By aussiematesvietnam 
LGBTQ+ Travel in Vietnam: Experiences and Local Perspectives
G’day, fellow travelers! Aussie Mates here with Tracy by my side, coming at you from our home base in beautiful Vietnam. After nearly two decades of calling this incredible country home, we’ve seen tremendous changes in how Vietnam embraces diversity, including attitudes toward LGBTQ+ travelers. Today, I want to share some honest insights about what LGBTQ+ visitors can expect when exploring this fascinating corner of Southeast Asia.
[IMAGE:vietnam-cityscape]
The Current State of LGBTQ+ Rights in Vietnam
Let’s get straight to it—Vietnam sits in an interesting middle ground when it comes to LGBTQ+ acceptance. Unlike some of its neighboring countries, Vietnam has never had laws explicitly criminalizing homosexuality, which is a positive starting point. In fact, the country has made some progressive strides in recent years.
Back in 2015, Vietnam actually abolished its ban on same-sex marriage. While they didn’t exactly legalize it either (bit of a “she’ll be right” approach), it was still a significant step forward. The government essentially decided not to punish same-sex couples who decide to tie the knot, even if they don’t officially recognize those unions.
Tracy and I have noticed a marked change in attitudes since we first arrived here. The younger Vietnamese generation, particularly in urban areas, is increasingly accepting and open-minded. However, traditional family values still hold strong sway, especially in rural areas and among older folks.
Urban vs. Rural Experiences
If you’re planning a trip here, it’s worth knowing that your experience can vary dramatically depending on where you visit.
City Life: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
The big smoke—Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi—are where you’ll find the most vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, has a growing number of gay-friendly venues, from bars and clubs to cafes.
Just last year, Tracy and I joined some mates from Australia at a few LGBTQ+ friendly spots in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. The atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming, and nobody batted an eyelid at same-sex couples showing affection. There’s even been Pride events in recent years, though they’re called “Pride Walk” rather than parades and maintain a somewhat lower profile than what you’d see in Sydney.
[IMAGE:saigon-nightlife]
Hanoi has a smaller but still present LGBTQ+ scene. The venues may be fewer, but the capital city’s more progressive youth culture helps create spaces where everyone can feel comfortable.
Coastal and Rural Areas
Head out to places like Da Nang, Hoi An, or the beach paradise of Phu Quoc, and things get a bit more traditional. That’s not to say these places are unwelcoming—Vietnamese people are generally hospitable to all tourists—but public displays of affection between same-sex couples might raise more eyebrows here than in the big cities.
Tracy and I have traveled extensively throughout Vietnam’s countryside, and our advice to LGBTQ+ travelers in these areas would be to exercise a bit more discretion. It’s less about safety concerns and more about respecting local sensibilities.
Accommodation and Travel Tips
When it comes to booking accommodation, international hotel chains are typically the most LGBTQ-friendly options. They’re used to international travelers of all stripes and are unlikely to cause any awkwardness for same-sex couples requesting a double bed.
Here’s a quick rundown of tips we’ve gathered over the years:
- Many mid-range and upscale hotels in tourist areas are perfectly comfortable with same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Airbnb can be a good option as it often bypasses any potential awkwardness at check-in
- When booking with local guesthouses or homestays in more rural areas, booking as “friends” might avoid unnecessary questions
- Most tourist attractions and experiences are welcoming to all visitors regardless of orientation
One thing to note—Vietnamese culture is generally quite physically affectionate between friends of the same gender. Don’t be surprised to see local men or women walking arm in arm or holding hands; this is normal friendship behavior here and doesn’t carry the same connotations it might in Australia.
[IMAGE:vietnam-beach-resort]
Meeting Local LGBTQ+ Vietnamese
If you’re keen to connect with local LGBTQ+ Vietnamese during your visit, social media and apps are your best bet. Dating apps are widely used in urban areas, and there are Facebook groups dedicated to the community where events and gatherings are often posted.
Tracy and I have been fortunate enough to make friends with several LGBTQ+ Vietnamese couples over our years here. Their perspectives have been eye-opening. Many describe a society in transition—older family members who initially struggled with acceptance but eventually came around, workplaces becoming gradually more inclusive, and a sense of cautious optimism about the future.
One young lesbian couple we’ve become close with runs a small cafe in our neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City. They’ve shared that while they don’t feel comfortable being completely open in all aspects of life, they’ve created a circle of acceptance among friends and select family members. This middle ground—not fully out but not completely hidden—seems common for many Vietnamese LGBTQ+ people.
Annual Events Worth Checking Out
If you’re planning your trip and want to time it with LGBTQ+ focused events, consider these annual happenings:
- Viet Pride: Usually held in August or September in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- LGBTQ+ Film Festivals: Occasionally organized in the major cities
- International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (May 17): Often marked with events in urban areas
These events tend to be more cultural and educational than the party-focused Pride events you might be used to back home, but they’re wonderful opportunities to show support and connect with local communities.
[IMAGE:viet-pride-event]
Local Etiquette and Cultural Considerations
While Vietnam is becoming more progressive, it’s still a society where saving face and family reputation matter enormously. Public displays of affection—regardless of orientation—are generally more subdued than what we’re used to in Australia.
A few cultural tips that Tracy and I have picked up:
- Subtle is better than overt when it comes to showing affection in public
- Vietnamese culture places high value on politeness and harmony, so confrontations over perceived discrimination are best avoided
- Patience goes a long way—cultural change happens gradually
- English proficiency varies widely, so having key phrases in Vietnamese can be helpful
Final Thoughts
After living here for nearly two decades, Tracy and I can confidently say that Vietnam is generally a safe and increasingly welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. While it may not have the open celebration of diversity you’d find in Sydney’s Mardi Gras or Melbourne’s pride events, there’s a genuine warmth and hospitality that extends to all visitors.
Vietnam is a country in transition—holding onto beautiful traditions while gradually embracing more progressive values. For LGBTQ+ travelers, this means experiencing a fascinating culture that’s evolving before our eyes.
If you’re planning a trip and have specific questions about LGBTQ+ travel in Vietnam, feel free to drop a comment below. Tracy and I are always happy to share more detailed insights based on our experiences and conversations with local friends.
Safe travels, mates!
– Aussie Mates