We have all been there… Sitting on Grindr getting excited to meet up, and you have to make that decision to douche or not? But wait a minute you are currently in Vietnam, should you even be douching in Vietnam? What do you do? Not douche, use bottled water, or use the tap water you dare not to drink?

In this guide, we will explore what to do and how to plan for this situation when you are travelling in Vietnam; let me just make it clear: DO NOT USE THE TAP WATER!

Need an in-depth guide on how to douche? CLICK HERE

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Water Quality in Vietnam: What Travelers Need to Know

When navigating the complexities of gay travel in Vietnam, many travellers must understand the water quality. Particularly for drinking and personal hygiene practices such as douching. Vietnam’s overall tap water quality is low and can vary significantly across different locations, making it essential for travellers to stay informed.

In urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, tap water may be treated, but it often contains contaminants. These contaminants range from bacteria to heavy metals, raising health risks when using the water. In rural areas, water quality can decline further, as infrastructure may not be as developed, leading to higher chances of encountering unsafe water.

We recommend you only use bottled or boiled water for douching, personal care routines, and hydration. Travellers should look for reliable bottled water sources and avoid ice-in drinks from street vendors when possible.

Check out the Boys Away Guide to Exploring Hanoi as a Gay Traveller

Best Practices for Douching While Traveling

Douching can be a common concern for many travellers, particularly within the gay community, where maintaining a clean rectum is often of utmost importance. To ensure your experience remains pleasurable while minimising health risks, here are some recommended best practices for douching in Vietnam.

Before douching, ensure that your equipment, such as douching bulbs or syringes are thoroughly cleaned. If possible, opt for disposable items to further reduce the risk of infection. Your hands should also be washed with soap and water or sanitized with an alcohol-based hand rub before engaging in douching. Just like at home.

Some of you may prefer alternatives to traditional douching. If so consider using cleansing wipes or sprays that are specifically designed for intimate hygiene. These products can be more convenient, especially for gay solo travellers who may wish to maintain cleanliness without the need for extensive preparation. This is what I personally opt for when travelling as I don’t usually have space in my backpack for douching equipment.

In addition to these practices, listen to your body and never over-douche, as this can disrupt your body’s natural balance. A balanced approach to douching will ensure that you remain healthy while enjoying your gay travel adventures in Vietnam.

Accessing Douching Supplies in Vietnam

Travelling to Vietnam, particularly for gay solo travellers, may require a trip to go and get douching supplies. Understanding where to find these specific items can help while exploring the vibrant culture of Vietnam. Vietnam’s pharmacies, supermarkets, and speciality stores typically offer a range of hygiene products that can cater to your douching needs.

Major pharmacies in urban areas, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, are great locations for purchasing douching supplies. Chains like Phano Pharmacy and Medicare usually carry a selection of hygiene products, including disposable enema kits or similar items. Supermarkets, particularly larger ones such as Big C and VinMart, sometimes stock a variety of personal care products, making them another option for travellers in need.

It’s important to keep in mind cultural considerations when purchasing douching supplies in Vietnam. Overall, by knowing where to find these products and honouring local customs, gay travellers can ensure their health and hygiene needs are adequately addressed while enjoying their time in Vietnam.

Need more gay travel inspiration…

Takeaways

The “bottom” line here is: do not, ever, use tap water when douching in Vietnam. I don’t care how you are “feeling” down there do not do it. The small shops such as Circle K are always open and nearby in the cities if needed get a bottle of water.