Dawn

I have a strange little question. I am going to SE Asia (Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia) in a few weeks. As I read my travel guide books, I came upon a little question. The books explain how a squat toilet works and also described the little water bucket and scoop that are commonly found beside the toilet, which are used to clean yourself and wash down the waste into the toilet. However, is toilet paper typically available as well or do you only use the water? I hate asking this, but I just want to be prepared and the book was unclear.

meg

Never found toilet paper- used handy packs of tissues

John

No toilet role. You either use your hand (indian style) or bring some paper with you. You are supoposed to put the paper in a bin beside the loo rather than down the toilet as it blocks up the system, so they say.

Linda

Hello..I can't speak for Vietnam or Cambodia, but in both China & Thailand, you might luck out and find a "handicapped toilet", FLUSH TYPE, WESTERN STYLE. Worth waiting in line for. You might want to carry antibacterial handwipes or Purel, too.

Anna

You will definitely want to bring some toilet paper (Wal-mart has some neat little travel rolls) or some kleenex packets. <BR><BR>When are you traveling? My husband and I and our friend are leaving Jan 18 for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. We had a great trip to Thailand last year, so we're going back and exploring a few other countries this time.

surfergrrl

I spent a month in Thailand and Laos in 2000. Don't bother bringing toilet paper from home, you can buy it anywhere. I'm returning to Thailand and visiting Cambodia and Vietnam for two months in Jan - there's no way I'm bringing 2 months worth of TP with me (only a 35L backpack, not enoguh room). I'm sure you can purchase toilet paper in most major cities. You can choose to just use the water - its more hygenic, considring you can't flush the paper. It also more environmentally responsible.

orgy7

I've used those stupid things a few times but I've yet too realy figure them out. I'm just afraid Im going too miss and hit my cloths.. NOT too be nasty but getting travelars diarrhea seems like a disaster ready too happen.. <BR>

Diane

I just returned from two weeks in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Found western style toilets wherever we went and only a couple did not have toilet paper. I had a plastic product with me (sorry, I don't remember the name of it) that would allow me to urinate standing up. Fortunately, I never needed to use. I learned about it on the Europe board.

Dawn

Thanks to everyone for their viewpoint on the issue. I think that I am going to bring a &quot;starter kit&quot; of tissue and then pick up additional tissues in big cities that I pass through on my trip.<BR><BR>As for Anna's question, I leave January 9th for Bangkok. I spend one night at the airport hotel recovering from the flight and then I am going to the Petchaburi Province for three weeks to do some volunteer work at a wildlife rehab center. After that, I return to Bangkok for a few days before I move on to Hanoi. I then travel the full length of the country before crossing the border into Cambodia. I return to the states on Feb. 26th.

Jed

I take a half-used roll, take out the inside carboard, and it packs very nicely, lasts longer than packs of tissues.

Fran

i traveled through China and never saw water next to the 'toilets'. I would just take tissues from my hotel room each morning. No need to purchase a roll or package. Will be heading to Thailand next month and thinking I'll do the same.

Marilyn

Dawn, I would love to know more about the wildlife rehab part of your trip. I volunteer at a wildlife rehab hospital here in northern California. Would you email me more info directly at the above address? Also, I've been to Angkor Wat several times so would be glad to be answer any questions if you like. Thanks!