Gay Hanoi Guide: LGBTQ+ Culture, Bars & Hotspots 🇻🇳

Intro to Gay Hanoi

Hanoi is where tradition meets liberation.

After getting to stay in Hanoi for a few weeks, we are convinced that Hanoi is Southeast Asia's hidden queer gem: a thousand-year-old city with a thriving, tight-knit LGBTQ+ community that operates with warmth, discretion, and genuine soul. While Vietnam's legal landscape remains conservative (same-sex marriage not yet recognized), Hanoi's gay scene thrives in dedicated bars, saunas, tour groups, and through word-of-mouth networks. The city's charm lies not in Pride parades or legal victories, but in the resilience and hospitality of its queer residents, locals and international folk who go out of their way to welcome visitors.

Beyond nightlife, Hanoi offers jaw-dropping street food, serene temples and centuries-old architecture, the ethereal Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, motorbike chaos, and water puppet theater.

We've been fortunate to spend a few weeks at a time here, and we've discovered that the best way to experience gay Hanoi is through the eyes of locals who know every hidden bar, every welcoming restaurant owner, and every corner of the Old Quarter. So, while we are passing on a lot of information we learned from the locals, you'll have plenty of room to carve out your own agenda.

Where to Start Your Gay Hanoi Adventure

If you're looking to experience Hanoi authentically, both its queer side and its cultural depth, we highly recommend booking a tour with Gay Hanoi Tours as the very first thing you did. We did a tour with them, and it was absolutely fantastic.

They took us to off-the-beaten-path spaces, and our motorbike guardian angels took such incredible care of us. You'll understand Hanoi through a local lens in ways no guidebook can capture. A lot of the tips below are tips and venues we've learned directly from the lovely guys at Gay Hanoi Tours.

They are also in Ho Chi Minh City.

FAQ: Being Gay in Hanoi

What is the legal & social situation in Vietnam and Hanoi?

Same-sex marriage remains unrecognized legally, though Vietnam has made significant regional progress: homosexuality was thought to never have been criminalized (unlike many other countries), legal gender change was permitted in 2015, and in 2022 the Health Ministry officially declared homosexuality is not an illness. Pride marches now occur annually in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Notably, 65% of Vietnamese support legalizing same-sex marriage (2023), making Vietnam one of Asia's most LGBTQ+-friendly nations. Public sentiment, especially among younger Hanoians, continues to shift toward acceptance.

You won't see rainbow flags on government buildings, but you will see couples holding hands in the Old Quarter, queer-owned bars and cafés operating openly, and an annual pride. The vibe is "don't ask, don't tell" currently transitioning into "live and let live."

Is Hanoi safe for LGBTQ+ visitors?

Very safe. Violent crime targeting tourists is rare. Petty theft happens (watch bags in crowded markets) and scams are known to be a thing (we didn't experience any), but homophobic violence is not a concern. Queer venues operate openly, and locals are genuinely welcoming.

That said, discretion is appreciated in very traditional spaces (temples, family-run restaurants during midday). But in the Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake, and in the emerging creative districts, queer life is celebrated.

Can couples show affection in Hanoi?

Hand-holding and brief kisses are routine in the Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake, and inside gay venues. In temples or very traditional markets, keep gestures modest. We saw plenty of queer couples openly affectionate in central Hanoi, and locals barely batted an eye.

Booking accommodation as a same-sex couple in Hanoi?

No issues. International and local hotels routinely host LGBTQ+ travelers. Simply book one bed; staff are accustomed to diverse guests.

If you want to support the community, look for LGBTQ+-friendly guesthouses in the Old Quarter, many run by or allied with queer business owners.

You can also use Booking.com's Travel Proud filter, which shows accommodations specifically certified to be particularly welcoming and inclusive with LGBTQ+ guests. Hanoi has quite a lot of them (well into the double digits)!

Please see our recommended list of LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations below.

Using dating apps in Hanoi?

Grindr, Hornet, and Tinder all function. Locals are very open and active on apps, although maybe it is a bit more discreet than places like Bangkok or Taipei. Standard cautions: meet in public first, verify profiles, and respect privacy.

How is LGBTQ+ life outside of Hanoi?

Outside Hanoi, LGBTQ+ life is more low-key and localized. Smaller cities like Hue or Da Nang have emerging scenes. However, if you head on to the polar opposite end of the country, south to Ho Chi Minh City, you'll experience an even bigger gay scene.

