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Thailand Gay Travel

From the streets of Bangkok to the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket, gay travellers love Thailand's diverse landscape.

Thailand has a devoted fan base of gay and lesbian travellers of all stripes. From its white-sand beaches to its preserved tropical jungles, queer-welcoming cities and, of course, spicy cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

White-Sand Beaches

Along its peninsular south alone, The Land of Smiles boasts more beaches than any other Southeast Asian destination. In Phuket, hedonists can drink fresh coconut water on popular Patong Beach by day and throw back shots of Sangsom with local Kathoey (drag queens) by night. In Krabi, a more peaceful respite awaits LGBT jet setters, with many resorts only accessible by longtail boat. Sea kayaking, snorkelling and even scuba diving are available at both destinations. Meanwhile, baby gays flock to Thailand’s numerous islands, such as Koh Tao and Koh Samui, to indulge in the azure waters, cheap beer and full moon parties (a wild affair popularized by Leonard Decaprio’s cult classic, The Beach).

Tropical Jungles

Eco-tourism has a long history in Thailand, where the endangered Asian elephant roams in the lush (but slowly shrinking) tropical jungles. The country’s mountainous north is particularly well known for its cool-climate countryside. Fields carpeted in rice paddies collide with jungle and mountain. Gay hikers looking to explore this agricultural region are often rewarded with picturesque waterfalls and a menagerie of exotic birds, butterflies and adorable wildlife.

Queer-Welcoming Cities

Bangkok is the country’s capital and the beating heart of its LGBT scene. While the noisy city isn’t for everyone, more often than not, visitors are enthralled by its blend of modernism and tradition. For example, you’ll see saffron-clad monks shopping the city’s numerous megamalls and BMWs parked in front of centuries-old Buddhist temples. A sophisticated rapid train (the MRT) ushers locals between skyscrapers, The Grand Palace and the Chao Phraya River. For those looking to savour the city’s gay nightlife, head to Silom 2 near the Central Business District. In our opinion, Silom 2 offers one of the most (if not the most) welcoming and accessible gay scenes throughout Asia.

Spicy Cuisine

At Out Adventures HQ, we have a popular saying: Travel Stomach First. In other words, we let our taste buds lead us worldwide. And, like so many before us, our taste buds have led us to Thailand, where a symphony of fiery chillies, salty fish sauce, fresh sugar cane and tangy citrus fruits paint a culinary masterpiece. In Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and other northern provinces, you’ll love the tropical curries. Meanwhile, in the south, freshly hooked seafood is grilled with lemongrass and chillies. If you want an authentic taste of Thailand’s famous cuisine, we highly recommend booking a popular street food tour, guided market visit or Thai cooking class.


Quick Facts

  • Capital City: Bangkok
  • Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
  • Languages: Thai
  • Best Time of Year to Visit: Winter (November to March)

LGBT Rights in Thailand

Gay Thailand Travel

Best Places to Visit in Thailand

More Info

Despite Thailand’s open arms policy towards gay foreigners, LGBT locals still fight for equal rights and protections. A divide exists between how gay westerners and gay locals are treated.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Other Type of Partnership
Right to Change Gender: Illegal
Same-Sex Adoption: Married Couples Only
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal in Some Contexts
Equal Age of Consent: Equal

Thailand is an exceptional destination for gay travellers. Most major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and even Patong (Phuket), have vibrant gay scenes with colourful nightlife – their cabarets are world-renowned! Even smaller cities tend to have gay-welcoming bars frequented by locals and tourists.

Gay Villages in Thailand

Bangkok: Silom (Specifically Soi 2 and Soi 4)
Phuket: The Paradise Complex
Chiang Mai: Night Market Area (Specifically Charoenprathet Alley 6 and Charoenprathet Road)
Pattaya: BoyzTown, Sunee Plaza and Jomtien Complex

Gay Pride/Events in Thailand

White Party Bangkok: Annual in December
Phuket Pride: Annually in April
TropOut Phuket: Annually in April
Pattaya Pride Rainbow Festival: Annually in February

Best Gay Beaches in Thailand

Pattaya: Dongtan Beach
Phuket: Pa Tong beach in front of “La Flora Resort Patong” 

