LGBT Travel In Asia: The Best (And Worst) Countries

Asia is home to some of the world’s most welcoming countries for gay travellers. Unfortunately, it’s also home to some of the worst.

It’s the biggest continent. The most populous. And with 48 nations spanning from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, Asia offers every type of geography. For gay travellers, there’s plenty to discover, and we don’t just mean gaycation hotspots. So much history, architecture, and influence await, even if you won’t always be welcomed with Pride flags and jazz hands. For a litany of reasons, there are also countries we’d steer clear of. From a rugged hike in Nepal to glamorous yacht cruises along the Turkish Riviera, and from night markets in South Korea to watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat, here’s our list of the best (and worst) countries for LGBT travel in Asia!

Jump to: Thailand – Nepal – Japan – South Korea – Mongolia – Cambodia – Laos – Vietnam – Bhutan – The Philippines – Taiwan – Singapore – Jordan – India – China – Turkey – United Arab Emirates – Georgia – Malaysia – Sri Lanka – Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan – Tajikistan – Countries Not Recommended For LGBTQ+ Travel

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Safest Countries To Visit

Thailand

We admittedly have a soft spot for The Land of Smiles. Back in 2009, when Out Adventures launched, Thailand was our very first destination! What’s not to love about the food stalls and nightlife of Bangkok, the party vibes and sublime beaches of Phuket, and – of course – the ostentatious temples and serene elephant sanctuaries of Chiang Mai.

When it comes to LGBTQ+ rights in Asia, Thailand sets the benchmark. Same-sex marriage only became legal in 2025, but the country has a solid history of acceptance and protection. Kathoey, oft derided as ‘ladyboys’ by tourists, are an established part of society, and even mentioned in ancient Buddhist scriptures. The country and its charm were even showcased in Season 3 of The White Lotus, on which Sam Rockwell delivered one of television’s most…uhm…vivid monologues about gender identity. Ever.

As a visitor, rest assured Thailand is *the* most LGBTQ-welcoming country in Asia, in no small part thanks to its strong Buddhist tradition. With no need to fret about discrimination or harassment, established tourism infrastructure, and great value for your money, Thailand remains one of our most popular destinations. We visit three times a year, including both American and Thai New Year (aka Songkran).

Learn more about our Thailand trips here.

Nepal

Nestled in the Himalayas and home to Mount Everest, Nepal is surprisingly progressive. This little nation made huge strides with gay rights long before its neighbours. It was the first country in South Asia to decriminalize homosexuality and remains one of the few to legally recognize a third gender. Nepal even includes LGBTQ+ protections in its constitution. 

You won’t find Pride parades in every village but Kathmandu has a growing queer community. Locals are welcoming, and there’s a spirit of inclusion that embraces all travellers. Whether you want to trek to Everest base camp or just enjoy some fascinating history and UNESCO Heritage Sites with your honeybunny, the high altitudes are usurped by the country’s even higher levels of queer acceptance.

We don’t currently offer a trip to Nepal, but we hope to return for an Everest Base Camp hike in the future.

Japan

From samurai swordplay to interactive museums, Japan is a mesmerizing mash-up of ancient tradition and modern innovation.

It’s also making understated progress concerning LGBTQ+ rights (unlike computers and phones, cultural progress moves much slower in these here parts). Same-sex marriage isn’t legal just yet, but many cities offer partnership certificates for same-sex couples. You’ll also see LGBTQ+ characters pop up in mainstream media, and public attitudes become more open every year. Not to mention Japan’s fashion sensibility can be downright gender fluid, even for straight men.

Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ni-chōme is the unofficial gay capital of Asia, with hundreds of LGBTQ+ bars packed into a few neon-lit blocks. You’ll find saké bars, Pride events, and LGBTQ+ film festivals. There are even gay onsens (saunas), but you may need to cover any tattoos as they are often associated with the Yakuza, AKA the Japanese mob.

The best part? Queer or not, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world to visit. Period.

Learn more about our trip to the Land of The Rising Sun, or you can read up on the country’s surprisingly colourful history.

