In the United States, during June, people all around the country celebrate what is known as, Pride Month. Following the Stonewall Riots (a series of protests fighting for gay liberation) in June of 1969, this month is recognized as Pride Month to highlight the achievements of these protesters. Pride Month is dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride. Pride Month is marked by a variety of vibrant and inclusive events, including parades, rallies, concerts, and education workshops, all aimed at raising awareness and promoting equality for the LGBTQ+. And to respond, in Vietnam, there are clubs, bars, and pubs specifically for LQBT people with extremely vibrant and outstanding event nights and parties.
In addition, if you are someone who likes private, discreet space, hidden bars will be your choice.
In honor of Pride Month, here are the Top 7 Best Gay Bars in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Table of Contents
1. Frolic Bar
Frolic Bar is one of the most famous nightlife venues for the LGBTQ+ community in Saigon. This vibrant and safe space attracts many Vietnamese and international tourists. The interior decor offers an enchanting blend of vintage charm and modern sophistication. They have numerous fog machines that create a captivating smoky atmosphere. Frolic is known for its weekly shows and entertainment that often begin at midnight and continue to the early hours of the morning.
Music is the highlight at Frolic Bar, with vibrant pop tunes playing throughout the night. Saturday nights are especially anticipated with drag performances each week at midnight followed by endless catchy pop hits. Events such as Glitter Party, Tropigayz Drag Party, and Boys Night always attract the participation of guests wearing gorgeous and outstanding costumes.
The bar has two spaces, with the first floor being highly regarded for its performances and lively atmosphere. Despite its large space, Frolic Bar maintains a cozy and friendly feeling, making it easy for people to enjoy their evening. The service is quick and efficient, although you do need to go to the bar to order a drink. The staff is charming, and the owners are renowned for their hospitality, contributing to the inclusive atmosphere.
Frolic Bar boasts a unique and visually appealing drink menu with especially creative cocktails at reasonable prices. Customers are diverse, including locals and international visitors. This is one of the official gay bars in Saigon.
- Address: 151 De Tham Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Opening hours: Mostly from 8 pm to 3 am, but if there is a festival or event, it will last until 6 am.
2. Thi Bar
Located in a prime spot in the bustling Western Town, Thi Bar is extremely popular, especially on weekends. Considered one of the first bars to appear on Bui Vien Street, Thi Bar is renowned for its cozy small space and long age. This longevity has earned it a stable customer, particularly among foreigners and middle-aged patrons. With a rather small area, Thi Bar doesn’t boast the modernity and hustle of newer bars, creating a mainly standing service style.
The music and drinks at Thi Bar have a special and unique style. Thi Bar Saigon is the ideal destination for those who love live music. The bar’s space is designed with a nostalgic and simple style, creating a tranquil and emotional atmosphere. The main color of the bar is magical, warm red and disco lights, bringing it a feeling of being transported back to the 1900s.
Guests can enjoy a variety of delicious cocktails, some of which they may have never tried before. The prices are quite reasonable, ranging from 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND. The music at Thị Bar is mainly soft and lyrical, creating a peaceful and comfortable environment.
For those who prefer a more lively atmosphere, it’s best to visit Thị Bar on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, when the bar is crowded and features solo singing performances on weekends. Thị Bar is also famous for its special music programs on weekends and holidays, including live music with the participation of many guest singers or professional DJs. Despite its age, Thi Bar retains its professionalism and continues to attract many nightlife enthusiasts.
- Address: 224 De Tham Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Opening hours: 18:00 – 02:00. Large crowds begin to accumulate around 9 pm and will stay active throughout the night.
3. Azure Pool and Bar
Azure Pool Bar & Lounge is a brand new LGBTQ+ oasis in the heart of Saigon, offering the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment. This resort features a large outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms that resemble a pool party out of a Hollywood movie. Open daily from 11 am to midnight, Azure welcomes everyone over 18 with free entry.
If you’re looking for a calm pool where you can have drinks in the afternoon, this is the place. Everyone here was super lovely, from staff to customers. One of the staff members even offered advice about a local dish to try at a recommended restaurant. The drinks are a bit higher in price, but this can be offset by the free pool and jacuzzi.
This venue boasts a tranquil poolside setting, ideal for afternoon drinks, with comfortable loungers and pink flamingo inflatables. Azure stands out for its vibrant atmosphere, great music, live DJs, and captivating drag performances. The bar also serves vegetarian food, a plus point for some guests. The BBQ here is the most favorable on the menu.
Located in the heart of District 3, famous for its European-style villas and lush green streets, Azure offers a unique escape without needing a long layover. This is a must-visit for the LGBTQ+ community and anyone looking for a relaxing yet vibrant spot in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Address: 65 Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 00:00. Azure offers the advantage of early opening times, starting from 11:00 am until midnight. This caters perfectly to those who prefer not to stay out late.
