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| Travel & Resources: THAILAND
Utopia's Thailand listings are sponsored by...
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Advisory: Thailand is a welcoming place for gays, lesbians and transgenders who respect Thai laws and customs. Homosexuality in Thailand is largely a non-issue. Gay and lesbian visitors are very welcome and homosexuals are surprisingly integrated and into the big Thai family. Thailand has three annual gay pride events in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. Persons convicted of sex with a minor face immediate arrest and harsh penalties including life imprisonment. Persons who have sex with a prostitute below the age of 18 face arrest, fine and imprisonment. You must be 20 years of age to enter a night club. Recreational drug use is illegal and surprise drug testing may take place at popular night spots. Nudity, at beaches or in saunas, is against Thai custom. We follow the lead of the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote a positive image of Thailand for tourists who happen to be homosexual. We stand united against the exploitation of women and children. |
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The updated and expanded Utopia Guide to Thailand offers a comprehensive glimpse at the gay and lesbian scene in 23 cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, and Pattaya. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, accommodations, spas, restaurants, and more. A special section highlights venues that are especially welcoming for women. Enjoy savvy comments and recommendations from hundreds of local Utopians and gay travelers. Click here to order the collector's First Edition
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Central: Bangkok | Pattaya | Cha-am, Hua Hin
Koh Chang
North: Chiang Mai | Chiang Rai | Sukhothai
Isan: Khon Kaen | Nongkhai, Sangkhom, Thabo
Udon Thani | Wang Nam Yen
South: Hat Yai | Koh Phangan | Krabi | Phi Phi Island
Phuket Island | Samui Island | Trang
Other Thai cities and general Thailand listed below...
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A typical taxi cab conversation goes something like this:
- Questions about AIDS/HIV care? Current medical treatment offers a normal lifespan for those living with HIV. A Harvard-trained Physician and Infectious Disease expert in Kuala Lumpur offers compassion and strictly confidential advice about health matters and state-of-the-art HIV treatment. Email the Doctor with your questions.
AIDS/HIV organizations and information
- Lesbian listings
- Men in Thailand message board
- Thailand Gay & Lesbian News
- Thailand Gay Scene Updates message board
- Travel in Thailand message board
- Additional links for Thailand GLBT information.
- also visit these excellent resources for local info:
"You like lady?"
"No, thank you," you answer politely.
"You like man?"
"Sometimes."
"You like me?" laughs the hard-knock cabby, spinning around to flash you a Cinerama smile as he darts in and out of the traffic, good luck charms and amulets swinging madly from the rear-view mirror.
Welcome to a country where it's no big deal who you fancy, but a very big deal how you behave.
With three annual gay pride festivals and highly visible ladyboys and tomboys everywhere you look, Thailand, not Disneyland, seems to be the happiest place on Earth for gays. Yet Thai GLBT face the same challenges to gain respect and understanding as everywhere else in the world. Still, Thailand manages to integrate gays into its everyday life, and allows many homosexual citizens to reach the very top of the socio-political ladder.
The outside world has always been overly fascinated by the laissez faire commercial aspects of Thailand’s wide-ranging entertainment industry. While there are undoubtebly more prostitutes in the United States or in China than there are here, Thailand has gained an unfair reputation because of its pragmatic and tolerant view of human behavior. Asia, in general, has traditionally taken the common sense view not to dwell too seriously on sexual tastes, whereas historically recent complexes about homosexuality are largely based on notions imported from prissy colonials and religious fundamentalists.
Two decades ago, Thai gays had little choice for social venues beyond the commercial lounges and gogo bars. In the last 10 years, however, the commercial scene has plateaued while a new generation of gay entrepreneurs has launched boutiques, hotels, restaurants, karaoke clubs, pubs and spas that cater to Thai gays and lesbians who want to socialize on a friendship basis. These types of venues continue to grow in variety and popularity and contribute to a more positive lifestyle for young GLBT.
In 1994 we launched Utopia as Southeast Asia’s first gay and lesbian center in Bangkok, the first shop in the region to sell books and gifts specifically for gays and lesbians. These days you can buy GLBT books in most bookstores around the Kingdom and there are plenty of niche businesses looking for the pink baht.
