Top 10 Gay Friendly Destinations in Asia

[Neal]

Gay-friendly destinations in Asia make this fabulous region of the world up and coming in the realm of travel. In spite of often-rocky homophobic histories, many Asian countries are opening up to the LGBT community- and thus the gay travel community! Check out our top picks in gay-friendly Asian travel destinations.

Shanghai, China

Shanghai, ChinaтАЩs most dynamic and cosmopolitan city, is exactly what youтАЩd expect it to be, the countryтАЩs most open metropolis for LGBT nightlife and lifestyle. No matter where you go in China, every young gay person you meet will speak of wanting to move to the city where China celebrated its first gay pride in 2009. The nightlife is unmatched, with several exceptional gay venues and a generally mixed scene at non-gay bars and clubs. Opt for a cozy beer garden or jazz lounge where the ambience screams New York or London. Welcome to Shanghai - The Capital of Gaysia.

Bangkok, Thailand

Considered one of AsiaтАЩs top destinations and the gateway to the entire Southeast Asia region, Bangkok has emerged as one of the worldтАЩs most famous holiday destinations. Both a jumping off point for the regionтАЩs beaches and a deserving destination all its own, Bangkok offers some of the best restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife in Asia and arguably, the world. Gay harassment is virtually unheard of, and Bangkok is often referred to as the gay capital of Asia. Whatever your scene, Bangkok has it!

Sri Lanka

Although there is no specific gay scene in Sri Lanka, it isnтАЩt difficult to meet other gay and gay friendly locals and travelers. The beauty here extends far beyond just the scenery! Sri Lanka has the reputation of being very abundant with mingling men. There are also various gay friendly places to stay in Colombo especially so whether you are at the bars or beaches keep your eyes peeled for some hot stuff!

Koh Hood, Thailand

Koh Hood, like the rest of Thailand, does have a gay culture, but much of it has been created by Westerners. As a visitor, looking for nightlife, for gay sex, or for gay friends, this is largely the culture you'll most readily find no matter where you are in this beautiful city. In addition to the friendly locals, be sure to get your fill of the natural beauty and excellent go-go bar nightlife all year round!

Mumbai, India

Mumbai is one of IndiaтАЩs richest and most popular cities. It is a cosmopolitan metropolis that serves as IndiaтАЩs commercial capital. Because of its rich diversity, Mumbai has a thriving LGBT scene that is supported both socially and politically. Voodoo, The Birdcage, and Salvation Star are all sites of excellent gay parties and dance celebrations. The Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is a highlight event that features films from around the world. No matter what time of year, Mumbai is a great place to visit!

Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong features the worldтАЩs most impressive skyline and you know youтАЩve officially arrived in the gateway to Asia, where east meets west in a brilliant show of designer brands, burger joints, hawkers and neon signs.As seemingly expected, the gay scene evolves around the western restaurant and bar districts of Soho (short for тАЬsouth of Hollywood roadтАЭ) and Lan Kwai Fong on Hong Kong Island. While there are very few exclusively gay bars and clubs, many have weekly gay happy hours and the scene remains open and mixed every night.

Nepal

Nepal is definitely up and coming gay friendly destination with plenty to do and see regardless of the time of year! Despite its rocky past with homophobia, NepalтАЩs tourism board has promotions in the works geared toward the LGBT community. This beautiful country is planning its first Asian Symposium on Gay and Lesbian Tourism and should begin to thrive as an Asian gay friendly destination. The natural beauty and culture here is not to be missed so this progress could not come soon enough!

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei - the capital city of Taiwan - serves as both the nationтАЩs financial and governmental center. The gay scene is Taipei has exploded over the past ten years, growing from only a smattering of gay bars and clubs to having its very own тАЬgayborhoodтАЭ in Ximen, located near the heritage Red House entertainment complex.From top-notch museums to magnificent temples and memorials, Taipei is a city where old meets new, ancient intersects with modern, and eastern is influenced by the west.

New Delhi, India

Delhi is one of the largest metropolitan cities by area and population in India, which makes for an incredibly rich visit. Delhi has an emerging LGBT community really offers locals and tourists a taste of colorful diversity. This is more prominent than ever as homosexuality emerges after years of domination by religion and imperialism. Delhi has a diverse population of residents and visitors, so it will definitely satisfy your cravings for culture!

Tokyo, Japan

Neon lights and massive skyscrapers meet the ancient, mystic charm of Asia in Tokyo. This city is in one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the world and is quickly becoming a top LGBT tourist destination. For great gay-friendly nightlife, check out the areas of Shinjuku and Ni-Chome. If youтАЩve never explored Asia or Japan, Tokyo is the perfect place to start. A beautiful, cosmopolitan jewel in the Pacific thatтАЩs the ideal setting for a memorable holiday.

[RichLB]

Koh Hood? I've lived here in Thailand for years and have never heard of Koh Hood. When I googled the name all I got was Koh Kood (which I have also never heard of) Where is Koh Hood and has anyone been there?

[a447]

If youтАЩve never explored Asia or Japan, Tokyo is the perfect place to start.

But be forewarned. Many places will not let you in.

[pong]

sorry, dont know where you got this list from, but at last half of the place named seem to be listed for other purpose-but certainly not for being so gay.
So where is bali/Indonesia and the Phillppines?
PLus that it remains Asia-some places may be attractive enough for fellow-Chinese, but whitenoses are just barred entry.
In stead of what most likely is Koh Kood, there should be plenty of other Thai islands-at least Phuket and Samui.

