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| Travel & Resources: VIETNAM
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Advisory: There have never been laws against homosexual activity in Vietnam. However, in May, 2002, state-run media declared that homosexuality was a "social evil" on par with drug use and prostitution and suggested laws to allow the arrest of same sex couples. Gays in Vietnam are misunderstood and victims of prejudice. Blaming social problems on the powerless is simply a gimic to obscure poorly provided education. Police raided a gay sauna in Saigon in November, 2002, and arrested and harassed adults there, requiring them to take re-education classes even though they had not broken any laws. The government reported that homosexuals have infiltrated the tourism, restaurant and karaoke bar industries and that their "eccentric behavior" went hand in hand with prostitution, drug use and HIV/AIDS. In reality, national revolutionary hero, "Uncle Ho" Chi Minh, is beloved by the Vietnamese people and no official would dare recuse him for eccentricity. Hopeful signals are simultaneously emerging from more level heads: the Communist Youth Newspaper carried a story in November 2002 stating "some people are born gay, just as some people are born left-handed." A report by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs said the number of gay couples is on the rise. Homosexuality is not a crime, but blackmail is, so do contact the Police if you are threatened by a scam artist. Prostitution is illegal as is the payment of money for sexual services. Gay visitors can help to set a good example by observing the local laws and customs. |
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The expanded and updated 2nd Edition of the Utopia Guide to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam offers a remarkable insider's glimpse at the gay and lesbian scene in 18 cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Yangon/Rangoon, Phnom Penh, and Angkor Wat/Siem Reap. Enjoy savvy comments and recommendations from local Utopians, as well as gay travelers. Click here to order
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HANOI | HO CHI MINH CITY - SAIGON
Other cities and provinces are listed below...
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A poem by Vietnam's preeminent gay poet of the 20th century, Xuan Dieu
translated by Huynh Sanh Thong
A Fool in Love You suffer as you stray and lose your heart, It seems so smooth, the road - who will beware? You peer in shallow eyes, discover depths; You suffer, squeezing through a narrow gate -- -- Xuan Dieu, Sending Fragrance to the Wind |
Vietnam is splashed with color, from verdant rice fields, hot pink lanterns and day-glo boutiques, to the increasing visibility of gays and lesbians adding their own special hues to Vietnam’s rainbow.
Vietnam is a place to have fun, but also a place to use your common sense since the gay world here is still largely in the shadows and, as a result, some prey on the vulnerability of gay tourists (see words of caution from Utopians in the coming pages).
Never-the-less, no one should miss a chance to encounter the amazingly friendly Vietnamese, to learn about their rich culture and enjoy their warm hospitality!
The population of Can Tho is over a million (that's more than 40,000 Utopians).
Population is a half million (that's 20,000 Utopians).
Vietnam has become a favorite destination for travelers to Southeast Asia. Picturesque, vibrant and youthful, it offers magnificent natural wonders, gorgeous beaches, ancient city lanes, addictive cuisine and a paradise of shopping bargains.
The legality of homosexuality in Vietnam: a posting from the VN-GBLF E-mail forum (see info below on joining this forum).
Lesbian listings
Men in Vietnam message forum
Travel in Vietnam message forum
Vietnam Gay & Lesbian News
Vietnam Gay Scene Updates message forum
Vietnamese terms for homosexuality: a posting from the VN-GBLF E-mail forum.
Additional links for Vietnam GLBT information.
Bhaya CruisesHanoi Sales Office: 52 Hang Trong St, +84-4-3944-6777, FAX +84-4-3944-6776, email.
Halong Bay is a legendary world just waiting to be explored. Gay-friendly Bhaya Cruises combines Asian style with contemporary luxury. Together they are the perfect recipe for an enchanting and relaxing holiday. In 1917, Emperor Khai Dinh plied the waters of the bay in a wonderful wooden junk. Almost a century later you too can embark on a voyage through time in a ship recreated from the original designs and with impeccable service fit for a king. Reside in one of 40 luxurious cabins or suites, wine and dine in style and enjoy a relaxing or exhilarating array of onboard activities. Refresh mind, body and spirit.
