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| Travel & Resources: VIETNAM
Please help us keep these listings up-to-date. Special thanks to Thanh Minh, Morrell, Erick, Richard, Mark A., Henry, Jonathan, Chanh, Woods, Peter, Ly, BB, Bruce D., Michael C., and Blaameug! |
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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).
"Beach O Quan is a small secluded beach right underneath the Jesus statue, located between Back Beach (Bai Sau) and Strawberry Beach (Bai Dau). At low tide some hot activities can occur between the rocks. Others: The dolphin swimming pool facing the sea on the one side and the Sammy Hotel on the other side. Entrance fee: D$40,000 for all day. One can leave the pool for a dive in the waves and then return. Check out the shower cabins in the basement." -- Duc, Aug 29, 2004
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.
Discount hotel, tour, and transportation bookings around Asia.
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.
Utopia Member Discount
Can Tho
Comments from Utopians:
"I spend a lot of time in Can Tho. I have found that many gay men go to the disco at the Hotel Gulf. Also, I hear that there is activity near the river ferry boats, but that it may be unsafe." -- Claudekw, Apr 25, 2005
Dalat
Chez Moi (near Xuan Huong Lake). Young crowd with plenty of gays on Sat nights.
Danang
Comments from Utopians:
"There is a cave for gays to find partners in Pham Van Dong St." -- Thanhdo, Dec 26, 2005
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
Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Inside Hoi An ancient town.
Hue
Comments from Utopians:
"There is a cave for gays at Dai Noi Bridge." -- Thanhdo, Dec 26, 2005
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
Phu Quoc Island
Comments from Utopians:
"During my holiday in Vietnam, my partner and I spent a few days on Phu Quoc which is in the Gulf of Thailand. Flying there from Ho Chi Minh City takes about an hour. The food in Vietnam is out of this world and Phu Quoc Island is no exception. How those people can eat so much and stay so thin is a mystery to me. Did I mention that it is inexpensive, too? If one should get to Ho Chi Minh City, I would highly recommend a few days on Phu Quoc Island." -- Terry T. (Canada), May 11, 2004
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. Gay and lesbian-friendly. Dancing from 9pm till late.
Utopia Member DiscountComments from Utopians:
"Eden Bar is a great place to relax, eat and have a drink. The staff are very friendly. You can sit inside and look at the ocean or sit out on the beach and relax. The music is great. It's the best bar on the island." -- allways, Nov 8, 2006
Email. Internet café with helpful owner.
Comments from Utopians:
"I have just come back from Phu Quoc island. It's really a very beautiful place for visit. There are lots of cute guys that you can see and they were very friendly to talk with, like most Vietnamese. I went to Toan Cau, owned by a very cute young guy. He helped me so much with information and advice. He spoke English quite well and was very friendly. This Internet shop seemed new and the speed was fast." -- John, Aug 10, 2005Sapa
Click here for Sapa hotels and accommodations.
Tam Hai / Tam Ky
Click here for Tam Hai / Tam Ky hotels and accommodations.
Vung Tau
Comments from Utopians:
"The Violet Flower Bar does not exist any longer. All bars on Quang Trung St are gone. There is a new Promenade instead. Gays cruise here after 11pm." -- Duc, Aug 29, 2004
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.
Comments from Utopians:
"Beach O Quan was deserted when we visited. The taxi driver told us that it had become a nude beach which attracted police visits and now no one goes there." -- myklh, Jul 19, 2006![[BACK A PAGE]](backm.gif)
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