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It’s been part of Imperial China, colonized by the French and even divided into rival states. Today Vietnam is a must for ambitious adventurers, where you can explore layers of history, unspoiled beaches, mysterious bays and marvelous cuisine with a European influence. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh also live up to the spectacular reputations Southeast Asian cities are renowned for.
There is a strong LGBTQ+ scene in major cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, but there are few laws to support the community. Since 2000, both male and female forms of same-sex sexual activity have been legal and are believed to have never been criminalized in Vietnamese history. However, same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples do not have access to the legal protections that heterosexual couples do. Vietnam does provide limited anti-discrimination protections for transgender people. The right to change gender was officially legalized in Vietnam after the National Assembly passed an amendment to the Civil Code in 2015.
Gay Activity:Â Legal
Lesbian Activity:Â Legal
Gay Marriage:Â Unrecognized
Right to Change Gender:Â Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption:Â Single only
LGBTQ+ Discrimination: No Protections
As a traveller (straight or gay), it’s best to avoid public displays of affection, but in turn you shouldn’t expect any issues regarding sexuality. Head to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh for the country’s largest gay scenes, including some spectacular Cabarets and Drag Shows.
There are no gay districts in Vietnam. Bars and clubs are peppered throughout.
Hanoi Pride: Annually in November
Hanoi:Â Golden Cock Bar
Hanoi:Â Savage
Hanoi: GC Bar
Ho Chi Minh:Â The Tipsy Unicorn
Ho Chi Minh: Frolic Bar
Ho Chi Minh: Thi Bar
Ho Chi Minh: Taboo
There are no Lesbian Bars specifically, but all listed ‘Gay Bars’ are lesbian friendly.
A staggeringly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage National Park containing a labyrinth of cave systems. Hikers, bikers and outdoor lovers will fall head over heels for this lush region.
For a taste of Vietnam as it once was, book a few nights in Hoi An. This historic city refuses to put on a show as it continues as it always has.
Hanoi is a melting pot of culture, cuisine and architecture. While still proudly Vietnamese, the nation’s capital has experienced lengths of both French and Chinese occupation. Eat a bánh mì al fresco while watching locals practice t’ai chi in the city’s lush gardens.
Formerly Saigon, this metropolis still retains the scars of its past – you can literally see the bullet holes. If you can dodge the bicycles and negotiate your way past knock-off vendors, you’ll discover a city ripe with charm and dripping culture and history. Ho Chi Minh is a city pulsing with energy and rushing forward despite its incredible past.
There is no better way to experience Vietnam’s main tourist attraction than by cruise. Awake at dawn and witness a golden sunrise behind limestone monoliths that reach for the heavens. These incredible islands are covered in lush forests as sea birds soar above like a halo. Ha Long Bay has long been explored but its angelic, otherworldly aura begs to be rediscovered again and again.
Best Time to Visit: Vietnam is balmy all year long, but the dry season is ideal for traveling (between November and April). Hanoi’s daytime ‘winter’ highs are about 22C/72F, while Ho Chi Minh City hovers around a heady 29C/85F throughout the year.
Electricity:Â A-, C- and G-type sockets.
Time Zone:Â (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Vietnam, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: Visas can be usually arranged upon arrival at major airports, but if you are taking our Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River Cruise, you must get your e-visa in advance by applying online.
There is a strong LGBTQ+ scene in major cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, but there are few laws to support the community. Since 2000, both male and female forms of same-sex sexual activity have been legal and are believed to have never been criminalized in Vietnamese history. However, same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples do not have access to the legal protections that heterosexual couples do. Vietnam does provide limited anti-discrimination protections for transgender people. The right to change gender was officially legalized in Vietnam after the National Assembly passed an amendment to the Civil Code in 2015.
Gay Activity:Â Legal
Lesbian Activity:Â Legal
Gay Marriage:Â Unrecognized
Right to Change Gender:Â Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption:Â Single only
LGBTQ+ Discrimination: No Protections
As a traveller (straight or gay), it’s best to avoid public displays of affection, but in turn you shouldn’t expect any issues regarding sexuality. Head to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh for the country’s largest gay scenes, including some spectacular Cabarets and Drag Shows.
There are no gay districts in Vietnam. Bars and clubs are peppered throughout.
Hanoi Pride: Annually in November
Hanoi:Â Golden Cock Bar
Hanoi:Â Savage
Hanoi: GC Bar
Ho Chi Minh:Â The Tipsy Unicorn
Ho Chi Minh: Frolic Bar
Ho Chi Minh: Thi Bar
Ho Chi Minh: Taboo
There are no Lesbian Bars specifically, but all listed ‘Gay Bars’ are lesbian friendly.
A staggeringly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage National Park containing a labyrinth of cave systems. Hikers, bikers and outdoor lovers will fall head over heels for this lush region.
For a taste of Vietnam as it once was, book a few nights in Hoi An. This historic city refuses to put on a show as it continues as it always has.
Hanoi is a melting pot of culture, cuisine and architecture. While still proudly Vietnamese, the nation’s capital has experienced lengths of both French and Chinese occupation. Eat a bánh mì al fresco while watching locals practice t’ai chi in the city’s lush gardens.
Formerly Saigon, this metropolis still retains the scars of its past – you can literally see the bullet holes. If you can dodge the bicycles and negotiate your way past knock-off vendors, you’ll discover a city ripe with charm and dripping culture and history. Ho Chi Minh is a city pulsing with energy and rushing forward despite its incredible past.
There is no better way to experience Vietnam’s main tourist attraction than by cruise. Awake at dawn and witness a golden sunrise behind limestone monoliths that reach for the heavens. These incredible islands are covered in lush forests as sea birds soar above like a halo. Ha Long Bay has long been explored but its angelic, otherworldly aura begs to be rediscovered again and again.
Best Time to Visit: Vietnam is balmy all year long, but the dry season is ideal for traveling (between November and April). Hanoi’s daytime ‘winter’ highs are about 22C/72F, while Ho Chi Minh City hovers around a heady 29C/85F throughout the year.
Electricity:Â A-, C- and G-type sockets.
Time Zone:Â (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Vietnam, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: Visas can be usually arranged upon arrival at major airports, but if you are taking our Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River Cruise, you must get your e-visa in advance by applying online.
From the temples of Angkor to palatial residences and gondola boat rides, our 13-day Mekong Gay River Cruise is the ultimate sampler of Southeast Asian culture!
Read MoreLoved every minute of it. Friendly people in each country, great food, relaxing, and endless fun. Made some lasting friendships with fellow travelers.
A beautiful way to see the local culture and give back while vacationing.
Great itinerary, amazing cultural sites, a wonderful river cruise experience, excellent accommodations, wonderful food, fantastic customer service, exciting destinations, and great group camaraderie.
The riverboat is an amazing way to experience Cambodia and Vietnam. Unlike large ships, ours was very intimate and allowed us to visit sights much more comfortably than long bus rides.