# Things To Do

I did all 3 Vietnam Red Light Areas – The Vietnam girls were…

I didn’t plan to explore any Vietnam red light area when I first arrived — but curiosity led me to visit some of the most famous red light districts in Vietnam. Here's what really happened.

#1 famous Vietnam Red Light Area: Saigon

My journey to explore the Vietnam Red Light Areas began with Saigon. Well, if you ask, prostitution is illegal in Vietnam. But just like any other country, there are definitely red light areas in big cities like Saigon, Hanoi, Da Nang.

My first stop was, naturally, Bui Vien Street. During the day, it’s just another busy tourist spot. But at night, everything changes fast.

Bars light up, music pumps, and girls line the doorways. I grabbed a beer, and within a minute, a girl sat next to me. She was friendly, casual — asked for a drink, then softly offered a “massage later.” No pressure, but the meaning was clear.

Some of the side alleys off Bui Vien felt even more direct. I also passed by Pasteur Street (well, ignore this area, it is full of scams) and the Japan Town Le Thanh Ton — known for more discreet, upscale setups — but didn’t stay long. Compared to Bui Vien, they felt quieter, more behind-the-scenes.

What surprised me most was how open everything was. In Saigon, the red light scene blends right into the party.

What surprised me most was how open everything was. In Saigon, the red light scene blends right into the party. You can read this detailed article for more:

Saigon Red Light District – Secrets nobody tells you

Hanoi is next destination

Hanoi felt different right from the start. It’s more traditional, more serious — and so is the red light scene. There’s no wild walking street like Bui Vien. Everything here is more hidden.

I found myself in the Hai Bà Trưng and Cầu Giấy districts. Massage shops with bright signs, but what happens inside isn’t always about massage. You’ll see phrases like “VIP,” “extra service,” or “relax 1 hour” — and that’s usually your clue.

I went into one spot, just to see. Clean room, soft music, and a girl who came in with a smile. No menu, no small talk. Straight to the point. If you hesitate, they move fast — and it gets awkward quick.

Hanoi’s red light vibe isn’t playful like Saigon. It’s quieter, more business. Not really my thing — and not as easy to blend into unless you know what you’re doing.

Read this article for details:

Top 3 infamous Hanoi Red Light Districts

Da Nang - not really what you expected

I had heard whispers about Da Nang’s red light scene, but honestly, it’s more myth than reality. There’s no official red light district here. While you might come across massage parlors or karaoke lounges that hint at more, it’s all very discreet and not overt.

Read the truth about Da Nang red light areas here.

After visiting all three Vietnam red light areas — Saigon, Hanoi, and Da Nang — I can say this: if you’re coming to Vietnam just for this kind of experience, you’re probably missing the point.

The girls? Some were friendly, some were cold, most were just doing a job. The vibe? Often awkward, sometimes pushy, rarely what you’d imagine.

More and most important: the Red Light Areas are all illegal in Vietnam (I’ve said this at the beginning of this blog, and will say it again)

Vietnam has so much more to offer. Amazing food, wild nature, chaotic markets, quiet temples, motorbike rides through the mountains. If I could do it over, I’d skip the adult entertainment and spend more time chasing the real magic of this country.