Gay Phuket: pink guide
Phuket is one of the top destinations in the world for gay and lesbian travellers. Thailand in general, has a more accepting and open culture, which allows visitors to feel at home, regardless of sexual orientation. In fact, you will find katoeys, or ladyboys (transvestites and transsexuals) and toms (masculine lesbians) are not even given a second glance by Thais as they go about their daily business. For gay and lesbian tourists, Phuket is possibly the best place on earth to visit.
For those who prefer to holiday in a gay-specific area, you will definitely find what you are looking for at Patong beach, in and around Paradise Complex. There are plenty of gay-friendly hotels and guesthouses, clubs, massage parlours, go-go bars, discos, as well as restaurants and small bars here, where you can meet other gays and lesbians. A good, budget accommodation choice is the Swedish-owned Connect Guesthouse.
Some of the most popular clubs and bars include: Bingo, Boat Bar, Heaven Bar, J&B Bar, My Way, Passport, Spartacus, Tang Mo, Tarzan Bar and Young Shark Bar. Patong can have quite a seedy side at night, especially in this area; however, those looking for a more sedate holiday will also find many gay-friendly, quiet little bars and restaurants. Couples might be happier staying outside of Patong. There are few establishments catering specifically to lesbians, but a new company, Lesbian Adventures Thailand, aims to provide group and private tours for women.
Probably the best time of year to visit is during the Phuket Gay Pride Festival in February. Events include parades, volleyball competitions, island cruises, games and shows. In 2005, Phuket was host to The Nation V Party, the largest gay festival in Southeast Asia, which was in its previous years hosted in Singapore. It is yet undetermined if Phuket will host the party again in the future.
