Asia / Australia
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide & City Directory
Based on national laws as of 2025
Never criminalized; same-sex ceremonies removed from prohibited list in 2015, but no partnership recognition or anti-discrimination law. Big-city scenes (Saigon, Hanoi) operate openly and police do not target gay venues; discretion advised outside nightlife areas.
VietPride is Vietnam's annual LGBTI+ Pride series. The first was held in Hanoi in August 2012, and it reached Saigon the…
The ESSENTIAL GAY GUIDE to Ho Chi Minh City! || Guide to Gay Saigon
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Vietnam has legal protections for same-sex couples and is generally welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. Major cities and tourist destinations are the most established; see each city page for the current scene and venue reviews.
Same-sex partnerships are recognised in Vietnam, though full marriage may still be pending. The Legal Status panel above has the current position. Vietnam has never criminalised same-sex relations and the age of consent is equal. The Law on Marriage and Family in force since January 2015 removed the ban on same-sex weddings but gives them no legal effect, so couples can hold ceremonies and get nothing from them; there is no partnership recognition and no joint adoption, though step-child adoption and single adoption are allowed. In August 2022 the Health Ministry instructed hospitals that homosexuality, bisexuality and being transgender are not illnesses and banned conversion therapy by medical staff. Legal gender change has been possible after surgery since 2017, and a fuller Gender Affirmation Law was on the legislative agenda in 2024 before being pulled for further consultation, where it remains. Employment discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation is prohibited; there is no broader anti-discrimination law. Public opinion has shifted fast, with 65 percent supporting same-sex marriage in 2023 Pew polling, and Pride events run in more than 35 cities since Hanoi's first in 2012. Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 and Hanoi's Old Quarter have open, friendly scenes, and Da Nang and Hoi An are easy for couples. Visitors meet one of the most relaxed countries in Asia.
The cities listed on this page have the most active LGBTQ+ scenes in Vietnam, typically anchored by the capital and the largest tourist cities. Each city page links to verified LGBTQ+ venues and upcoming events.
Yes — gay-friendly and gay-popular hotels are listed on each city page in Vietnam. International chains in central districts are reliably welcoming; independent boutique options are flagged where the community has verified them.
Pride events take place in Vietnam — check the events calendar on this site and each city page for the current year's dates.
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