Vietnam of today is a youthful nation fueled by the desire for modernization and commercialization while protective of its traditional past. In the stoic political capital of Hanoi in the north and vibrant cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City in the south, you will observe modern cities with progressive outlook.
You might be surprised to know that, Vietnam has become one of the gay friendliest destinations in Southeast Asia, and is one of the first countries in the region to have its own official LGBTQ organizations with a great deal of events and parades. Vietnam — unlike many of its Asian neighbors such as Malaysia and Indonesia — isn’t under the sway of a religious doctrine casting gay couples as deviant. Therefore gays in Vietnam are more opened and are free to express their love in public, the only thing they worry about is their family’s opinion.
Vietnam’s first gay pride parade peacefully took place in Hanoi on August 5, 2012 and has been annually taken place in dozens of provinces.
On 24 September 2013, the Government issued the decree abolishing the fines on same-sex marriages. The decree took effect on 11 November 2013
As of June 30th, 2016, Vietnam, together with South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Israel, Thailand, Nepal and Mongolia, are the only countries in Asia that have voted in favor of new resolution on protection of LGBT community put forward by the United Nations.
There are more and more recreation activities for LGBTQ community in big cities, bars, shops, hotels are run by talented gay owners and are aiming to gay clients. The Vietnamese National Assembly’s move is expected to attract more lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers and boost Vietnam’s $US9 billion ($A11 billion) tourism industry.
It is no doubt to confirm that, Vietnam is a hassle-free place for gay, lesbian and trans travelers. And with the support from Government and society, Vietnam is taking the top list for the safest destination for gay travelers in Asia, besides Thailand.
