Close Menu
World Travel Blog
    • Airlines
    • Destinations
    • Events
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Travel Deals
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Palestine Action Group Banned In The U.K.
    • Big Changes Are Coming For Airline Passengers In The European Union
    • How To Move Abroad According To Experts
    • Explore LGBTQ-Friendly Malta
    • More Anti-Tourist Protests in Spain
    • Brazil Allows Gender Changes On Official Documents
    • Before You Book Your Summer Trip You May Want To Consider The Weakening U.S. Dollar
    • CDC Issues Travel Advisories For Countries With High Exposure Risk To Dengue Fever
    Wednesday, July 16
    Facebook Instagram
    World Travel BlogWorld Travel Blog
    Subscribe
    • Airlines

      Big Changes Are Coming For Airline Passengers In The European Union

      July 11, 2025

      What You Need To Know About REAL ID

      May 7, 2025

      World’s Best Airports for 2025 Revealed

      April 25, 2025

      What You Need To Know About Japan Airlines’ Free Domestic Flight Program

      April 13, 2025

      European Union Delays New Digital Entry/Exit System

      October 27, 2024
    • Destinations

      Palestine Action Group Banned In The U.K.

      July 14, 2025

      How To Move Abroad According To Experts

      July 9, 2025

      Explore LGBTQ-Friendly Malta

      July 5, 2025

      CDC Issues Travel Advisories For Countries With High Exposure Risk To Dengue Fever

      June 10, 2025

      Summer Fun In Provincetown

      June 4, 2025
    • Events

      Summer Fun In Provincetown

      June 4, 2025

      The Key West Film Festival 2024!

      November 4, 2024

      Wonderful Wedding & Honeymoon Destinations Around The World

      August 29, 2024

      The Olympics Issues New Guidelines For Journalists Covering Trans Athletes In Paris

      June 23, 2024

      Pack Your Bags For The Malta Biennale!

      March 25, 2024
    • Hotels

      Six Best-Kept Secret Hotels to Book in 2025

      January 4, 2025

      Palm Springs Getaway!

      November 10, 2024

      The Growing Allure of Independent Accommodations

      September 14, 2024

      Your Hotel Concierge Is The Perfect Travel Guide

      April 30, 2024

      Airbnb Updates Its Cancellation Policy

      April 13, 2024
    • Restaurants

      Must-Visit Restaurants in Venice, Italy

      September 22, 2024

      The Growing Allure of Independent Accommodations

      September 14, 2024

      New ‘Everywhere is Queer’ App for LGBTQ Travelers

      July 19, 2024

      20 Top Cities for Vegans and Vegetarians

      October 5, 2023

      Apps To Help You Find The Best Restaurants

      September 22, 2023
    • Travel Deals

      Before You Book Your Summer Trip You May Want To Consider The Weakening U.S. Dollar

      June 13, 2025

      MSC Cruises Unveils New 22-Deck Ship in Florida

      April 24, 2025

      What You Need To Know About Japan Airlines’ Free Domestic Flight Program

      April 13, 2025

      Easy And Affordable Digital Nomad Visas

      February 27, 2025

      Affordable Destinations For Foodies

      February 25, 2025
    World Travel Blog
    Home»Destinations»Asia’s Top LGBTQ-Friendly Cities
    Destinations

    Asia’s Top LGBTQ-Friendly Cities

    Alexis AncelBy Alexis AncelJanuary 31, 2019Updated:February 6, 20196 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    It’s no secret that Asia has some catching up to do when it comes to LGBT rights. Same-sex marriage is not yet legal anywhere in Asia, and many Asian countries still have no legislation that protects LGBT people from discrimination. That said, there are still plenty of destinations throughout Asia bursting with gay-friendly establishments and nightlife. Asia is generally safe for LGBT travelers, so don’t miss out on the immeasurable beauty of this continent. Plan a trip to one of Asia’s most progressive cities and have yourself a good old gay time. —By Alexis Ancel

    Taipei, Taiwan

    Taipei Pride is held on the last Saturday of October each year.

