Hi, I've been around Hanoi for about four years and it used to be that Apocalypse Now was the big gay night spot, but I think it's closed now. Also, GC Bar on Bao Khanh Street is considered LGBT-friendly, as is Mao's Red Room.
According to my gay friends, the scene isn't great and there's not many reliable places that are sure to have a gay clientele.
As a woman, I've been told to swim and do my hassle-free sunbathing at the Asia (or Asian?) Hotel near the old Apocalypse Now because it's clean, has a great pool and is a gay gathering spot. Hence, I won't be bothered.
Maybe head down there and ask around?
Also, my boyfriend has dudes trying to pick him up whenever he was walks alone around Hoan Kiem Lake in the early evening. At dusk there seems to be a lot of young gay Vietnamese guys looking to chat up foreigners. Watch out though! Could be a trap!
Yeah GC bar is your best bet to meet someone nice. Be VERY careful of those "dudes" that hang around Hoan Kien lake. Basically they're scam artists looking for the next sucker. Or so some of my friends have told me. As the previous poster said, head to Bao Khanh street.
This site might help you out also.
www.utopia-asia.com
Good luck
