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Gay Vientiane Guide: LGBTQ+ Culture, Bars & Hotspots 🇱🇦
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- Ryan Kretch
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- @thefabryk
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While Bangkok and Singapore might steal the spotlight for LGBTQ+ travel in Southeast Asia, Vientiane quietly offers a refreshingly authentic queer experience. In Laos' laid-back capital, you'll find a society where acceptance comes with a subtle nod rather than a rainbow parade.
Picture sipping Beer Lao at a riverside bar where same-sex couples mingle freely with locals, or discovering intimate LGBTQ+ hangouts tucked between French colonial buildings. Vientiane's charm lies not in its flashy gay scene, but in its genuine, judgment-free embrace of all travelers.
We spent about a week in Vientiane in 2025 trying to get to know as many locals and expats living in the city as possible. While the scene is very small, and a bit hush-hush, it does exist. However, one main thing to take note is that Vientiane would not be the city (and Laos would not be the country) we would come to experience gay culture at its finest and biggest. But, there are so many other assets to the Vientiane and Laos, such as nature, culture, food, and people that make it a must-visit place.
Table of Contents
FAQ on the Gay Scene in Vientiane
Is Vientiane Safe for LGBTQ+ Travelers?
Yes! Vientiane is generally very safe for LGBTQ+ travelers. The city has a laid-back attitude when it comes to sexual orientation. While it's not as openly vibrant as Bangkok, you won't face discrimination because of whom you're dating. We never once felt strange walking around the city, as they are used to tourists of all types coming through.
What Are the Local Laws About Being Gay in Laos?
Same-sex relationships are legal in Laos, and there's no specific legislation against LGBTQ+ individuals. However, there's also no legal recognition of same-sex partnerships or anti-discrimination protections in place.
How Do Locals View LGBTQ+ People?
The Lao attitude is pretty chill - it's more about being discreet than hiding. While some people might be "in the closet," it's not because of heavy social pressure. How would we compare it to surrounding countries? The vibe is more open than in China and definitely Malaysia, though not quite as free as Thailand.
Where Can LGBTQ+ People Hang Out in Vientiane?
We go into this in more detail below, but here is a little glimpse:
Your meager options are either DCLUB or The Office Bar and Tapas.
The Office Bar and Tapas had a friendly vibe and it was easy to meet other travelers.
What About Public Displays of Affection in Vientiane?
Keep it low-key! This applies to everyone, not just LGBTQ+ couples. A general rule of thumb: if you wouldn't do it in front of your grandparents, don't do it on the streets of Vientiane.
How's the Dating App Scene?
Dating apps like Grindr are active in Vientiane! You'll find tourists, expats and locals on there - tourists and expats tend to show their faces more openly, but many locals do too. The app scene feels similar to Thailand, and users are usually responsive and friendly. We've never had safety issues using apps here and what we liked about it was that it felt like one small intimate community (okay, this might not be everyone's cup of tea 🤣).
When's the Best Time to Visit for LGBTQ+ Events?
Vientiane doesn't have a specific pride season or major LGBTQ+ events. The best time to visit is during the cooler months (November to February) when you can comfortably explore the city and its nightlife. While Vientiane's Songkran in April may not be as big and gay as Bangkok's it is also something to experience, if you'd like something alternative (although Luang Prabang is also known to have a nice Songkran as well).
Hanging in the back of a tuktuk wondering where all the gay life is in Vientiane 😜
Gay Vientiane Map: Essential LGBTQ+ Friendly Areas
Here's your map to LGBTQ+ hotspots and other spots mentioned in this gay guide to Vientiane! While the scene might be smaller than other Southeast Asian capitals, there are still some great spots to check out.
Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Vientiane
Upscale Options and Mid-Range Picks
- The only Travel Proud property on Booking.com in Vientiane
- Staff trained in diversity and inclusion
- City center location
- Modern rooms with smart tech features
- Starting at $80/night
- Old-world colonial charm
- Super private pool area
- Around $150/night
- Perfect for special occasions
DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane
- International brand standards = consistent LGBTQ+ acceptance
- Walking distance to nightlife
- Comfy rooms from $100/night
- Great gym and pool facilities
- Thai hospitality meets Lao charm
- River views available
- $90-120/night range
- Awesome rooftop bar
Budget-Friendly Stays
Tips:
- Consider staying near the Mekong for easy access to nightlife
- Look for properties advertising as "Travel Proud" certified
- Check if breakfast is included
Gay Vientiane Nightlife: Tips, Bars, and Clubs
Popular Spots
- Not strictly a gay club, but it's where the LGBTQ+ crowd mingles these days
- Regular drag shows light up the weekends
- Mixed crowd of locals and tourists
- Great music and dance floor
- Located in the city center
- Queer-friendly atmosphere with a casual vibe
- Perfect for meeting fellow travelers
- Large beer selection
- Outdoor seating available
A note on CCC Bar
- This was once the go-to gay bar in town, but many websites are a bit outdated with current information
- Now more of a general nightspot
- Still attracts some LGBTQ+ patrons
- Open until early morning
- Good for late-night drinks
Other Spots
Mekong Riverside Area
- Laodi Bar: Gorgeous sunset views and a mixed crowd
- Area-51: Nice little spot on the river to grab a coffee or beer with lounge chairs
The marshy views from the banks of the Mekong over one of many Beer Lao we drank
Safety Tips
- Stick to well-lit areas after dark
- Keep your drinks in sight
- Use ride-hailing apps instead of random tuk-tuks
- Bring cash - most places don't take cards - or use the QR code apps, like Loca Pay
- Travel in pairs or groups late at night
- You may have heard of the methanol poisonings in Laos happening in November 2024. While this was in Vang Vieng and not Vientiane and not something you should be very scared of, it's always good to remain cautious of what you drink. We generally stuck to beer and if we were at a really nice establishment, maybe a cocktail or two.
Local Insights
"The nightlife here isn't anything close to the best Berlin clubs or Singapore," says Tom, an expat we met at DPLUS. "But it's super chill. Nobody cares who you dance with."
Sarah, a lesbian traveler from Australia, shared: "I loved The Office Bar. Met some cool people there who showed us around the local spots. It's more about making connections than big parties."
Nightlife Etiquette
- Dress code is casual but neat
- Respect local customs - no excessive PDA
- Most venues close by 11:30 PM
- Tip your bartenders (not required but appreciated)
- Learn basic Lao greetings - it goes a long way!
Remember, Vientiane's gay scene is subtle but welcoming. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in friendliness!
Our Other Vientiane Recommendations
Must-Try Local Eats
Doi Ka Noi serves up amazing local dishes with a weekly-changing menu. Their rice ball salad and jeows (chili pastes) are a knockout! Pop in for lunch or make it a weekend dinner spot.
Ban Anou Night Market is perfect for street food adventures. Try the fried sticky rice - it's a local favorite that won't break the bank. The vibe here is super casual, and everyone's welcome. We preferred it to the one on the Mekong any day.
Kheg Suan Sim won our hearts with its outdoor setup and super friendly owner. It's as local as it gets, and the inclusive atmosphere makes everyone feel at home.
When you need a pizza fix, PDR (Pizza da Roby) hits the spot. Sometimes you just need a break from Lao food, and this place delivers!
For the foodies out there who want a sampling of the best Vientiane has to offer in terms of Laotian food, try this food tour.
Brunch Spots We Love
Aiden by Manee does killer brunches - think perfect eggs and strong coffee.
Brunch and Buddies is another gem where you'll spot lots of expats and maybe some gays 😜 sharing stories over pancakes.
Culture & Sightseeing
To start with, go for a half-day tour. You'll cover a lot more ground than if you plan on your own, plus you'll get a local's perspective on Vientiane and Laos.
Patuxay is Vientiane's very own Arc de Triomphe - climb to the top for city views that'll make your Instagram pop.
If you only have time for one thing, it should be seeing the Patuxay
The COPE Center Museum tells powerful stories about Laos's history becoming the most bombed country in the world. It's a must-visit that'll give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country. The museum is part of a social enterprise that supports locals with physiological and orthopedic issues who are generally unable to pay for treatment.
COPE is one of those places that teaches you about Lao's dark past.
Don't miss the Lao Art Museum - it's brand new as of 2025 and absolutely gorgeous. The decorative art scene here might surprise you!
Take a sunset cruise along the Mekong with Mekong Escapes or take a guided walk that shows you parts of the city most tourists miss. Plus, the guides know all the best spots for that perfect sunset photo.
Wat That Luang Tai is stunning at sunrise - get there early to see monks doing their morning rituals. It's way less crowded than later in the day, and the golden stupa looks amazing in the morning light.
The Wat That Luang Tai standing in all its glory.
Buddha Park is an incredible exhibition on the outskirts of Vientiane, where you can wander amongst an entrancing amount of massive Buddhist statues and monuments. For a less crowded version, you can head to the other Buddha park across the river in Nong Khai, Thailand.