South Korea

Best known for K-pop, fried chicken, and cutting-edge tech, South Korea is a major destination for queer travellers in Asia. Same-sex marriage isn’t legal (yet), but you’ll see proud, unambiguous representation in film, TV, and pop culture. Seoul’s Pride parade gets bigger every year, and the Itaewon gaybourhood offers cozy bars, raucous drag shows, and massive clubs. 

Travellers find South Korea quite safe, stylish, and surprisingly gay-friendly (especially in bigger cities). So whether you’re hunting down street food, skincare, or Sapphic K-dramas, South Korea is ready for you.

We don’t currently offer a group trip to South Korea, but we’re definitely looking into it.

Mongolia

Mongolia may conjure images of vast steppes, eagle hunters, and nomadic tribes living in portable yurts, but it’s also made meaningful strides regarding LGBTQ+ rights.

Since decriminalizing homosexuality in 2002, the nation added anti-discrimination protections and saw the rise of a proud and passionate local queer community. Ulaanbaatar even hosts an annual Pride Week with rainbow-filled horseback rides. Giddyup!

As is often the case, rural areas tend to be more conservative, but the country is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travellers. Be mindful and respect their customs; locals love to learn about visitors and their culture. They seldom meet people from beyond their borders here.

Our first official trip launched back in 2021, and Mongolia remains one of the most far-flung destinations we visit. Learn more about our trip here.

Cambodia

We came for the ancient temples. And stayed for the campy drag. Yes, we were admittedly surprised to see just how robust the gay scenes are in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh when we first visited Cambodia. But, like Thailand, we believe we can thank the country’s strong Buddhist ideals.

While LGBTQ+ rights aren’t enshrined in law, Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most quietly accepting destinations. The late King Norodom Sihanouk famously voiced support for same-sex unions back in the early 2000s. Since then queer advocacy has grown with Pride events in the aforementioned cities growing bigger and bolder each year. 

LGBTQ+ travellers can anticipate a safe, friendly atmosphere in one of the most affordable destinations on Earth. And watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat should be on everyone’s bucket list.

We visit Cambodia at least once a year, usually in December when the heat is bearable. Learn more about our trip that includes a swing through lovely Laos.

Laos

Beneath its serene veneer, Laos offers a growing embrace of LGBTQ+ travellers. Same-sex marriage isn’t legal and the nation lacks anti-discrimination laws, but being gay is not a crime and attitudes are evolving…especially among the country’s electronically connected youth. 

Cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang offer gay-friendly guesthouses, boutique cafés, yoga studios, and a handful of bars where you can mix with open-minded locals. The staff are also warm, respectful, and familiar with welcoming guests from diverse backgrounds. Still, cultural norms in Laos veer toward modesty and respect for tradition. It’s one of the few places in the world that still practices daily alms giving with monks, after all.

Gay or straight, you should avoid public displays of affection. In turn, you’ll discover a safe, peaceful, and refreshingly non-judgmental world.

We’ve been enthralled by Laos ever since our first visit in 2018. We’ve paired it with a visit to Cambodia where you can delve into the history, cuisine, and ancient architecture of the two nations. Learn more about our trip here.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a refreshing whirlwind of flavors, colours, and SO MANY SCOOTERS AND BICYCLES. That’s right! Saigon is home to some of the most chaotic traffic you’ll ever experience, where 10 million residents own 8.5 million motorbikes.

Despite the Communist government, Vietnam is developing a solid gold reputation among gay travellers. Same-sex marriage isn’t legal but relationships aren’t shunned. Urban settings like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City serve up gay bars, queer-owned cafés, and even drag shows. Use common sense like you would in any global city and you should feel safe. Even modest gay PDAs won’t ruffle many feathers.

Beyond the nightlife, Vietnam is packed with unforgettable experiences. Cruise the mystical limestone towers of Ha Long Bay, motorbike the winding passes of Da Lat, soak up some rays on the beach in Da Nang, or eat your way through all those food stalls. Locals are curious and increasingly open-minded, so don’t be surprised if you make a few new friends over a bowl of pho.

While we don’t currently offer a trip to Vietnam, we’ll definitely be back soon. Let us know if you’d like a heads up when we launch a new tour.

