Vietnam has become a favourite destination for travellers 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 archaeological excavations carried out recently have proved the presence of human beings in the territory of Vietnam since the Paleolithic Age or the Old Stone Age (300,000 – 500,000 years).
In the Neolithic Age (New Stone Age), Hoa Binh – Bac Son cultures (about 10,000 BC) had witnessed the development of agriculture and animal husbandry, including even the technique of paddy rice cultivation!
It wasn’t until 1977, that Vietnam became a member of the United Nations. After many years of prolonged war, the country was heavily devastated.
The queer community is growing in Viet Nam. Gays in Viet Nam are sometimes oppressed by the government but there are no laws against homosexuality. There are very strict laws about underage sex, don’t get caught! The younger generation seems to be very open about their sexuality, and the expat community is somewhat out and supportive of the gay community.
There are several bars, pubs, disco’s, nightclubs, restaurants, spas, saunas, tour guides, travel companies, guesthouses and resorts that are gay owned or managed. Most of the discos and nightclubs are mixed but the gays know where to gather. Prostitution is illegal in Viet Nam as is the payment for sex, so be careful.
There are young men cruising around the city who may not be what they appear. Just be careful of picking up someone, you may get ripped off or threatened by. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is much more open with gay life than in the north.
