Hanoi

Hanoi is quieter than Saigon – but the capital has a small, charming queer scene. Among the old town’s alleys, West Lake and rooftops you’ll find a handful of bars, an underground club and good saunas.

Old Quarter & Tây Hồ

With GC Bar in the Old Quarter and R7 in Ba Đình, Hanoi has two genuine queer bars – enough for a nice evening, though no match for Saigon. At weekends night owls head to the expat district of Tây Hồ, where BirdCage parties to an underground sound until morning. P6 Sauna on West Lake is considered the best venue of its kind. Most bars only fill up around 10pm, with the peak between 11pm and 1am.

When to go?

• Late summer/autumn – VietPride Hanoi: A week of films, talks, parties and a bicycle parade (check dates with the organiser).
• 17 May – IDAHOBIT: There are smaller community events around the International Day Against Homophobia.

Our favourites

• GC Bar – the Old Quarter classic
• BirdCage – Hanoi’s underground insider tip

Tours & activities in Hanoi

See all tours and activities in Hanoi on GetYourGuide

Advertisement: these links lead to GetYourGuide. If you book, we earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you.

Practical tips

• Many bars in Hanoi officially have to close earlier than guests are used to – check opening hours locally or on social media.
• Between the Old Quarter and Tây Hồ it’s best to take a Grab; it’s too far to walk.
• Public displays of affection are uncommon in Vietnam – restraint on the street is appreciated.

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organiser each year.

Places in Hanoi