Practical model of "Free Restroom" for tourists in Hanoi

The implementation of this model has brought about extremely positive effects, promoting the friendly image of Truc Bach ward residents to tourists and is especially practical while the capital Hanoi is lacking public toilets.

Meet practical needs, promote friendly image

Walking along Truc Bach Street, Ba Dinh District, it is easy to see that many coffee shops, food service businesses, etc. have posted signs saying “Free Restroom”. Mr. Nguyen Trong Ha, owner of a food business at 35 Truc Bach Street, shared: “Even before the pilot model was launched, my shop has allowed tourists who need to use the restroom for free. I strongly support this policy of the ward. This policy not only shows the friendliness and hospitality of business owners but is also a very practical thing to do”.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chuong, a sales staff at Ding Tea store at 24 Hang Than street, shared: “Before the ward had a policy, my store had offered free restrooms to customers. I am very happy when tourists and passersby want to use the “Free Restroom” service. It is a small thing but leaves a good impression on tourists.”

Many shops on Truc Bach Street, Hang Than Street... put up signs saying "Free Restroom" for tourists.

According to Mr. Ngo Chu Cuong, an officer of the Office of the People's Committee of Truc Bach Ward, starting from March 2, immediately after the conclusion of the meeting to inspect the results of the implementation of the task of improving the quality of environmental sanitation work in the area of ​​4 inner-city districts of the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee on February 28, Truc Bach Ward has piloted the "Free Restroom" model, opening free restrooms for customers at 25 business households on 3 streets including Truc Bach Street, Hang Than Street and Ngu Xa Street.

This 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, tourists can use the toilet for free. However, to ensure safety and security during the implementation of the "Free Restroom" model, restaurants, eateries... also have the right to refuse this service to tourists who show unusual signs.

Mr. Ngo Chu Cuong said that the green signboards were posted at businesses on Hang Than Street with the color idea derived from the green of green rice cakes, which are a traditional product of businesses on Hang Than Street. The blue signboard on Truc Bach Street is a symbol of a street with no waste and being environmentally friendly.

According to Mr. Ngo Chu Cuong, after nearly 1 month of pilot implementation, businesses have responded well to this model because the implementation of this model is very practical and brings a friendly feeling, leaving a very good impression on tourists, especially foreign tourists. Many foreign tourists shared that in other cities around the world, they have to pay for public toilets but the service quality is not good. Many tourists after using the "Free Restroom" service have also used the dining services of that restaurant.

It is expected that from now until the end of April 2025, 80% of the total 24 streets of Truc Bach Ward will implement the "Free Restroom" model. Truc Bach Ward People's Committee will coordinate with unions and political organizations to strengthen propaganda work to create consensus and support for this model in the ward.

Overcoming the shortage of public toilets

The pilot of the “Free Restroom” model in Truc Bach ward took place at a time when the lack of public toilets was causing frustration for residents and tourists in the capital city of Hanoi.

Currently, Hanoi has more than 300 public toilets made of brick and steel, located in flower gardens and streets, only meeting a part of the needs of residents and tourists. Many toilets have seriously degraded, becoming "black spots" that ruin the urban beauty. For example, in Hoan Kiem district, which attracts many tourists, especially foreign tourists, the number of public toilets is still very low, only about 50.

It is worth mentioning that many toilets are in a state of disrepair and rust, and equipment such as sinks, bidets, and flushing faucets are missing or broken. The fact that there are toilets but they are dirty and smelly makes people and tourists afraid to enter. Right in the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, which attracts a lot of domestic and foreign tourists, the lack of public toilets has existed for many years.

“Despite the large number of visitors, there is only one public toilet around Hoan Kiem Lake, which can easily lead to overcrowding and environmental hygiene. Other toilets are located in alleys and on the other side of the street, so it is not easy for tourists to locate them,” said Tran Anh Tuan, a tourist from Phu Tho province who came to Hanoi to visit. During the holidays, the image of tourists lining up to use public toilets in the Hoan Kiem Lake area is no longer rare. The situation of having “as good as not having” toilets also occurs in many other public areas such as parks, bus stations, etc.

It can be seen that Truc Bach ward implementing the “Free Restroom” model while Hanoi is lacking public toilets is a very practical thing to do and should be replicated in many other districts. This is also a thing to help improve the friendly image of Hanoi in the eyes of tourists.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Tieu-diem-van-hoa/thiet-thuc-mo-hinh-free-restroom-cho-du-khach-tai-ha-noi-i762947/