Vietnam

There’s a strong gay scene in major centres like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, same-sex marriage is legal, and LGBT people can even serve in Vietnam’s military. Paradoxically, however, gay couples and individuals are not explicitly recognized or protected by law.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Unrecognized
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Single only
LGBT Discrimination: No Protections

As a traveller (straight or gay), it’s best to avoid public displays of affection, but in turn you shouldn’t expect any issues regarding sexuality. Head to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh for the country’s largest gay scenes, including some spectacular Cabarets and Drag Shows.

Gay Villages

There are no gay districts in Vietnam. Bars and clubs are peppered throughout.

Gay Pride

Hanoi Pride: Annually in November

Best Gay Bars

Hanoi: Golden Cock Bar
Hanoi: Birdcage
Hanoi: Sidewalk
Hanoi: Savage
Hanoi: The 100 Beer Garden
Hanoi: Hanoi Queer Takeovers (Popular monthly parties. See listings)
Ho Chi Minh: Republic Lounge
Ho Chi Minh: The Tipsy Unicorn

Best Lesbian Bars

There are no Lesbian Bars specifically, but all listed ‘Gay Bars’ are lesbian friendly.

5. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

A staggeringly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage National Park containing a labyrinth of cave systems. Hikers, bikers and outdoor lovers will fall head over heel for this lush region.

4. Hoi An

For a taste of Vietnam as it once was book a few nights in Hoi An. This historic city refuses to put on a show as it continues as it always has.

3. Hanoi

Hanoi is a melting pot of culture, cuisine and architecture. While still proudly Vietnamese, the nation’s capital has experienced lengths of both French and Chinese occupation. Eat a bánh mì al fresco while watching locals practice t’ai chi in the city’s lush gardens.

2. Ho Chi Minh City

Formerly Saigon, this metropolis still retains the scars of its past – you can literally see the bullet holes. If you can dodge the bicycles and negotiate your way past knock-off vendors, you’ll discover a city ripe with charm and dripping culture and history. Ho Chi Minh is a city pulsing with energy and rushing forward despite its incredible past.

1. Halong Bay

There is no better way to experience Vietnam’s main tourist attraction than by cruise. Awake at dawn and witness a golden sunrise behind limestone monliths that reach for the heavens. These incredible islands are covered in lush forests as sea birds soar above like a halo. Halong Bay has long been explored but its angelic, otherworldly aura begs to be rediscovered again and again.

Best Time to Visit: Vietnam is balmy all year long, but the dry season is ideal for traveling (between November and April). Hanoi’s daytime ‘winter’ highs are about 22C/72F, while Ho Chi Minh City hovers around a heady 29C/85F throughout the year.

Electricity: A-, C- and G-type sockets.

Time Zone: (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta

Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Vietnam, there are no vaccinations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic.

Visas: Visas can be usually arranged upon arrival at major airports, but if you are taking our Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River Cruise, you must get your visa in advance via your local Vietnamese consulate or embassy.