Vietnam

Cities in Vietnam

Name: Viêt Nam
Location: South East Asia
Initials: VN
International country code: 84 (omit 0 from area code)
International access code: 00
Language: Vietnamese, English
Area: 331,114 km² / 128,065 sq mi.
Currency: 1 Dong (VND) = 100 Xu
Population: 82,162,000
Capital: Hanoi (Ha Noi)
Religions: 55% Buddhist, 5% Catholic
Climate: Tropical climate in the south, monsoon climate in the north with a hot, rainy season that lasts from mid-May to mid-September and warm, dry season between mid-October and mid-March.

Similar to other south-east Asian countries, Vietnam is relatively tolerant with regards to homosexuality, which was never explicitly forbidden and is not even mentioned in the Penal Code. Prostitution is however forbidden in all forms and is heavily punished. The national parliament clearly stated its rejection of same-sex marriage and the press generally sees homosexuality as a "social evil". Topics such as these and sexually transmitted diseases are avoided in conservative Vietnam and displays of open gay relationships are not gladly seen in public. In the last 10 years however life for gay men has become more relaxed. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and to some extent in Hanoi there is a small gay scene developing. The entire country is becoming more accessible for international tourists and for Asian fans a further recommendation. Above all the friendly Vietnamese make a trip well worth while.