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 13–24 of 93
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton on travelling as a gay parent with children
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton is known for being outspoken and for being at the forefront of celeb culture. But as a single gay parent travelling with kids is he more reserved and does he approach his travel plans differently? This interview was published in 2018 What's your experience of travelling as a gay man? I love going to the most foreign places.
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The Law vs. Reality: Gay Travel to the Maldives
A holiday to the Maldives is certainly something at the top of many people's bucket lists. Not only does it offer some of the most beautiful resorts on the planet but the people are friendly, the atmosphere laid back and the drinks aplenty. It also boasts some of the bluest, clearest waters on all of the planet. For many luxury travellers, the Maldives has to be seen at least once in a lifetime.
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Plan Your Gay Wedding in Thailand
Thailand made history in 2024, becoming the third country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. As one of the most gay-friendly destinations on earth, marriage equality was long overdue in Thailand. LGBT+ travellers have been flocking to Thailand’s major destinations for years, from the bustling city of Bangkok to islands like Phuket and Chiang Mai. Bangkok is packed with gay bars, boasting one of the biggest gay scenes of any major city.
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The Most Luxurious Ryokans in Japan
Japan’s ryokans—traditional Japanese inns—are a quintessential way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Ryokans are found across Japan, often in scenic locations such as hot spring (onsen) towns, mountainous regions, and coastal areas. They continue to uphold traditional Japanese hospitality, offering guests a unique cultural experience that sets them apart from modern hotels. Key features of ryokans include tatami-mat flooring, futon bedding, yukata robes, and multi-course kaiseki dining that highlights local, seasonal ingredients.
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Sri Lanka or the Maldives First? How to Split a Two-Week Trip
Sri Lanka and the Maldives sit close enough together that combining them has become one of the most popular ways to build a longer Indian Ocean trip. The question that comes up almost every time is less about whether to combine them and more about which one to do first. The honest answer depends on what kind of trip you are building, but there is a clear logic to each order.
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The Best Gay Beaches in Bali
Bali has long been a favourite destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. While the island doesn’t have officially designated gay beaches, it does have several stretches of sand that have become established gathering points for the community. From Batu Belig’s role as the de facto gay beach to the evolving scene of Double Six, these spots showcase how Bali’s gay beach culture has taken shape over the years.
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Vietnam or Cambodia: Which Should Come First on Your Southeast Asia Trip?
Vietnam and Cambodia sit close enough together, and complement each other well enough, that most travellers weighing one against the other eventually realise the better question is not which country to choose, but which one to see first. This guide is built around that second question, since the honest answer is that both countries reward a visit, and the order in which you see them changes the trip more than most travellers expect.
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Law vs Reality: Gay Travel in India
India's legal relationship with homosexuality is contradictory in ways that matter directly to how you travel there. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code technically criminalizes "unnatural offences," a colonial-era statute historically used to prosecute consensual same-sex relationships.
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The Best Gay Beaches in Taiwan
Taiwan might be small, but it packs an outsized punch when it comes to LGBTQ+ friendly beach culture. This island nation of 23 million has become a major LGBTQ+ travel destination in Asia, and its beaches reflect the same progressive spirit that made Taiwan the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019.
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A City Guide to Hong Kong
Twelve hours later, or was it thirteen whatever, it was a long haul flight. But I'm reminded by my neighbour that it's another 12 hours to New Zealand where they were off to, so I feel lucky I guess. Still, I feel exhausted before I've even gotten off the plane. The air outside the airport, the big airport, is no reprieve either.
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Vietnam: The best things to do in Hue
This is a whistle-stop tour of Vietnam, so we're back to Dragon Air and a short trip to the cultural wonderland of Hue. If you have plenty of time, it's well worth considering travelling by Land. Trains are available and much cheaper, but they're a little less reliable and if you're after quality you're going to be disappointed. The up side is that you can truly appreciate the beauty of this country.
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Overwater Villas vs Beach Villas in Maldives – which are better?
Most hotels in the Maldives offer both overwater villas and beach villas (sometimes called overwater bungalows and beach bungalows). While people tend to dream of staying in an overwater villa, beach villas can be a great choice as well and indeed are rising in popularity for return visitors to the Maldives. The amount of accommodation on offer in the Maldives can be overwhelming.
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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 £7,995 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 programmes 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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We plant trees for every booking
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.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.