4. Chin Chin Bar
Located in the same building as Rice Field restaurant (on the first floor), ChinChin Bar is a popular dining and cocktail spot with lively music and a crowd of hip young locals and tourists. The bar exudes a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, inspired by old Saigon, making it the perfect setting for couples looking for a warm, intimate place to chat.
ChinChin is highly rated for the quality of its food and drinks, allowing customers to choose from its menu confidently. Although businesses in District 1 can be more expensive, the prices at ChinChin Bar are very reasonable. One customer recommended the “Saigon Time” cocktail, a blend of red wine and gin with a touch of fruit that provides just the right amount of sweetness. I was also pointed towards “grooting,” a dish that many young people highly appreciate. What impressed guests the most was that each drink on the menu and the bartender’s choice represented Vietnam in some way. ChinChin Bar provides a cultural experience and not just a standard drink.
The bar offers a variety of snacks, including cold cuts, pizza, and sandwiches, giving customers plenty of options to choose from. If you’re not sure what to order, the staff are happy to make suggestions, and they can even customize drinks to suit your preferences.
ChinChin is recognized as an iconic gay bar in Saigon and promises a fun night out whether you belong to the LGBTQ+ community or not. Every month, the bar organizes a show with prominent faces such as Sweet Valentien, Onika Zolanski, and Choo Choo from Haus of Valentien. If there is no Drag, you can enjoy music with 2-3 DJs from 9 pm onwards, making this a great place for those who love bustling nightlife.
- Address: 75 Ho Tung Mau Street, 1st floor, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Opening hours: 17:00 – 02:00
5. Z9 Bar and Lounge
Z9 Bar & Lounge is a vibrant entertainment venue located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling District 1. This gay bar is famous for its cozy and unique atmosphere, combining modern and romantic design elements. It attracts both the local LGBTQ+ community and international visitors thanks to its vibrant music scene. Guests at Z9 can enjoy tracks played by famous DJs and performances by top singers and rappers in the entertainment industry.
The restaurant’s space is romantic, youthful, and modern, decorated with the main red color, creating a bustling and high-spirited feeling. Z9 is not only a popular meeting place for customers but also a gathering place for bartenders. The restaurant’s menu has many attractive cocktails decorated with bright colors, in addition to high-end imported drinks that satisfy even the most demanding palates.
Z9 Bar & Lounge hosts a variety of events every night of the week, ensuring there’s always something interesting going on. Whether you want to enjoy a sophisticated drink or dance the night away to captivating music, Z9 brings an unforgettable experience to all customers.
- Address: 63 Ho Tung Mau Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 19:00 – 02:00
6. Gender Funk
GenderFunk is a vibrant event series in Saigon, combining high-energy drag performances with sophisticated culinary experiences. Hosted by the passionate GenderFunk team, it offers non-stop lip-sync performances, exciting dances, and many fun games. The Dine and Drag event, taking place from 7 PM to 10 PM at P’ti Saigon, combines luxurious dining with lively drag performances, where each guest can transform into a queen and participate in the WANNABE DRAG contest.
From the moment you step into GenderFunk, you will immediately be overwhelmed by the explosive “rainbow” energy. The splendid performances of Drag Queens will make you fall in love and forget the way home. GenderFunk is a bar and a pioneering series of inclusive events in Saigon, that celebrate individuality and self-expression.
The space here is vibrant and lively, welcoming people of all sexual orientations, allowing them to be themselves without fear or prejudice. GenderFunk creates a vibrant world of acceptance and self-expression, demonstrating the power when the LGBT community can live true to its true identity. Vibrant beats and dazzling performances create a space where everyone can relax, enjoy and immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of the night.
7. Medley Kitchen Bar
Medley is a small but very special bar in Saigon, famous for its chill atmosphere and nostalgic style of the 50s. The bar has many interesting board games and is decorated to resemble the American show “Stranger Things” making it feel like you’re lost in the game world. The highlight of Medley is its unique and creative cocktails, along with the South African Peri Chili Chicken dish.
Enjoy the exquisite blend of drinks at the bar and there are also non-alcoholic mocktails which are the highlight of their shop. The Unicorn mocktail is one of their most popular drinks. The vibrant mocktail with enchanting pink and blue hues is a must-try. Medley is not only a place to enjoy delicious drinks but also has many cute games such as dominoes, carnivorous crocodiles, pirate swords and even drinking cards.
Medley offers a great culinary experience and a place where you can enjoy fun moments with friends. With average prices and guaranteed quality, this is an ideal destination for those who love a nostalgic atmosphere and unique drinks.
- Address: 1st floor, 45 Tran Hung Dao Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Opening hours: 16:00 – 00:00
