If you’re dy(ke)ing to explore the beauty and culture of Asia, but you’re a little apprehensive of the unavoidable culture shock, don’t let the fear of the unknown steer you away from some of the most exciting, and even secret, spaces that support and celebrate the queer community in their own uniquely welcoming ways.
This list of the top places for queer women travellers to Asia will have you booking a flight for your next adventure. Though they may not all be specifically geared to lesbian, bi and trans women, they’re inclusive enough to make you feel at home.
Bangkok, Thailand
This city of 10.7 million is often considered the gay capital of Asia, and generally has a pretty enlightened attitude toward the queer community—outward displays of same-sex affection and gender non-conformity shouldn’t turn heads in most of Bangkok. Their acceptance is reflected in some of the most progressive and protective LGBTQ+ laws in all of Asia, though the country hasn’t yet taken the plunge to legalize same-sex marriage. With tons of fun and flirty options for everyone to enjoy, Si Lom Road is a popular and easily accessible choice for tourists and the queer community in Bangkok.
Bangkok has a couple of bars where queer women will feel right at home. The Stranger Bar (114/14 Silom 4, Suriyawong, Bangkok) is known for its drag shows, and hilarious drink options ranging from cocktails to innuendo-filled shots named after various kinks and sexual slang (like Stranger Slut and Go Hard). This venue boasts the perfect mix of class and trash, with sprinkles of Asian glitz and glam. Entry is free with the purchase of two drinks, and like many of the greatest drag destinations, this spot encourages individuals from all communities to get in on the filthy fun.
The Balcony (84-88 Si Lom Rd. Soi 4, Bang Rak, Bangkok) is known for its top-tier entertainment including sultry shows, live bands and karaoke that will keep you cackling late into the night—or at least until they close at 2 a.m. This venue has two towering stories for you and your friends to explore and experience Asian culture from a queer vantage point. Drop in at a table for dinner, or pull up a casual seat at the bar, and make sure that you don’t miss out on cabaret night.
Tokyo, Japan
With a population of almost 14 million, Japan’s capital doesn’t disappoint in many areas, and their queer nightlife is no exception. Tokyo has laws prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Nationally similar protections are slowly being implemented, though same-sex marriage is still not on the table, making Japan the only G7 industrialized country to not have it.
The city’s main LGBTQ+ village, Shinjuku Ni-chome, is located right off of the Shinjuku San-chome train station, Tokyo’s busiest. Tokyo Rainbow Pride is the largest LGBTQ+ event in Japan, and is typically held during the Golden Weekend holiday in late April/early May.
Tokyo is also home to that rarest of species—the lesbian bar. Dorobune (2 Chome−7−3 Vera Heights Shinjuku Gyoen 205, Shinjuku, Tokyo) is a calm and intimate spot known for being exceptionally welcoming to women-identifying individuals and—wait for it—their dogs. Don’t attempt to bring your dyke-friendly dudes along on Saturday nights, as men aren’t allowed in on this extra exclusive day of the week. They specialize in plum liquor and also offer a menu of delicious snacks and mains.
Agit (Matsui Building, Suite 1F, 2 Chome−15−9, Shinjuku, Toykyo) is a small space that offers an authentic Asian lesbian bar aesthetic. They’ve been around since 2002, and new guests from all over are always welcome to visit. Directions can be tricky for Westerners in Tokyo, but if you give them a call, management will offer guidance for getting there. This is a great bar to visit as a solo traveller—first-timers are prompted to sit at the front and commingle with regulars. The crafty drinks and karaoke machines will help guarantee that you make noteworthy memories with someone new.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is an epicentre for queer culture not only in South Korea, but in all of Asia. The community there puts on a huge Pride parade each year as part of the Seoul Queer Cultural Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of participants over the two-week event TIME STAMP. Much LGBTQ+ partying takes place at the gay bars and clubs in a lively area of the Itaewon district, which locals refer to, usually affectionately, as “Homo Hill.”
But a very different scene secretly comes to life in the neighbourhood of Hongdae, which has a more indie attitude. Hongdae is littered with lesbian clubs, known as L Clubs, that prioritize the privacy of their visitors. These undisclosed gatherings are unapologetically exclusive, aiming to protect queer women who might face discrimination for outward expression of their sexuality in their everyday lives. Visitors will need to immerse themselves into the lesbian culture of Seoul to secure an invitation to one of these underground clubs.
And how to do that? Check out some of Seoul’s more mainstream bars for queer women. Bar Mong (B1, 12-6, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul), open Wednesday through Sunday, is one of the many low-key women-focused bars in Hongdae. Welcoming of all genders, the friendly staff serve a variety of colourful cocktails and whisky by candlelight. Solo guests should fit right into the mellow atmosphere; conversation between strangers is often well received.
One of the women-only L Bars that you might hear about is Club ACE (Hongdae, Seoul), which is open only on weekends, and is said to be located in the building next to Mafia Pizza & Pub in Hongdae, Mapo-gu, Seoul. With its social media set to private, combined with a lack of a public website, the place has a deliberate air of mystery that circulates through the entire lesbian scene in Seoul. You’ll have to seek out this club yourself to see exactly what it’s like inside, since all filming and photography is strictly forbidden.
