Visit Thailand: The Complete LGBT Travel Guide

From the streets of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) to the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket, LGBT travelers love Thailand's outstanding landscape and welcoming hospitality ✊ This is because the country has a loyal fan base of LGBT travelers of all streaks 🌈

Thailand is a highly flexible country, where sexual orientation is considered a personal intention 🗣️ Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, non-binary, and all the LGBT community are approved as part of the whole 🌈 Consequently, it is a prime LGBT tourist destination, with Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) frequently called the "LGBT Capital of Southeast Asia." ✊

The "Land of Smiles" is a place that all are constantly happy to visit as a destination that delivers so much to LGBT travelers ✊ So, I have composed this complete LGBT guide to Thailand, selecting the best LGBT scenes across the country, the best LGBT occasions to look out for, lots of enthusiasm for the best activities to do, and other useful evidence for LGBT travelers 🌈 So, check it out and don't hesitate to tell me what you think! 🗣️

 

LGBT-Friendly Thailand 

Thailand offers something for everyone, crazy nightlife, boutique shopping, elegant hotels and spas, and much more. It is one of the few countries on earth where the LGBT nightlife scene is as crazy as wild! 🌈

Even if it’s not typically your thing, you have to begin at least by visiting one of the countless cabarets, clubs, bars, karaoke, or go-go bars to see how adopting Thai culture, in general, is to the LGBT community ✊ The abundance of roof-top bars and dining, world-class spas, eternity pools, and cheap luxury hotels are equally tempting, all with the same LGBT favor! 🗣️

In terms of public toleration and acceptance of homosexuality, Thailand is one of the most LGBT welcoming countries in Asia. As in many countries, acceptance of LGBT individuals is more widespread in urban areas, such as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) 🌈

As a whole, Thai people value intention and non-confrontation, so no one should give you any hassle for being seen together. That said, public displays of affection – both straight and LGBT – are frowned upon 🗣️

 

🏳️‍🌈 Quick Trivia! 

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) is, most of the time, a party city. Clubs and bars rock from night till morning, and the bustling LGBT scene is an attraction for party-goers from around the globe. Whether you fancy a cocktail in an upscale bar or a short race in a back-to-basics throw-down, there’s something for everyone in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok)'s LGBT club scene.

 

LGBT Rights in Thailand

Overall, Thailand has advanced LGBT laws, easily making it one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in Asia. For example, homosexuality was legalized in 1956 and then declassified as a disorder in 2002 ✊ Similarly, extensive anti-discrimination laws were inducted in 2015. The LGBT community has been enabled to serve openly in the military since 2005, and civil union laws are on the verge of being launched 🌈

In the transgender community, the right to change legal gender is also being introduced 🗣️ Still, despite the lack of comprehensive laws about this, Thailand continues to be a haven for the transgender community in Asia 🌈 All the trans men and women in Asia strived to come to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) for a better life and, at least, to have the best surgeries ✊ 

Thailand still has a way to go when it comes to same-sex marriage, especially when correlated to its more liberal Asian neighbor, Taiwan, which became the first place in Asia to introduce LGBT marriage laws in 2019 🗣️ However, by Asian standards, Thailand remains one of the few LGBT-friendly hubs in Asia 🌈

 

Best LGBT Scenes in Thailand

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok)

The LGBT scene of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) is generally based in Silom around two pedestrianized streets: "Silom Soi 4," where all the gay bars of the city are based, and "Silom Soi 2," where the city's gay clubs like DJ Station can be found. 🌈

The gay scene of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) is busy virtually every night of the week ✊ One of the prominent bars in Silom Soi 4 is Stranger Bar, which has the best drag shows. Also, check out Telephone and Balcony Bars, each with large outdoor balconies facing each other geared towards people watching 🗣️

 

Phuket

Phuket is the largest and most famous of Thailand's many islands. It also has the biggest LGBT scene outside Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), largely based in Patong 🗣️ The Paradise Complex comprises a few pedestrianized roads full of gay hangouts like Boat Bar and ZAG club ✊

A few blocks away is Patong Beach, where all the hot speedo-clad guys hang out during the daytime. Most people love the LGBT scene of Phuket because every evening in the Paradise Complex, there's an outdoor show by the pretty GoGo boy dancers 🌈

 

Pattaya

Pattaya has a huge significance amongst LGBT travelers. It is where to head to discover some of the hottest and raunchiest GoGo Bar for the night ahead 🗣️ The LGBT scene is spread over 3 areas; BoyzTown Pattaya, Sunee Plaza, and the other area are more geared to LGBT travelers who just want to drink and socialize 🌈

