LGBTQIA+ travelers 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 travelers who identify with one or more of these terms when visiting Vietnam.

Vietnam is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. In recent years, the country has made positive strides recognizing 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 recognized either.

Travelers, 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+ travelers 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.

Crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh City

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 travelers.

A busy street in Hanoi.

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 traveling 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 travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Click to return to Vietnam FAQs

Our tours in Vietnam

10 Days From 1108

Take a tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the Mekong...

10 Days From 1112

Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Visit the Mekong Delta, cruise...

18 Days From 2120

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Vietnam and Cambodia....

8 Days From 1881

Discover the highlights and traditions of Vietnam on this short Premium adventure from...

13 Days From 1468

Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....

13 Days From 1652

Experience Vietnamese customs and charms on a 13-day family adventure from Hanoi to Ho...

9 Days From 1056

Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

15 Days From 2180

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...

15 Days From 2084

Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic 15-day adventure. Tour...

15 Days From 3065

Uncover Vietnam on a Premium journey from south to north, taking in Ho Chi Minh City,...

15 Days From 1464

Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this Vietnam adventure. Trek in the quiet...

8 Days From 1360

Discover the spirit of Vietnam on a small group tour from south to north, visiting Ho...

13 Days From 4735

Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...

13 Days From 2840

Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...

19 Days From 5845

Take a Premium trip exploring Thailand and Vietnam’s highlights, including Bangkok,...

9 Days From 1176

Get the most out of your family getaway by cycling, kayaking, walking and cruising...

30 Days From 4080

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Thailand, Laos,...

30 Days From 4080

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of...

12 Days From 1108

Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City then take a trip through Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat...

11 Days From 892

Take an awesome trip through Vietnam. Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue, Hoi An,...

12 Days From 1820

Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Halong Bay,...

20 Days From 1820

On this epic trip through Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll bounce from Hanoi to the...

20 Days From 5765

Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...

20 Days From 3676

Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...

15 Days From 1120

Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...

15 Days From 1204

Take an incredible Vietnam adventure from hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi,...

11 Days From 1444

Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active tour based out of Hanoi. Enjoy...

18 Days From 2228

Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...

13 Days From 2416

See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this adventure from Ho Chi Minh...

8 Days From 892

Follow the ancient trails on a trip to Cambodia, starting in Thailand and ending in...

10 Days From 1016

Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...

20 Days From 2276

From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to historical Hanoi, the Best of Vietnam tour is an...

11 Days From 856

Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south...

23 Days From 2336

Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...

23 Days From 2016

See Cambodia and Vietnam on a whirlwind trip that visits Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phonm Penh...

8 Days From 1108

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...

22 Days From 3224

This Southeast Asia trip snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...

22 Days From 3224

South East Asia Uncovered snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...

9 Days From 760

Travel to Cambodia on an adventure from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia’s Siem...

26 Days From 2204

Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...

9 Days From 832

From Bangkok, you'll hit the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get rural in Banteay...

19 Days From 1625

Explore South East Asia on a19-day adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia – Hanoi, Ho...

32 Days From 3936

Take an epic journey to Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang,...

27 Days From 4384

Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...

5 Days From 400

Trek through Vietnam's mountainous region in the north-west to experience hiltribe...

24 Days From 8495

Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...

2 Days From 300

Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts...

2 Days From 260

See local industry, beautiful islands and what life is like along the mighty Mekong...

20 Days From 3356

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...