Vietnam has long been overshadowed by more popular Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand. Today, however, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is turning into a unique hub for LGBT travelers. Specialized tours are being developed here, saunas with a local flavor are opening, and the dating culture is much more "sincere" than in Western metropolises.
Partner: Doberman.media YouTube channel Gay Talk told how gay life works in the largest city in Vietnam.
The video about the life of the LGBT community in Vietnam was released in English, so exclusively for Doberman, I am retelling all the most important things from the interview: from the specifics of local saunas to the specifics of national dating.
24 Hours on the Beach: All-Inclusive Tours
One of the most popular formats of recreation was daily trips from Ho Chi Minh City to the coastal city of Vung Tau, which is a two-hour drive away. The tour lasts exactly 24 hours: it starts at three o'clock in the afternoon and ends at the same time the next day.
The organizers take care of everything from a car transfer to booking a hotel and a gastronomic program on the coast. This allows tourists to relax and enjoy the sea without being distracted by logistics.
Why are there still no gay hostels in Ho Chi Minh City?
Despite the growing demand, there are still no dedicated gay hostels in Ho Chi Minh City. I remembered my experience in Bangkok, where there are "clothes-optional" hostels for 30 people, creating an ideal atmosphere for socializing. Local guides agree that the appearance of such a place in Saigon is a great idea for the future, as many tourists are looking for this particular format of accommodation to easily find a company.
"Sweet and caring": what is the character of the Vietnamese
The Vietnamese are described as extremely friendly and hospitable people, especially towards foreigners. Even if they do not speak English well, they actively strive for communication and do not show such shyness as, for example, residents of Thailand.
Local men are characterized as "sweet" and caring; They often take the initiative by inviting you for coffee, karaoke, or just offering to take a walk around the city.
Dating: Ho Chi Minh City vs. New York
The dating experience in Vietnam is strikingly different from the American one. In New York, dating is often perceived as a transaction: people can spend hours on the road for a short meeting focused solely on sex. In Vietnam, emotions are valued - partners can hug for hours, share stories from life or sing karaoke.
The Vietnamese gay community is more traditional: open relationships are less common here, and fidelity to a partner is valued higher. In addition, unlike in Thailand, the practice of "side" (rejection of penetrative sex in favor of caresses) is less common in Vietnamese saunas and apps.
Saigon Bars and Saunas: Quality Over Quantity
There are now about four main gay bars in Ho Chi Minh City (e.g. Frolic, T-Bar, Azure). The peculiarity of local establishments is live music; in T-Bar Instead of the usual drag shows to a phonogram, you can hear a live performance of hits.
There are more saunas in the city than there are bars - about five or six. Most of them close quite early, around 22:00, so the peak attendance is between 18:00 and 21:00, when people come after work. The main concentration of such establishments is in District 10, although tourists are advised to stay in District 1 to be closer to the main infrastructure.
Sauna tour: a new format of leisure
For those who are embarrassed to go to the saunas alone, there are special group tours. This is a seven-hour programme (from 15:00 to 22:30) that includes two different spas, dinner together and a trip to a gay bar. The organizers emphasize that this is primarily a cultural experience and an opportunity to socialize in a calm atmosphere without pressure, unlike noisy bars.
Who goes on Vietnamese LGBT tours?
About 50% of clients of such tours — Australians. This is due to the proximity of the flight (about 8 hours), the availability of direct flights and the general adventurous temperament of Australians who like to try street food and ride motorcycles. Tours are also popular among the Viet Kieu - ethnic Vietnamese living abroad.
Ho Chi Minh City is the friendliest city in the country
Despite invitations to visit Hanoi, experienced travelers and guides agree that Ho Chi Minh City is the most open and comfortable city for the LGBT community in all of Vietnam. There are more activities, establishments and, most importantly, the local population treats the representatives of the community as warmly and acceptingly as possible.
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