City, Vietnam
Is Ho Chi Minh City LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Ho Chi Minh City LGBTQ+ friendly?
Relaxed in the city: gay bars, a visible community and annual Pride events. Same-sex marriage is not recognized; families can be conservative.
LGBTQ+ laws in Vietnam
Big cities are relaxed, with gay bars and Pride events in Hanoi and Saigon; families and rural areas are more conservative.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | Unclear |
| Anti-discrimination law | No |
The scene in Ho Chi Minh City
Where to go
- District 1 around Pham Ngu Lao
- District 3
Events
- Saigon Pride (August)
LGBTQ+ friendliness across Vietnam
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Hanoi | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Da Nang | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Hoi An | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Da Lat | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Ha Long Bay | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Nha Trang | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Phu Quoc | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Sapa | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Hue | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Ninh Binh | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Ha Giang | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Mui Ne | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Phong Nha | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Cat Ba | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Vung Tau | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Quy Nhon | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Can Tho | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Con Dao | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Cao Bang | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Mai Chau | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
Quick answers
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Relaxed in the city: gay bars, a visible community and annual Pride events. Same-sex marriage is not recognized; families can be conservative.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Vietnam?
No.
Where are the LGBTQ+ areas in Ho Chi Minh City?
District 1 around Pham Ngu Lao; District 3
More about Ho Chi Minh City
- LGBTQ+ friendlyacross Vietnam
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- Vietnam National Portal on Immigration (e-visa)
- Vietnam National Authority of Tourism
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (ACV)
- Grab Vietnam
- FV Hospital
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.