According to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA), prostitution in 2024 saw significant developments in its scale, sophistication, and operational methods.

While official statistics indicate around 16,000 sex workers nationwide, the true number is likely much higher due to the transient and concealed nature of these activities.

Prostitution frequently operates under the guise of legitimate business services, particularly in tourist and resort areas. In some cases, female staff at these establishments engage in illicit acts such as stripping, erotic performances, or sexual solicitation.

There are also instances of foreign nationals exploiting investments in restaurants and hotels to facilitate prostitution.

A more discreet form of prostitution has emerged in the form of "sponsorship" contracts, often referred to as sugar baby-sugar daddy arrangements. These activities, organized under the pretense of paid companionship, romantic rentals, or luxury travel packages, involve networks that span multiple provinces.

Cross-border and regional challenges

Human trafficking for sexual exploitation continues to occur along Vietnam’s borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as in coastal provinces like Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Phu Yen, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

These activities often intersect with tourism and entertainment, making them harder to detect. The operations are typically small-scale but employ sophisticated methods to evade law enforcement.

In response, authorities have ramped up their crackdown on prostitution-related activities.

In 2024, law enforcement agencies nationwide uncovered 554 prostitution-related cases, involving 993 individuals - a 11.9% increase in cases and a 3.6% increase in offenders compared to 2023.

The border patrol forces have also collaborated with police and interagency task forces to inspect and dismantle operations tied to prostitution.

MOLISA reported that nearly 15,000 sex workers sought access to social support services in 2024, with over 27,800 requests for counseling and assistance recorded.

These services included:

Education support: 133 cases.

Legal consultation and assistance: 803 cases.

Healthcare and medical support: 10,369 cases.

The ministry emphasized the importance of social reintegration programs to help individuals transition away from sex work and lead healthier, more stable lives.

Vu Diep