Finding a gay-friendly destination for your vacation in Asia can be a difficult task. Many countries around the world are less than accommodating towards couples of the same sex.
Finding a place where you will feel safe and relaxed can be a challenge. There are many cities in Asia where you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for.
1. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh in Cambodia not only has a nice gay community, it also is one of the recommended destinations for gay couples. The Empire is a gay owned bar and restaurant along with a movie house in the city.
More: 10 Greatest Gay Bars in the World
Other attractions in Phnom Penh include the Capital Royal Palace and the Cambodia National Museum. If you decide to venture out of the city, there are many historical sights nearby.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand is known for being a mostly gay-friendly country and the capital city of Bangkok is no exception. There are many gay bars, go-go bars and a wide variety of queer-friendly hotels and restaurants. The city is also rich in history and has many palaces, temples and even a floating market to check out.
3. Shanghai, China
Shanghai is a bustling city that never sleeps. You’ll find plenty of gay-friendly places here, as well as amazing sights to keep you busy. The museum in Shanghai is one of the best in China and will take you more than a full day to get through the entire place. The Silom Art Hostel is a cheap gay-friendly place to stay on a budget. Table No. 1 is a delightful restaurant not to be missed while in the area.
More: 10 Best Gay Honeymoon Destinations
4. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong has a little something for everyone. It also caters to the gay community with multiple hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs owned by gays. There are also several spas for men throughout the city. If you plan to go to Hong Kong, don’t miss seeing the Bisous Cabaret which offers old style glamour in the form of burlesque and hauntingly beautiful music.
More: 10 Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Dubai
5. Edo, Japan
Edo is especially known for its amazing shopping districts. There are many hotels and restaurants who welcome the gay community. With the rich culture you find in the temples, festivals and the vibrant nightlife. You will find the Tobin Ohashi Gallery an amazing part of your trip to Edo.
More: 10 Best Gay-Friendly Destinations in Europe
6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the largest city in Malaysia and is sometimes simply called “KL”. The city has a vibrant gay community which is celebrated. You will find everything you could possibly need in a vacation in Kuala Lumpur, but it also makes a perfect base for further explorations. Malaysia has a lot to offer the traveler and this is a delightful vacation spot.
More: 10 Gay-Friendly Cities around the World
7. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is the largest city in Taiwan and has an amazing culture. It is a very advanced city, both in industry and mentally. It is a very safe city to visit as a gay person. Taipei has amazing theatres to attend, museums and temples to see and many night markets for all of your shopping needs. Ximending is a district known for its shopping and entertainment. You will find plenty of souvenirs to take home at the many shops found there.
More: 10 Best Gay-Friendly Restaurants in the World
8. New Delhi, India
New Delhi is a beautiful city full of culture and animals. If you want to see monkeys, cows and elephants roaming around the streets, New Delhi is the place to go. The food is amazing and while the sights and sounds can be a bit overwhelming at first, you will soon get used to it. Despite looking old world, the city is surprisingly forward thinking and open to everyone.
More: 10 Gay-Friendly Countries in the World
9. Manila, Philippines
The capital of the Philippines is Manila. It is a big, busy city packed with amazing sights and historical landmarks. With a tropical climate and plenty of gay-friendly resorts and hotels with pools, Manila is a great place to visit. It’s ideal for relaxing in the sun and letting your cares slip away. The city is full of things to do and is a good place to go on a budget.
More: 10 Best Gay-Friendly Beaches in South Florida
10. Boracay Island, Philippines
Boracay is a tiny island which may be small but it has over 350 beautiful white sand beaches and is only 196 miles south of Manila. The Island offers windsurfing, kite boarding, scuba diving and parasailing for those who want a little bit of action. For those who would rather relax, the beach is the perfect place to sit and sip a cold drink. The first gay pride in the Philippines was held on Boracay Island and it has maintained its gay-friendly atmosphere.
Whether you are looking for a place to sit back and relax, to go on an adventure or to immerse yourself in beauty and culture, there is a gay-friendly destination in Asia for you. All you have to do is decide what kind of vacation you want.
