Asia
Asia Travel Guides
Written by the specialists who plan our trips to Asia: where to go, when, and what is worth knowing before you book.
All Asia Travel Guides
Showing 1–12 of 93
The Maldives or Bora Bora – which is better?
The Maldives and Bora Bora are two of the world’s most sought-after island paradises. Both are famed for overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and unparalleled luxury. But if you’re planning a honeymoon or bucket-list trip, which destination should you choose? At Out Of Office, it’s a question we hear all the time from our clients. The truth is, both the Maldives and Bora Bora deliver unforgettable experiences - but in very different ways.
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A Gay Guide to Phuket
With its beautiful white-sand beaches, diverse collection of gay-friendly luxury hotels and nightlife that is world-renowned, Phuket is a must-visit destination for the discerning LGBT traveller looking for that perfect tropical beach break. And with Thailand's Ministry of Justice having recently announced plans to work on formally legalising gay rights for its out and proud LGBT community, there's never been a better time to head to this island paradise.
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Cherry Blossom Season in Japan: A Gay Travel Guide
Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest and most exciting times to visit Japan. Each spring, the bloom moves north through the country, usually reaching Tokyo and Kyoto from late March into early April before appearing later in northern regions such as Aomori. Exact dates change every year, sometimes significantly, which is why planning around the forecast matters.
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Ultimate Guide to Gay Travel in Sri Lanka
Few Asian destinations pack as much into a small area as Sri Lanka, which is why a slow, layered itinerary works so well here. Ancient cities in the Cultural Triangle, tea plantations climbing the central hills, a wildlife-dense south, and a stretch of coast running from colonial Galle to the surf towns further east, all within a country small enough to cross by road in a single day.
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Gay Travel in Indonesia: Law vs Reality
Indonesia's LGBTQ+ travel landscape defies simple categorization. While homosexuality isn't federally illegal, new laws criminalizing sex outside marriage effectively target same-sex couples. From the relative tolerance of Jakarta and Yogyakarta to the welcoming Hindu culture of Bali—and the harsh Sharia punishments in Aceh—gay travellers face a patchwork of laws and attitudes that demand careful navigation.
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Ultimate Guide to Gay Travel in Cambodia
Cambodia tends to arrive on a travel list for one reason: Angkor Wat, and the sprawling temple complex that surrounds it. It stays on that list, and gets booked, for a longer set of reasons that have less to do with any single sight and more to do with the country as a whole.
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What’s it like to be gay in India?
Since this interview was published, homosexuality has been decriminalised in India, liberating a fifth of the world's gay population. You can read more about the repeal of Section 377 here. What is it like for LGBT couples in India right now, both tourists and residents? First let's start with the term LGBT - it's very alien to the masses, not many people are even aware of the word gay.
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Taiwan’s government in favour of legalising same-sex marriage
Taiwan is soon to become the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage. The high courts officially announced today that the current law which states a marriage is between a man and a women is unsound. The court ruling said "Sexual orientation is an immutable characteristic that is resistant to change.
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Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Countries in Asia: Thailand, Taiwan, Japan & More
Gay travel in Asia is a story of contrasts. Thailand now has marriage equality and one of the region’s most visible LGBTQ+ travel scenes. Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. Yet in Japan, where Tokyo has one of the world’s largest concentrations of gay bars, same-sex couples still cannot marry nationally.
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Vietnam: The Highlights
Vietnam. I hear the name, and still can't quite believe I'm going. It's possibly my generation, but the name just conjures up the sounds of Cavatina from the Deer Hunter, the controversial war, harsh communism and 'that' image of a girl running from weapons of atrocity. I'm braced for impact. What looks like paddy fields rush past below on approach to the airport.
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The Best Gay Beaches in South Korea
South Korea's beach culture presents a fascinating paradox—a country that's technologically advanced and culturally sophisticated yet remains socially conservative, especially around LGBTQ+ issues. While Haeundae Beach in Busan attracts a small gay following during summer months, South Korean beach culture is defined more by covered-up Confucian modesty than Western-style beach liberation. Understanding how gay beachgoers navigate this conservative coastal landscape reveals much about LGBTQ+ life in one of Asia's most socially complex societies.
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The Best Things to do in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is an archipelago of 118 islands sprinkled across the South Pacific, making it a perfect holiday destination for adventure seekers and beach bums alike. From soaking up the sun on its white-sand beaches to exploring its lush jungles, there’s something for everyone in French Polynesia. Watersports Experience the ultimate watersport paradise when you visit French Polynesia.
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Ultimate Luxury Holiday in Thailand: Bangkok, Yao Noi & Samui
Tailor-made HolidayEmbark on an extraordinary 10-day journey with our Thailand: Ultimate Luxury itinerary, where every detail is crafted for those who seek the finest experiences in the Land of Smiles. This luxurious escapade combines the alluring beauty of Thailand with the most luxurious experiences, excursions, and travel options available, ensuring your holiday is nothing short of spectacular. Begin your adventure in Bangkok, the vibrant heart of Thailand.
10 days tailor-made from £4,880 per person View trip
Sri Lanka & Maldives Wellness Journey
Tailor-made HolidayEmbark on a wellness journey that combines Sri Lanka's cultural beauty with the tranquil luxury of the Maldives. This luxury wellness itinerary allows you to rejuvenate mind, body and soul, all whilst discovering two of the world's most tranquil destinations. Start amidst Sri Lanka's lush hills at Santani Wellness Kandy, where tailored programs rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.
17 days tailor-made from £9,470 per person View trip
Best of Japan Tour: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & More
Tailor-made HolidayThis itinerary is designed to show you how varied Japan really is. It begins with Tokyo at full scale, then leaves the capital behind for mountain towns, hot springs, historic farmhouses, samurai districts, Hiroshima and Miyajima before ending with several days in Kyoto. In Hakone and Takayama, the pace changes completely. You move into the mountains, stay in traditional ryokans, soak in onsen and eat kaiseki dinners built around local ingredients.
14 days tailor-made from £6,650 per person View trip
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For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
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