Rural areas and very traditional communities are less openly accepting, though violence is rare. Hotel staff may question double-bed bookings, reflecting local norms. Larger cities offer bars and community spaces, but many locals still keep a low profile with family.

Overall, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the hubs, while the rest of the country is welcoming but more reserved.

The Gay Map of Hanoi

Where to Stay in Hanoi

Neigborhoods in Hanoi

While there isn't specifically a gay district, these are generally the best areas for tourists to stay in the city.

• Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District): The heart of Hanoi's tourism and nightlife. Chaotic, energetic, walkable. Most gay bars and late-night venues are here or within a short motorbike ride. Close to Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Hoan Kiem / French Quarter: Slightly more upscale, tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, fewer backpackers.
• Ba Dinh District: Northwest of the center; quieter, near Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Water Puppet Theater. Good for those seeking calm but still close to action via motorbike or taxi.
• Tay Ho (West Lake): Serene lake setting, expat-friendly cafés, boutique hotels. Further from nightlife but beautiful for escaping the city rush.

We personally stayed in Truc Bach, which is just a 15 minute walk north of the French Quarter and just below Tay Ho West Lake and is honestly way more relaxed. Don't get us wrong, there was still traffic madness, horns, construction, but it felt local and less touristic than the Old Quarter. Prices also were way lower and the restaurants were authentic for half the price. The area is filled with cafes and everything else you might need as well.

If you are just in town for a short time and prioritize nightlife proximity and walkability, the Old Quarter is ideal. For balance and calm, the French Quarter or Hoan Kiem lakeside wins.

The Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Hanoi

Other Hanoi Accommodations

• We stayed in this apartment in Truc Bach, as we were in town a bit longer term, and as I mentioned above, we fell in love with the area. The apartment is facing the street, so you might have lots of sounds during the night, but a good set of earplugs (we LOVE Loop) will come in handy, and we had some pretty cozy nights of sleep. We loved the balcony for morning coffee.
• Hanoi Travel Proud Properties: Again, check out some of Booking.com's Travel Proud properties in Hanoi. These places have undergone a certification process to make sure they are inclusive and Hanoi has many beautiful properties.

Gay Hanoi Nightlife

Hanoi's queer nightlife is intimate, word-of-mouth-driven, and deeply welcoming. Unlike Taipei's dense bar clusters, Hanoi's gay venues are scattered, each with its own character. The scene revolves around a handful of beloved bars where locals, expats, and visitors gather, drag shows happen, and friendships form over cheap beer and conversation.

Here's the flow: warm up at R7, branch out to citywide clubs, and check if any pop-up events are happening during the time you are visiting.

Gay Bars in Hanoi

Spotlight: R7

R7 is Hanoi's most iconic gay bar, very much our favorite, and genuinely the heart of the scene. We didn't know what to expect after getting a recommendation from the Gay Hanoi Tours team, but it was one of the best nights we've had in a long time. What makes R7 special isn't just the drinks; it's the people. The staff are so incredibly friendly and genuinely invested in your night that they'll literally sit you with compatible guests to foster friendships and connections.

You get "welcum" drinks upon arrival, and the drag shows are uniquely Vietnamese: spectators sit cross-legged on the ground while everyone gathers around...as intimate and authentically Vietnamese as it gets. Plus, when the shows are done, the DJs come on, and you can have a little dance.

R7's vibe: welcoming, social, LGBTQ+-owned, late-night energy that builds after 22:00. If you head there before 20:30, you can get in for free, otherwise it is 150,000 VND with a "welcum" drink.

• Vibe: Warm, social, drag-forward
• Peak hours: 22:00 to 02:00
• Cover: If you get there before 8:30 pm, there is no cover, but if you get there afterwards, you will need to pay 150,000 VND, which comes with a "welcum" drink.
• Dress code: Casual; express yourself

Other Gay Bars in Hanoi

• GC: A beloved Old Quarter gay bar with a loyal following. This place picks up particularly on Saturday nights, and you're better off booking a table in advance, as it can get quite crowded. We also came here on a Monday evening as there was a discount on cocktails and the negroni hit the spot!

Hanoi Gay Clubs & Pop-Up Nights

Spotlight: Savage (Peach Night)

We went to Savage during their signature queer Peach Night, and just like R7 it blew our expectations away. The relatively frequent event takes place in an old French-colonial mansion and spans three floors (this venue will change though due to selfish developers - let us know if it does in the comments, so we can keep this up to date).

