LGBTQIA+ travellers are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (a more inclusive LGBT initialism), plus queer or questioning, intersex or asexual individuals, as well as those who identify beyond these commonly used sexuality and gender expressions. Specific situations and issues may present themselves to travellers who identify with one or more of these terms when visiting Vietnam.
Vietnam is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. In recent years, the country has made positive strides recognising the role of the LGBTQIA+ community. Same-sex relationships and same-sex sexual acts are legal, and a ban on same-sex marriages was lifted in in January 2015. Viet Pride marches take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and gay characters appear in mainstream television and films. That said, it is far from a gay utopia. Vietnam remains a socially conservative nation and many continue to hide their sexuality from their families. And while same-sex marriages are no longer illegal, they are not legally recognised either.
Travellers, however, are typically exempt from social stigma and usually find Vietnam to be an extremely hospitable and welcoming destination. While displays of affection will likely draw disapproving glares, the same holds true for straight couples. As long as LGBTQIA+ travellers display some discretion and respect local culture, they will have no problem visiting Vietnam. Just don’t expect to see many rainbow flags hanging from gay-only venues – the low-key gay scene found in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is largely limited to gay-friendly and gay-owned establishments.
Queer culture in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
The most populous city in Vietnam boasts a number of bars, restaurants, saunas and hotels that are gay-friendly. The largest gay club, Republic, features a drag show each Friday, live music on Saturdays and a large dance floor. Full Disclosure puts on raucous monthly themed-LGBT parties with live music, drag shows and DJs that go late into the night. Gay-friendly parties can also be found at La Fenetre Soleil (44 Ly Tu Trong). Check their Facebook page for details. Whiskey and Wares is another popular bar owned by American and Vietnamese partners that serves up whiskey, craft beer and some great cocktails in a small trendy space. Located on De Tham, it attracts a mix of gay and straight expats, locals and travellers.
Queer culture in Hanoi
The gay scene in the capital is more low-key than Ho Chi Minh City. GC Bar is the best-known and longest running gay bar in Hanoi. Located within walking distance from the Old Quarter, it gets packed on Friday and Saturday nights. Savage, an underground electronic music club, also hosts popular monthly gay nights.
The city boasts some well-located gay-friendly hotels, including Art Hotel, Trendy Hotel and Artisan Boutique Hotel. Viet Pride festivities are biggest in Hanoi, where LGBTQI film screenings, panel discussions and other various events accompany the annual bicycle pride parade.
Check Utopia Asia for a more complete and up-to-date list of LGBTQI-friendly establishments in Vietnam.
Solo travel and room sharing
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.
Click to return to Vietnam FAQs
Our tours in Vietnam
10 Days
From
764
Take a ten-day tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the...
18 Days
From
1573
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of Vietnam...
10 Days
From
717
Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Highlights include meeting...
8 Days
From
1305
Discover the highlights and traditions of Vietnam on this short Premium adventure from...
9 Days
From
672
Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...
15 Days
From
2228
Uncover Vietnam on a Premium journey from south to north, taking in Ho Chi Minh City,...
8 Days
From
986
Discover the spirit of Vietnam on a small group tour from south to north, visiting Ho...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
15 Days
From
1016
Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this 15-day Vietnam adventure. Trek in the...
11 Days
From
604
Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue and on to pretty Hoi An via Ninh Binh,...
15 Days
From
1652
Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic 15-day adventure. Tour...
13 Days
From
2822
Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...
13 Days
From
1179
Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....
18 Days
From
1910
Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...
19 Days
From
3910
Take a Premium trip exploring Thailand and Vietnam’s highlights, including Bangkok,...
15 Days
From
1295
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...
15 Days
From
828
Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...
20 Days
From
3915
Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...
11 Days
From
632
Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south...
12 Days
From
732
Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on a 12-day adventure through Cambodia with Intrepid....
12 Days
From
1336
Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Halong Bay,...
24 Days
From
5772
Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...
13 Days
From
1445
Experience Vietnamese customs and charms on a 13-day family adventure from Hanoi to Ho...
11 Days
From
1197
Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active tour based out of Hanoi. Enjoy...
13 Days
From
2290
Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...
15 Days
From
914
Take a 15-day Vietnam adventure from hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi,...
30 Days
From
3530
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of...
20 Days
From
1407
From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to historical Hanoi, the Best of Vietnam tour is an...
22 Days
From
1535
Bounce from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, through Phnom Penh, Kampot and Siem Reap, then head...
12 Days
From
750
Travel to Cambodia on a 12-day adventure from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok. Explore...
9 Days
From
533
From Bangkok you'll hit the ancient streets and temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get...
22 Days
From
1649
Explore South East Asia on a 22-day adventure through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand –...
26 Days
From
1358
Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...
12 Days
From
795
Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...
13 Days
From
1990
See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this 13-day adventure from Ho Chi...
23 Days
From
1949
Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...
20 Days
From
2850
Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...
23 Days
From
1479
Take a trip with the lot – Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Phong...
35 Days
From
3240
Join us for the South East Asian trip of your dreams – a little bit of Bangkok, a pinch...
22 Days
From
2735
South East Asia Uncovered snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...
9 Days
From
821
Get the most out of your family getaway by cycling, kayaking, walking and cruising...
8 Days
From
865
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...
20 Days
From
2542
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
27 Days
From
3700
Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...
5 Days
From
288
Trek through Vietnam's mountainous region in the north-west to experience hiltribe...
2 Days
From
185
See local industry, beautiful islands and what life is like along the mighty Mekong...
2 Days
From
253
Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts...
