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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).
"We had exellent service at Chic Couture. Good quality, well made clothes, highly recommended. Prompt and effecient as well." -- maddie, Apr 12, 2010
"There is no 100% gay club in Nha Trang yet. Most bars and pubs are along the intersection between Tran Phu St (seaside main road) and Tran Quang Khai, and Nguyen Thien Thuat. You can get cheap drink with flyers and during happy hours. After 11pm, people hang out at Sailing Club. This is the only club on the seaside open till 2am. It is straight club, but, as usual, you will detect a gay corner." -- billylondon, Oct 8, 2009
"Tried Apollo sauna/massage...very basic place (sauna and steam room on G/F, some showers) and my massage was not really good..." -- WhiteHCMC, Feb 18, 2010
"There is now a male massage shop in Nha Trang called Apollo, 129B 23 Thang 10 St, 058-381-6721. According to their leaflet, the prices are: massage body D$100,000; sauna D$50,000; massage D$70,000." -- billylondon, Oct 8, 2009
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 Discount5/21 Quoc Tu Giam St, +84-4-2218-8820, FAX +84-4-3732-5735, email. Gay-owned Flamingo Vietnam designs vacation for gay travelers who want to explore Vietnam's vibrant cultures, history and contemporary life. They offer distinctive travel programs with top-notch, private, English-speaking guides. Try their exclusive, private gay cruise on Halong Bay with a private party at a gay beach. Travelers seeking wellness and beauty holidays or adventure and activities are also welcome. Packages are flexibile for a highly customized experience that might include scuba diving, river cruises, elephant riding, cuisine and cooking classes, beach resort and shopping.
Utopia Member DiscountComments from Utopians:
"Thanks to Flamingo Vietnam for their perfect and professional land tour and hotel arrangement to Saigon, Hanoi and Halong Bay. Definitely recommending them for friends who will visit Vietnam." -- kennix999, Feb 28, 2010
OUT AdventuresEmail. Award-winning OUT Adventures specializes in gay and lesbian tours in Vietnam and around the world. Unlike many gay operators, they use local group leaders, stay in small locally-owned hotels and dine at small local restaurants, ensuring you have a truly authentic travel experience. Choose from active, mid-range, luxury or independent trips.
147 Nguyen Van Cu St, Hanoi, +849-0328-6504, FAX +844-3878-7695, email. Gay-owned travel service. Travel arranged in Vietnam and Asia.
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
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 DiscountComments from Utopians:
"All gay guys who want more updated fashion at reasonable prices, come to Chic Couture. You can have clothes made for yourself that look like expensive clothes like from high fashion catalogs, well made and very reasonable prices." -- aznguyinsact, May 26, 2010Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Inside Hoi An ancient town.
Mui Ne
The very first very gay-friendly bar to open here. It's on the beach. They have a live DJ every night.
Comments from Utopians:
"If you want really cheap seafood, this is the place to go. A newly developed seaside resort. Only one main road. Follow the main road from town center and watch carefully for the Pizza restaurant sign on your left hand side. Next to it should be a local steamboat restaurant selling beef lau bo (hot pot). The home run seafood restaurant is just next to it. One plate of fresh mussels and big clam is only D$15,000 (less than US$1). Enjoy!" -- billylondon, Oct 8, 2009
Comments from Utopians:
"Found a nice place for Vietnamese and Thai massage. Look for Massage 45 just across from the Sailing Club. Ask for Tanh, a very good masseur." -- Carlos50, Jan 10, 2010
Nha Trang
Comments from Utopians:
"Sailing Club has a good atmosphere, dance parties and concerts at night." -- BearLoverJPN, Jun 4, 2010
Comments from Utopians:
"Had a very nice massage at Apollo. A cute masseur took care of me very well. Simple, but clean." -- boosboos, Aug 1, 2010
Comments from Utopians:
"Newly opened restaurant, Pho King Good, located in Foreinger's St, 17 Biet Thu St. Owner is very kind and gay-friendly, Vietnamese-Australian." -- BearLoverJPN, Jun 4, 2010
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
26 Nguyen Trai St, Duong Dong, +84 077 399-4181, email. Gay-friendly and established in 2005 with the aim of providing all visitors with impartial tourist information as well as fantastic New Zealand ice cream products, smoothies, shakes, juices, cakes and various snacks. Free Wi-Fi, free Phu Quoc Island and town maps.
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. A regular hangout for gays and lesbians.
Located at the corner of Nguyen Truong To and Hoang Hoa Tham St, Ward 3. Mixed, but a number of gays go here. Good crowd gathers after Blue Moon closes.
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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