Earlier on in the night are some drag shows that bear resemblance to those at R7, whereas later, you'll have two dance floors to hop back and forth between, the lower one playing harder techno and the upper one, lighter electronic and mainstream. Think Berlin or Tbilisi, but with a friendlier crowd.

• Vibe: Club-forward, energetic, themed nights
• Peak hours: 23:00+ (we may have stayed until the wee morning hours)
• Cover: You can buy tickets online for cheaper, but can also get tickets at the door.
• Dress code: Casual; Peach Night may have themes

Gay Hanoi Saunas & Spas

Gay Saunas in Hanoi

Spotlight: P6

P6 is Hanoi's premier gay sauna. We visited and were impressed by the cleanliness, modern facilities, and welcoming staff. The space is well-maintained, with lockers, showers, steam rooms, play places, and relaxation areas.

• Vibe: Modern, clean, mixed ages; busier evenings and weekends
• Practical: Modest cover; carry flip-flops
• Facilities: Lockers, showers, steam, lounge areas

Other Hanoi Gay Saunas

• T-House Spa & BD: A newcomer in the Hanoi gay sauna scene, T-House features a spacious and clean steam room and hosts summer parties.

Gay Massage Spas in Hanoi

• Tori Spa: A gay men-focused spa located in a secluded, peaceful lane in the Old Quarter. Founded by owner Master Matt, Tori Spa offers a relaxing retreat from the city bustle with trained male therapists providing professional massage and wellness services. An ideal spot for rejuvenation and self-care.
• DaNi Spa: A men's spa in the heart of the Old Quarter, situated on one of the district's most peaceful and picturesque streets. DaNi offers a comfortable, relaxing environment with friendly and professional therapists trained in massage and wellness services.

What to Do in Hanoi

Hanoi is a city of layers: ancient temples, colonial architecture, chaotic streets, serene water, and culture. Even the few weeks we were in town, we barely scratched the surface. Here are our favorite things to do!

Take a Gay Hanoi Tour

As mentioned countless times in this post, Gay Hanoi Tours just nails it with giving you an intro to Hanoi, hidden gems, and the gay life. We were surprised by every place our guardians on scooters took us to and made some friends we are still in touch with today.

Besides the Off the Beaten Path tour we opted for, they also have food tours, and night tours.

Head to the Must-See Hanoi Icons

While the Gay Hanoi Tours will take you to more off-the-beaten-path places, there are some iconic places to head to in addition to those.

• Hoan Kiem Lake: The heart of Hanoi. Walk the perimeter, visit Ngoc Son Temple on the island, watch locals exercise at dawn. We particularly love the story of the massive turtle that roams in its waters.
• Old Quarter: A maze of narrow streets, each historically associated with a trade (Silver Street, Silk Street, etc.). Best explored on foot.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Ba Dinh Square: Vietnam's most important site. Dress respectfully; photography restricted inside.
• Temple of Literature (Van Mieu): Vietnam's first university; serene, scholarly atmosphere.

Watch the Iconic Train Passing on Hanoi Train Street

One of Hanoi's most iconic sights is the narrow train tracks that run directly through the Old Quarter on Hanoi's Train Street. A commuter train passes through several times daily, threading between buildings just inches away. Locals have built homes and shops right up to the rails. It's surreal and utterly photogenic—arrive early morning (around 6–7 AM) for the best light and smallest crowds. The experience captures Hanoi's beautiful chaos: ancient infrastructure coexisting with daily life. Fair warning: it's touristy, but the visual is undeniably stunning.

Visit the Water Puppet Theater

Water puppet theater is a uniquely Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century, originally performed in rice paddies and temple ponds. Today, the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theater is Hanoi's premier venue, featuring intricate wooden puppets manipulated by puppeteers hidden behind a screen, synchronized with traditional music and storytelling. Shows depict rural village life, legends, and folklore...expect comedic farmers, graceful dancers, and fire-breathing dragons emerging from the water. It's touristy but genuinely enchanting; performances last ~45 minutes.

Tips: Book tickets in advance (we booked through Booking.com), arrive early for good seating, and sit back as this 1,000-year-old tradition unfolds before you.

Day Trips Near Hanoi

• Ninh Binh: Scenic countryside, boat rides through karst rock caves, temples, and a sunset hike. We did this with GetYourGuide and everything was super smooth with comfy transportation. Just beware that this is one of the more touristy things you can do as a day-trip from Hanoi, but it is worth it. ~1.5 hours south. Get ready to see some beautiful karst mountains that rival of those of Yangshuo in China.

