Thailand has long been recognized as a standout and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. As the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to legalize marriage equality, the nation officially implements its same-sex marriage law starting January 23, 2025. This milestone sets a new standard for gender equality in the region.
To celebrate this significant achievement, Booking.com has partnered with Jai SIRA (Siravitch Kamonworawut), a passionate performer, content creator, explorer and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, who previously participated in the panel discussion entitled ‘Embracing Travel with Pride: Businesses Uniting to Welcome and Celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community’ with Booking.com and property provider, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, to share insights and the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face while traveling. On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, Jai is ready to share travel perspectives, experiences, and destination recommendations, celebrating the world where everyone can truly be themselves as well as inspiring couples who are seeking for places to celebrate this sweet moment together.
Recommended Destinations Where Jai SIRA Can Embrace Their Authentic Self
“For LGBTQ+ travelers, selecting a destination is crucial,” Jai shares. “Before traveling, it’s necessary to research the culture and openness of the destination to understand the extent to which you can express yourself. This ensures safety and comfort for both you and the locals.”
While choosing a destination is essential, understanding oneself is just as important. The places travelers plan to visit should align with the lifestyle and interests. It’s also worth considering whether their personality blends with the local culture and environment, and whether they are open to learning new things. Traveling isn’t just about exploring places—it’s a significant opportunity to better understand their own self and embrace differences happily, Jai said.
Among the places Jai has visited, they recommend six LGBTQ+ friendly destinations that allow travelers to proudly be themselves without any worries and enjoy inclusive experiences at the same time.
Sydney, Australia
“Sydney is one destination every LGBTQ+ traveler should experience at least once. I’ve had fantastic experiences both traveling and living there,” Jai recalls fondly. Beyond being an open and accepting city, Sydney boasts a community that genuinely embraces diversity. Jai shared that during their time living in Australia, they felt safe and respected for who they were.
Jai also noted that Australia holds special meaning for them due to a movie about drag culture filmed there, which inspired Jai to explore the destination. Their time living and traveling in Sydney allowed them to gain new perspectives about themselves while soaking in the rich diversity of cultures and people.
Taipei, Taiwan and Tokyo, Japan
When it comes to Taipei, Jai says it is not only a top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers but also one of the best destinations overall. Taipei hosts Asia’s largest Pride Parade and has a strong, welcoming LGBTQ+ community. Thai travelers, in particular, are warmly received by locals.
Additionally, Jai also shared their fond memories of traveling to Japan, where they embraced drag culture by wearing bold Kimono outfits. “Japanese people are more open-minded than you’d expect. I once wore a kimono in drag queen style to explore and take photos. At first, I 
was worried about overdoing it, but it turned out to be more fun than I imagined. It even inspired me to adapt to new cultures while staying true to myself.”
Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, Thailand
It’s no surprise that Thailand is a paradise for LGBTQ+ travelers, both Thai and international. For Jai, Bangkok attracts visitors from all around the world with its vibrant blend of big-city charm and Thai culture. Meanwhile, Pattaya and Phuket each offer unique charms of their own. Pattaya caters to diverse lifestyles, with cultural attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. On the other hand, Phuket is ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, boasting stunning southern beaches and a multicultural community that welcomes everyone to be themselves.
What Jai SIRA Wants to Say to Those Who Hesitate to Travel as Their True Self
“Step out of your comfort zone. Travel is always an excellent opportunity to welcome new experiences and it’s also a chance to uncover a version of yourself you’ve never met. Sometimes, we discover brighter, unfamiliar aspects of ourselves during these journeys.” More importantly, traveling confidently as your authentic self gives new meaning to the word ‘freedom,’ Jai added.
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