GLBT issues have been brought to the attention of the press and public by the brave efforts of Anjaree, Thailand’s first lesbian organization, founded in 1986. The hard work to improve social conditions as well as combat AIDS continues with groups like Rainbow Sky, Lesla, and Bangkok Rainbow.
- Mustangheart Consultants
- #114 Airport Business Park Bld, 90 Mahidol Rd, Chiang Mai, 053-203-430 FAX 053-203-460, email. A gay-managed consultancy company specializing in hotels, restaurants, spas, recruitment and various types of training programs geared especially for these types of businesses. Discounts for gay organizations or individuals. They work "hands on" with owners and employees to improve their operations and increase revenues.
Utopia Member Discount
- Gyant
- Email. Gyant organizes activities and events for professional Thai and expatriate gays to foster a sense of community and belonging. Events each have a special focus: such as networking parties for gays in advertising or financial services. See their website for upcoming events.
- Long Yang Club
- Email. The purpose of this Thai chapter of the international group is to provide a social group offering friendship and support to men from East and West. It has monthly activities including Club Nights (Silom Road, Bangkok) and "Dinner with Friends" at different restaurants. There are other events such as beach trips, movie nights, karaoke contests, parties, and dinner
river cruises.
- Rainbow Sky Association
- 5/F Panjaphat Bld, 1 Patpong Rd, Suriyawong, Bangrak, Bangkok, 02-632-6957, 02-632-6958, English language assistance: 081-341-4591, FAX 02-632-6956, email. Thailand's first officially registered gay association, a private non-profit organization working for a better quality of life for, and the sexual health issues of, Thailand's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
- Gay Booking Tour
- 24/7 Nakniwas Rd, Ladprao 71, 02-932-5177, FAX 02-932-5683, email. Hotel booking and sightseeing tours. Discount packages for Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and more.
- Gay Guide in Thailand
- 085-936-9409, email. Personal gay-friendly tour guides offering introductions to quality Thai culture, traditions, tourist sights and non-tourist places; all with a professional attitude and great service.
- Image Golf
- 406/20 Jomtien Plaza Condotel, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 038-756-658, FAX 038-251-521, email. Image Golf offers inclusive packages with transfers, hotel and golf on Thailand's East Coast at 20+ beautiful courses.
Utopia Member Discount - Image Limousine
- 406/20 Jomtien Plaza Condotel, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 038-756-658, FAX 038-251-521, email. Image Limousine offers transfers to/from Bangkok Airport to hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin in luxury limos with CD player and English-speaking drivers.
Utopia Member Discount - Lost in Thailand
- 52/4 Moo 3, Tambon Bophut, 077-230-203, FAX 077-230-373, email. Gay-owned travel site with online hotel and resort booking in and around Thailand. Comprehensive guides and maps in and around the kingdom.
- Lost Horizons
- 081-892-2208, email. Gay-friendly, eco-tour holidays and resorts in Southern Thailand.
- Naga Rainbow Tour
- 02-704-7680, 02-704-7681, FAX 02-704-7682, email. Gay Thai tour company offering trips around Thailand and in the region.
- Purple Dragon
- 119/5-10 Surawong Rd, Bangkok, (662) 238-3227, FAX (662) 634-0292, email. Asia's oldest and largest gay tour company offers hundreds of options using local English-speaking guides throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), India, China, Singapore and Bhutan. Specializes in programs focusing on culture, cuisine, adventure and aesthetic improvement programs.
Utopia Member Discount - SanPat
- Email. SanPat specializes in services for mature travelers and taxi, chauffeur or guide, around Bangkok and Pattaya.
Siam Pride- 757/83-84 Rajavithi 21, Bangyeekun, Bangplad, 02-883-1219, FAX 02-883-3720, email. Gay-owned Siam Pride provides travel services and arranges customized trips especially for Thailand "trendy" tourist groups, including GLBT. We can arrange almost every service from a variety of tour packages, sightseeing, transportation, gay guide service and gay-friendly accommodations.
Utopia Member Discount
Ayuttaya
Click here for Ayuttaya accommodations.
BANGKOK
Click here for Bangkok listings.