The Jomtien Complex comprises the Dongtan Beach of Pattaya nearby and bars like At Home Bar and Dick's Cafe Jomtien. Pattaya is also home to the popular cabaret Tiffany's Show, which also hosts two leading beauty pageants for drag queens and transgender females: Miss Tiffany's Universe and Miss International Queen ✊

 

Koh Samet

Koh Samet has evolved into Thailand's unofficial "LGBT Island" because it's the closest island to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) and takes 3-4 hours by car 🗣️ It's the thing to do for those living in the city: get a group of friends together, rent a van and drive over to Koh Samet for a weekend LGBT beach party getaway ✊

As such, the island has developed a great LGBT scene, incredibly along the Ao Tubtim beach, which is packed with speedo-clad guys on weekends 🌈 The Silver Sands Hotel has become one big LGBT dancing venue on Friday and Saturday evenings in terms of parties.

 

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is Thailand's second-biggest city and is well-known for being the country's cultural hub ✊ It has over 300 Buddhist temples, which you can find within the walled historical center. One of the most famous temples in the area is "Wat Phra That Doi Suthep," located on a mountainside approximately 13 km from the city, and offering a view overlooking the city 🗣️ The powerful Buddhist religious environment and the cool mountain climate make Chiang Mai an outstanding yoga sanctuary 🌈

There is even a minor LGBT scene here to check out with Adam's Apple Club and Secrets Bar. Another highlight is getting close up with elephants with an ethical organization like the Elephant Nature Park 🗣️

 

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a highly popular destination among tourists in Thailand, in part due to its feature in the 2000 movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio ✊ Right here on small Phi Phi is where one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world is inferred to be – Maya Bay Cove on Phi Phi Leh, and surely it is truly remarkable 🗣️

With crystal clear turquoise waters and white sand, tons of tourists are also seeking it out 🗣️ Nevertheless, as most people visit on a day trip and leave after 4:30 pm, this is the best time to visit to have it all to yourself. Just note there is nowhere to stay, so anyone needing to spend the night here can just do so on a boat 🌈

 

Krabi

Krabi has one of the unique beaches in Thailand: Railay Beach. It's not only picture-perfect; stunning limestone karsts also surround it 🗣️ It's an excellent background for your holiday snaps or a desktop background picture ✊

Furthermore, those phallic-like karsts attract hot mountain-climbing hunks from all around the world 🗣️ The Wat Tham Sua "Tiger Cave" is another outstanding attraction in Krabi that is worth visiting 🌈 It is part of a temple complex where monks live and worship within a maze of natural caves surrounded by lush jungle.

 

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is one of the 3 main islands in the Gulf of Thailand on the southeast side 🗣️ The other two are Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Koh Samui is a chilled island that has become one of the most distinguished destinations for LGBT travelers to Thailand in recent years ✊

The Alpha Resort has become a kind of establishment on the island for the LGBT community, spearheading the Koh Samui Pride in April. The island moreover has LGBT bars to check out. One of them is the Pride Bar ✊ Another highlight in Koh Samui is getting up close with elephants, which we recommend doing with an ethical organization like the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, where you can bathe them, hug them, and feed them 🌈

 

Koh Tao

Koh Tao island is found close to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. It is famous for its Bohemian vibe and scuba diving due to the many reasonable diving schools here 🗣️

It's also a beautiful island to visit, not just for the underwater world but also for the many elegant seasides 🌈 The most popular beach on the island is Sairee Beach on the island's west side. More secluded beaches worth checking out on Koh Tao contain Freedom Beach in the south and the more remote Ao Tanote in the east ✊

 

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is an island close to the Malaysian border in the southwest ✊ As it's pretty isolated and protracted to reach, it's not as busy as other Thai islands. But it is to be very LGBT-friendly, and you will also see many LGBT couples on vacation there 🌈

Sunrise Beach is just one of the best beaches to stay on the island as it has the most transparent waters and the cleanest beach ✊ It is enclosed by strong coral, rich with life, and standard for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Facing Koh Lipe is its remote larger neighbor, Koh Adang, just 10 minutes away by tail boat. You may love to visit Koh Adang as a day trip from Koh Lipe for snorkeling, jungle trekking, and just chilling on its remote beaches 🗣️

 

LGBT Pride in Thailand

LGBT Pride Events in Thailand aren't as big as the circuit parties during NYE and Songkran. However, several that take place throughout the year are worth checking out 🌈

 

Chiang Mai Pride (February)

Chiang Mai Pride has a relatively bitter history. The 2009 Pride event was left due to the threat of violence from the "red shirt" homophobic thugs 🗣️ However, Chiang Mai Pride has become a pin every February in Thailand's spiritual city ✊ It encompasses a large parade through the city, rising larger and more prominent each year.

