10 Gay-Friendly Destinations in Asia

10 Gay-Friendly Destinations in Asia 1 Boracay Island, Philippines Boracay is a tiny island which may be small but it has over 350 beautiful white sand beaches and is only 196 miles south of Manila. The Island offers windsurfing, kite boarding, scuba diving and parasailing for those who want a little bit of action. For those who would rather relax, the beach is the perfect place to sit and sip a cold drink. The first gay pride in the Philippines was held on Boracay Island and it has maintained its gay-friendly atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a place to sit back and relax, to go on an adventure or to immerse yourself in beauty and culture, there is a gay-friendly destination in Asia for you. All you have to do is decide what kind of vacation you want. 2 Manila, Philippines The capital of the Philippines is Manila. It is a big, busy city packed with amazing sights and historical landmarks. With a tropical climate and plenty of gay-friendly resorts and hotels with pools, Manila is a great place to visit. It’s ideal for relaxing in the sun and letting your cares slip away. The city is full of things to do and is a good place to go on a budget. 3 New Delhi, India New Delhi is a beautiful city full of culture and animals. If you want to see monkeys, cows and elephants roaming around the streets, New Delhi is the place to go. The food is amazing and while the sights and sounds can be a bit overwhelming at first, you will soon get used to it. Despite looking old world, the city is surprisingly forward thinking and open to everyone. 4 Taipei, Taiwan Taipei is the largest city in Taiwan and has an amazing culture. It is a very advanced city, both in industry and mentally. It is a very safe city to visit as a gay person. Taipei has amazing theatres to attend, museums and temples to see and many night markets for all of your shopping needs. Ximending is a district known for its shopping and entertainment. You will find plenty of souvenirs to take home at the many shops found there. 5 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Kuala Lumpur is one of the celebrated gay destinations in Asia. Gay life in KL is unexpectedly prevalent and refined. Due to the city’s British colonial law and disapproval of Islam, they maintain a subversive lifestyle. Many secretive gay businesses are masked into creative outlets to remain dissident to the culture. These include yogatoriums, massageaurants or spaversities, aerobisaunas, etc. Gay and Lesbian nights at straight clubs are quite common. It is a great tourist destination as well to explore places of KL like the KL Tower, Central Market, Royal Selangor visitor centre, National science center, Aquaria KLCC, Petrona’s twin towers, etc. 6 Edo, Japan Edo former name of Tokyo is well known for its shopping centers, restaurants, temples and its openness to the gay community. Japan has no such laws against gays as such. Ipso facto the Tokyo government has implemented certain laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual identity. The places of tourist attractions are the peaceful and attractive Ueno-Onshi park; a place of many museums, the seven floored “Mylord’ departmental store, Nakamise, an oldest shopping site that dates back to late 17th century, the Edo Shitamachi Traditional Crafts Museum. Sensoji temple that was founded in the 7th century, many gay and straight bars, etc. 7 Hong Kong, China The harbor city Honk Kong is a major tourist destination and an exclusive place with varied traits and socio-ethnic inspirations. It is one of the few gay celebrated destinations. It is famous for flourishing gay nightlife. Majority of gay bars & clubs are situated in Central and Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. Some of the well known gay bars are the legendary Propaganda, Lab, X –bar, club 97, Café Queen, Volume Beat, etc. Beaches may not be exclusively called as ‘gay beaches’ but are gay friendly; they are beaches Middle Bay Beach, South Bay Beach, Cheung Sha Beach, etc. 8 Shanghai, China City of ecstasy Shanghai is a dynamic metropolitan city. Shanghai is one of the few gay friendly places. The gay bars and night clubs are very creatively styled and designed to match up the cosmopolitan gay standards. Shanghai Studio is the city’s unusual gay hangouts. Shanghai is famous for the five museums; Urban planning Exhibition hall, Propaganda Poster Art Centre, Rockbund Art museum, Shanghai History museum, Shanghai museum. In the months of January and February the Chinese New Year is celebrated with fireworks at midnight. Special prayers are held at Longhua Temple and Jing’an Temple. City God Temple, Century Park, etc are other paces of tourist attractions. 9 Bangkok, Thailand In Thailand sexual preference is considered to be a personal choice. All of Thai people be it either straight or gay or lesbians are very sweet and friendly in nature. Thailand is a prime gay friendly destination; no doubt Bangkok is referred as the gay capital of Asia. The ‘city of Angels’ has the best bars, clubs (D J Station, Babylon, think pink at BED supper club, Soi Twilight, Silom Soi 4, Tawan Go-Go bar), saunas and popular Go-go boy shows. Some of the famous spots are the Grand palace, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It is a true paradise in itself. 10 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Phnom Penh in Cambodia has a friendly and nice gay community and preferred gay coupe destination. Tuol Sleng museum, National museum of Cambodia, Royal palace, silver pagoda complex, Olympic Stadium, Independence monument are famous historical tourist destinations. Rainbow Bar, The Local 2- Sissowath Quay, Riverside, K2 Bar, Heart of Darkness, Fly Lounge, The Empire Bar, Blue Chili, 2 Colours Bar are the popular gay and straight bar and restaurants. One can also enjoy the Classical Apsara Dance and shows of Khmer Performing Arts at the Sovanna Phum Art Association and at Chatomuk Theatre at Sissowath Quay. Cambodia is also home of 300 temples.

3 New Delhi, India

Murtaza Rangwala

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