Gay Travel To China And Bhutan

As a communist-led country steeped in old-world traditions that influence even the most modern, advanced cities in the nation, China may not seem like the ideal location for gay holidays; however, travelers will find that there is a vibrant scene in China, including pride celebrations, clubs, bars, neighborhoods and a level of acceptance that is on the rise as the visible, well-organized LGBT community grows. From exceptional food and fashion to beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences, China offers a wide variety of options and is an ideal location for gay vacations.

Hong Kong and Shanghai are perhaps the most popular destinations in China for gay tours. With visible, well-organized LGBT communities, numerous clubs, saunas, bars, restaurants and other establishments, annual pride celebrations and LGBT community events throughout the year, both of these large metropolitan areas have much to offer for LGBT travelers. Visitors will find a number of beaches on Hong Kong Island that are popular with men, as well as several neighborhoods including Hong Kong's Soho, Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui in nearby Kowloon. Shanghai's club scene is largely located in the French Concession district and offers a variety of options from dimly lit lounges to dance clubs.

Beijing is another large city that is both a hub for business and a center for world-class shopping, dining and fashion. Although Beijing does not have the vibrant nightlife found in Shanghai or Hong Kong, a number of bars, clubs and restaurants are beginning to appear throughout the city, the most popular of which is a dance club called Destination. Destination has a mostly male clientele, but many women also frequent this LGBT hotspot. Within walking distance are also several friendly eateries including the trendy fusion bistro, Alameda, as well as Mare, a Spanish restaurant with a romantic atmosphere.

Gay travel to China is a unique opportunity that is unlike anything you will experience elsewhere in the world. To get the most out of your vacation to China, and to ensure a safe and memorable trip, you may want to consider experiencing all that China has to offer through professionally organized gay travel tours.

This will allow you to make new friends and explore China with a group of like-minded travelers in an environment that allows you to be yourself. If you are not sure you are ready to take on China with a group, working with a travel agency that regularly organizes gay tours to China to plan your China trip will assist you in planning the vacation of a lifetime.

Tucked between Tibet and India in a remote region of the Himalayan Mountains, lies a tiny Buddhist kingdom called Bhutan. Visitors to this spiritually and culturally-rich country will find a simpler way of life that is largely unaltered by Western culture and modern attitudes. Every aspect of life in Bhutanese villages and towns is steeped in the age-old traditions, beliefs, customs and practices of Buddhism, which is the basis of this country's conservative, traditional way of life.

However, while Bhutanese culture may be traditional and conservative in many ways, the people of Bhutan warmly welcome tourists on gay vacations, or visiting as part of a gay travel tour, just as they do any other guest. The number of tour groups and tourists allowed to enter Bhutan each year is restricted by the government as part of an overall effort to preserve the cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of this long-isolated country, so those who have the opportunity to venture into this mystical land as part of an organized tour group should take advantage of the chance to experience all that Bhutan has to offer.

The LGBT scene in Bhutan is non-existent, meaning that anyone planning a gay vacation to this remote mountain kingdom would certainly not be doing so in hopes of meeting up with a visible community or experiencing an established LGBT culture in this tiny Asian country. This, of course, does not mean that there is no same-gender intimacy in Bhutan; rather, it is a common and accepted part of the culture.

In fact, bisexual behavior among men is not considered taboo and is a commonplace occurrence that does not affect one's identity. Languages in this region do not have words for lesbian, gay or bisexual and most of the men who would perhaps be defined as bisexual in Western cultures are monastic monks or are married to women. While there is an old law outlawing same-sex sexual activity that is still technically on the books, there is no evidence that this law, which includes the possibility of life imprisonment, has ever been enforced.

Choosing gay vacations to Bhutan opens visitors up to a chance to fully experience a culture that has been isolated from the outside world until just three decades ago. From hiking in the majestic Himalayas to visiting mountainside Buddhist monasteries and exploring the valleys below, Bhutan is an ideal atmosphere for a spiritual renewal or awakening.

For the most enjoyable, fulfilling experience, it is highly recommended that you visit Bhutan as part of a gay travel tour, which will provide numerous opportunities to experience all that Bhutan has to offer, while ensuring that you respectfully experience the culture and traditions of this land that has only recently opened its doors to newcomers.