 

Pattaya International Pride Rainbow Festival (February)

The Pattaya Pride Rainbow Festival is organized by the Bangkok Rainbow Organisation, which also organizes the ad hoc Bangkok Pride Cruise 🗣️ It usually takes place in mid-February to occur simultaneously with Valentine's Day. It includes free concerts, performances, a fantastic colorful parade, tons of parties, and lots and lots of fierce Queens 🌈

 

Phuket Pride (April)

Phuket Pride takes place in April, just after the Songkran festivities have been finalized. Most will head to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) for the Songkran Circuit parties in mid-April, then fly over to Phuket for the beach parties alongside Phuket Pride ✊

Phuket Pride is not only the most excellent of all of Thailand's Pride events, but it is also one of the busiest, attracting many people  🌈

 

Koh Samui Songkran Pride (April)

Koh Samui Pride takes place during the month of Songkran. It contains parties and a parade, privately organized by the amazing Alpha Resort Hotel 🗣️ Suppose you don't want to be devastated by lots of Speedo-clad bodies on the streets of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) during Songkran. In that case, I propose heading to Koh Samui instead for a more chilled version of LGBT Songkran 🌈

Pride Bar is one of the island's LGBT bars and it is one of the focal points of all the parties during Koh Samui Pride 🗣️ Also, be sure to join the Koh Samui Pride Facebook Group for the latest info ✊

 

Bangkok Pride Cruise (December)

The great Bangkok Rainbow Organisation attempts to organize numerous ad hoc LGBT Pride Parties around the capital throughout the year 🌈 This is super significant given that the capital city is one of the LGBT places globally that doesn't have an official government-supported Pride event! 🗣️

The major one is the Bangkok Pride Cruise in December, which takes place along the Chao Phraya River on a four-story party boat with two different stages and room for 320 people. Make sure to check their Facebook page for details of the next event ✊

 

Top LGBT Parties in Thailand

Thailand has one of the best LGBT parties in all of Asia ✊ From the Songkran water parties in April to New Year's Eve when the LGBT hotspots like Silom Soi 4 in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) become one large wonderful street party 🌈

 

Miss International Queen final in Pattaya (March)

This is one of the world's biggest international beauty pageants for transgender women 🗣️ It takes place in Pattaya as part of the famous Tiffany's Show 🌈 The final takes place in March when the Queen is crowned.

 

Songkran G Circuit and Songkran Festival (April)

Songkran is the Buddhist New Year festival taking place on the 12-15th of April. It is traditionally celebrated by throwing water over each other, which symbolizes washing away the awful luck from the previous year ✊

And one of the biggest LGBT dance festivals in all of Asia occurs during Songkran: G Circuit 🗣️ It is an epic few days of parties, attracting over 20,000 LGBT visitors from all around the world, making April the most outstanding month for LGBT travelers to visit Thailand 🌈

 

Circuit Pattaya (June)

If you didn't make it to the G Circuit for Songkran in April, fear not; Circuit Festival Asia organizes another big LGBT party in Pattaya every June ✊ The festival contains 4 days of beach parties, world-class DJs, and bunches of world-class LGBT performers. It also captions a large LGBT "Waterpark" beach party, like the famous Waterpark party during Barcelona's Circuit in August 🌈

 

Miss Tiffany’s Universe final in Pattaya (July)

Miss Tiffany's in Pattaya hosts one of the best cabaret shows throughout the year ✊ Still, the supreme one to check out is the final for the "Miss Tiffany's Universe" beauty pageant for Thai transgender women 🌈

It began in 1984 and is available to all transgender women whether they've had gender reassignment surgery or not. In March, the crowned winner then represents Thailand and competes in the "Miss International Queen" pageant 🗣️

 

Mr. Gay Thailand Finals (November)

Thailand is a strong partaker in the annual Mr. Gay World beauty pageant ✊ The competition to crown Mr. Gay Thailand is organized by the Bangkok Rainbow Organisation and takes place every November.

