Koh Samui

A fantasy island with something to suit all travelers

Koh Samui

Koh Samui, affectionally called Samui by locals is one of the country’s most popular tropical islands. Set on the country’s Eastern coast, this offers a great alternative from May to November when Thailand’s more popular island getaways in the West are in rainy season.

Samui is ideal for couples and modern families to indulge themselves and understand the true meaning of a vacation. Visitors are encouraged to spoil themselves at the island’s spas, take long walks along the beach, lounge at the pool and enjoy the atmosphere of relaxation; matched with fine food. Food and drink on Koh Samui is never dull, with a myriad of great restaurants and bars to choose from. Breakfast, brunch, dinner of whenever, there’s a great choice of gastronomy, from the very local to the international. Nightlife hounds will love the fantastic bar and club scene along the Chaweng Beach Road.

The actual gay scene on the island is quite small. There is no bespoke gay beach in Koh Samui, but most of the gay tourists and locals head over to Central Chaweng beach, around the end of Soi Lamdin for their relaxation and sunbathing. Some resorts will also host pop-up LGBT+ events. For example, why not book yourself into the fabulous ALPHA Gay Resort whose pool plays host to men-only parties several times a week? For a quick coffee break, The Road Less Travelled is a charming, gay-owned café that can only be recommended.

For the party hearty, nearby Koh Phang-an is where the full moon party is said to have been born. The revelry carries on today, once a month incidentally!

Island hoppers will love the Ang Thong Marine Park, consisting of 42 islands to choose from. You may also have heard about Koh Tao, it’s all the rage right now. In fact, Koh Tao easily ranks as one of the best and most affordable places to get a diving license, making it a must on many travellers’ itineraries.

Inspiration

Inspiration

Into the blue – Thailand’s best hotels for hobby divers

There are some holiday activities you can be forgiven for not participating in, but when vacationing in Thailand, one thing is simply not an option: refraining from jumping into the sea! And why would you, anyway? After all, Southeast Asia’s original beach destination has a whopping 2,800 km of coastline to explore its crystal-clear waters…

Came to sustain: eco-friendly ideas for a greener Thai holiday

Thailand is often said to have it all. More than anything else, however, the country’s natural wonders are the stuff traveller’s dreams are made of: who wouldn’t get excited about the prospect of fresh coconut juice, ivory beaches and clear ocean waters? Beyond the kingdom’s coastline – which stretches for a remarkable 1,660 kilometres –…

Gaycation – Thai places to visit with your LGBT+ friends

Few destinations are as popular with the LGBT+ crowd as Thailand: an ever-friendly country flanked by aquamarine waters and blessed with endless hours of sun, former Siam attracts adventure enthusiasts and party people alike. It’s no secret that the Southeast Asian gem offers good bang for your buck and lounging by a beachside pool with…

One for the lovers – 5 of Thailand’s most romantic places

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We are family – 5 fun-filled escapes for LGBT+ families

Known as the ‘land of smiles’, Thailand wholeheartedly embraces visitors from all walks of life. LGBT+ families looking for an unforgettable getaway in the tropics will feel welcome, too! After all, the state religion of Buddhism inspires tolerance and openness. Head for the much-loved destinations below – your kids will thank you for it!  …

Vacation by design – five fab design hotels in Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s natural beauty and swathes of white sand beaches attract travelers looking to rest and relax. But there’s also plenty of offer for the style savvy LGBT+ visitor, as it’s home to some stunning and innovative resorts, each with their own distinct personality. There’s something for all tastes: those who like the quirky and…

Koh Samui’s lesser known gay scene

Koh Samui is best known as a place to chill and take advantage of the island’s unparalleled nature: crystal clear seas and white sand beaches. But it’s also provides for gay visitors and locals with a friendly and laid-back gay scene. Whilst it may not be on the same scale as Bangkok or Pattaya, the…

Five Thai festivals and rituals to be part of

Songkran Probably Thailand’s most well know festival, this three-day celebration marks the Thai New Year. You’ve probably seen scenes of revelry as whole streets are shut to traffic to allow giant water fights. It’s a lot of fun to take part in and a spectacle unlike any other to behold. It’s also an important part…

Refreshing post-Songkran on Koh Samui

April’s Songkran showers brought us a lot more than May flowers! The Thai New Year came and went, and we’re already counting the days down until the next Thai New Year. We know the first experience with the holiday is often one of the best for new visitors, but as Songkran veterans, we’ve got to…

10 LGBT+ friendly destinations to visit

Bangkok is the first name that comes to mind when you think of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) friendly places in Thailand. It is also referred to as the gay capital of Asia. The nightlife here is magical and intense to say the very least. There are plenty of attractions and activities that…

Thai cuisine is good for you

Yeah. It’s a bummer. You’ve booked your Thailand trip, but it’s the middle of winter and you’re not summer body ready. The beaches are calling your name, and with the country’s prime resorts and warm atmosphere, we know your winter layers are coming off (and then some, probably.) Most of us like to look our best…

The art of eight limbs

Sounds like fun, right? Watch out – it may be a little more painful than you imagine. Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, is a national sport which in recent years has become popular worldwide, both as entertainment and a form of fitness training. Also known as the art of eight limbs due to the combined…

Thai massage: Ultimate healing power

After far too much complaining about our sore necks and back muscles after a grueling workout, my American friend and I knew it was time for the ultimate healing treatment: a Thai massage.  To share an interesting tidbit, I’m Thai, but I’d never had a Thai massage. As the host led us to our rooms, nervousness…

LGBT+ welcoming hotels & resorts

LGBT+ welcoming hotels and resorts

Events & offers

Events and offers

“Stay with Pride” at Intercontinental Koh Samui Resort

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking sunset beauty of Samui! Book 3 days in advance, stay for 2 nights, and unlock a world of exclusive experiences. For Pride, we’re celebrating love in all its forms with our special ‘Stay with Pride’ offer.  More than just a stay, it’s a celebration of you. More about this property…

April: Samui Gay Songkran Parade

Alpha Gay Resort & Spa, Koh Samui hosts the 2nd annual Songkran Pride Parade. In 2019, this event is expected to be even bigger and better, based on the continued support from the sponsors and participants. The theme for 2019 will be ‘Pride around the world’. www.alphagayresort.com

November: Loi Krathong

Well, you little devil, if you’re planning to vacation in Thailand at the end of November, you’re in luck literally and figuratively. Not only will you get to witness Loi Krathong, one of the most picturesque festivals of the year, but you can also join in and float away your anger, grudges and defilements of…

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