Ho Chi Minh City is the center of queer life in Vietnam

Secret Garden Restaurant

Climb to the top of an apartment building staircase and find this hidden gem. Make sure to support this colorful, gay-owned bistro on your trip! You’ll love chowing down on Secret Garden’s home-cooked Vietnamese staples while taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding skyline.

PRIDE Cafe

PRIDE Cafe is more than just an inclusive gay coffee shop; it’s where Saigon’s queer youth relax with their friends and explore their identity in a safe space. It’s an excellent place to play board games with friends, take a first date, or do some work. During early evenings, expect anything from drag shows to live music to comedy shows.  

Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa

Vietnam is known for its bánh mì. Savory sandwiches on French baguettes filled with BBQ pork, pate, pickled carrots, and mountains of cilantro. This lesbian-owned hot spot is a great place to chow down on bánh mì as you take in all the sights and sounds of District 1. 

Cafe Marcel

It’s no secret that the former French occupation of Vietnam has influenced its food culture, and Cafe Marcel is a testament to that. In this funky District 2 cafe, you’ll find fluffy tiramisu pancakes, creamy croque madames, flaky croissants, and many of your brunch favorites. 

Twist Cafe & Bar

Drop by this friendly queer cafe for tasty coffee and conversation during the day. At night, the bar spills on the streets of trendy District 2, where you’ll find various community events ranging from inclusive Trans/Woman-focused parties to live music, drag, and circus performances.

Make sure to follow Les Come Out and Gender Funk on social media for more women-led and trans-forward events in Saigon.

Frolic Bar

Frolic is one of the few “official” gay bars in Saigon, drawing a Vietnamese and international crowd. Saturday night drag shows are the place to be followed by pop anthems well into the night.

Barzinga Saigon

No more than a small crumbling concrete box decorated with a giant snake mural and mismatched chairs, Barzinga is a breath of fresh air compared to the numerous upscale cocktail lounges in Ho Chi Minh City.  The venue has a DIY vibe and hosts numerous queer events, like queer movie screenings, sapphic disco dance parties, and burlesque shows. 

The Lighthouse

Press the “light-house” button to get to this sixth-floor multi-level club. Lighthouse’s multi-level space allows for ample dancing and relaxing zones perfect for admiring the view of Saigon.

Chinchin Bar

Like most queer-friendly spaces in Ho Chi Minh City, Chin Chin doesn’t label itself as a gay bar. Yet the space pulls a queer crowd and has lively drag and dance parties often. To ensure you get the full experience, check out the bar’s social media for up-to-date events.

The Observatory

There is no shortage of rooftop bars and lounges in Ho Chi Minh City, but Observatory stands out for its selection of top-notch underground DJs and views of the city’s skyline.

MA Cocktails On Tap

This boozy concept lounge has rotating draft cocktails, prioritizes ingredients from local producers, and has a neon orange theme. MA Cocktails On Tap’s industrial concrete interior is quite striking at sunset against the view of the skyline.

Na Dam Spa

Set inside an ornate former palace outside the city center, Na Dam Spa is the epitome of relaxation. Treat yourself to a professional massage,  steam in the sauna, or take a dip in the fresh, cool outdoor pool amongst a thriving garden. There are no private rooms, but the second and third floors are very dark, leaving room for lots of mischief. 

NẤM SPA

Set inside a renovated French colonial building, this is the perfect place to escape Saigon’s endless honking horns and traffic. The all-male staff NẤM SPA provides a variety of treatments, and there is a dry sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi available for use. We suggest booking in advance as treatments fill up quickly.