The best gay beaches in Asia

Asia is home to stunning beach destinations, and while LGBTQ+ spaces are less common in some areas, there are a few beaches with distinct gay sections. It’s important to be mindful of local customs and laws, as LGBTQ+ rights vary widely across the continent. Thailand is the most welcoming LGBTQ+ destination, but in more conservative countries, it’s important to be discreet about public displays of affection and to respect local traditions.

It’s also worth noting that many gay beach sections in Asia aren’t officially designated, meaning they aren’t exclusively for LGBTQ+ people, but rather spaces where the community tends to gather. Always do a bit of research before you go to understand the local vibe.

Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand

One of the most well-known LGBTQ+ friendly beaches in Asia, Patong Beach in Phuket has a well-established gay section that draws crowds year-round. Patong itself is the heart of Phuket’s gay scene, with the nearby Paradise Complex offering plenty of gay bars, clubs, and cabaret shows. The gay section of Patong Beach is located near La Flora Hotel and is easily recognizable by the rainbow flags dotting the sand.

While not an official ‘gay-only’ beach, the vibe is inclusive, and it’s a great place to meet both locals and tourists. This is probably the most established gay beach in Asia.

Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan, Thailand

Famous for its Full Moon Party, Haad Rin Beach on the island of Koh Phangan has a smaller, more discreet gay-friendly section. The beach doesn’t have a designated gay area, the north end of Haad Rin tends to attract more LGBTQ+ visitors, especially during party season. The Full Moon Party itself is LGBTQ+ inclusive, with many gay travelers joining the beach party.

Though not as explicitly marked as Patong Beach, Haad Rin’s openness to the LGBTQ+ community makes it one of Thailand’s more relaxed options for gay beachgoers.

Seminyak Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Bali has long been a favorite destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, and Seminyak Beach is where you’ll find a distinct gay-friendly section. The beach’s LGBTQ+ area is centered around the beachfront near La Plancha, a colorful beach bar that caters to gay visitors. This section of the beach is easy to spot, with rainbow umbrellas and beanbags.

Seminyak’s gay-friendly beach area extends into its nightlife scene, with nearby gay clubs and bars like Mixwell and Bali Joe.

Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Thailand

Just a few kilometers from the streets of Pattaya, Jomtien Beach offers a more relaxed alternative, with a well-known gay section towards the Dongtan Beach area. Dongtan Beach is easily the most popular gay beach in Pattaya, marked by rainbow flags. The area is quieter than central Pattaya but still close to the city’s gay scene.

Jomtien’s gay section is often busier during weekends and public holidays. There are also several nearby gay-friendly bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink after a day of soaking up the sun.