Top 3 Best Queer-friendly Tourist Destination In Asia

As queer people traveling can be tricky, especially when traveling to a country with open anti-LGBTQIA+ laws. This is why as queer people, we need to be precautions when we are traveling aboard. So, you need to do your due diligence before you are traveling, especially if you are a queer person or part of a minority. 

The countries on our list are some of the safest countries for queer people to travel to, and I’ve been to all these countries and have first-hand experience in all of them. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn more about some of the most queer-friendly tourist destinations in the world.

1. Taiwan

It is known as one of the most queer-friendly places in Asia, aside from Thailand, and is the first country to legalize gay marriage. It is located off the southeastern coast of mainland China and is known as one of the most progressive places in Asia, and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2019.

Some parts of the country are still conservative, but we can say that about some of the most liberal countries around the globe. If you are going to visit Taiwan, you ought to visit Taipei. Taiwan is known for its upcoming queer cinema with movies like Your Name Engraved Herein and even has the Museum of Contemporary Taipei, which holds vast pride parades like the GOL Summit.

The GOL Summit is a filmmaking conference that focuses on LGBTQIA+ narratives. While this shift is rather recent, it is one of the must-see places in Asia. There are queer bars there that you ought to visit, and some of the places we recommend are G*star, Katsikafe, or even Lesbian bar taboo.

One place to visit is a must-be in Gin Gin, a place for book and erotica lovers. It is an eclectic shop In Taipei’s Zhongzheng neighborhood. You should also visit Love Boat (give it a visit; you will thank us later).

2. Thailand

Thailand is often cited as one of the most queer-friendly destinations in Asia, and this is one of the main reasons I’ve been there more than 10 times; the other part is because I’m half Thai, and my extended family still lives in Chiang Mai and Phuket. The gay scene in Bangkok is a sight that everyone should experience at least once in their life.

If you ever find yourself in Bangkok and love drag and Drag Race Thailand like me, you have to visit Pangina Heals’ bar, which is named House of Heals. The largest gay scene in Thailand is in Bangkok (particularly around Silom Soi 4 and 6), but you can also find a thriving gay scene in Chiang Mai.

Thailand is currently the leader of bl in the world, and it has rightfully gained its place as the King of the bl world. Thailand is a very inclusive country, and it is where many trans people go to get top and bottom surgery. 

If you want to do the same and visit the places where I Told Sunset About You was filmed, you should visit Yanui Beach; this is where the Skyline music video was filmed, and Sangtham Shrine, the temple we see in the series and where our protagonists go to pray.

It was even more beautiful in person. Also, you should visit the Dibuk Restaurant, where much of the story takes place and which is Teh’s family restaurant, and you can even try the noodles yourself. So if you are a bl fan like me, you should visit Phuket just to see the filming location of I Told Sunset About You. You can even stay at Oh-aew’s family hotel from the series, called Cape Panwa Hotel.

3. Japan

Japan is also another gem in Asia; You should go to Tokyo and go to gay heaven, known as Shinjuku, where most of the gay and queer bars are situated. Though PDA, be it gay or straight, is usually frowned upon in Japan, there are queer areas where you will thrive there.

The center of Japan’s gay district is hidden in the 7 square kilometers of Shinjuku district in Tokyo. It’s just a 10-15 minute walk from the bustling Shinjuku station to a quieter, more residential part of the city called Shinjuku Ni-chome. It is home to at least 100 LGBTQIA+ bars and clubs, a sauna complex, and gay and lesbian stores filled with adult clothing, accessories, utensils, and items.

The monthly gay Shangri-La events at Club Age Ha are attended by LGBTQ people worldwide. So don’t miss this opportunity. The annual Tokyo Gay and Lesbian Film Festival take place in June. Creative minds should explore the Mori Art Museum and the Meiji Shrine. In August, the Tokyo Rainbow Pride picnic and tea dance are held. If you like gay bathhouses, 24 Kaikan Shinjuku is a trip idea not to be missed.

Final thought

Freedom is the oxygen of my soul, and the only way to replenish it is by traveling because it is a way to fuel my soul. This is why traveling is a must in our book, especially for your holiday or for fun. Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan are some of the places every queer person should visit at least once in their lifetime; if not for their rich culture, then it has to be for their delicious cuisine and cinema.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about queer-friendly tourist destinations.