Happy pride month! It’s our month to celebrate! If you’re looking for some LGBT-friendly countries in Asia, there are lots of places that can be your next travel bucket list and you can also bring in some cute LGBT accessories while celebrating it whether with your friends, a significant partner on your romantic rendezvous, or want to explore the areas of the planet where love, is love!
Here are six places that you might want to add on your itinerary, such as:
Top 6 Most LGBT-Friendly Countries in Asia
1. Thailand
If you are seeking for a tropical trip, this LGBT-friendly country in Asia has the whole package. Currently, the country hosts tourists with reduced amount of quarantine days, which means you can enjoy your visit for a longer period.
More than that, if you want to have some fun and party the perfect spot is in Silom Soi 4. It has a lot of LGBT friendly bars that you might want to check especially the largest and the most famous gay bar, DJ Station.
Furthermore, if you are interested in knowing more culture, other parts of the country has more that is installed for you. Just bring lots of water and hydrate from the heat!
Thailand is one of the first Asian country that legalized LGBT since 1956. They also have an anti discrimination laws that include hate speech so you don’t need to worry while enjoying Thailand.
2. Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Vietnam doesn’t have anti discrimination law yet, but Vietnamese people are very accepting and welcoming so you don’t need to worry while roaming around the city.
Saigon and Hanoi offers a few locations that offers an accepting ambiance for your gay friendly getaways.
The LGBT-friendly destination in Saigon offers the bar of Warda in the Ben Tanh area, Le Pub and Thi Bar. You can also enjoy dining in the LGBT owned The Fig Cafe in Saigon that offers delicious Vietnamese dishes. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy and relax in their first professional therapeutic relaxing spa for men in District 10 Nam Spa.
While in Hanoi only have one gay friendly bar which is the GC Bar located near the Hoan Kiem Lake.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia is also a LGBT-friendly country in Asia that is respectful and welcoming regardless of your gender orientation.
Bali is known for their lovely beaches and beautiful natural landscapes, it has paved the way to attract queer visitors, and therefore the scene in the area has profoundly grown. This is whilst their religious belief and increased tolerance to the gay community provided a way for the gay bars and nightly shows to thrive.
If you’re looking for a spot to unwind and have a perfect tan, Batu Belig and Double Six is the place to be. They are known to be one of the friendliest and has the perfect sunset view.
Meanwhile, If you’re also looking for a place to go with your partner or find yourself a date, it is best to look around in their popular Mixwell and Bali Joe Bars in Seminyak that offers great ambience and amazing cocktails.
4. Cambodia
Cambodia also doesn’t have anti-gay law but in 2018 their government announced the “Declaration of Family Relationship” a civil contract that can share responsibility, assets and build a family together.
You can enjoy exploring in Angkor Wat during daytime then at night time you can party all night in the area of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap because they have a lots of gay friendly bars and clubs too.
If you want to celebrate gay pride, then the best time to visit this LGBT friendly travel destination is by May, which has been a mainstay event in commemorating the gays from 2003.
There are tons of gay friendly activities that you can also check and to know more about the culture and history of Cambodia.
5. Tokyo, Japan
Japan is one of our favorite LGBT-friendly countries in Asia because it is very safe and really welcoming.
Tokyo has a lot of gay bars in the area that is rampant and festive, and usually alive during the weekends. If you are looking for a place to go, it is safe to go to Ni-Chome in Shinjuku district. You might also want to check Tac’s Knot where they highlight gay artists, and even for gay women-only bar called Every May.
There are more places that are queer friendly, from the 24 Kaikan Shinjuku bathhouse, Toyosu Fish Market, and Colourful Station if you want to have a great dine in experience. Moreover, the monthly events conducted by Shangri-La at Age Ga club gives access to the LGBTQIA+ community to attend to.
6. Taipei, Taiwan
Last but not the least! Taipei, Taiwan! 🙂 Not too long ago in 2019, Taiwan has declared that same-sex marriage is legal, making it the first ever country in Asia to ever approve this win for the gays. That is why, it is the best place if you want to have a swift trip without prejudice and hate.
You should also go to their massive Taipei pride festival every October, Mr. Gay Taiwan is also a must watch too.
There is a popular place called the Ximen Red House in the Ximending district where queer-friendly bars, clubs, and even drag acts are where it’s at. Simply put, the Taipei gay scene is as vast as any place in the world.
Final thoughts on discovering LGBT-friendly countries in Asia:
Being safe and less hassle while travelling is one of our main goal before we go to our next destination that’s why we made this list so that we can also guide you and help you choose where to go next. Enjoy and have fun!
Did you know that there is also a gay friendly location in the Philippines? Check out this next post on where to stay in Boracay.
I’d love to hear from you: what’s your favorite LGBT-friendly countries in Asia?
Let me know in the comments below. 🙂