Cha-Am and Hua Hin -- area code (66-32)
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The seaside resorts of Cha-Am and Hua Hin are popular getaways for Bangkok residents who want a very quiet, Thai-style weekend away from the city. Located on the sunrise side of the Gulf of Siam, this is also where generations of Thai royals have built their vacation retreats. Marukkhathayawan Palace, built between the two cities, is a beautiful Victorian gingerbread palace built by King Rama VI and now open to the public. It is, in fact, a traditional Thai "village" raised high on stilts, open to the sea breeze and with its various "compounds" connected by covered teak walkways. It was rescued from ruin, restored, and now stands as one of Thailand's architectural gems.
- Men in Cha-Am and Hua Hin message board
Nightlife in Hua Hin, including the gay scene, is very quiet (out of respect for its neighbors), with seafood dinners at the wharf and the busy little night market being the main attractions. Hua Hin is therefore a perfect get-away for couples who want a little peace and privacy.
The population of Cha-Am and Hua Hun is over 100,000 (that's about 4,000 Utopians).
- Image Golf
- 406/20 Jomtien Plaza Condotel, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 038-756-658, FAX 038-251-521, email. Image Golf offers inclusive packages with transfers, hotel and golf on Thailand's East Coast at 20+ beautiful courses.
Utopia Member Discount - Image Limousine
- 406/20 Jomtien Plaza Condotel, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 038-756-658, FAX 038-251-521, email. Image Limousine offers transfers to/from Bangkok Airport to hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin in luxury limos with CD player and English-speaking drivers.
Utopia Member Discount - New Friendship Tours
- 56 Amnuaysin Rd, 032-530-308, 081-839-7567. Golf trips and sightseeing.
- World Wide Travel
- 80 Naresdamri A., 032-530-527, email. Gay-owned travel service arranging holidays for gays in the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of Hua Hin.
Click here for Hua Hin hotels and accommodations.
- Candlelight Bar
- Soi Selekam, Poonsuk Rd. A nice bar with friendly staff.
- Red Indian Bar
- Walk towards the main entrance to the beach and look for the sign on your left. Friendly, young and playful staff.
- Doi Boy
- Located in the square between the shopping mall on Petchkasem Rd and the Tanawit Hotel. Small bar with drag cabaret.
- Candlelight Bar (see listing under Bars and Clubs).
- Faqthong
- 081-986-1631. Not far from Doi Boy. Herbal steam room.
- Guys Sauna
- Naresdamri Rd (pass Bookazine and walk towards Sofitel, 200m on the right.
- Bali Thai Restaurant (Thai and International)
- Opposite Friendship Restaurant. Gay owned and managed. Occasional cabaret shows.
- Faqthong
- 081-986-1631. Not far from Doi Boy. Bar and restaurant
- New Friendship Restaurant
- Located in the square between the shopping mall on Petchkasem Rd and the Tanawit Hotel, next to Doi Boy. Gay owned and managed.
CHIANG MAI
Click here for Chiang Mai listings.
Chiang Rai
Click here for Chiang Rai listings.
Dansai
- Phi Ta Khon, Ghosts with Human Eyes
- Thailand's Colorful Festival of Naughty Ghosts.
Hat Yai
Click here for Hat Yai listings.
Khon Kaen -- area code (66-43)
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The population of Khon Kaen is over 150,000 (that's about 6,000 Utopians).
- Men in Khon Kaen message forum
Click here for Khon Kaen hotels and accommodations.
- Heaven Club
- Late night scene after WOW Pub closes.
- Junction 99
- Late night scene after WOW Pub closes.
- WOW Pub
- Sofitel Hotel.
- Dragon
- Near the Sofitel, off the street that has all the night clubs, down a side soi that is almost opposite the one leading to the Sofitel. A male massage service.
- Ratchada Park vicinity.
- The Beach
- 043-235-171, email. See map on their website for their new location.
- The Dolphin
- 33/6-7 Soi Suphateera, Srichan Rd, 043-33-3468, 081-717-8185. Sauna, steam, gym, and bar. Massage also on offer. Very friendly.
