Not only famous for its vibrant lifestyle, open-mindedness and youthful energy, Ho Chi Minh City is gradually becoming a favorite destination for LGBTQ++ tourists on the international tourism map. According to the latest list of recommendations from Booking.com - the world's leading online booking and travel platform, Ho Chi Minh City stands alongside a series of famous cities such as Brighton (UK), Sydney (Australia), Zurich (Switzerland), Chicago (USA) or Porto (Portugal) in the group of destinations that clearly demonstrate their welcome and friendliness to the LGBTQ++ community this year.
Diverse identities in open spaces
In Ho Chi Minh City, the LGBTQ+ community is increasingly present in cultural activities and urban life. Coffee shops, art galleries, art stages, drag shows, and music parties all have an open spirit and respect for differences. Areas such as District 1 and District 3 with a rich service ecosystem have long been "safe spaces" for many LGBTQ+ youth, not only in Vietnam but also from neighboring countries.
Ho Chi Minh City youth at VietPride festival
PHOTO: CAO AN BIEN
Not only does it have a friendly atmosphere, Ho Chi Minh City is also one of the cities with the fastest growth rate of Travel Proud accommodation in Vietnam. According to Booking.com, the number of accommodations in Vietnam participating in the Travel Proud program has increased by 135% compared to the same period last year, reflecting the strong commitment of the Vietnamese tourism industry in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular to creating a comprehensive tourism environment that respects diversity.
Chicago, USA is also an LGBTQ+ friendly destination 2025
The Travel Proud program, launched by Booking.com in 2021, offers free training courses to hospitality staff to help them better understand the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travelers and improve their hospitality experience. To date, there are more than 100,000 Travel Proud properties in 16,000 destinations in more than 150 countries, with Ho Chi Minh City being a new bright spot in Southeast Asia.
The need to "live authentically" when traveling
An independent study conducted by Booking.com among more than 11,400 LGBTQ+ travelers from 27 countries found that 75% of LGBTQ+ travelers in Vietnam said that their gender identity or sexual orientation influenced how they planned their trip. Notably, 70% emphasized that being their “most authentic” self was a key factor when choosing a destination.
Therefore, cities that demonstrate a welcoming and inclusive attitude like Ho Chi Minh City are becoming increasingly attractive in the eyes of the international LGBTQ+ community.
Pride parade held on Nguyen Hue walking street (District 1, HCMC)
Not only open to individual visitors, Ho Chi Minh City is also home to frequent community cultural events such as VietPride, a series of art activities, exhibitions, and exchanges to honor gender diversity and promote equality. These festivals not only attract a large number of young people but also create a bridge between the LGBTQ+ community and the wider society.
Confessions of the first generation drag queen: 'Sticking with the profession for 15 years, borrowing each other's wigs'
In addition, the development of community organizations and social enterprises targeting the LGBTQ+ group also contributes to building a sustainable tourism ecosystem, based on respect and inclusion.
Top LGBTQ+ friendly destinations announced by Booking.com in 2025:
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Brighton & Hove, United Kingdom
Chicago, United States
Florianopolis, Brazil
Porto, Portugal
Turin, Italy
Sydney, Australia
Zurich, Switzerland
The list was selected based on the number of Travel Proud accommodations, combined with qualitative research on the level of LGBTQ+ welcome in each locality.
With the spirit of living authentically and being accepted, Ho Chi Minh City is gradually shaping itself as a destination that is not only attractive in terms of culture and cuisine, but also an "open home" for all identities, regardless of gender identity, flag color...
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tphcm-lot-top-diem-den-than-thien-cong-dong-lgbt-the-gioi-2025-185250620135746381.htm
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