    On May 24, 2017 the courts in Taiwan mandated that the legislature create same-sex marriage laws by May 24, 2019. Following this court mandate, certain socially-conservative groups organized to get an anti-LGBT referendum on the November 2018 ballot. The referendum resulted in a heartbreaking loss for the LGBT community. Taiwanese voters voted against changing the Civil Code marriage regulations to guarantee the rights of same sex couples to get married. As of now, the Constitutional Court ruling to legalize same-sex marriage will still go into effect, overriding the referendum results for most intents and purposes. If all goes as planned, Taiwan will become the first place in East Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

    Taipei’s LGBT community remains one of the most loud and proud of any Asian country. The first Taipei Pride was held in 2003, and it’s not an event to miss. In fact, Taipei is even popular amongst gay tourists from other Asian countries like Japan, Korea, and China with a less welcoming atmosphere. Many of Taipei’s most popular gay establishments can be found in Ximen—small bars, café-bars, karaoke bars, you name it. Abrazo, XOXO, and Funky are all popular LGBT spots. You can even pay a visit to Commander or Commander D, Taipei’s resident fetish-themed bars. For more on the best of gay Taipei, click here.

    Bangkok, Thailand

    Thailand LGBT Fashion Showcase 2018 (Photo by Jade ThaiCatwalk)

    Silom is Bangkok’s gay entertainment district, and the neighborhood nightlife is as distinctly Thai as they come. It’s hot, packed, loud, and vibrates with an energy that gives it the authentic Thai experience. Silom is home to LGBT favorites like Maggie Choo’s and Brother’s Bar. Maggie Choo’s hosts gay night every Sunday, and live music and entertainment are always a hit at Brother’s Bar. Many of the city’s most popular gay bars are also located just off of the Sala Daeng skyway station, which is about a 10-minute walk from Silom. Between the food, temples, and gay festivities, you’ll forget to care that it’s a little crowded. Before you go, be sure to learn more about Bangkok’s gay scene and check out upcoming LGBT events.

    Hong Kong, China

    Hong Kong Pride takes place in November and is one of China’s only two Pride parades, with the other in Shanghai.

    Hong Kong is one of China’s most bustling cities with pockets of tranquility throughout. With its boundless hiking trails, nightlife and islands to explore, the city has much to offer for LGBT visitors and residents alike. Like many of its residents, Hong Kong has an active LGBT population, both literally and metaphorically. An LGBT organization called Out in HK, for example, leads outdoor activities such as urban nature walks and social hikes.

    Once you’re worn out from a long hike or bike ride, blow off some steam at one of the gay bars scattered throughout the city like Zoo Bar or Petticoat Lane. Or, if you’re looking to relax, go for a steam at Hu Tong Club or one of Hong Kong’s other gay saunas. And should you find yourself there in the month of September, be sure to check out the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival for a variety of films and shorts by queer Chinese artists.

    Tokyo, Japan

    Shinjuku Ni-chome—Tokyo’s gayest neighborhood

    While Japan’s LGBT policies leave something to be desired, the city of Tokyo is predominately gay friendly as a whole. But if you’re looking to check out the gay scene in its truest form, you’ll find yourself in Shinjuku Ni-chome—Tokyo’s gayest neighborhood, which is home to over 300 gay bars packed into a 13-block radius. Many of these are small bars with only 10 seats or less, and the language barrier may make it difficult for visitors to break into these close-knit communities without a native to show you the ropes (apps like Jack’d might be helpful for that). If the small bar setting isn’t for you, check out the AiSOTOPE Lounge where all are welcome to communicate using body language if verbal communication isn’t an option. And if you’re looking for the ultimate gay Japanese itinerary, check out Out Asia Travel to plan a customized gay tour of Tokyo. Click here for even more gay-friendly bars, restaurants, hotels, and other activities.

