Traveling Southeast Asia with Kids: Top Tips for Diapers, Potty Breaks & Changing Tables
Traveling through Southeast Asia with kids ages 4 to 10 has its challenges, especially when it comes to managing diapers, potty breaks, and changing tables. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot from our trips, and I want to share honest, practical advice based on real experiences. From Bangkok to Bali, these tips will help you navigate family travel more smoothly.
Finding the Best Places for Diaper Changes and Potty Breaks
When traveling in Southeast Asia, finding a good place to change diapers or help your kids with potty breaks can be tricky. Many hotels and cafes lack dedicated changing rooms, especially in less touristy areas.
Hotels with Family-Friendly Bathrooms
Look for hotels that explicitly mention family amenities. In Bangkok, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn has spacious, clean bathrooms with changing tables. We also stayed at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, which has a dedicated family floor and very accessible bathrooms. In Bali, Padma Resort Legian offers kid-friendly bathrooms with changing facilities right next to the pools—big plus when you’re juggling swimsuits and snacks.
Restaurants and Cafes with Changing Facilities
Most cafes and restaurants don’t have changing tables, but some do. In Phuket, The Coffee Club at Jungceylon Mall in Patong has a clean restroom with a changing station. In Singapore, Raffles City Shopping Centre’s food court is a good spot for a quick change and potty break.
Pro tip: Always carry a portable changing pad and a small pack of wipes. We keep a zippered bag with these essentials in our daypack—it’s saved us more than once, especially at outdoor markets or beaches where facilities are scarce.
Attractions with Kid-Friendly Restrooms
Many tourist sites in Southeast Asia are improving in this area. In Bali, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary has clean toilets with some basic changing options near the entrance. In Bangkok, Chatuchak Weekend Market has portable toilets, but they’re often pretty grim. Bring your own wipes and hand sanitizer, and plan for a quick visit.
Managing Diapers and Potty Training on the Road
Diaper management can be a pain, especially in countries where supplies aren’t as readily available as at home.
Stock Up Before You Leave
Buy plenty of diapers before traveling—especially in major cities where international brands are easier to find. In Bali and Phuket, we found Pampers and Huggies at supermarkets like Carrefour and local pharmacies. Prices are often better than in Western countries.
Dealing with Potty Training
If your child is potty trained, bring a portable potty seat or a travel toilet seat cover. My kids love the Toilet Tree Travel Potty because it’s lightweight and easy to pack. It’s especially handy on long drives between destinations in Thailand or Indonesia.
Pro tip: Sometimes, in busy markets or remote beaches, traditional toilets aren’t available. In those cases, I use a disposable pee cup (like FridaBaby Pee-pee Tip). It’s gross but way better than holding it or risking an accident.
Changing Diapers in a Pinch
When you’re caught without a changing table, a flat surface works. A large towel or a pack of disposable changing pads can make any surface usable. In Bali, I changed diapers on beach loungers or in the back of our SUV. Always carry a plastic bag for used diapers—it’s a lifesaver and keeps smells contained.
Top Tips for Finding Family-Friendly Restrooms in Southeast Asia
Public restrooms aren’t always the cleanest or most comfortable. Here’s what worked for us.
Use Shopping Malls and Hotels as Break Spots
In cities like Singapore, malls such as VivoCity and Marina Bay Sands are your best bet for clean, well-equipped restrooms. They usually have changing tables and sometimes even dedicated kids’ toilets.
Airports Are Your Best Friend
Airports in Southeast Asia—Changi Airport in Singapore, Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok—have excellent family facilities. Use these for longer layovers or if you’re arriving/departing with young kids.
Street Market Tips
Markets like Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or Ubud Market in Bali are more chaotic. If you need a bathroom, look for a nearby cafe or hotel. Don’t be shy about asking for access; most staff are friendly when you explain your situation.
Pro tip: Always carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a pack of wipes. Clean hands are essential after changing diapers or using public toilets.
Surprising Challenges & How to Overcome Them
One thing I didn’t expect was how different the hygiene standards can be. Sometimes, the cleanest-looking toilets are not very hygienic, and vice versa.
What Was Tricky?
In remote areas of Vietnam and Cambodia, clean bathrooms with changing tables are rare. We often relied on portable options and had to adapt quickly. Also, some places close their restrooms midday or have limited hours, which surprised us.
What Saved Us?
A portable potty seat and plenty of wipes were game-changers. Also, downloading local maps and reviews on Google Maps helped us locate nearby facilities. Apps like SitOrSquat can help find decent restrooms on the fly.
Unexpectedly Useful
In Bali, the beachside warungs (small restaurants) often have the dirtiest toilets, but they’re the only option at times. I found that bringing along a small plastic bag for trash and a disposable wipe inside the diaper bag keeps things manageable.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with kids in Southeast Asia requires some planning, but it’s very doable. Focus on accommodations with good bathrooms, carry your essentials, and don’t be afraid to ask locals for help. Expect the unexpected, and prepare for it.
Remember, every trip has its messy moments, but they’re all part of the adventure. With these tips, managing diapers, potty breaks, and changing tables will be less stressful so you can focus on enjoying the incredible sights and experiences with your kids.