Best Gay Bars in Thailand

Bangkok: Telephone Club 
Bangkok: Fake Club
Bangkok: White Rabbit
Chiang Mai: Ram Bar
Chiang Mai: Secrets Bar
Chiang Mai: Pandee Gay Bar
Chiang Mai: Sound Up (Club)
Phuket: Boat Bar
Phuket: Zag Bar (Men only)

Best Lesbian Bars/Events in Thailand

Bangkok: Lesla at Chit Chat (Thailand’s largest Lesbian monthly event)
Bangkok: Vega Cafe (Lesbian-owned cafe/bar with Karaoke. Mixed crowd.)
Bangkok: Go Grrrls (Lesbian monthly parties)

5. Koh Samui

Home of the infamous Full Moon Party, Koh Samui is a long-celebrated tropical oasis. Koh Samui tends to be populated by younger backpackers. Still, the shockingly beautiful island has plenty to offer seasoned travellers as well including some of the country’s best snorkelling and scuba diving.

4. Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s premiere resort island and has one of the country’s largest gay scenes. The main drag is buzzing – often overcrowded – and not worth much of your time. However, renting a scooter and exploring the island’s less-visited sections may lead to secret beaches, memorable food experiences and some incredible Andaman vantages.

3. Chiang Rai

On the cusp of Myanmar and Laos sits the province of Chiang Rai. Climb the region’s colourful mountains or descend into its lush valleys and the snaking Mekong.

2. Chiang Mai

When you’ve had just about enough of Bangkok’s frenzy, take shelter in calming Chiang Mai. This northern capital is distinctly Thai and has a wide range of cultural activities to keep visitors entertained.

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is the true epicentre of Gay Asia and the East’s answer to ‘The City that Never Sleeps.’ It is a thrilling extravaganza full of cultural highlights, historical sights, gastronomic delights and BIG city nights. After a day exploring the sprawling city, head to Silom for some of the best gay nightlife in all of Asia, including world-class Cabarets and drag shows, exceptional gay bars and dangerously packed gay clubs.

Best Time to Visit: Winter (Nov-Mar) is the ideal time to visit Thailand. Temperatures are cooler, and – depending on which side of the country you visit – there’s less chance of rain. Even then, it will be hot and sticky, with daytime temperatures exceeding 30C/85F.

Electricity: A-, B-, and C-type sockets.

Time Zone: (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Thailand, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Visas: A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to Thailand for fewer than 30 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the traveller’s responsibility.

Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
LGBT Rights in Thailand

Despite Thailand’s open arms policy towards gay foreigners, LGBT locals still fight for equal rights and protections. A divide exists between how gay westerners and gay locals are treated.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Other Type of Partnership
Right to Change Gender: Illegal
Same-Sex Adoption: Married Couples Only
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal in Some Contexts
Equal Age of Consent: Equal

Gay Thailand Travel

Thailand is an exceptional destination for gay travellers. Most major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and even Patong (Phuket), have vibrant gay scenes with colourful nightlife – their cabarets are world-renowned! Even smaller cities tend to have gay-welcoming bars frequented by locals and tourists.

Gay Villages in Thailand

Bangkok: Silom (Specifically Soi 2 and Soi 4)
Phuket: The Paradise Complex
Chiang Mai: Night Market Area (Specifically Charoenprathet Alley 6 and Charoenprathet Road)
Pattaya: BoyzTown, Sunee Plaza and Jomtien Complex

Gay Pride/Events in Thailand

White Party Bangkok: Annual in December
Phuket Pride: Annually in April
TropOut Phuket: Annually in April
Pattaya Pride Rainbow Festival: Annually in February

Best Gay Beaches in Thailand

Pattaya: Dongtan Beach
Phuket: Pa Tong beach in front of “La Flora Resort Patong” 

Best Gay Bars in Thailand

Bangkok: Telephone Club 
Bangkok: Fake Club
Bangkok: White Rabbit
Chiang Mai: Ram Bar
Chiang Mai: Secrets Bar
Chiang Mai: Pandee Gay Bar
Chiang Mai: Sound Up (Club)
Phuket: Boat Bar
Phuket: Zag Bar (Men only)

Best Lesbian Bars/Events in Thailand

Bangkok: Lesla at Chit Chat (Thailand’s largest Lesbian monthly event)
Bangkok: Vega Cafe (Lesbian-owned cafe/bar with Karaoke. Mixed crowd.)
Bangkok: Go Grrrls (Lesbian monthly parties)

Best Places to Visit in Thailand

5. Koh Samui

Home of the infamous Full Moon Party, Koh Samui is a long-celebrated tropical oasis. Koh Samui tends to be populated by younger backpackers. Still, the shockingly beautiful island has plenty to offer seasoned travellers as well including some of the country’s best snorkelling and scuba diving.

4. Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s premiere resort island and has one of the country’s largest gay scenes. The main drag is buzzing – often overcrowded – and not worth much of your time. However, renting a scooter and exploring the island’s less-visited sections may lead to secret beaches, memorable food experiences and some incredible Andaman vantages.

3. Chiang Rai

On the cusp of Myanmar and Laos sits the province of Chiang Rai. Climb the region’s colourful mountains or descend into its lush valleys and the snaking Mekong.

2. Chiang Mai

When you’ve had just about enough of Bangkok’s frenzy, take shelter in calming Chiang Mai. This northern capital is distinctly Thai and has a wide range of cultural activities to keep visitors entertained.

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is the true epicentre of Gay Asia and the East’s answer to ‘The City that Never Sleeps.’ It is a thrilling extravaganza full of cultural highlights, historical sights, gastronomic delights and BIG city nights. After a day exploring the sprawling city, head to Silom for some of the best gay nightlife in all of Asia, including world-class Cabarets and drag shows, exceptional gay bars and dangerously packed gay clubs.

More Info

Best Time to Visit: Winter (Nov-Mar) is the ideal time to visit Thailand. Temperatures are cooler, and – depending on which side of the country you visit – there’s less chance of rain. Even then, it will be hot and sticky, with daytime temperatures exceeding 30C/85F.

Electricity: A-, B-, and C-type sockets.

Time Zone: (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Thailand, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Visas: A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to Thailand for fewer than 30 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the traveller’s responsibility.

Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.


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Reviews

Some from our travellers

Anthony A.

There are many awesome activities

Thailand: Songkran Water Festival
Rating:

Be prepared for the intense heat! There are many awesome activities, but some are more commercial than others. At times, you will feel like the typical tourist, and at other times you will feel like you are truly experiencing the Thai culture.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
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MEALS:
GUIDE:
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Jeff P

A trip of a lifetime.

Thailand: Temples & Beaches
Rating:

A trip of a lifetime. Out Adventers’ gay Thailand tour is a very good sampling of the Thai culture from the people, food, religion and history.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
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MEALS:
GUIDE:
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David D

No better way to experience Thailand

Thailand: Temples & Beaches
Rating:

There is no better way to experience Thailand if you’re a member of the LGBT community looking to explore the world in-depth and in-style.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
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MEALS:
GUIDE:
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Jim S & Joe C

Beautiful country

Thailand: Temples & Beaches
Rating:

Beautiful country. Great food. Fun people. A great cultural experience. Fun exposure to the local gay scene

ACCOMMODATIONS:
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MEALS:
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Daniel & MIchael

A luxurious tour

Thailand: New Year Celebration
Rating:

Everything was attended to!

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MEALS:
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Ec Z

A great way to cover a lot of ground

Thailand: New Year Celebration
Rating:

It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground in countries that might be daunting, or impossible to negotiate otherwise. Deluxe, comfortable, professional, fun.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
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Alex S

Such an excellent guide!

Thailand: New Year Celebration
Rating:

We had such an excellent tour leader. He went to great lengths to ensure we were all enjoying ourselves and was very knowledgeable about the country and its history.

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Steven K

Adventure shared with like minded guys.

Thailand: New Year Celebration
Rating:

It was a perfectly scheduled adventure shared with like minded guys.

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Andrew S & Jimmy Y

A wonderful trip to Thailand

Thailand: New Year Celebration
Rating:

A wonderful trip to Thailand that provided a great way to experience different places, with literally everything organized for us. Tony was a fabulous host who worked hard to ensure that everyone had an amazing time. We’d thoroughly recommend this trip and are looking forward to our next Out adventure.

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