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| Travel & Resources: THAILAND
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help us keep our Thailand listings up-to-date. Special thanks to Martin, Thaibehr, exiled_emir, steverobbo, talisman, DOLAR, Wolf789, two41, Spa-tanman, frank70, chorpchai69, paradasian, klund324, mepaglet, tandtibz, jonahice9, Gaviator, atlb72, nxala2005, tallen, DlJohnt, Roger, Phil, Reto, Dale, Francis H., Kk, Ben, Peter, Robin, Mak, HHGG, Carit, Yankee Visitor, V.L., Andy, Laurence C., Kelly, YY, Doug N. and Mr. Tom for updates! |
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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 annual gay pride events in cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. Marriage equality, granting full legal, financial and medical rights for partners of any gender, became law on Sep 24, 2024. 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. |
Central: BANGKOK | PATTAYA
North: CHIANG MAI | CHIANG RAI
Isan: UDON THANI
South: PHUKET ISLAND | SAMUI ISLAND
Pattaya | Pranburi | Ratchaburi | Rayong
North: Chiang Mai | Chiang Rai | Lampang | Mae Hong Son | Sukhothai
Isan: Dansai | Khao Yai National Park | Nang Rong | Nongkai | Pak Chong
Sangkhom | Thabo | Udon Thani
South: Hat Yai | Khao Sok | Koh Payam | Koh Phangan | Koh Tao
Krabi | Phang Nga | Phi Phi | Phuket | Samui | Trang
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Welcome to a country where it's no big deal who you fancy, but a very big deal how you behave.
AIDS/HIV organizations and information-
Thailand Gay & Lesbian News Archive
With 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.
Three decades ago, Thai gays had little choice for social venues beyond the commercial lounges and gogo bars. In the last 20+ 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 continued with groups like Rainbow Sky, Lesla, and Bangkok Rainbow.
Thai lesbians prefer to call themselves tom (for tomboy) or dee (for lady), as the term "lesbian", in Thailand, suggests pornographic videos produced for straight men. Tom and dee, by contrast, are reasonably accepted and integrated categories for Thai women, roughly corresponding to the western terms butch and femme.
The question we are most often asked is "where do the Thai women who like women go to socialize?" The answer, as frustrating as it may be for visitors, is -- anywhere they want to. Toms are quite obvious to dees in a crowd and so toms will go to whatever pubs and nightclubs are popular at the moment. You can see tables of tom-dee couples almost anywhere.
Lesbian activities are loosely organized around groups of friends. Women tend to move and socialize in groups here. It may be awkward at first, but once you've introduced yourself to a group, they will tend to sweep you up into their activities. Foreign women may find that language and their own ambiguous gender style (not femme enough to attract toms, and not butch enough to attract dees) to be challenging hurdles.
- TOMS AND DEES: Transgender Identity and Female Same-Sex Relationships in Thailand by Megan J. Sinnott.
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Bangkok Fast Track
UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2020- Vipavadee Rangsit Rd
084-120-5052, FAX 02-277-9458, emailGay-owned. They help frequent fliers and travelers who arrive in Bangkok or Phuket on business or for leisure, and who hate the lines, crowds, and hassles. They offer first class service between the plane and the hotel, for arrivals, departures and transit, no matter which airline or class of travel is being used. They also orgnanize fast track immigration, transits and lounge services in Suvarnabumi BKK and Phuket HKT.
Utopia Member Benefit: 5% DISCOUNT in Bangkok on all fast track and lounge services.
Add your review, comment, or correction -
Detours Travel
UTOPIA VERIFIED APR 2024- 180-0680-8066, email
Gay-owned tour operator specializing in once-in-a-lifetime, 12-15 day gay group experiences in Thailand and other destinations.
Add your review, comment, or correction -
Gay Travel OUT Adventures UTOPIA VERIFIED APR 2024
- Email
Award-winning Gay Travel OUT Adventures specializes in gay and lesbian tours in Thailand and around the world. Unlike many gay operators, they use local group leaders, stay in small locally-owned hotels and dine at small local restaurants, ensuring you have a truly authentic travel experience. Choose from active, mid-range, luxury or independent trips.
Add your review, comment, or correction
Siam Pride 
UTOPIA VERIFIED MAY 2024- 11 Soi Borommaratchachonnani 73, Chim Phli, Taling Chan, Bangkok
+66 (0) 88-010-1010, emailGay-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 Benefit: 5% DISCOUNT.
Add your review, comment, or correction -
ThailandHolidayHomes UTOPIA VERIFIED OCT 2020
- +66 3875-7142, email
Gay and lesbian-friendly Thailand Holiday Homes provides an extensive range of high quality vacation properties that represent value for money and will cater for your taste and budget; from delightfully intimate 2-bedroom pool villas to vast countryside estates and mountain lodges. Specialists in the luxury travel market, they strive to keep a personal touch as they assist you with your accommodation plans.
Utopia Member Benefit: 5% DISCOUNT for stays longer than one week.
