Thailand

Gay Bangkok for First Timers – The Nomadic Boys

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Gay Bangkok for First Timers - The Nomadic Boys

Our guide to gay Bangkok 2023 has all the information you need including the best gay hotels to stay, gay bars, where to play and practical safety tips.

Gay Bangkok Guide for First Time Visitors

“OMG Stefan, we almost hit that car…I can’t…I’m going to keep my eyes firmly closed! Just let me know when we’ve arrived safely at Stranger Bar while I pray to the gay gods for safe passage…”

Nothing beats the rush of adrenaline as we whizzed through the CRAZY traffic jams of Bangkok hanging on for dear life inside a cutesy tuk-tuk with its driver smiling at these two hysterical giggling foreigners in the back…

We both love it – the feeling of the humid, almost putrid air hitting your face as you swerve from one end of the street to the other, car horns manically beeping at each other.

We’ll be frank, Bangkok is by no means a pretty city. Our initial reaction on our first visit was: what a hot mess! It’s polluted, it’s dirty, rats compete for space on the busy pavements, the traffic is mad, and concrete blocks line the streets as far as your eyes can see.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

Thailand’s Dongtan Beach in Jomtien – Gay Supertown Blog

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Dongtan Beach

The recently renovated Dongtan Beach, long considered Jomtien’s “gay beach” offers all of the amenities you’ll need for a full day of fun. You can swim, eat, drink, tan yourself, have a massage, play volleyball, shop or sleep under an umbrella to the sound of crashing waves!

Hanging Out at Dongtan Beach in Jomtien

You can rent a chair and umbrella for the day for 40 to100 baht (depending on chair type). While you are there, you will be offered food & drink menu’s and your order will be delivered directly to your chair. If you would like a manicure, a pedicure or a massage, it’s all available there for your pleasure.

For those who prefer a less crowded setting, there are areas of the waterfront without chair operators where you can stretch out on your towel. And it’s not uncommon to see an energetic volleyball game on the warm sands in the afternoon or evening. 

Full Story at the Gay Supertown Blog

Jomtien Gay Travel Resources

Pattaya’s Supertown – Thailand’s New Gay Destination

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Supertown - Gay Supertown Blog

Thailand is a wonderous country, it is a mix of a ancient culture and modern cities, warm beautiful beaches and cool misty mountains. Thai people are very welcoming by nature and will endeavor to make you feel most welcome!

Most major cities have a significant gay population of both Asian and Westerner and the public by & large is accepting of the lifestyle. As a vacation spot, it is hard to beat. For gay tourists it can be a wonderful destination to explore. Unlike many places, Thailand caters to gay tourists of all ages.

Pattaya / Jomtien Beach is located on the Eastern Seaboard of the Gulf Of Thailand approximately two hours south of Bangkok, the country’s Capitol. The official population stands about 100,000 but that number does not include non Thai Ex-Pats and many Thais who work here but call other provinces home.

Thailand’s Supertown Gay Complex

Jomtien Complex  south of town by about 4 km which for years seemed a “hit or miss after thought” with only a few bars and a lot of empty shophouses. A few years ago, Jomtien Complex was renamed Supertown Jomtien Walking Street to avoid confusion with a similarly named Condo.  Many locals still refer to by its former name.

Full Story at the Gay Supertown Blog

Jomtien Gay Travel Resources

Gay Koh Adang, Thailand – The Nomadic Boys

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Gay Koh Adang, Thailand - The Nomadic Boys

Whilst gay Koh Adang has nothing to do with Alex Garland’s famous novel-turned-film, it sure feels like it when you get here. Adang is totally unspoiled and untouched by mass tourism. Facilities are scarce, so very few people venture here, making it feel secluded and peaceful.

Koh Adang is one of the largest islands of the Adang Archipelago, which forms part of the Koh Tarutao National Marine Park. It sits just opposite the more developed and touristic Koh Lipe – connected by a short 10-minute tail boat ride.

Visiting Gay Koh Adang

Despite the proximity to the crowds on Lipe, Adang remains a quiet slice of paradise, which is what makes it so ideal. We love to head to Koh Lipe for the beach parties, crowds, and good restaurants, then hop over to Adang to get away from it all!

Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

Traditional Thai Foods – The Nomadic Boys

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Traditional Thai Foods - The Nomadic Boys

Our Thailand culinary fairytale began at our local Ting Tong Thai in Acton, West London. As soon as we tasted our first Pad Thai, we were hooked! But the thing with Thai food, it didn’t stop there – from the Som Tam, to the many different curries – yellow, red, green, Massaman, it just kept getting better and better…

Touchdown a few years later in the gay streets of Bangkok and our traditional Thai food culinary journey experienced one massive glo-up we’ve not yet recovered from! From the wide range of street food to the many different flavors and spices unique to Southeast Asia, we fell in love. Each region of the country has its distinct offerings.

