Country
Vietnam
The East that welcomes all
LGBTQ+ status
Moderate for LGBTQ+
Marriage equality
Not recognised
Decriminalized
Yes
Anti-discrimination
None
Adoption rights
Not available
Equal age of consent (16)
Equal
Gender recognition
Limited
About the country
Vietnam captivates with its exotic nature, rich culture and authentic Asian atmosphere. While the legal framework for LGBTQ+ rights is still developing, the social climate is based on a "live and let live" principle, so foreign tourists face no discrimination. It's an excellent chance to discover an affordable, safe and peaceful corner of Asia.
LGBTQ+ in this country
Same-sex relationships have never been criminalised in Vietnam, but there is no legal recognition. The Ministry of Health officially depathologised homosexuality in 2022 — an important step forward. For foreign LGBTQ+ tourists, the atmosphere is generally welcoming: society adheres to a non-interference principle and there is no state harassment.
Key events
September – October
VietPride
Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City
Cities in Vietnam
ModerateBest time: December — April
Our guides
The City of a Thousand Lanterns: Romance and Style in Hoi An
The perfect romantic day in Hoi An. LGBTQ+ guide: bespoke tailoring, coffee, lantern night market, and hidden bars in the Ancient Town.
Water World: 3 Days in the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City
The perfect escape from the metropolis. A 3-day LGBTQ+ itinerary to the Mekong Delta: Cai Rang floating market, coconut groves, and jungle eco-resorts.
Neon Pulse of Saigon: 24 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City
One day in Saigon. A complete LGBTQ+ itinerary: colonial architecture, iced coffee, District 1, and the best queer clubs in Vietnam.
Chaos and Harmony: 24 Hours in Queer Hanoi
1,000-year-old Hanoi in 24 hours. An LGBTQ+ itinerary through the Old Quarter labyrinth, egg coffee, Train Street, and the capital's secret queer bars.
Emerald Dragons: 3 Days from Hanoi to Ha Long & Ninh Binh
The ultimate Northern Vietnam road trip. 3 days from Hanoi: a luxury cruise in Lan Ha Bay and the karst mountains of Ninh Binh for LGBTQ+ couples.
Ocean, Bridges, and Dragons: 24 Hours in Modern Da Nang
Vietnam's modern beach metropolis. 24 hours in Da Nang for LGBTQ+ travelers: the Golden Bridge, Marble Mountains, the Dragon Bridge fire show, and queer-friendly bars.
Visas & entry
Israeli passport
E-Visa required via the official government portal. $25 single entry, $50 multiple entry.
Russian passport
Visa-free for up to 45 days (special exemption). For stays up to 90 days, e-Visa costs $25.
US passport
E-Visa required via the official government portal. $25 single entry, $50 multiple entry.
Travel tips
- 1Vietnamese society adheres to a non-interference principle — you will face no local discrimination.
- 2Israeli passport holders need an e-Visa ($25 single entry, $50 multiple entry).
- 3Russian citizens enter visa-free for up to 45 days. For up to 90 days, an e-Visa costs $25.
- 4Tourist areas of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are generally very open and welcoming.