Add your review, comment, or correction
Thai LGBT Connect
UTOPIA VERIFIED APR 2024 - +66 92-590-5165
WhatsApp: +66 92 590 5165, +66 89 191 5169, LINE: thailgbtconnect, email
Gay-owned, quality travel services in Thailand, including tour packages, transportation, accommodations, professional tour guides, as well as custom-designed tours and activities tailored to your interests and preferences. They will ensure that you have inclusive and memorable travel experiences in magical Thailand.
Utopia Member Benefit:
Add your review, comment, or correction
Ayuttaya / Ayutthaya
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.
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).
Click here for Hua Hin hotels and accommodations.
CHIANG MAI
Click here for Chiang Mai listings.
Chiang Rai
Click here for Chiang Rai listings.Chonburi
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The Mangrove Forest Reserve UTOPIA VERIFIED JAN 2015
A gay cruising area from sunset till 10pm. Walk in on the boardwalk and go left, then right (but the whole area is a possible meeting place).
Add your review, comment, or correction
Dansai (Loei)
- Phi Ta Khon, Ghosts with Human Eyes
- Thailand's Colorful Festival of Naughty Ghosts.
Hat Yai -- area code +66-74
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Hat Yai is a busy economic hub of Southern Thailand. It serves as a R&R holiday spot for many Malaysians who head north for the city’s less-conservative nightlife and shopping opportunities. Transgender performers are visible at straight places, but the little bit of local gay life is fairly hidden from view.
It’s short drive from here to the beaches of neighboring Songklaa province.
The population of Hat Yai is about 200,000 (that's about 8,000 Utopians).
HUA HIN
- See listings under "Cha-am and Hua-Hin" above.
Kanchanaburi
Click here for Kanchanaburi accommodations.
Khao Sok
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Khao Sok is home to some of Thailand's last remaining primary forests containing an unparalleled abundance of flora and fauna for nature lovers seeking unspoiled natural beauty.
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Khao Sok Explorer UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2020
- Road 401
EmailDiscover more to Southern Thailand than its magnificient beaches. Nopporn and Mathilde are delighted to introduce you to the jungles of Khao Sok National Park. Treks, elephant trips, canoeing on Sok River, Chew Larn Lake expeditions, and local accomodations. Tailor-made adventures in a ecologic and fair tourism spirit. Gay and lesbian-friendly.
Utopia Member Benefit: 5% DISCOUNT on tours.
Add your review, comment, or correction
Click here for Khao Sok accommodations.
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).
Click here for Khon Kaen hotels and accommodations.
- Ratchada Park vicinity.
Add your review, comment, or correction
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.
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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.
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.
Add your review, comment, or correction -
O2 UTOPIA VERIFIED FEB 2020
- 31/16 Moo 4, Kai Bae Beach (opposite Why Not Bar)
081-922-8497Funky Gilligan's Isle hut ambiance and yummy food.
Add your review, comment, or correction
Koh Payam (Ranong)
Click here for Koh Payam hotels and accommodations.Koh Phangan (Surat Thani)
Koh Phangan (pronounced gaw-pah-ngahn) is located north of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand with easy connections from Koh Samui International Airport or a 30-minute fast ferry. It is best known for the monthly Full Moon Party held on Haad Rin Beach, attracting thousands of partygoers from all over the world since the mid-80s. But Koh Phangan is much more than its parties. It is a truly unique destination, combining an active ecological approach due to its well-protected flora and fauna, as well as attracting a growing number of eco-conscious gays who also enjoy a night out.
The island boasts a stunning wealth of natural beauty - most of it is a National Park preserve offering challenging hikes with incredible views. Triathlons and mountain bike races are regular occurances. The diving around Koh Phangan is stunning, with easy access to beautiful coral reefs.
The community of Koh Phangan is famous for its "R"espect motto. Visitors will quickly relate to this very special ambience found in nature, the parties, and through its people. The locals on this open minded, good-vibes-island of Thailand are eager to protect and sustain its well balanced ecology. Koh Phangan has become a prime green and ecological destination with well preserved landscapes and many eco-businesses and projects.
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. There are gay operated bars and BnBs, as well as gay eco-resorts. Social media offers some connections for fun and hanging-out. Gay are welcome and appreciated everywhere.
If you are looking for a way to combine a good time with an ecological tropical paradise, Koh Phangan is well worth a visit!
Click here for Koh Phangan hotels and accommodations.
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L'Alcove Wine Bar & Bistro UTOPIA VERIFIED JAN 2024
- 15/1 Moo 6, Hingkong Beach, Koh Phangan, Suratthani, Hinkong
+66 94-579-3769This cozy lesbian-operated bar, located right on the beach, will make you feel immediately at home in their tropical paradise. Great for sunsets, the place is known for its live music and beach fire shows on Sun, and also for its beautiful French hosts, Melanie and Karinne, who will make sure your stay is memorable. A great choice of delicious wines, platter of cheeses, deli items, roast duck legs , salads and much more. Popular for the gay community on Sun. They also offer cozy bungalows close to the beach.
