Latest travel updates on Coronavirus (COVID19) here
It’s been part of Imperial China, colonized by the French and even divided into rival states. Today Vietnam is a must for ambitious adventurers, where you can explore layers of history, unspoiled beaches, mysterious bays and marvelous cuisine with a European influence. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh also live up to the spectacular reputations Southeast Asian cities are renowned for.
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.
There are no gay districts in Vietnam. Bars and clubs are peppered throughout.
Hanoi Pride: Annually in November
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
There are no Lesbian Bars specifically, but all listed ‘Gay Bars’ are lesbian friendly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Vietnam, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
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.
LGBT Rights in 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
Gay Vietnam Travel
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.
There are no gay districts in Vietnam. Bars and clubs are peppered throughout.
Hanoi Pride: Annually in November
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
There are no Lesbian Bars specifically, but all listed ‘Gay Bars’ are lesbian friendly.
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Info
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
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Vietnam, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
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.
Ho Chi Minh City has a hustle-and-bustle which often overwhelms the unprepared traveller. Here’s our Just the Tips to best enjoy this historically significant, bustling metropolis.
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