Bhutan

It’s a mystical kingdom laden with mountains, monks, and the distinction of being the world’s only country to measure Gross National Happiness (GNH). It does not scream “gay hotspot” at first glance, but don’t let the prayer flags fool you. Bhutan decriminalized same-sex relations in 2021, a huge step for this land so steeped in tradition and averse to change that they got rid of the country’s only traffic light soon after it was installed. That incident perfectly sums up their devotion to mindful living: even managing traffic is an opportunity to interact and foster community.

Prior to 1974, outsiders weren’t allowed to enter Bhutan, and it remains one of the most untouched places to visit in the world.. A queer identity here would be a foreign concept, and frank discussions about sexuality rare, but you’ll still feel welcomed. The Bhutanese embrace kindness, respect, and hospitality, so LGBTQ+ travellers are especially safe, especially when mindful of local customs. 

Visitors can only enter Bhutan with a licensed tour group like Out Adventures, which is why we’d be honoured to show you around. Learn more about our trip here.

The Philippines

Renowned for its expansive, beautiful beaches, there’s also a dense and chaotic side to the Philippines. Manila is home to a staggering 14 million people, which makes New York City’s paltry 8.3 million residents sound like a quaint little holler. The capital is on the largest island of Luzon, one of over 7,000 islands that make up this archipelagic nation (and that’s at least 12 times the number of songs in Cher’s discography or something…but that can’t be verified because not all of us went to school for math).

Same-sex marriage isn’t legal, and anti-discrimination laws are still in the works, but the country is known for its cultural acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially baklas. Like Thailand’s kathoey, baklas were born male but have gender fluid, feminine identities. 

Manila, Cebu, and Boracay are our top picks for gay-friendly destinations with happening bars, queer-friendly accommodations, and locals ready for a queer karaoke battle. Still, it’s the most Christian country in Asia, with 86% of the populace identifying as Roman Catholic. If it weren’t for Manila’s scene, we’d probably have this in the “Safe To Visit But Use Caution” section – especially in more rural areas. Alas, the overall vibes veer conservative and PDAs gay or straight can raise eyebrows. But it’s still pretty gay.

We recently launched a Limited Edition trip to the Philippines. Both departures filled up quickly but you can still sign up for our waitlist. And, if there’s enough demand, we’ll definitely be back.

Taiwan

Taiwan, officially known as The Republic of China, is an independent country. But not just for its name, The People’s Republic of China (what we typically think of when we hear ‘China’), has been challenging that sovereignty. It’s a huge political discussion with massive implications, but for now, the freestanding island nation of Taiwan is a fabulous place for gay travellers to visit…especially where Asia is concerned.

It was actually the first Asian country to legalize gay marriage in 2019, and it has enshrined gay rights. It’s even home to Asia’s biggest annual pride parade. Also, fun fact: Season 16 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Nymphia Wind, is a proud Taiwanese immigrant. She was even invited back to perform at Taiwan’s presidential palace to celebrate her win.

Singapore

This cosmopolitan city-state is known for the glamorous Marina Sands Resort, and the not-so-glamorous banning of chewing gum and caning of criminals. Queer rights continue to evolve. And while it’s long been home to bustling gay clubs, sex between men was illegal until 2023! Gay marriages and civil unions are not recognized, but Singapore became the first place in Asia to legalize sex reassignment surgery in 1973. So…yeah. It’s complicated.

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Safe To Visit, But Use Caution

Jordan

Home to the ancient city of Petra, the otherworldly Wadi Rum desert, and some of the warmest hospitality in the Middle East, it’s absolutely worth visiting The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Countless films including Dune, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, and the epic Laurence of Arabia were filmed here for a reason (speaking of which – allow us to ponder whether Laurence was a little light in the loafers).

The good news? Same-sex relations are legal here. But queer rights are limited, and PDAs can lead to social malaise. It’s a conservative land, after all, yet one of the safest places to visit in this part of the Middle East (which is part of Asia). Locals are friendly and respectful toward foreigners, provided you return the favour (hint: dress modestly).

There’s no thriving gay scene or rainbow crosswalks. But some of the world’s most ancient wonders await, along with Dead Sea mineral scrubs and selfies with camels.

We visit Jordan twice a year. It’s a short excursion that can be savoured on its own or paired with our Egyptian Nile River Cruise.

India

A dazzling explosion of colour and culture, India is home to the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You can also celebrate Holi, the world’s only festival more colourful than Pride. 