Koh Chang (Trat)
Located in Trat Province, near the border of Cambodia, Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket. Still relatively undeveloped due to its pristine interior of tropical jungle and aquatic environment designated as a National Marine Park, Koh Chang and the dozens of picturesque islands ringing it have now been discovered by tourists and tourism developers. You can still find cheap little bungalows right on the beaches here and its close proximity to Pattaya (2.5 hours by car) and Bangkok (4.5 hours) means its popularity will continue to grow.
White Sand Beach (Had Sai Khao) has the most foreign tourists, while Kai Bae Beach and Bang Bao are more popular with local Thai. Most of the island's gay-friendly venues are located in Kai Bae. You may want to drive onto the island, via the 30-minute ferry at Laem Gnop, so that you can explore the various beaches, waterfalls, and rural communities.
Click here for Koh Chang hotels and accommodations.-
Most of the gay-friendly venues are located in Kai Bae beach. The scene here is unlike elsewhere in Thailand: it's happily non-commercial, relaxed, and unpretentious. Wind down and get into the tropical groove.
- Lemon Bar
- Lonely Beach (just on the road at the end of the village). This cute little bar is tropical tiki cross-pollinated with amateur drag and staffed by locals who tend bar, play guitar, or burst into spontaneous lip sync performances.
NOTE: Many of Koh Chang's little bars and hang-outs go to sleep during Low Season (Mar-Oct), and, as a result, the clubs mentioned below may or may not be active, or even open, if you visit during those months. We hear reports of closures, but it's hard to know whether those are permanent or simply seasonal...
- Bangbao Fishing Village (seafood)
- This fishing village built on stilts is located on the southwest end of the island. Come here in the early evenings for the fresh catch of the day. Many restaurants to try, including Ruan Thai Restaurant, 089-833-5117, which serves fantastic garlic fried scallops and crab omelet with spicy/bitter vegetable leaves.
- Funky Hut Resort (Thai and international)
- Dan Kao Beach (northeast side of the island, 1 km from the car ferry pier), 089-936-7750, 089-414-4271. Fantastic food and warm, personal attention from owners Chris and his lovely wife, Khun Oh. Lie back on pillows with a fruit shake or tropical cocktail and watch the fishing boats bob on the waves at this quiet beach. Try the crab or potato cakes. Try them again. Bonus: they've got the most enchanting restrooms north of Bali.
- Marina (Thai and international)
- Kai Bae Beach. Located five minutes walk north of K.B. Bungalows, just beyond Lemon Bar (see directions above). Gay-friendly open-air restaurant serves up great food for lunch and dinner! Movies play each evening.
- O2
- 31/16 Moo 4, Kai Bae Beach (opposite Why Not Bar), 081-922-8497. Funky Gilligan's Isle hut ambiance and yummy food.
- Rendezvous Tom Tum (seafood, Thai and international)
- Inland side of the main road, White Sand Beach. Gay-owned and staffed. Pex and Pon run this friendly, open-air hang-out. Layers of colorful decor have survived a number of holidays. Good food. Nightly movies.
Koh Payam (Ranong)
Click here for Koh Payam hotels and accommodations.Koh Phangan (Surat Thani)
Koh Phangan is located just 30 minutes by boat from Koh Samui, but feels worlds apart (no giant condos, malls, or outsized development). It is infamous for its free-wheeling Full Moon parties that have been rolling since the mid 1980s. The island boasts a stunning wealth of natural beauty - most of the it is a National Park preserve offering challenging hikes and incredible viewpoints. Triathlons and mountain bike races are regular occurances. The diving around Koh Phangan is stunning, with easy access to beautiful coral reefs.
The island has a much smaller gay scene than Phuket and Samui, but it is just right for those looking for something a little more quiet (except, of course, during the full moon). Haad Rin, where the parties take place, is a very popular beach. Good gay cruising spots are at the extreme ends of the beach, where it's more quiet. Most of the guys there are younger Europeans and Australians, with a good amount of Thai mixed in.
Click here for Koh Phangan hotels and accommodations.Krabi
Click here for Krabi listings.Lampang -- area code (66-54)
Click here for Lampang hotels and accommodations.
Mae Hong Son
Click here for Mae Hong Son accommodations.- The Seven Elephants Café (western and Southeast Asian)
- 356 Moo 1 Soppong, Pangmapha, 053-617-107, email. Dine indoors or al fresco in the garden amongst the palms and heliconia. The café also features tropical house drinks, a wine list and real coffee drinks with an espresso machine. Gay and lesbian-friendly.