While the "Mr. Gay World Thailand" is a beauty pageant event at its core, which only represents 50% of what it's all about 🗣️ The other 50% is about social community work. Each participant is pursuing an understanding of several problems influencing the LGBT community, such as cyberbullying and gender equality 🌈

 

White Party Bangkok (December)

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) is the place to celebrate NYE 🗣️ Most people like to come there just after Christmas and see the New Year in Silom Soi 4, which becomes one big LGBT street party on NYE ✊

During this time, the Circuit White Party events take place. They kick off on Boxing Day and have a large themed party every night until NYE. Picture thousands of hot shirtless men dancing to pumping beats in a massive venue with many drag/GoGo boy performances 🌈

 

Best LGBT-Friendly Beaches in Thailand

Pattaya Jomtien Beach 

Jomtien Beach, which is located just south of Pattaya, is one of the most popular beaches in Thailand 🗣️ The area, apart from being idyllic and an LGBT hot spot, features a range of restaurants and bars, ideal for after you are done sunbathing 🌈

 

Dongtan Beach 

Another famous beach is Dongtan, located at Jomtien too. Both LGBT locals and travelers like this gorgeous location, and the area are the busiest around 6 pm 🌈 Similarly, it is easily attainable through public transportation ✊

 

Chaweng Beach 

This 7 km long beach is Koh Samui's most developed and prominent one ✊ Featuring a wide range of bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities, it makes the perfect holiday location for LGBT visitors 🌈

 

Lamai Beach

A quieter LGBT beach of Koh Samui is Lamai 🌈 South of the Island is calm white-sanded heaven, also submitting restaurant options and street food choices for foodies 🗣️

 

Patong Beach

If you found yourself in Phuket looking for another LGBT-friendly beach, then head for Patong ✊ In the heart of the island's west coast, this 3.5 km long beach captivates many local LGBT individuals and travelers, creating an ideal environment for socializing under the sunshine 🌈

LGBT-Friendly Dining in Bangkok

Thailand has a very LGBT-friendly vibe, and with so many places to explore, there is no need to limit yourself 🗣️  However, there are a few of the more important places for LGBT travelers that you should try to visit, eat and get merry; the best way to experience Thailand is through your taste buds, after all 🌈

 

Colonnade at the Sukhothai 

Sundays are made for brunch, and no one does it better than the Sukhothai Bangkok with its endless drinks, stepping Bloody Marys, delicious food, and live jazz ✊ Full of hungover LGBT visitors and their entourages, this is rapidly becoming an institution that is not to be missed 🌈

 

Fork and Cork by Sphinx 

A gay-owned institution on Silom Soi 4 🗣️ With delicious Thai and international food, chic interior design, a great selection of cocktails, and its location close to all the LGBT bars, this is a great place for meals and pre-drinks before a big night out 🌈

 

Afternoon Tea at The Erawan Tea Room 

Coming to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) for advanced dignity over the indulgent nightlife? ✊ Then you need to experience the best of Thai and Western cuisine at the Grand Hyatt’s acclaimed tea room 🗣️ Experience a unique mix of Asian creativity and old-world charm as you dine at “one of the world’s best high teas.” Erawan Tea Room is a unique space and the perfect way to spend a comfortable afternoon 🌈

 

Bangkok Sky Dining Buffet 

Head to the 76th & 78th floor to experience an extensive buffet of seafood, Thai dishes, sushi, salads, pizza, pasta, cheese, and desserts, all with a 360-degree view of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) ✊ Arguably the best place to view the Bangkok skyline and an incredible dining memory you will never forget 🌈

 

Where to Stay in Thailand? 

There is a large number of LGBT-friendly Hotels and perfect accommodations in Thailand 🗣️ As a world executive in LGBT tourism, some hotels and hostels cater to every type of traveler. It would be unheard of for any hotel or guesthouse to have an issue with LGBT couples checking it 🌈

 

SO Sofitel Bangkok

An internationally renowned luxury hotel that is very prominent among LGBT travelers looking for a splash of luxury ✊ Bangkok’s So Sofitel hosts many LGBT parties throughout the year, including Sundance Asia,  GCircuit, and Hi-So Rainbow, but the real drawcards are the scenic views of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) and Lumpini Park; its infinity pool, and an on-site spa 🗣️ The HI-SO Rooftop Bar is a drawcard in its own right and a must-visit even if you’re not staying here 🌈

 

W Bangkok 

Popular with fashionistas, and the international jet-set, especially for LGBT travelers, the W Bangkok bills itself as a luxury urban playground in Silom ✊ Unique interior design and wonderful vibes make any stay here quickly remarkable. There is a popular on-site bar, restaurants, and outdoor pool furnishing options for every traveler 🌈

 

Hotel Muse 

Located in Central Siam with its slick 1920s nostalgia styling and rooftop pool, the Hotel Muse is quickly becoming the place for gay travelers to stay in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) 🗣️ With a famed rooftop bar, grandly appointed rooms, and outstanding on-site restaurants all harking back to the golden age of travel and hospitality, you will never want to leave 🌈

