Influences of gender, patriarchy, and culture on Vietnamese women’s travel experiences

This study examines the intersection between gender, patriarchy, culture, and the holiday experiences of Vietnamese women. Using intersectionality as a theoretical lens, it interviewed 39 women aged 19–56. Results show Vietnamese men assume the role of family heads, decision makers, and leaders, while women are homemakers, housewives, and caregivers. Yet, interviewees also stated that patriarchy has declined, particularly in urban areas where more women are educated and hold important positions at work. They confront more barriers than men with respect to leisure travel due to socio-cultural, religious, and gendered factors. While travelling especially to major tourist cities abroad, their multiple identities (e.g. female, Vietnamese, Asian, married) intersect, influencing the way they are looked at and treated by others. This research contributes an exploratory gender perspective to the extant urban tourism literature as well as tourism studies overall. Implications are provided for future research on gender and urban tourism.