Vietnam Travel Cambodia Travel Safety for LGBTQ+ Travelers: The Ultimate Guide

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years guiding more than 100,000 travelers across Southeast Asia. This guide is crafted from firsthand experience and direct feedback from thousands of LGBTQ+ guests who have traveled with Legend Travel Group since 2008 – the region’s leading specialist in safe, inclusive group tours for queer and solo travelers.

=> Vietnam - 10 Days. Departure every Monday from Hanoi

=> Vietnam - 12 Days. Departure every Saturday from Hanoi

=> Vietnam and Cambodia - 12 Days. Departure every Monday from Hanoi

=> Vietnam - 10 Days. Departure every Monday from Saigon

=> Vietnam - 12 Days. Departure every Saturday from Saigon

=> Vietnam and Cambodia - 14 Days. Departure every Saturday from Hanoi

Short answer: YES – both countries are among the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Asia.

• Neither Vietnam nor Cambodia criminalizes same-sex activity.

• Vietnam legally recognizes transgender people and allows gender marker changes (2015).

• Public displays of affection are common among locals of the same gender (non-sexual) – holding hands or linking arms is normal and not interpreted romantically.

• Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City both host annual Pride events.

• Siem Reap has one of the most vibrant gay scenes in Southeast Asia.

Legend Travel Group has safely guided thousands of openly LGBTQ+ guests (solo travelers, couples, and groups) through Vietnam and Cambodia for over 15 years – many return year after year.

Vietnam

1. Ho Chi Minh City – “Saigon” has the biggest and most open gay scene in the country
   → Bùi Viện “gay corner”, District 2’s “An Phu gay village”, countless saunas & bars

2. Hanoi – More discreet but very welcoming
   → Popular LGBTQ+ cafés around West Lake & Old Quarter

3. Hoi An & Da Nang – Extremely relaxed, many gay-owned boutique hotels
   → An Bang Beach is a known LGBTQ+ favorite

Cambodia

1. Siem Reap – Often called “the gay capital of Cambodia”
   → Pub Street has multiple gay bars (Barcode, Heaven & Hell, Miss Wong)
   → Huge expat & traveler LGBTQ+ community

2. Phnom Penh – Pride every May, growing scene in BKK1
   → Famous bars: Pride Bar, Toolbox, Space

We specialize in small-group tours (max 16 people) specifically welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers:

• Openly gay-friendly guides (many are part of the community themselves)

• Private airport transfers – no stressful public transport arrivals

• Hand-picked gay-friendly or gay-owned hotels

• Optional “LGBTQ+ Friendly” tour departures – you travel only with other queer or queer-allied guests

• Pre-departure WhatsApp group so you can start making friends before you leave home

• Deposit only 10% – pay balance 30 days before departure

Popular LGBTQ+ friendly itineraries:

• Vietnam Highlights & Angkor Temples – 12 Days

• Best of Vietnam & Cambodia – 16 Days

• Vietnam & Cambodia for LGBTQ+ Travelers – 14 Days (guaranteed queer-friendly group)

1. Public Displays of Affection
   → Same-sex hand-holding is completely normal (non-sexual context)
   → Kissing/making out in public – acceptable in gay areas (Pub Street, Bùi Viện), discreet elsewhere

2. Accommodation
   → All Legend Travel Group hotels welcome same-sex couples (double bed guaranteed)
   → Budget guesthouses may give two single beds – we always request doubles

3. Nightlife
   → Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh have dedicated gay bars
   → Use Grab/ride-hailing apps at night – safer than random tuk-tuks

4. Trans Travelers
   → Vietnam legally recognizes gender change – very trans-friendly
   → Cambodia less formal but generally accepting in tourist areas

5. Emergency Contacts (saved by all our guides)
   → Police: 117 (Cambodia) / 113 (Vietnam)
   → Tourist Police Siem Reap: +855 97 760 2001
   → Legend Travel Group 24/7 hotline: +84 825 862 222

• Vietnam & Cambodia LGBTQ+ Explorer – 14 Days
  Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Phnom Penh → Siem Reap → Hanoi → Halong Bay
  Guaranteed queer-friendly group, gay guides available

• Ho Chi Minh City & Siem Reap Pride Tour – 10 Days
  Timed for Saigon Pride & Siem Reap Pride events

• All standard Vietnam & Cambodia tours are LGBTQ+-welcoming – just let us know your preferences when booking.

Deposit only 10% – travel stress-free.

Book your Vietnam Tours or Cambodia Tours with Legend Travel Group –
the #1 choice for LGBTQ+ travelers in Southeast Asia since 2008.

Deposit only 10% – pay later, travel happier.

Visit legendtravelgroup.com
WhatsApp +84 825 862 222 – mention “LGBTQ+” for special welcome pack!