 

Urbana Sathorn 

The Urbana Sathorn is a popular accommodation option for LGBT travelers due to its luxury amenities, including an enormous pool and incredible views of the Bangkok skyline 🌈 Their modern suites come with all the usual luxuries and a washing machine. The hotel is known not to mind a group of friends joining you before or after a night out for a drink in your room in central Sathorn ✊

 

Babylon 

Babylon is an entirely LGBT complex in Sathorn famous the world over 🌈 There is so much on offer here you may never leave. Babylon is everything to everyone with wonderful hotel rooms, a bathhouse, massage, bar, restaurant, pool, and more 🗣️ Named for having one of ‘the most beautiful saunas in the world,’ expect hunky men in a speedo or less ✊

 

Red Planet Surawong

Red Planet is another popular 3-star alternative near Silom, which many LGBT travelers opt for 🗣️ Clean, new rooms with all the luxuries you could need and a short walk to the bars, clubs, and Skytrain for access further around the city 🌈

 

The Yard Hostel 

An LGBT-popular design hotel located off the beaten track in Ari, perfect for averting all the tourists 🗣️ There is cheap bike rental, BBQ facilities, an in-house library, and a free suitcase warehouse after leaving for up to two months if you are scheduling a bigger trip around LGBT Thailand 🌈

 

GN Luxury Hostel

A product of enthusiastic people who expect to offer a luxury hostel, a perfect variety of eateries, and a dormitory 🌈 Here, style joins comforts with all room types are decorated with the highest standard with plenty of cool people to meet and make plans with ✊

Why do LGBT Couples Visit Thailand?

White-Sand Beaches

Along its peninsular south alone, The Land of Smiles shows off more beaches than any Southeast Asian destination ✊ In Phuket, anyone can drink fresh coconut water on popular Patong Beach by day and throwback shots of Sangsom with local Kathoey by night 🗣️ In Krabi, a more friendly vacation awaits LGBT jet setters, with many resorts only available by longtail boat 🌈

Sea kayaking, snorkeling, and even scuba diving are ready at both destinations 🗣️ Meanwhile, most LGBT travelers flock to Thailand’s various islands, such as Koh Tao and Koh Samui, to indulge in the azure waters, cheap beer, and full moon parties ✊

 

Tropical Jungles

Eco-tourism has a long history in Thailand, where the sensitive Asian elephant still wanders in the green tropical jungles 🗣️ The country’s mountainous north is incredibly well known for its cool-climate countryside. Fields carpeted in rice paddies collide with jungle and mountain ✊ LGBT hikers looking to explore this agricultural region are frequently cited with picturesque waterfalls and a menagerie of different birds, butterflies, and beautiful wildlife.

 

Queer-Welcoming Cities

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) is both the country’s capital and the beating heart of its LGBT scene ✊ While the bustling city may not be for everyone, visitors are fascinated by its mixture of modernism and tradition more frequently than not 🗣️ For example, you’ll see some monks shopping in the city’s countless megamalls and BMWs parked in front of centuries-old Buddhist temples 🌈

A rapid train (the MRT or BTS) leads locals between skyscrapers, The Grand Palace, and the Chao Phraya River 🗣️ For those looking to enjoy the city’s LGBT nightlife, head to Silom 2 near the Central Business District 🌈

 

Spicy Cuisine

You may let your taste buds lead you around the world 🗣️ And, like so many before, your taste buds may have overseen you to Thailand, where a melody of fiery chilies, salty fish sauce, fresh sugar cane, and tangy citrus fruits paint a culinary art 🌈

In Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and other northern provinces, you'll expect tropical curries ✊ Meanwhile, fresh seafood is cooked with lemongrass and chilies in the south. If you want an original taste of Thailand's famous cuisine, don't miss the street food there 🌈

 

The “Land of Smiles” warmly welcomes everyone with an open heart without discrimination 🗣️ There are many things to see and do for the LGBT community, from stunning landscapes to mind-blowing party scenes and mouth-watering food. May this LGBT guide be helpful for those planning to visit Thailand and make their visit memorable 🌈

 

🏳️‍🌈 LGBT Vocabulary Time! 

Backdrop
: lie behind or beyond; serve as a background to

 

Fabulous
: extraordinary, especially extraordinarily large

 

Homosexual
: sexually attracted to people of one's sex

 

Transgender
:  a general term used torefer to individuals whose gender identity, or their personal sense of being male, female, or another gender, does not correspond with the gender assigned to them based on their biological sex at birth

 

Vibe
: enjoy oneself by listening to or dancing to popular music