Utopia Member Discount
Nongkhai, Sangkhom and Thabo -- area code (66-42)
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Isan (northeast Thailand) is full of friendly people, surprising sights, and magical festivals. These three towns are stretched along the mighty Mekong River, with Nong Khai about a 45 minute drive from the major city of Udon Thani. Laos is just across the river by bridge and there are national parks, fascinating temples, and unspoiled nature in abundance. The area hosts several seasonal festivities, the most famous being Bahng Fai Paya Nag, the mysterious emanation of glowing "Naga rockets", unexplained colored lights which shoot from the Mekong River at full moon during Pansaa, (Buddhist Lent) in October.
- Wat Kaeg
- Nongkhai. Surreal folk-art garden of sculpted mythical and spiritual figures, some 5 stories high! The garden was originally begun in Laos, but the war forced the creator to abandon his works and relocate to Thailand where he started over again, completing close to 100 sculptures during his life. The remains of the original garden, much overgrown, still exist on the opposite side of the river and should not be missed if you plan to visit Laos.
Comments from Utopians:
"I found this really nice little bar on the road fronting the river. It's near the small outdoor eateries that set up at sunset. It's called Cindy Bar, same name as the ladyboy that runs it. She is a lot of fun and so are the bar staff." -- Gaviator, Jan 6. 2009
- Village Weaver Handicrafts
- 786 Prajak Rd, Nongkhai. Beautiful handicrafts and woven fabrics.
Phang Nga
Click here for Phang Nga hotels and accommodations.PATTAYA
Click here for Pattaya listings.
Phi Phi Island
Click here for Phi Phi Island listings.
PHUKET ISLAND
Click here for Phuket Island listings.
SAMUI ISLAND
Click here for Samui Island listings.
Sukhothai
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The population of Sukhothai is about 40,000 (that's close to 2,000 Utopians).
- Men in Sukhothai message forum
- Fasirung Pub and Restaurant
- 1/6 Mu 4 Tambon Banklang, Ampeur Kongkrailat, 086-977-8769, 081-675-1651, 05-562-5269, email. Gay-owned Fasirung is a restaurant and pub serving Thai and western dishes in an exotic tropical garden setting located on the main road between the cities of Pitsanuloke and Sukhothai. Open daily from 11am onwards till the last custumer, the later the gayer. Every October 31st they hold a Miss Fasirung gatuey (transgender) contest, a popular event for the area's gays.
Utopia Member Discount
Trang
Click here for Trang listings.
Udon Thani -- area code (66-42)
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The population of Udon Thani is about 250,000 (that's about 10,000 Utopians).
Click here for Udon Thani hotels and accommodations.
- B B Club
- Exiting the Charoen Hotel, make a right and cross the bridge, then another right. Walk down to the third alley on the right and look for the twinkling lights and Thai twinky pop star posters on the door. Udon's only "gay bar", with karaoke and a small cabaret show at 11:30pm.
- High Tech Music World(mixed)
- 22/2 Chamnusorn Road, 042-241-330. Stupendous live review and wild theatrical effects, surpassing even Bangkok in show value (and they let farang in free for a change!). A bit of Vegas transported magically to Isan.
- Yellow Bar (ran luang in Thai)
- Opposite Mister Donut, in front of Charoensri Complex shopping mall, 042-344-556. Bar with snacks.
- Yellow Bird (mixed)
- Charoen Hotel, 042-248-155, 042-246-121. Gets busy late, some gays mixed into the crowd.
- Nong Phra Jak Park
- Chai Boo Paa (drinking snacks)
- 042-243-102. Ask any tuk-tuk driver to take you. Open-air garden atmosphere with luug-toong (country music) and "Songs for Life" (socially progressive folk music) performers. Waiters are mostly tomboys. Tables of gays and lesbians in their 20s and 30s. Later everyone moves to Yellow Bird Disco.
- Ra Bieng Patchani
- Adjacent to Nong Phra Jak Park, 042-241-515. Gay-friendly restaurant with famously delicious food. Outdoor deck seating and indoor air con room.
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