In 2018, the Indian Supreme Court decriminalized same-sex relationships, igniting a wave of celebration across the subcontinent. But LGBTQ+ rights are still evolving and social acceptance can vary wildly. The big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Jaipur are your safest bets. You’ll find queer scenes, Pride events, inclusive hotels, and even Bollywood drag queens. Slay, mama ji!

But practically speaking, India can be a LOT to digest for novice travellers. Along with excess wealth, you’ll see abject poverty like nowhere else on Earth. Parts of the country are truly chaotic, sexism is rampant, and we advise women to never travel alone. Still, it’s worth visiting with a guide or group that has your back. 

We’ve been making our annual pilgrimage through India, culminating in the aforementioned Holi Festival, since 2018. Learn more and join us here!

China

It’s the fourth largest country in the world and the second most populous. In a few short decades, it went from third-world notoriety to a developing nation with an established population of upper-middle-class residents. It’s even become home to the most futuristic skylines on Earth. And pandas. And soup dumplings. Cute and delicious, respectively.

As for LGBTQ+ rights, China’s a mixed bag. Same-sex relationships are legal, but same-sex marriage doesn’t exist and public advocacy is restricted. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Shenzhen have thriving gay communities, but they fly below the radar. Think underground clubs, drag shows, queer art events, and even classic bars. You just won’t find them by looking for rainbow flags.

China is definitely safe to visit, but again, we encourage a conservative demeanour. Locals will likely be more curious than confrontational and unlikely to bother you. Stick to urban areas if you seek solace in your community, and you may find yourself sipping bubble tea at a queer poetry night in a hidden Shanghai speakeasy.

Like our Philippines tour, our trek through China is another Limited Edition trip that sold out fast. But you can join our waitlist and be the first to know when we launch our next departure.

Hong Kong

Though technically part of China, Hong Kong is an SAR (Special Administrative Region) with its own distinct culture and queer community. You’ll find vibrant gay spaces including clubs and saunas with a strong international influence. 

Turkey

Officially known as Türkiye, this fascinating country is literally where East meets West. Straddling two continents, the capital of Istanbul is the only city in the world where you can sip Turkish coffee in Asia then cross the Bosphorus Strait to take a selfie in Europe on the same day. 

Turkey’s geography isn’t the only thing with a split personality. It’s legal to be queer but public expression and activism are tightly policed. Pride parades have been shut down and conservative attitudes prevail outside major cities. But still, we *love* Turkey. Just remember to lay low and respect local societal norms. Istanbul, Izmir, and parts of the southern coast (like Antalya and Bodrum) will make you feel most welcome with gay-friendly hotels, bars, and nightlife that pulses behind discreet doors.

You can join us in Turkey for a Turquoise Coast Gay Cruise. The flexible itinerary includes visits to the medieval fortress of Bodrum, the ancient ruins of Knidos, and the vineyards of Datça. All aboard the impressive double-masted motor yacht known as Tersane 8.

You can also join our brand new land tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia, known for being Turkey’s “wild west” on the eastern side of the country. 

If time allows, you can pair either (or both) of those trips with a 3-day extension to Kayseri, Ephesus, and the shimmering pools of Pamukkale.

United Arab Emirates

It’s a gaudy and opulent oasis where ATMs dispense literal gold. This global playground for the rich and famous bucks most norms for the Middle East…but it’s still the Middle East. Same-sex relationships are criminalized and public expressions of queerness are highly discouraged. And yet, queer travellers flock here to experience the decadence while keeping a low profile.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the safest places to visit thanks to their large expat communities, luxury tourism infrastructure, and “don’t ask, don’t tell” social approach. You’ll find world-class hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, and poolside perfection…but you shan’t be clacking your fan or queening out in a kaftan (to be blunt).

Georgia

Georgia (the country, not the peachy American state) is where wine was born, mountains touch the clouds, and hospitality becomes a national sport. All that sounds divine, but now for the gay stuff: same-sex activity is technically legal and anti-discrimination laws exist on paper, but public attitudes can be ultra conservative. Pride events have faced backlash and it’s best to avoid ostentatious displays of fabulosity.