• Ba Vi National Park: Hiking, waterfalls, cooler air, and tea plantations. For something that takes you through the diverse landscapes of Ba Vi and through the ancient tea traditions in the area, try this tour. ~1 hour west.

Nature & Escapes Near Hanoi

These places are a bit further out, so you will need more than a day to see them if you are basing yourself in Hanoi.

• Halong Bay: UNESCO World Heritage limestone karsts. A 2–3 hour drive + overnight cruise is worth every second. Book tours through reputable operators.

• Sapa: Mountain town in northern Vietnam; trekking, local markets, cooler climate. A 5+ hour journey but stunning.

What to Eat in Hanoi

Essential Hanoi Bites

Hanoi's street food is legendary—bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying. On top of it, the ingredients are quite fresh and healthy.

• Bun Cha (bún chả): Grilled pork patties + fresh herbs + rice vermicelli + dipping sauce. A Hanoi institution.
• Bun Bo (bún bò): Beef in fragrant broth with rice noodles, fresh greens, and chili. Comfort in a bowl. This was hands down my favorite food of them all.
• Egg Coffee (cafe Trứng): Hanoi's famous sweet, creamy coffee with a whipped egg topping. Sounds odd; tastes heavenly and is definitely more of a dessert than just a coffee. Fabio is more into it than I am. I prefer the iced coconut coffee.
• Pho: Beef or chicken soup with rice noodles. Best eaten for breakfast.
• Banh Mi (bánh mì): Crispy baguette filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili.
• Spring Rolls (Cha Gio / Gỏi Cuốn): Crispy or fresh versions; served with dipping sauce.
• Hanoi-style Chicken (Gà Nướng): Grilled chicken with garlic, served with sticky rice.

Where to Eat in Hanoi

Here is a list of places to check out in Hanoi tried and tasted by yours truly! Besides Pizza 4P's, most of these are quite no-frills, plastic stool on the sidewalk kind of places. The food is absolutely epic though.

Restaurants

• Pasteur Street Craft Beer: A beloved craft beer spot in Truc Bach serving local and international brews in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
• Cửa Bắc Bún Chả Que Tre Bình Chung: Authentic grilled pork and vermicelli served the traditional Hanoi way at this no-frills, beloved local spot.
• Bún Bò Nam Bộ Hải Sẹo: A legendary beef noodle soup vendor famous for its fragrant broth and fresh herb abundance. We came here during our Gay Hanoi Tour and fell in love with this dish and this little restaurant.
• Phở Gà Đồi: Specializing in aromatic chicken phở, this spot is perfect for breakfast or lunch.
• PHO Muslim: A standout phở establishment in the Old Quarter serving excellent beef and chicken phở to a devoted local following. We came here hungover one day and it absolutely fixed us.
• Bếp Việt: A charming Vietnamese restaurant in the French Quarter serving classic home-style dishes in a cozy, intimate setting. The staff are super kind, too!
• Veggie Castle - Vegan Buffet Chay: A bright, welcoming vegan buffet offering plant-based takes on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. This place was right downstairs from us, so we came here at least twice a week. At only 90,000 VND for yummy vegan food, that is a damn good deal.
• Pizza 4Ps: I know what you're thinking..."pizza in Vietnam?". But hear us out. The ingredients are fresh, the style is comparable to neapolitan, and the ambiance is actually really nice. The chain has gotten so popular, they are even opening a shop in Brooklyn, NYC. They have quite a number of shop locations in Hanoi and quality is consistent across them all.

Night Markets

Hanoi's street food scene is fluid; vendors pop up and move seasonally. The best strategy is to wander the Old Quarter at dusk and follow the crowds. Markets like the Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market are classic, but the magic is in stumbling upon a vendor with a line of locals, and that sometimes happens on some tucked away street corner.

Cafés

Hanoi's café culture is thriving...perfect for morning coffee, afternoon work, or meeting up with new queer friends. Seriously, since we've tried Vietnamese coffee at its source, we have been ruined forever. There just is no comparison.

• Café Pho Co: A charming café housed in the back of a silk shop in a historic building overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, offering excellent Vietnamese coffee and a nostalgic ambiance perfect for morning or afternoon contemplation. We came here as the last stop of our Gay Hanoi Tour and tried egg coffee for the very first time.
• Cafe Giảng: The birthplace of Hanoi's famous egg coffee, this iconic café in the Old Quarter serves the creamy, sweet specialty in a cozy, vintage setting that feels frozen in time. It gets quite crowded, but customer turnover is quite high!
• Kafebean Coffee Roastery: A specialty coffee roastery in Truc Bach featuring single-origin beans, skilled baristas, and a modern, welcoming space ideal for serious coffee lovers and remote workers alike.

