Same-sex couple during a pillow fight at one of the many Gay-friendly hotels in Thailand

Gay-friendly hotels in Thailand – the latest LGBT-welcoming hotels opening in the Kingdom

Looking for gay-friendly hotels in Thailand? While just like in other countries, specifically queer places to stay are more the exception than the norm (although there is Phang Nga Bay’s gay-run Le Passe-Temps!), countless properties across the Kingdom make an effort to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ travellers.

On our Hotels page, many of Thailand’s gay-friendliest hotels vie for queer readers’ attention, but the list of places to stay is set to become even bigger: throughout 2022, a range of properties are set to open in the country, making the number of gay hotels in Thailand bigger than ever before!

Mélia Phuket Mai Khao

Mélia Phuket Mai Khao, Thailand
Now that’s what we call outdoor living: the Mélia Phuket Mai Khao scores highly when it comes to contemporary luxury. Photography courtesy of Mélia Hotels

This stunning and brand-new Phuket resort has actually opened already. Set across the island’s unspoiled, northwestern coast and facing the azure Andaman Sea, the Mélia Phuket Mai Khao features all sorts of gorgeous design highlights – think water gardens, reflection ponds and saltwater infinity pools!

A forward-thinking hospitality brand from Spain, Mélia is considered a safe bet for LGBTQ+ travellers, and the company even has resorts in several, typically gay destinations, like Spanish Sitges. In 2019, the brand announced its second Equality Plan, aiming to promote equality between all their staff with regards to gender-based violence, communication and more… something truly worthy of support!

Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit, Bangkok, Thailand
Sukhumvit calling: Bangkok’s bustling financial district will be home to the new Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel.

Set to open in 2022, the 176-key Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit is a fabulous addition to the list of gay-friendly hotels in Thailand. The brand, which caters to a cosmopolitan and lifestyle-oriented clientele, aims to give guests exclusive access to the artistic and culinary scenes surrounding its properties – and who wouldn’t love that in Bangkok?

Hilton is widely considered among the most queer-welcoming hotel brands in the world, having won numerous awards for its LGBTQ+ travel campaigns. They’ve also connected with the community through a dedicated ‘Stay Hilton, Go Out’ program for years. In short: when Canopy opens, it’ll be a new gay hotspot in town!

Avani Chaweng Samui Resort

Avani Chaweng Samui Resort, Koh Samui, Thailand
Retro-chic: the Avani Chaweng Samui Resort convinces with a mid-century-inspired look and a social scene. Rendering courtesy of Avani Hotels.

When talking about gay-friendly hotels in Thailand, Avani must of course be mentioned. The Thai brand is set to open its latest resort on heavenly Koh Samui, and it’s going to be a stunner: some 76 rooms will boast stylish, mid-century interiors and a retro-inspired pool will function as the resort’s main focal point.

To celebrate its prime location on Samui, Avani has even compiled an LGBT-specific guide to the island in the Thai Gulf, which helps first-time visitors unlock all the best places to relax, party, and socialise – talk about gay-friendly hotels in Thailand!

Mandarin Oriental Phuket

Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is always a good idea: when Mandarin Oriental opens their upscale resort on Thailand’s largest island, it’s guaranteed to shake up the local high-end hospitality scene.

Although the pandemic has delayed Mandarin Oriental’s plans, the ultra-luxe five-star hospitality brand had initially announced a sprawling resort in Phuket before Covid… When the property does open eventually, guests can look forward to 105 suites and villas in a privileged location in Laem Singh Bay, a world-class spa and award-winning fine-dining experiences with utterly romantic views.

Another exciting addition to the many gay-friendly hotels in Thailand, the Mandarin Oriental Phuket promises to offer unrivalled luxury to all travellers; including high-flying LGBTQ+ visitors. Many queer travel junkies are regulars at the brand’s hotels, which pride themselves not only on a glamorous appeal, but also on their impeccably-trained and sensitive staff. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for this opening!