It’s no reason why Thailand’s cuisine is known the world over. It’s easily one of our favorites. In this article, we summarise our foodie journey through the Land of Smiles, which we hope inspires yours. This is the ultimate Foodie Bucket List of the best traditional Thai foods that you need to try…tick them off as you taste each one.

How Did Traditional Thai Food Originate?

Thailand’s food is so diverse with a rich labyrinth of culinary wonders to discover! We found that eating out in Thailand is especially rewarding, particularly at one of the many street food local markets where you can sample lots of different dishes. Today Thai food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world and we can totally understand why!

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Chiang Mai, Thailand – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Chiang Mai, Thailand - Our Taste for Life

Chiang Mai is one of the most liveable cities in Asia, but what is it like for us in lesbian Chiang Mai? We travelled to Chiang Mai to find out and found it to be one of the most gay-friendly cities in Thailand. With an abundant selection of gay and gay-friendly bars, nightclubs, hotels, cafes, and activities, gay Chiang Mai has a lot to offer LGBTQ+ travellers.

Don’t get me wrong, when you compare to gay Bangkok or Phuket, Chiang Mai’s gay scene is relatively tame. However, there is still plenty of fun to be had both during the day and at night. The gay scene aside, Chiang Mai is a cultural city, popular amongst backpackers, digital nomads and LGBTQ+ travellers alike.

What we love most about Chiang Mai is that it has all the perks of being in a city, such as great food, temples, nightlife, markets, cafes, and shops. But in as little as an hour, you can immerse yourself in nature. Escape into the jungle for hiking adventures and elephant sanctuaries, or go ziplining or cliff jumping at a nearby canyon.

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Chiang Mai. And this guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to have an unforgettable time. I’ve listed all of the hottest gay bars and nightclubs; gay-friendly hotels and hostels; the best LGBT+ centred events; as well as all the top things to see and do.

Is Lesbian Chiang Mai Safe for LGBT+ Travellers?

In short, absolutely yes! Thailand, in general, is one of the most gay-friendly countries we’ve ever visited. Here’s a statement from the Go Thai Be Free website:

“In Thailand, we believe that diversity is amazing. As the most LGBTQ+ welcoming country in Asia, we’re proud that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community – and all people – no matter how they identify; and whom they love; feel free when travelling in Thailand on vacation or holiday.”

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Chiang Mai Gay Travel Resources

Top 5 Thailand Gay Islands – The Nomadic Boys

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Top 5 Thailand Gay Islands - The Nomadic Boys

With over 1400 islands to visit in the Land of Smiles, we say the Thai’s the limit when it comes to your Thailand vacation!

Thailand offers everything that us gay boys want when we venture out into the world. There are beaches packed to the brim with speedo-clad hotties, cultural ventures lurking around every corner, a terrific gay scene in Bangkok, and most important of all, genuinely kind citizens who greet every visitor with a warm welcome.

And that’s just the mainland! Believe it or not, the Thailand gay islands are somehow even more perfect because each one is incredibly unique. Whether you’re hoping to find a spot to get back in touch with nature, to explore the party animal within you, or to enjoy a romantic getaway with your sweet, sugar love, there is bound to be at least one island that suits your exact needs. Even if you’re looking to stay within a strictly queer environment, we promise that there’s an island out there for you. This is our comprehensive guide to the best Thailand gay islands so that you can achieve your vacay nirvana. Be sure to also read alongside our detailed gay guide to Thailand.

Side note: ‘koh’ means “island” in Thai, so most islands will have Koh or Ko written before its name.

Thailand Gay Islands: Koh Phuket

Ah, Phabulous Phuket… Where to even begin? There are hardly the words for this vast, beautiful destination. Perhaps the best way to describe it is by declaring it the largest and most famous of the Thailand gay islands!

Unlike other islands, Phuket has an officially designated gay area known as the Paradise Complex where gay businesses flood the streets. Whether you’re hopping into Zag Club, which is an energetic club most renowned for its outstanding dance music, or visiting the Boat Bar, which is our personal favorite for its eclectic crowd and classic pop music, it will be easy to see just how much this neighborhood thrives on its nightlife. Honestly, even without setting foot into a single establishment within the Paradise Complex, the gay scene of Phuket spills outside every evening when exotic dancers strut their stuff up and down the pedestrian roads.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

Thailand’s Cheow Lan Lake – Our Taste for Life

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Thailand's Cheow Lan Lake - Our Taste for Life

Cheow Lan Lake is one of Thailand’s most beautiful wonders and the highlight of Khao Sok National Park. We recently took a tour to the famous Khao Sok Floating Bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake, and this article aims to provide all the information you’ll need to plan your own Cheow Lan Lake tour. I include the prices of a floating bungalow in Khao Sok National Park, what you can expect from a Cheow Lan Lake Tour, as well as how to book and what you’ll need to prepare.