Further On: Visiting Other Parts of Laos
Luang Prabang: The Northern Gem
Luang Prabang takes the crown as Laos' most gay-friendly destination outside Vientiane. You'll spot quite a few queer travelers walking about or chilling by the Mekong. The night market here is super accepting - I've seen same-sex couples walking hand in hand without any weird looks. While, again, there aren't any LGBTQ+-specific venues, there are accepting places. We particularly loved Little Lao Culture Bar for it feeling quite inclusive (plus the food was to die for!).
For us, the aesthetically beautiful streets of Luang Prabang just screamed gay!
Vang Vieng: Adventure Paradise
If you're into outdoor fun, Vang Vieng's your spot! The backpacker vibe means nobody cares who you're with - they're too busy tipsy tubing down the river or rock climbing. Gary's Irish Bar has become a low-key meeting point for LGBTQ+ travelers, and the rooftop bars offer amazing sunset views over the karst mountains. Our favorite things we did there was rent an off-road buggy and take a hot air balloon. It is just that stunning.
About to fly high over Vang Vieng.
Northern Adventures
Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoy might be tiny, but they're surprisingly open-minded. These sleepy riverside towns offer a peek into rural Laos without the judgment you might expect. The guesthouses here are used to international travelers and likely won't bat an eye at same-sex couples sharing rooms.
Another Laotian viewpoint overlooking the picturesque Nong Khiaw.
Remember, while Laos isn't Thailand, its people are wonderfully accepting once you get to know them. The key? Respect local customs, smile lots, and you'll find friends everywhere!
TL;DR: Plan Your Vientiane Trip (Logistics)
When is the Best Time to Visit Vientiane?
November to February brings cool, dry weather - perfect for exploring! We went a bit later in mid-February to mid-March when temperatures started rising to around 30 degrees Celsius, but that didn't bother us. Skip late March-May unless you're okay with sweating buckets and being a part of the burning season, which brings thick, stifling air.
Do I Need a Visa for Laos?
Yes! Most travelers need one, but it's super easy. Get it on arrival ($35-40) or online ($45). Bring cash (you can withdraw kip at an ATM there or use USD, but they must be an incredibly crisp, not flawed bills) and a passport photo. We got ours at the Friendship Bridge, and it took 15 minutes tops.
For more specific info on whether you need a visa, check out iVisa.
How Do I Get to Vientiane?
- Flying: Direct flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, and Singapore
- Land: You can take buses or trains to Nong Khai (Thailand), then crossed the Friendship Bridge - cheap and fun! Also, if you are coming from Luang Prabang (because you came by boat from Chiang Mai), you can take the Laos-China Highspeed Train.
- Bus: Regular services from Vietnam and Thailand
- TIP: The border closes at 10 PM, so time your arrival right
Book your flights with Skyscanner or your trains and buses with 12Go!
Internet and Data in Laos
Wi-Fi's okay-ish but honestly not amazing. We used Airalo for an eSIM ($10/week) and it worked well enough for basic needs. Don't count on streaming Netflix in HD in most places!
Getting Around Vientiane
- Kokkok app: The cheapest tuk-tuk app
- Loca app: Great for a slightly more expensive tuk-tuk than Kokkok or booking a car
- Walking: City center's pretty walkable
- Bike rental: About $5/day
Currency and Cash
- Lao Kip is king (but some places take USD/Thai Baht)
- ATM fees are not as steep as Thailand ($1-5 per withdrawal)
- Western Union saved us money on bigger withdrawals (and when we lost our debit card 🙂↔️)
- Loca app's payment feature works for most venues, but just know that there will be a fee for each transaction done with an international card
- Bring clean, crisp bills if using USD (they literally accept nothing less than perfect)!
Tipping in Vientiane
Not expected! We usually rounded up the bill or left a few percent at fancy spots. Street food vendors might look confused if you try to tip.
Random Other Tips
- Download offline maps - Google Maps isn't always accurate (Maps.me is generally better)
- Carry toilet paper - or be prepared to learn how to use the bum gun
- Learn "Khop Chai Lai Lai" (thank you very much) - locals love it
- Most places close early (like 10 PM early)
Final Thoughts on Gay Vientiane
Vientiane might not compete in the slightest with the gay scenes of Bangkok or Taipei, but that's precisely its charm. The city offers something increasingly rare in Southeast Asia: an authentic, unhurried space where LGBTQ+ travelers can simply be themselves without the commercialized rainbow fanfare.
From the welcoming smiles at local guesthouses to the mix of queer and straight friends sharing stories at DPLUS, Vientiane proves that sometimes the best gay-friendly destinations are the ones that don't try too hard to be gay-friendly at all.