Utopia Member Discount
Purple Dragon119/5-10 Surawong Rd, Bangkok, (662) 238-3227, FAX (662) 634-0292, email. Asia's oldest and largest gay tour company offers hundreds of options using local English-speaking guides throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), India, China, Singapore and Bhutan. Specializes in programs focusing on culture, cuisine, adventure and aesthetic improvement programs.
5/21 Quoc Tu Giam St, +84-4732-4303, +84-95-331-8890, FAX +84-4732-5735, email. Gay-owned vistalandtravel.com is a travel booking platform in Vietnam. They offer competitive rates on hotels and tour packages everywhere in the country.
Can Tho
Dalat
Chez Moi (near Xuan Huong Lake). Young crowd with plenty of gays on Sat nights.
Haiphong
Click here for Haiphong hotels and accommodations.
HANOI
Click here for Hanoi listings.
HO CHI MINH CITY - SAIGON -- area code (84-8)
Click here for Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon listings.Hoi An
61A Phan Chau Trinh St (in the old town just off the busy main street, Le Loi). Playing great music and serving delicious food and drinks. Free pool table. Open early until late.
698 Hai ba trung St, (84-510)386-4110, email. Gay-friendly tailor shop making all kind of clothes for men and women. Open 8am until 9pm.
Utopia Member DiscountNguyen Thai Hoc St, Inside Hoi An ancient town.
Hue
Tran Phu St.
Chi Van An St.
Mui Ne
Comments from Utopians:
"DJ Station is the very first very gay friendly bar to open here! It's on the beach. They have a live DJ every night. I had a great time. Please open one in Hanoi!" -- xinchao, Jun 25, 2008
Nha Trang
Comments from Utopians:
"K Tourist Service Office at 3k Hung Vuong St, (058) 527-008 or 090-509-272. Khan is a very nice person. Even if you do not get a tour he is very helpful for the gay scene in Nha Trang and Vietnam. He gave good information and helped me to enjoy my time there. Also, good advice for what to do and not do in Vietnam." -- pierre4852, Apr 23, 2009
Phu Quoc Island
Click here for Phu Quoc hotels and accommodations.
Tran Hung Dao St (next door to La Veranda Resort), Duong Dong Town, 077-994-208, email. Second and bigger branch of Saigon's Eden bar, restaurant and guesthouse. A great place to relax, eat and have a drink. Look at the ocean or sit out on the beach and relax. The staff are very friendly. Dancing from 9pm till late. Gay and lesbian-friendly.
Utopia Member Discount
Email. Internet café with helpful owner.
Sapa
Click here for Sapa hotels and accommodations.
Tam Hai / Tam Ky
Click here for Tam Hai / Tam Ky hotels and accommodations.
Vung Tau
Behind the Grand Hotel on Ha Long St.
Comments from Utopians:
"A regular hangout for gays and lesbians. The music is loud, if you like that, and drinks are a must. The light show is also good." -- tamquat, Feb 21, 2009Located at the corner of Nguyen Truong To and Hoang Hoa Tham St, Ward 3.
Comments from Utopians:
"Another good bar in Vung Tau that is open till around 2am. It has loud music and the drinks aren't badly priced. Good crowd gathers after Blue Moon closes. It rocks, but as it is in Vietnam it is a mixed bar, but a lot of guys go there." -- tamquat, Mar 6, 2009
At the end of Quang Trung St (near former post office, on the way from Front Beach to Back Beach). A nice place to go after 8pm. Popular with gays. No entry fee, but drinks are a must.
A small, secluded beach located between Back Beach (Bai Sau) and Strawberry Beach (Bai Dau), right underneath the Jesus statue. At low tide some hot activities can occur between the rocks. Some nude sunbathing.
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