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Travel & Resources: THAILAND

Please 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!

Advisory: Thailand is a welcoming place for gays, lesbians and transgenders who respect Thai laws and customs. Homosexuality here is not only largely a non-issue, but gay tourism is promoted now by the tourism authority, municipalities, and corporations, so you can see rainbow colors flying in most urban centers. LGBT have long been integrated 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 (although highly visible pot shops now legally serve medical-use marijuana) and surprise drug testing may take place at popular night spots.

Nudity at beaches, is against Thai custom, although nude leisure areas in saunas and onsen spas have steadily gained popularity with the Thai.

We follow the lead of the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote a positive image of Thailand for LGBT tourists and we stand united against the exploitation of women and children.


Thailand Listings by City:

Central: BANGKOK | PATTAYA
North: CHIANG MAI | CHIANG RAI
Isan: UDON THANI
South: PHUKET ISLAND | SAMUI ISLAND

Other cities and provinces listed below...

General Information

    Welcome to a country where it's no big deal who you fancy, but a very big deal how you behave.

    With highly visible gays, ladyboys, and tomboys everywhere you look, Thailand, not Disneyland, seems to be the happiest queer place on Earth. Yet Thai GLBT face the same challenges to gain respect and understanding as everywhere else. 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 approach not to dwell too seriously on sexual tastes, whereas historically recent complexes about homosexuality are largely imported from prissy colonials and religious fundamentalists.

    In the last century, Thai gays had little choice for social venues beyond commercial lounges and gogo bars. In the last 40+ years, however, the commercial scene has plateaued while a new generation of gay entrepreneurs have launched a wide variety of venues that cater to Thai gays and lesbians who want to socialize on a friendship basis. Visibility and popularity in media has also contributed to a more positive lifestyle for young GLBT and stimulated a boom in regional tourism from more conservative countries.

    In 1994 we launched Utopia as Southeast Asia's first gay and lesbian center in Bangkok with the first shop in the region to sell books and gifts specifically for LGBT. These days you'll find LGBT-branded lifestyle products everywhere around the Kingdom and plenty of mainstream businesses actively vying for the pink baht.

    GLBT issues were initially 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, while simultaneously combatting AIDS/HIV, continued with pioneering organizations 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 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 initially challenging.

  • AIDS/HIV organizations and information

  • Thailand Gay & Lesbian News Archive



    Articles and Publications


    Travel Services

    • Bangkok Fast Track UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2020
        Vipavadee Rangsit Rd
        084-120-5052, FAX 02-277-9458, email

        Gay-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 JUL 2025

    • Gay Travel OUT Adventures UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
        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

    • 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 JAN 2025
        +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: 10% DISCOUNT
        Add your review, comment, or correction



    Ayuttaya / Ayutthaya

    Popular Spots

    Accommodations


    BANGKOK



    Cha-Am and Hua Hin -- area code +66-32

    General Information

      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).


    Popular Spots

    Accommodations

        Click here for Hua Hin hotels and accommodations.



    CHIANG MAI



    Chiang Rai



    Chonburi

    Popular Spots

    Meeting Places

      • The Mangrove Forest Reserve



    Dansai (Loei)

    Popular Spots

    Attractions



    Hat Yai -- area code +66-74

    General Information

      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, and there's a little bit of local gay life visible in the mid-2020s. Phone apps are hopping and a convenient way to make rainbow connections.

      It's a short drive from here to the beaches and lakeside seafood eateries of neighboring Songkhla province.

      The population of Hat Yai is about 400,000 (that's about 16,000 Utopians).


    Massage and Spas


    Saunas

      • Elysium UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
          37/7-8 Sripoovanart Rd, Map
          37/73 อาคารสินเบญจพล
          +66 62-203-1415, email

          A friendly place to meet both locals and travelers (especially from Malaysia). Check their Facebook page for current opening times.
          Add your review, comment, or correction



    HUA HIN

      See listings under "Cha-am and Hua-Hin" above.



    Kanchanaburi

    Popular Spots

    Accommodations


    Khao Sok

    General Information

      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.


    Travel Services

    • Khao Sok Explorer UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2020
        Road 401
        Email

        Discover 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


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    Khon Kaen -- area code +66-43

    General Information

      The population of Khon Kaen is over 150,000 (that's about 6,000 Utopians).


    Popular Spots

    Accommodations

        Click here for Khon Kaen hotels and accommodations.


    Meeting Places



    Koh Chang (Trat)

    General Information

      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.


    Popular Spots

    Accommodations

        Click here for Koh Chang hotels and accommodations.


    Bars and Clubs

      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...


    Restaurants and Cafes

      • 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



    Koh Payam (Ranong)

    General Information

    Accommodations

        Click here for Koh Payam hotels and accommodations.



    Koh Phangan (Surat Thani)

    General Information

      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!


    Popular Spots

    Accommodations

        Click here for Koh Phangan hotels and accommodations.


    Bars and Clubs

      • L'Alcove Wine Bar & Bistro UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
          15/1 Moo 6, Hingkong Beach, Koh Phangan, Suratthani, Hinkong
          +66 94-579-3769

          This 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


    Meeting Places

      • 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)

    General Information

      Tropical island located 200km from Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand.


    Popular Spots

    Accommodations



    Koh Tao (Surat Thani)

    General Information

      Tropical island located near the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, about 2.5 hours by boat from Samui.


    Popular Spots

    Accommodations

        Click here for Koh Tao hotels and accommodations.



    Krabi -- area code +66-75

    General Information

      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).


    Popular Spots

    Accommodations


    ABars

      • Living Room
          Ao-nang (near Mother Marche and Moment hostel)
          087-563-7931, email

          Gay 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

    Popular Spots

    Accommodations

        Click here for Lampang hotels and accommodations.




    Mae Hong Son

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    Nongkhai, Sangkhom and Thabo -- area code +66-42

    General Information

      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.


    Popular Spots

    Accommodations

          Click here for Nongkai, Sangkhom and Thabo accommodations.


    Attractions


      • 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.
          Add your review, comment, or correction


    Meeting Places



    Pak Chong / Khao Yai National Park (Nakhon Ratchasima)

    Popular Spots

    Accommodations



    PATTAYA



    Phang Nga

    General Information

    Accommodations

        Click here for Phang Nga hotels and accommodations.



    Phi Phi Island

    General Information

      This picture perfect tropical island in the middle of the Andaman Sea is just an hour by speedboat from Phuket or Krabi.


    Popular Spots

    Restaurants and Cafes

      • Love Café Phi Phi UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2020
          Phi Phi Villa Resort reception area, Tonsai Ba
          Email

          Gay 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

    General Information

    Accommodations

        Click here for Phimai hotels and accommodations.



    PHUKET ISLAND



    Prachuap Khiri Khan

    General Information

    Accommodations

        Click here for Prachuap Khiri Khan hotels and accommodations.



    Pranburi

    General Information

    Accommodations

        Click here for Pranburi hotels and accommodations.



    Ratchaburi

    Popular Spots

    Accommodations

        Click here for Ratchaburi hotels and accommodations.




    Rayong

    Popular Spots

    Accommodations



    SAMUI ISLAND



    Sukhothai

    General Information

      The population of Sukhothai is about 40,000 (that's close to 2,000 Utopians).



    Trang

    General Information

      The population of Trang is about 70,000 (that's about 3,000 Utopians).



    Udon Thani



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    Bangkok Pride 2023

    At Bangkok Pride (photo: Amp Puttipong)

    Bangkok Pride 2023

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