Tbilisi, the capital, is the safest and most welcoming hub for LGBTQ+ travellers (but currently comes with a risk of civic demonstrations…a much broader issue). It has a growing underground queer scene, artsy cafés, progressive locals, and even the occasional drag show. 

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Safe To Visit With A Group

Malaysia

It’s a crossroad of Asian cultures with Chinese, Indian, Malay and indigenous influences. You’ll find both lush rainforests and modern metropoles, but Malaysia’s embrace of queer rights is less impressive. With a strong Muslim influence, same-sex relations are criminalized under both colonial-era and Sharia laws. Suffice to say, public displays of affection can land you in legal hot water, but major cities like Kuala Lumpur do have thriving (albeit discreet) gay scenes. Think unmarked doors and speakeasy bars. The resort town of George Town on Penang Island is even a queer destination, but we reiterate the importance of discretion in public. 

Sri Lanka

When you picture a tropical island paradise with postcard beaches, ancient temples, and tea plantations, Sri Lanka might not be top of mind…but it does offer all that, along with a slowly shifting attitude toward LGBTQ+ rights. 

Unfortunately, while things would be relatively safe for gay travellers, the country is dealing with bigger geopolitical issues right now. Seemingly peaceful demonstrations can turn violent, there is a strong military presence in parts of the country, and there are legitimate concerns of terrorist attacks.

Uzbekistan

Despite being famous for hospitality and once conquered by (alleged homosexual) Alexander The Great, Uzbekistan doesn’t love the gays (thanks, Alex). Sex between men is criminal and the general attitude is hostile, especially in rural settings. You’ll find more relaxed attitudes in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, but even then discretion is advised. However, while you may struggle as a solo traveller, joining an established queer-friendly group that has made solid grassroots connections can tackle your legitimate concerns. Local guides know how to keep things respectful, accommodations will have been vetted to ensure you’re made to feel welcome, and you’ll have a built-in group of cheerleaders to help you carry on.

We don’t currently offer any group trips to Uzbekistan, but let us know if you might be interested. 

Kyrgyzstan

Fun fact: in Kyrgyzstan the horses still outnumber cars.  But when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, you’ll want to avoid getting trampled. Same-sex activity is legal but attitudes remain conservative. What Kyrgyztan lacks in rainbow sidewalks and pride parades, it makes up for with spectacular scenery and a unique culture worth discovering. That’s why this is another country where group travel would work in your favour while you learn traditional dances, hike the alpine trails, and sip local delicacy fermented mare’s milk (just don’t call it woah-gurt). 

We don’t currently travel to Kyrgyzstan, but it’s piqued our interest. 

Tajikistan

Best known for the Pamir Mountains, a visit to Tajikistan is best devoted to remote and rugged adventure. Perhaps you’d consider a drive along Pamir Highway, one of the highest-altitude road trips on Earth? While Tajikistan excels in adventure and scenery, it fumbles over queer living. Same-sex activity is technically legal but there’s little protection, zero public visibility, and unsupportive public attitudes. It’s worth a visit, but best done with a devoted LGBTQ+ group that has your back. 

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Not Recommended for LGBTQ+ Travel 

Asia has some of the best countries on Earth for queer travellers…but it also has some of the worst. Legal troubles range from prison to death (yes, literal death). There might be civil unrest – a fancy euphemism for war. Or you might simply face unmitigated harassment without recourse. We’ve actually visited some of these countries in the past (like Myanmar) and may return in the future. But while the world is your big pink oyster, we’d leave these particular pearls unshucked for now.

• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• North Korea
• Afghanistan
• Pakistan
• Iraq
• Iran
• Oman
• Yemen
• Qatar
• Myanmar

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LGBT travel in Asia is a mixed bag, but many destinations are more than welcoming!

The Buddhist influence over much of Asia seems to be why so many countries warmly embrace queer travellers (versus, say, Christian Europe and the Muslim Middle East). Rooted in compassion, mindfulness, and self-reflection, Buddhism encourages us to treat one another with kindness no matter their gender or sexual identity.

Regardless of politics, religion, and general vibes about the LGBTQ+ community, every destination we visit is carefully considered and curated. Somebody from our team previews every tour to ensure you get the experience travellers have come to know and love from Out Adventures.

If you’re intrigued or have questions, we’d love to chat! Just email info@outadventures.com or reach out to us here.