Hanoi - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, no issues at all, but Ho Chi Minh City might be slightly better. - Dec 2019
Yes, probably one of the more open cities for LGBT individuals in all of Southeast Asia. Vietnam has a young but vibrant and growing public LGBT community with tacit tolerance from the government. The embassy traditionally has been active in supporting LGBT initiatives. While same-sex marriage is not permitted, the government also does not pressure or harass LGBT individuals, and while Vietnamese society is overall fairly conservative about gender roles, media (and Vietnamese youth) have progressive attitudes towards LGBT rights. - Dec 2017
Yes. Our current Ambassador is openly gay is married. - May 2016
It's fine--not Bangkok or Saigon, but there is a community. - Mar 2015
Surprisingly progressive for SE Asia. Not sure if i would go so far as to call it good though. That said, I doubt an expat gay couple would face any problems. - Aug 2014
There seems to be an underground gay scene, but I haven’t heard or seen of anything for lesbians. - Dec 2011
Yes, I hear there is a small underground community for gays. Also, Saigon and Bangkok are less than two hours away by plane. - May 2010
Probably. - Feb 2009
There is a GL community in Hanoi however like others they complain there is little in terms of social activities and options. - Sep 2008
I do not know about how good the gay experience is here, but it does not seem to be an issue. There are a couple of gay individuals, both Vietnamese and direct hire Americans in the Embassy. - May 2008
