Gay venues
25
Country
Vietnam
LGBTQ+ status
Welcoming
In this guide · 10 sections

Hoi An's LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient town, lanterns, and good food, is becoming more welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers. It's not as flashy as bigger Asian cities, but Hoi An has a growing and more visible gay bar and club scene. You'll find everything from quiet cocktail spots to dance floors. This guide will show you the best places and what to expect.

Where to Go Out

Hoi An doesn't have a specific "gay village." The LGBTQ+ scene is spread out, but some areas have more welcoming spots. The ancient town itself, with its many bars and restaurants, is generally open. Many places, even those not explicitly LGBTQ+, are inclusive. For venues specifically known as LGBTQ+ hotspots, look just outside the ancient town, especially along the Thu Bon River and in the newer parts of An Hoi Islet. This area is close to the ancient town but has more modern nightlife.

An Hoi Islet, connected to the ancient town by bridges, is a great place to start. It has a night market, many restaurants, and lots of bars that are generally welcoming. If you go a bit further from the most touristy spots, you'll find more local places, including some of Hoi An's dedicated LGBTQ+ venues. The scene here feels like it grew naturally, and you'll find genuine warmth wherever you go.

Hoi An's LGBTQ+ Friendly Bars

Hoi An has many bars and clubs that are either explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly or known for their inclusive atmosphere. Here are some of the best:

Living Colors LGBTQ+ Bar Hoi An

Living Colors LGBTQ+ Bar Hoi An is the center of Hoi An's gay nightlife. This bar is a good place to meet the local LGBTQ+ community and other travelers. It's dedicated to being a safe and fun space. You'll find friendly staff, good music (pop hits and local favorites), and a good selection of cocktails and local beers. It's a community hub where everyone feels welcome. They often have themed nights, drag performances, or special events, so check their social media. It's a good place to start your night and meet new people.

Lymen Rooftop Cocktail & Wine Bar - Sunset river view

For something more sophisticated, Lymen Rooftop Cocktail & Wine Bar has great sunset river views. It's not exclusively an LGBTQ+ bar, but it's known for being welcoming, so many LGBTQ+ travelers like it for a chic evening. The location is beautiful; you can drink cocktails or wine while watching the sky change over the Thu Bon River. The atmosphere is relaxed but elegant, good for a date or just unwinding. Their cocktail menu is extensive, and the service is excellent. It's a good spot to enjoy a beautiful Hoi An evening in a pretty and accepting setting.

Mezcal Cocteleria [Cocktail Bar]

If you like good spirits and interesting drinks, Mezcal Cocteleria is worth a visit. This cocktail bar specializes in mezcal and tequila. It's not specifically an LGBTQ+ bar, but it has an inclusive and cool vibe that attracts a diverse crowd, including many LGBTQ+ patrons. They focus on high-quality ingredients, expert mixology, and a chic, intimate atmosphere. The bartenders know their stuff and will help you with the menu. It's a good place for a pre-dinner drink, a sophisticated nightcap, or just some of the best cocktails in Hoi An.

Pip Bar

Pip Bar offers a more relaxed, local experience. It has friendly staff, cheap drinks, and a mix of local regulars and travelers. It's not a dedicated LGBTQ+ venue, but it's open-minded and welcoming. The vibe is unpretentious, often with live music or casual DJ sets. It's a good place to relax, talk to people, and see a more authentic side of Hoi An's casual bar scene. Pip Bar is about good times, making it a solid choice for an inclusive night out.

Hair of the dog bar Hoi An

For a more energetic, late-night party, Hair of the dog bar Hoi An is popular. It's a mainstream bar that attracts a diverse crowd, but it's welcoming to everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community. It has consistent upbeat energy, often with live music, DJs, and a dance floor that stays busy until late. If you want to dance and meet people, this is the place. The staff are friendly, and it's a good option for finishing a night or for those who like a higher-energy environment.

Best Nights and Vibe

Hoi An's LGBTQ+ scene is busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, especially at places like Living Colors LGBTQ+ Bar Hoi An and Hair of the dog bar Hoi An. Weeknights are still welcoming, particularly at places like Mezcal Cocteleria or Lymen Rooftop Cocktail & Wine Bar, which are more relaxed all week.

The vibe in Hoi An's LGBTQ+ friendly places is warm and accepting. You'll meet friendly locals and international travelers. While some venues might have specific events like drag shows (especially Living Colors), it's generally about good music, drinks, and easy conversation. Most places are casual, but you might want to dress a little nicer for a rooftop bar like Lymen. Expect pop, international hits, and local Vietnamese music, depending on the venue. It's a scene that values comfort and connection.

Practical Tips

Getting There: Hoi An's ancient town and An Hoi Islet are walkable. Many bars are close to each other or a short Grab (ride-hailing app) ride away. Taxis and motorbikes are also available. Grab is usually the most convenient and affordable option if you're staying further out. Cycling is popular during the day, but not recommended at night after drinking.

Dress Code: Hoi An is generally relaxed. For most bars like Living Colors LGBTQ+ Bar Hoi An, Pip Bar, or Hair of the dog bar Hoi An, casual clothes are fine: t-shirts, shorts, jeans, comfortable shoes. For Lymen Rooftop Cocktail & Wine Bar or Mezcal Cocteleria, you might dress smart-casual—a collared shirt for men, a nice dress for women—but nothing too formal. Comfort and personal style are key.

Ages: The legal drinking age in Vietnam is 18. Most bars enforce this, and it's smart to carry ID.

Safety: Hoi An is generally safe for all travelers, including LGBTQ+ individuals. But always use common sense:

    • Watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
    • Don't take drinks from strangers or leave yours unattended.
    • If you're out late, take a Grab or taxi back instead of walking alone.
    • Drink responsibly.
    • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in dimly lit areas.
    • While Vietnam is tolerant, public displays of affection are less common and might draw unwanted attention, especially in more conservative areas. In dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces, it's generally more relaxed.

Local police are usually helpful. In an emergency, contact your embassy or consulate.

Hoi An's LGBTQ+ scene is growing and offers a genuine welcome. With its atmosphere, food, and nightlife, it's a destination that promises memorable evenings and connections.