GAY LAOS

Laos is a landlocked country with a population of almost 6 million. Although Lao culture is very tolerant of homosexuality, an ostentatious gay lifestyle is definitely against local etiquette and customs. Homosexuality is technically illegal but there seems to be no active repression of gay people by the government at present. Whilst same sex relations are quite common and generally accepted without much contemplation, most gays do tend to live a discreet life. There is no noteworthy gay scene as such but there are a few low-key, usually mixed venues in the larger cities and awareness about gay people is steadily growing, especially in Luang Prabang and  the capital Vientiane.

Lao flag, Don Xao (Laos)

Lao culture is very tolerant of homosexuality.

VIENTIANE

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and has a population of over 200,000. This former French colonial city is situated at the banks of the Mekong River just across the border with Thailand at Nongkhai. There are lots of mixed clubs, bars, discos and restaurants in town, some of which are gay-owned.

Europe
086 Ban Saphanthong Neua, Phonsavanh Road.

Foreign-owned gay establishment consisting of a restaurant with European and Asian cuisine, a guesthouse and a mixed disco-club in front of the premises. The DJ plays mainly Thai and some Laotian pop music. Handsome and friendly staff.