Phuket
Thailand’s most famous beach escape
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s most popular beach destination, not only for the spectacular scenery, luxurious design resorts, stunning tropical sunsets and the warm blue Andaman Sea, but also for the vibrant nightlife at Patong Beach. The island links to the mainland by two bridges, so it is possible to arrive either by air or car.
The epicenter of LGBTQ+ life is concentrated in Paradise Complex offering multiple options in guesthouses, go-go bars, discos, gay saunas, restaurants and bars: from ZAG Club, which offers free street performances on a nightly basis, to TANGMO Club, where drag queens belt out the latest chart-toppers in six-inch heels and outrageous wigs! However, all this said, Phuket also makes a fantastic destination for gay families; not to mention honeymoons and romance. A number of properties also offer same-gender commitment and same-sex ‘wedding’ ceremonies.
Beach hopping around the island and indulging in cocktails in view of the sunset over the Andaman Sea is one of the most popular activities of visitors to Phuket. Rent a scooter or car; and motor around the island like a local, but make sure to have a good insurance, since none of the providers will offer that locally. Sample one of the many pristine beaches, each with a different vibe – including the most well known, Patong Beach – but Pansea, Surin, Kamala, Karon and Kata Beach offer stunning views, crystal-clear water and white sand.
Phuket is also a great launching point for other nearby islands. Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Racha and Koh Hey are fab places to play Robinson Crusoe with just your backpack; or live it up in a high-end resort. Alternatively day trips to snorkel, or cruise the islands (James Bond fans will love this) are also available; as are yacht or motorboat charters. Koh Phi Phi sun-seekers can also travel from Phuket.
Inspiration
Inspiration
Spa day – Thai hotels that double as pamper palaces
Ask a hundred Thailand visitors about a quintessentially Thai experience and they’ll give you a hundred different answers: from scuba-diving off the coast of Koh…
Four reasons every LGBT+ traveller should visit a Thai cabaret
So you’ve landed in Thailand and you’re ready to explore all the country has to offer – from the sacred sites of Sukhothai to the…
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:…
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:…
Three romantic Thailand hotels for LGBT+ couples
Thailand. Few countries conjure up sweeter visions of turquoise waters, gentle hills and palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze. The kingdom’s manifold natural wonders…
Lights, camera, action: visiting Thai places you’ve seen in the movies
The making of a great film includes a clever plot, sound acting, sharp editing and more. One aspect that can make or break a motion…
Hidden gems: less visited markets every traveller should visit in Thailand
The movies tend to have visitors believe Thailand is all about beaches, parties and the combination of the two. Ask anyone who’s actually travelled to…
4 ways to get into queer art in Thailand
Thailand is a feast for the eyes. Its beauty extends from its tropical landscapes down to the warmth of its ubiquitous smiles. Unsurprisingly, the Kingdom’s…
Ethical ways to meet Thailand’s gentle giants
Floppy ears, wise eyes and an iconic, grey trunk: getting up and close with Thailand’s national animal – the Asian elephant – is an enthralling…
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…
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…
The way to wellness in Thailand
If you’re anything like us, we love to try our best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But with several LGBTQ friendly parties, clubs, and events…
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…
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…
Date ideas for adventurer couples in Thailand
Thailand is full of beautiful forests, bodies of water, skies, and people – so what better way to experience it all than to head out…
Top five classic date ideas in Thailand
So you’re in Thailand with your beau, whether you’ve been together for a long time or you just met, you’ll need to go on some…
Top 3 provinces to visit during Songkran
Happy Thai New Year, each year around April. Songkran is the Thai celebration of the passing year, and the festivities extend out for days. Traditionally,…
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…
LGBT+ welcoming hotels in Phuket
Though just about every hotel that you may consider staying at, is gay-friendly seeing as Thailand itself is an extremely open and welcoming country to…
Spoilt for choice in Phuket
I’ve just come back from a long weekend in Phuket. To be honest I was a little surprised how much I enjoyed it. I had…
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…
LGBT+ welcoming hotels & resorts
LGBT+ welcoming hotels and resorts
Events & offers
Events and offers
June: Phuket Pride
Phuket Pride Week was founded in 1999 and each year since transforms Patong Beach into a vibrant celebration of community spirit, cultural events and sun-soaked…
September/October: Phuket Vegetarian Festival
If you happen to be in the south of Thailand in the first half of October, then you may get the chance to see one…
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…
Explore another fabulous destination