Add your review, comment, or correction
- Gay beach located to the left (south side) of Secret Beach (Hadson Beach) on the west side of the island. The first small beach is usually the gay beach, whereas the second one has an open-minded nudist crowd. The small beach attracts a young, gay crowd, especially on weekends, and its nearby beach bar ensures that nobody runs dry.
Add your review, comment, or correction
Koh Samet (Rayong)
Tropical island located 200km from Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand.
Click here for Koh Samet hotels and accommodations.
Koh Tao (Surat Thani)
Tropical island located near the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, about 2.5 hours by boat from Samui.
Click here for Koh Tao hotels and accommodations.
Krabi -- area code +66-75
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Once the favorite get-away for in-the-know Thai vacationers, Krabi’s new airport has signaled international awareness of this picture postcard paradise of fairytale islands, spectacular sea caves, isolated inlets, monkey-filled jungles, eco-protected mangrove deltas burgeoning with wildlife, floating Sea Gypsy villages, and an influx of well-designed 5-star boutique hotels that (mostly) blend into the scenery.
Quiet Ao Nang Beach has the only stretch of shops and restaurants, but it’s decades behind the over-development of resort areas like Phuket or Pattaya. Most tourists want to stay out on the peninsula in the chock-a-block bungalows between Railei Beach and Ao Nang Beach (now accessible only by sea or the small public pathway that skirts the “private” Rayavadee hotel. Note the small fisherman’s shrine tucked into a limestone cliff on Ao Nang Beach – it's stuffed with an exotic variety of balad kik phallic offerings.
The population of Krabi is about 35,000 (that's about 1,500 Utopians).
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Krabi Travel Link UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2016
- 6 Pruksa Utit Rd
Call/Wechat/LINE/WhatsApp: +66(0) 86-689-8782, emailGay and lesbian-friendly travel company designing innovative itineraries in the Andaman sea area - Krabi, Phuket, Trang and Phanga. They are very happy to provide gay and lesbian tour information, where available. Accommodation, transfers and island hopping may be arranged. Nightlife and recommendations for restaurants in Krabi. Groups and FIT clients are welcome.
Add your review, comment, or correction
Click here for Krabi hotels and accommodations.
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Living Room
UTOPIA VERIFIED DEC 2018- Ao-nang (near Mother Marche and Moment hostel)
087-563-7931, emailGay bar serving well-presented cocktails in a warm and relaxed atmosphere, with a discreet ambience and outstanding service. Soft background music with mood lighting. Open daily from 9am-6pm for breakfast all day, noon-5pm for snacks, 6pm-midnight for the bar.
Utopia Member Benefit: ONE FREE COCKTAIL when you order at least two cocktails.
Add your review, comment, or correction
Lampang -- area code +66-54
Click here for Lampang hotels and accommodations.
Mae Hong Son
Click here for Mae Hong Son accommodations.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.
Click here for Nongkai, Sangkhom and Thabo accommodations.
- 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.
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- Some cruising may take place on the riverfront walk.
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Pak Chong / Khao Yai National Park (Nakhon Ratchasima)
Click here for Pak Chong accommodations.
PATTAYA
Click here for Pattaya listings.
Phang Nga
Click here for Phang Nga hotels and accommodations.Phi Phi Island
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This picture perfect tropical island in the middle of the Andaman Sea is just an hour by speedboat from Phuket or Krabi.
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Love Café Phi Phi UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2020
- Phi Phi Villa Resort reception area, Tonsai Ba
EmailGay and lesbian-friendly Love Café Phi Phi serves up hot and foamy cappuccinos, drinks with benefits, sensational smoothies, organic teas from Northern Thailand, luscious cocktails (including some unique tea and coffee based cocktails) all to a backdrop of great tunes. All real, however you like it: latté, espresso, cappuccino, machiata affogato, corretto, and with regular, soy or skinny milks. Passionate about coffee or chilled music - come and feel the love!
Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT.
Add your review, comment, or correction
Phimai
Click here for Phimai hotels and accommodations.
PHUKET ISLAND
Click here for Phuket Island listings.
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Click here for Prachuap Khiri Khan hotels and accommodations.Pranburi
Click here for Pranburi hotels and accommodations.Ratchaburi
Click here for Ratchaburi hotels and accommodations.
Rayong
Click here for Rayong hotels and accommodations.
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).
Trang
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The population of Trang is about 70,000 (that's about 3,000 Utopians).
Udon Thani
Click here for Udon Thani listings.
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Phnom Pehn's gay men-only boutique hotel, spa, pool and restaurant...
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QUNCI VILLAS, a gay-friendly, gay-managed tropical resort on the heavenly island of Lombak, just next to Bali...
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At Bangkok Pride 2023 (photo: Amp Puttipong)
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At Bangkok Pride 2023 (photo: Siam Pride)
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At Bangkok Pride 2023 (photo: Siam Pride)
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At Bangkok Pride 2023 (photo: Siam Pride)
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At Tokyo Rainbow Pride
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Dynamic duo at Cambodia Pride |
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Special photo exhibition by Mark Leighton!
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