”

Since early March, the People's Committee of Truc Bach Ward (Ba Dinh) has implemented a pilot model of "Free Restroom" - free restrooms. After a period of mobilization and persuasion, there are currently 24 households, restaurants, accommodation establishments and agency headquarters in the ward that have volunteered to open restrooms to serve passersby and tourists without charging any fees.

On Hang Than, Truc Bach, and Ngu Xa streets, it is not difficult to see round smiley face logos with the words “Free Restroom” (more refreshing than at home) posted in front of businesses.

Josh and his wife, an American tourist, appreciated the free restroom model. “In many places, we have to buy something to use the restroom, but not here. Thanks to the 'Free Restroom' signs, I feel more secure when walking around Hanoi ,” said Josh.

Families and stores participating in the pilot model of “Free Restroom” – free restrooms with the logo “More refreshing at home.” (Photo: Van Anh/Vietnam+)

Not only foreign tourists enjoy the new experience in the capital, Khanh Linh (22 years old, Binh Phuoc) who came to Hanoi for a trip also thinks that this model is very practical: “Before, if I was on the street and wanted to find a free restroom, I could only go to the supermarket or wait until I got back to my accommodation. Now, just by looking for the 'Free Restroom' signs on the street, I can easily find a clean, convenient place. Thanks to that, I feel my trip is much more comfortable,” Khanh Linh said.

As one of the few businesses that are “ahead of their time,” for many years, Ms. Pham Thi Hoi (owner of the shop at 50 Hang Than) has allowed tourists to use the restroom at her shop for free. Therefore, when the Ward People’s Committee implemented the “Free Restroom” model, she responded immediately.

Ms. Hoi shared: “My family has been doing this for several years now. Even if they are not tourists, but passersby or locals in need, my family is always willing to help. Many foreign visitors even offer to pay, but I never accept. Just hearing a thank you makes me very happy.”

True to the spirit of the “Free Restroom” model, Ms. Hoi affirmed that anyone who sees the blue sign with the smiley face icon can use the restroom for free without having to make any purchases or pay any fees.

Inside a public toilet in a resident's home. (Photo: Van Anh/Vietnam+)

Several other businesses on Truc Bach Street also confirmed that they are willing to participate in the “Free Restroom” model for the common good and want to contribute to building the image of Hanoi as friendly and hospitable. However, they also emphasized that for this model to operate sustainably, the awareness of users plays an important role.

“To maintain long-term sustainability, each visitor must also be responsible for maintaining general hygiene, so that both visitors and restaurant owners feel comfortable,” said a hot pot restaurant owner on Truc Bach Street.

“Rescue black spots” of public toilets

The “Free Restroom” model was piloted in Truc Bach ward in the context of the shortage of public toilets becoming a concern for both residents and tourists when coming to the capital.

Hanoi currently has about 350 public toilets, but this number is too modest compared to the actual demand, especially in crowded areas such as the Old Quarter - where many tourists and residents gather. Not only lacking in quantity, many existing public toilets are also in a state of serious degradation: rust, missing or broken equipment, unsanitary conditions...

There are not enough public toilets, so many people have to quickly relieve themselves on the street because of urgent needs. This situation not only makes the urban landscape worse but also negatively affects the experience of tourists and the quality of the living environment of the people.

A business on Hang Than Street allows residents and tourists to use the restroom for free. (Photo: Van Anh/Vietnam+)

“Hanoi welcomes a large number of tourists, but finding a clean, accessible public toilet is not easy. Sometimes when I need it urgently and don’t know where to find it, I have to go to a coffee shop or restaurant and order something to use,” said Nguyen Minh Huong, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City.

In response to that urgent need, from now until the end of April, the “Free Restroom” initiative is expected to be deployed on 80% of the total 24 streets of Truc Bach Ward. To ensure the model operates effectively and receives widespread response, the Ward People’s Committee said it will coordinate with unions and political organizations to promote propaganda work, calling for consensus from people and businesses in the area./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/toilet-mien-phi-trong-long-ha-noi-dau-an-nho-diem-cong-lon-cho-du-lich-thu-do-post1022804.vnp