Last Updated on December 15, 2025 by Christine Kaaloa
How to Use Bidet sprayer toilets in Southeast Asia (Watch video)
If you’ve traveled anywhere in Southeast Asia, chances are you’ve encountered handheld bidet sprayer toilets, affectionately nicknamed “Bum Guns.” These hose-like nozzles, usually mounted beside the toilet, are used for rinsing yourself clean after you go.
They’re common in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar and increasingly appear in parts of East Asia, hotels, guesthouses and public restrooms.
As a traveler, you’ll either love them or hate them at first. For western visitors, a regular sit-down toilet might already seem like a comfort compared to an Asian-style squat toilet or using a feminine urinary device (read more). But once you spot the mysterious spray hose beside the seat, you might find yourself asking: What am I supposed to do with this thing?
Read my Guide to Finding the Right Bidet to Memorialize your Travels
Why Locals Prefer the Bidet Sprayer
Table of Contents: Bum Guns in Southeast Asia: How to Use Hand-held Bidet Sprayer Toilets When Traveling
The hand-held bidet sprayer is mainly for anal cleansing, a common hygiene practice throughout much of Asia. You hold the sprayer in your right hand and carefully spray your undercarriage after pooping. The left hand is traditionally considered the “dirty hand” in many cultures across the region, as it’s historically used to assist with washing up.
This custom explains why it’s considered impolite to eat or offer something with the left hand.
While some travelers might prefer to use toilet paper afterward, it’s perfectly normal to skip it. If you do use toilet paper, remember- most Southeast Asian plumbing systems aren’t designed to handle paper, so always dispose of it in the nearby waste basket.
The nearby waste basket is another fixture commonly found beside the toilet. For westerners, it can pose a culture shock and be initially off-putting. Westerners aren’t accustomed to seeing used toilet paper in a waste basket, but it’s very common in most developing countries with old plumbing systems.
How to Use a Hand-Held Bidet Sprayer Toilet (Without Making a Mess)
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Test the water pressure first.
Aim the sprayer into the toilet bowl before using it on yourself—you’ll quickly learn some sprays are gentler than others! -
Position properly.
Sit or stay in a light squat. Hold the sprayer in your right hand and aim it gently upward. -
Control the pressure.
Squeeze lightly for a soft flow. A blast can be a cold and rude awakening, especially for women using it to wash their feminine parts. It’s like getting a douche if you shoot too hard. I don’t recommend it. -
If needed, use your left hand.
Locals sometimes use their left hand to help guide the stream. Wash thoroughly afterward. -
Dry off.
Either air dry or use a small amount of toilet paper or tissues. -
Keep it hygienic.
Don’t touch the nozzle directly to your skin. Hang it back properly to avoid leaks or mess.
Common Concerns and Hygiene Tips
Many travelers hesitate to use these sprayers, fearing the hose touched someone’s skin before them or that the handle seems unhygienic. But when you think about it, toilet seats, door handles, and sink knobs in any public bathroom harbor plenty of germs too. It’s all relative – no restroom experience is risk-free, but the bum gun actually reduces what stays on your skin.
Personally, I’ve grown to appreciate bidet sprayer toilets as much as Asian squat toilets. They’re refreshing on a hot day, extra helpful during menstruation and even handy for cleaning the toilet seat before use (which is also how I use it!).
Tip: Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your bag. It’s your best defense in any bathroom situation.
Read my post on buying tips for investing in your first bidet
Conclusion
Hand-held bidet sprayer toilets might seem strange at first, but they often leave me feeling cleaner and more refreshed than toilet paper alone. Once you get comfortable with them, they quickly become one of those travel upgrades you can’t help but miss when you return home. You might even be inspired to buy one!
