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 37–48 of 93
Ayutthaya: Thailand’s Ruined Capital, and How to Visit It Properly
Ayutthaya rose in 1350 as the capital of Siam, built where three rivers meet for trade and defence, and within two centuries it had grown into one of the richest cities on earth. Visiting European merchants described it as bigger than London, home to trading quarters from Portugal, the Netherlands, Japan, and Persia, and to a royal court that dealt directly with kings across Asia and Europe.
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Kinosaki Onsen: Japan’s Most Romantic Town for Gay Couples
Most couples who plan a Japan honeymoon spend a long time deliberating between Tokyo and Kyoto, then add Hakone as an onsen option because it appears on every list. Kinosaki Onsen, a small town on the Sea of Japan coast in Hyogo Prefecture, appears on almost none of them. That oversight is worth correcting.
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The Best Things to do in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a small, but mesmerizingly beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean filled with historical sites, glorious beaches, stunning natural beauty and more. For an unparalleled holiday experience, here are the best things to do in Sri Lanka that you cannot miss out on. Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest cities in Sri Lanka dating back to the 4th century BC.
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Seaplanes or Speedboats in the Maldives – which is better?
We get asked all the time about which is better - a seaplane or a speedboat in the Maldives? Well, there is no easy answer, but our handy guide will help you decide as each resort is different. Some resorts are only accessible by seaplane, whilst others require you to take a speedboat. Some even require you to take a separate domestic flight to another airport before then getting a speedboat.
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Why Thailand Is One of Asia’s Best Destinations for Gay Couples Over 50
Thailand has spent decades building a reputation as Asia's most welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, and that welcome runs straight through its five-star properties. Private-pool villas on Koh Samui and riverside suites in Bangkok make for exceptional romantic settings. What makes Thailand work so well for this stage of a relationship is choice.
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First Time in Japan: What to Know Before You Go
Japan operates differently than anywhere else you've travelled. The logistics that make other destinations manageable fall apart here. Restaurant reservations require Japanese phone numbers. Ryokans enforce strict check-in windows with no flexibility. Train station announcements default to Japanese, with English translations that come too late or not at all (the train will be on time, though!). The country rewards preparation and punishes improvisation, which makes first-time independent travel a high-stakes gamble most people lose.
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The Best Gay Christmas Holidays
Christmas is a time for family, food and excessive shopping. It's also a great time to go on holiday and have some last-minute fun before another year ends. Whether you're looking to escape the cold for warmer climes or visit somewhere snowy and festive, we've got you covered. In some of our featured Christmas destinations, we've included seasonal hotels - including a hotel made of ice that melts after winter!
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Soneva Jani vs Soneva Fushi – which is better?
Our founder Darren Burn visited both properties to help inform your decision about which property is better for you - Soneva Jani or Soneva Fushi. The word "luxury" is undoubtedly overused when it comes to the Maldives. And I know from personal experience that not all Maldives properties are equal. I've been lucky enough to be invited to and stayed in many different Maldives properties over the years with my partner.
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Thailand, Your Way: Six Journeys Through One Remarkable Country
The best trips to Thailand tend to start with a single decision: resist the urge to see everything. The country is large, varied, and rewarding when you commit to one version of it rather than attempting all of them. These six itineraries are built around that idea. Each one is a different lens, each one designed to go deeper and get the most out of your Thailand experience.
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Japan’s Onsen Culture: A Guide for Gay Travellers
Japan's onsen culture represents one of the world's most sophisticated wellness traditions. For gay travellers exploring Japanese culture, understanding onsen etiquette and selecting the right establishments can unlock profoundly restorative encounters that go far beyond simple relaxation. Japan has been referred to as “the empire of signs,” as the culture is so ritualistic. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to Japan’s onsen culture with a gay twist.
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The Best Things to do in the Maldives
Visiting the Maldives promises an unforgettable adventure with a range of exciting experiences. Get ready to explore golden-white sand beaches, glittering lagoons, and brilliant coral reefs. Go snorkelling or scuba diving for a close look at marine life, or take to the skies on a parasailing ride over the bright blue waters. And don't forget about relaxing spa treatments offered in the country’s luxurious resorts.
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Thailand’s Wellness Retreats: Beyond the Spa Menu
Thailand's wellness landscape goes deeper than hotel spas offering Thai massage. The country's centuries-old healing traditions (herbal medicine, sound therapy, Buddhist meditation practices) now operate at luxury resort level through properties that employ traditional Thai medicine doctors, meditation masters, and herbalists alongside standard spa offerings.
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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.
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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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