TL;DR: Plan Your Hanoi Trip (Logistics)

Apps to Install in Vietnam

• Zalo: Vietnamese messaging app that all the locals use, but generally if you are just in town for a little while, Whatsapp does the trick instead
• Grab: Motorbike/taxi rides, food delivery
• Google Maps: Works well
• Dating apps: Grindr, Hornet, Scruff all functional

Best Time to Visit Hanoi

• October to November: Cool, dry, perfect. This is peak season; book ahead. We came during this period, but it was actually quite rainy for quite a few days.
• March to April: Spring; pleasant but humid.
• December to February: Winter; cool and dry but can be drizzly.
• Avoid May-September: Hot, humid, monsoon rains.

Entry & Visas for Vietnam

There are a few nations that now do not need a visa for up to 45 days for Vietnam. Fabio (Italy) and I (UK) were exempt this time around.

However, most nationalities require a visa. Options include:

• E-visa: Apply online via Vietnam's official portal; 30-day validity, ~$25.
• Visa on arrival: Through agencies; slightly more expensive but convenient.
• Embassy visas: Traditional route; varies by nationality and location.

Getting to Hanoi

• Noi Bai International Airport (HAN): 30km north of city center. Taxis, Grab, or airport shuttles to city (~45 min, $8–15 depending on method). For those trying to save some cash, just take Bus 86 from outside arrivals. It was smooth and straight-forward for us.
• Trains: Hanoi is a regional hub; sleeper trains from Sapa, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City arrive at Hanoi Railway Station (south of Old Quarter).

Connectivity in Hanoi

We used eSIMs the entire time we were in Hanoi and they worked well, plus we discovered that eSIMs by Trip.com are hella cheaper than some of the alternatives.

For even better connectivity and cheaper costs, you could buy a local SIM card or eSIM upon arrival at the airport. Carriers like Viettel, VinaPhone, and Movistar offer cheap 4G/5G plans. A Prepaid SIM card will run you around ~$3–5 with data bundle.

Public Wi-Fi is spotty in the Old Quarter but available at cafés and hotels. We worked around at many cafés with no problem and if there was was one, we could always fall back to our hotspot.

Health & Safety in Hanoi

Tap water is not potable; drink bottled or filtered water. Generally, we would buy larger bottles from convenience stores since we were staying in an apartment, but if you are staying in a hotel, your hotel will likely provide water.

Ice in street drinks is generally made from boiled water, but caution is wise.

Pharmacies are well-stocked and inexpensive.

We were also amazed out how cheap healthcare was. We did a full STI test at Dr. Binh's for roughly 35 USD and I did a teeth cleaning for 6 USD (yes, 6 USD). Beware, it is adequate but less advanced than Thailand or Taiwan or what you might find in the west.

Petty theft happens (watch bags in crowds), but violent crime is rare. And again, Hanoi is quite safe for LGBTQ+ visitors.

Getting Around Hanoi

• Walking: Old Quarter and everywhere around it is walkable; wear comfortable shoes and stay alert to motorbikes. We honestly spent very little time taking other forms of transportation as everything we needed was in walking distance.
• Motorbike taxis (Grab): Cheapest, fastest, most fun.
• Cars (Grab): Safer if you're nervous; slightly pricier.
• Buses: Cheap but confusing for non-locals; skip unless adventurous.

Payments in Hanoi

• Cash (VND): Still king for street food, small vendors, taxis.
• Cards: Accepted at hotels, some restaurants, malls; less common at street stalls.
• Mobile pay: Momo, ZaloPay widely used.

ATMs abundant in Old Quarter and near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Tipping in Vietnam

Not customary.

Additional Practical Notes

• Language: Vietnamese; but English is spoken in tourism areas. Learn a few polite phrases, as the locals appreciate effort.
• Toilets: Squatting common in street stalls and rural areas; sit-down toilets in hotels/restaurants. Tissue provided but carry backup.
• Power: 110V/220V, Type A/B/C outlets (check your adapter).
• Emergency: Police 113, Fire/Ambulance 115.
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 USD ≈ 24,000 VND (exchange rates fluctuate).