Khao Sok National Park is one of the most underrated destinations in all of Thailand. The relatively untouched region is a dream for nature lovers, where limestone karsts and dense jungle adorn the landscape – queue Jurassic Park theme tune. It’s also where an amalgamation of wildlife including Gibbons, Malaysian Sun Bears, Asian Elephants and 300 species of birds have found sanctuary in the arms of the ancient rainforest.

Cheow Lan Lake

Then, of course, there is Cheow Lan Lake – A magnificent man-made lake covering approximately 185 square km. This captivating area is a sight to behold, where limestone karsts immerge from the emerald-blue waters, and you sail along blissfully to your Khao Sok floating bungalow. That said, you don’t need to stay overnight on a Cheow Lan Lake tour. You can opt for a day trip instead, which ensures you’ll be back to the comfort of your hotel by evening. Psst! If you would rather stay closer to Khao Sok town, we recommend Silver Cliff Resort, located in the heart of the jungle surrounded by elephants. It’s a gem!

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Thailand Lesbian Travel Resources

Lesbian Bangkok – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Bangkok - Our Taste for Life

Bangkok is known as the gay capital of Asia. We’ve spent quite some time in Bangkok over the years. And we’ve always been thankful for its liberal and open-minded attitude towards to the LGBTQ+ community. Not only can we be ourselves without fear of discrimination, but the gay nightlife in Bangkok is some of the best in the world. From pulsating gay nightclubs and exclusive lesbian parties, to several acclaimed gay-friendly hotels, gay and lesbian Bangkok has a lot to offer.

Bangkok’s lesbian scene aside, there’s a lot to love about beautiful, busy, bombastic, Bangkok. On the one hand, you have the rich Thai culture in the form of jaw-dropping temples, bustling markets, and sensational local cuisine. On the other is Bangkok’s edgier side, with its wild nightlife, epic rooftop bars, and opportunities for urban exploring.

In my experience, lesbian Bangkok is a bit like marmite. You either love it, or you hate it. But the one thing I insist on is giving it a chance. I’ll admit, as a first-timer arriving in the city, the chaos of it all can be overwhelming. But we’ve visited Bangkok over a dozen times now. And despite being everything we usually hate about big cities, we’ve actually grown quite fond of her.

Lesbian Bangkok

I’m confident that if you give Bangkok a chance, you’re guaranteed to find something you like about the city. And this guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to have an unforgettable time. I’ve listed all of the hottest gay bars and nightclubs; gay-friendly hotels and hostels; the best LGBT+ centred events; as well as all the top things to see and do.

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Lesbian Thailand Travel Resources

Lesbian Thailand – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Thailand - Our Taste for Life

When it comes to LGBT-friendly destinations in Asia, Thailand tends to top the list every time. We’ve spent a lot of time travelling through Thailand over the years. And we’ve always been grateful for their tolerant and open-minded attitude towards to the LGBTQ+ community. As not only can we feel free to be ourselves without fear of discrimination, but there’s a thriving gay scene both in Bangkok and other locations across the country. Combine that with sun, sea, sand, and adventure, gay and lesbian Thailand has a lot to offer.

Thailand’s fabulous gay scene aside, the ‘land of smiles’ is a stunning and diverse country. On the one hand, you have pristine beaches, sweeping jungles, and exciting cities. On the other, jaw-dropping temples, fascinating culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. Not to mention the beloved Thai people, who are always there to welcome you with a smile and a “sa-wa-dee-ka/krab”.

With something to offer everybody, Thailand is a dream destination that should be on everybody’s bucket list. And this guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to have an unforgettable time. I’ve listed all of the hottest gay bars and nightclubs; gay-friendly hotels and hostels; the best LGBT+ centred events; as well as all the top places to visit around the country. We will also touch on LGBT+ rights and social opinions in Thailand, so you come fully prepared.

So let’s get to it. Here’s our amazing and comprehensive guide to gay & lesbian Thailand.

LGBT+ Rights in Lesbian Thailand

Thailand has some of the most progressive LGBT laws in all of Asia. Same-sex relations got decriminalised in 1956, which is earlier than many countries in Europe even. It’s also one of the only Asian countries to have implemented anti-discrimination laws for the LGBTQ+ community. Meaning that it’s illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity, in employment, housing, and the military.

That said, it’s still uncertain if the 2019 bill to legalise same-sex marriage will be approved. There is a general consensus, however, that this will pass, making Thailand the second country in Asia (after Taiwan) to recognise same-sex marriage. If this turns out to be the case, there’s also plans to allow same-sex married couples the right to adopt.

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Lesbian Thailand Travel Resources