    Singapore

    The strong financial presence in Singapore of large corporations like BP and Google led to the push for Pink Dot SG and LGBT rights as a whole.

    The people of Singapore seem to have a head start on its lawmakers. The only laws that protect LGBT individuals are one that allow gay men to serve in the military and one that allows people to change their legal gender. And yet, Singapore is a popular destination for gay travelers, and for good reason. The city has hosted its annual pride parade called IndigNation since 2005, and another called the Pink Dot SG since 2009. Singapore has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of gay bars and clubs to choose from, the majority of which are located in or around Chinatown. Favorites include Dorothy’s and Taboo Club. And better yet, Singapore’s diverse international population means you’re also likely to meet all kinds of LGBT visitors from around the world.

    Bali, Indonesia

    Indonesia as a whole is not exactly regarded as an LGBT safe haven, but Bali is a metaphorical blue dot in a red sea.

    Bali is a dream destination for a romantic tropical getaway, but if you’re looking to bar hop, it won’t take you long. Bali has about three gay bars, all of which are located next door from each other on the same street called Jalan Camplung Tanduk Arcade in Seminyak. Bali Joe, Face Bar, and Mixwell all feature performers and dancers from drag shows to celebrity impersonators. Bali also has a number of gay-friendly hotels such as the Impiana Private Villas in Seminyak and Awang Awang in Ubud.

    asia asian cities bali bangkok china Gay Asian Gay Bali Gay Bangkok Gay Hong Kong Gay Japan Gay Singapore Gay Taipei Gay Taiwan Gay Thailand Gay Tokyo gay travel Gay Travel Asia hong kong japan lgbt friendly singapore taipei taiwan thailand tokyo travel
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous Article7 Tasty Tourist Traps That Are Actually Worth Visiting
    Next Article 5 Wonderful Movies That Will Inspire You To Travel
    Alexis Ancel

    Related Posts

    Palestine Action Group Banned In The U.K.

    July 14, 2025

    How To Move Abroad According To Experts

    July 9, 2025

    Explore LGBTQ-Friendly Malta

    July 5, 2025
     
     
     
      
     
    Don't Miss It!

    Palestine Action Group Banned In The U.K.

    By Lauren MulveyJuly 14, 2025

    Activist group Palestine Action has been labeled a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, and…

    Big Changes Are Coming For Airline Passengers In The European Union

    By Lauren MulveyJuly 11, 2025

    Big changes are coming for airline passengers in the European Union, and it’s good news…

    How To Move Abroad According To Experts

    By Lauren MulveyJuly 9, 2025

    If you’re living in the U.S. right now, you might be thinking get me out…

    Our Latest

    Palestine Action Group Banned In The U.K.

    July 14, 2025

    Big Changes Are Coming For Airline Passengers In The European Union

    July 11, 2025

    How To Move Abroad According To Experts

    July 9, 2025

    Explore LGBTQ-Friendly Malta

    July 5, 2025
    Editor's Pick!

    The Best Places to See The Northern Lights

    By Lauren MulveyOctober 7, 2023

    Nature’s very own light show, the Northern Lights, are one of Earth’s most mystical sights.…

    7 Tips for Sober Travelers While Vacationing

    June 2, 2022
    For You

    Dallas, Texas to Host EarthX, the Largest Environmental Convention Ever

    By Keith LangstonFebruary 9, 2020

    EarthX, the worlds largest environmental convention, is gearing up for its 10th anniversary in 2020…

    Austrian Airlines Demands COVID-19 Testing Strategy Replace Travel Bans

    By Keith LangstonAugust 6, 2020

    Austrian Airlines is the latest airline (joining others, like Lufthansa) demanding that a comprehensive COVID-19…

    © 2025 The World Travel Blog — USA
    • Destinations
    • Events
    • Health
    • Travel
    • Global Cocktails Blog

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.