[fountainhall]

Tokyo, Japan
For great gay-friendly nightlife, check out the areas of Shinjuku and Ni-Chome.
There's a slight error here. Shinjuku is a large city area within Tokyo centred around Shinjuku Railway Station. Ni-chome is a sub-district of that area - not a separate one. Also, as has been pointed out, whilst Tokyo has a couple of major gay friendly districts, the "friendly"applies if you are Japanese. Of the many hundreds of gay bars, well over 95% are tiny and welcome only Japanese. The same is true of saunas. I say this having lived in the city, having visited many dozens of times and being very fond of the country and the people - and the gay scene! It's important, though, for first-time visitors to realise that Tokyo is a difficult city to know, and finding specific gay establishments is far from easy. Well worth it, though, if you are prepared to put in the effort.


Hong Kong, China
As seemingly expected, the gay scene evolves around the western restaurant and bar districts of Soho (short for тАЬsouth of Hollywood roadтАЭ) and Lan Kwai Fong on Hong Kong Island. While there are very few exclusively gay bars and clubs . . .
Sorry I have to take issue again with this comment. There are several gay bars and the Propaganda disco in the SoHo/Lan Kwai Fong area. But the gay scene is now quite spread out over different areas in Hong Kong and Kowloon.


Taipei, Taiwan
The gay scene is Taipei has exploded over the past ten years, growing from only a smattering of gay bars and clubs to having its very own тАЬgayborhoodтАЭ in Ximen, located near the heritage Red House entertainment complex.
Again, not quite accurate. Yes, the scene has expanded, but "exploded" is more than a bit over the top! The scene in Ximen is basically the Red House complex with its several gay bars, eateries and boutiques, and a couple of nearby saunas. So don't expect anything more unless you are prepared to explore other parts of the city. Like Japan, I love visiting Taipei and have had many great times there. But most Taiwanese guys tend to visit the bars in groups, and it is not as easy to meet and chat with someone as it is, say, in Hong Kong. One thing to note, however, is the annual Gay Pride Parade on the last Saturday of October each year. This is an amazing event - the largest by far in Asia, with well over 30,000 gorgeous guys, at least a hundred or so in their Speedos and Aqux, and gals attending last year. I had a ball!

For those wanting to visit any of the cities for the first time, I'd try fixing a date in advance with someone from the gayromeo, fridae, or gaydar sites. When meeting your friend, you'll find out a lot more practical and useful information.

[Neal]

The article was a reprint of something I came across on the internet and was not an advertising sit. The article was left as it was written and not altered in any way.

[fountainhall]

I found the article on this site тАУ

http://www.gaytravel.com/blog/entry/asi ... stinations (http://www.gaytravel.com/blog/entry/asias-top-ten-gay-friendly-destinations)

ItтАЩs really sad to see a site calling itself gaytravel.com including such misleading and downright inaccurate information. This is especially true when they claim the following тАУ


We consider our site to be a virtual gay travel magazine! Our mission is to provide our site visitors with the most comprehensive and accurate information available to ensure that every vacation is both pleasurable and comfortable.
IтАЩm glad IтАЩm not travelling with them!

My list would be something like this -
Bali
Bangkok
Pattaya
Phuket
Taipei
Siem Reap

[PattayaBob]

RichLB nobody ever answers your questions :wav:

[danny99]

My list would be something like this -
Bali, Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Taipei, Siem Reap

I am amazed that no one ever mentions Singapore? Sure the bars are not sensational but the 'street scene', along with Bangkok's, is and always has been some of the most open and hottest in Asia, maybe the world. Enough nods, winks and sly smiles to fuel a new complete series of Monthy Python's.

As for Bali the just opening Beachwalk shopping complex on Jl. Pantai Kuta gives promise of future wonders. Unlike Singapore and Bangkok here the 'gents' rooms are 'manned' by boys, one I accidently let my trailing fingers slide across his front yesterday whilst passing him at the doorway [only to discover that he had a waterpipe stuffed down the front of his trousers, and a smile to match]....not much English as he came from Timor [Tim-Tim to the locals] but with sign language we managed to meet after his shift finished, as usual here [away from the gay bars] never even one little mention of money or that demeaning rubbing of finger and thumb together like the far too common amateur prostitutes of Asia.

If they do not ASK [demand] then they often get a much bigger present, and often even become friends!

[fountainhall]

I am amazed that no one ever mentions Singapore? Sure the bars are not sensational but the 'street scene', along with Bangkok's, is and always has been some of the most open and hottest in Asia, maybe the world.
I agree. Singapore is one of the cruisiest cities anywhere. I suspect it's not on the list of top "gay friendly" destinations simply because of its anti-gay laws.

[Beachlover]

Shouldn't copy/paste material like this be credited? I.e. a link to the original source. Otherwise, it looks like you're posting something that you wrote yourself.


Sorry I have to take issue again with this comment. There are several gay bars and the Propaganda disco in the SoHo/Lan Kwai Fong area. But the gay scene is now quite spread out over different areas in Hong Kong and Kowloon.
I agree... the original author of the OP is either clueless or it was written a long time ago.

Could you or someone tell us more about the gay bars and nightclubs in Hong Kong? Specific info, like names, where to go, what sort of crowd, what night's they're busy.

I've been to Hong Kong a few times now but have only found time to drop into Propaganda, Volume Beat and Zoo (maybe I'll post a report). I know there are others I should check out but I've been lazy about taking the risk on trying other areas as my time's always limited there. My native Honky friends aren't into the bar scene much.


I am amazed that no one ever mentions Singapore?
Yep... totally agree. Singapore's becoming more and more culturally accepting of gays. Gay nightlife is great (though tends to be restricted to weekends). And yep, I have to say, they sure are big on cruising in public places! Pretty horny bunch and lots and lots of good looking guys with nice bodies too. They all do time in the armed forces and are fairly health/fitness/body oriented.