Gay Phuket
Phuket is an international destination attracting visitors from Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. With 17 sandy beaches, access to the amazing Pha Na Bay with its dramatic rock formations, and numerous smaller islands.
And no wonder. From fantastic food to world-class water sports, from fabulous shopping to vibrant nightlife, Phuket has something to offer every traveler. There are countless smaller boutique hotels and guesthouses—both stylish and inexpensive—as well as the usual array of the world’s top hotel chains.
Photo Credit: Arkady Lukashov
What do you want to discover?
Top things to see and do in Phuket
MUST DO: Attractions & activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-friendly bars & nightlife
Local Expert: Gay Scene in Phuket
The gay lifestyle in Phuket is centered in the tourist hub of Patong Bay where there are dozens of gay venues – hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops. There is always something going on in the gay hub near the Paradise Hotel, and any excuse for a party fits the Thai lifestyle. From the Gay Festival in April to the Vegetarian Festival in October – there are unique holidays and celebrations all year long.
The gay traveler will feel right at home in Phuket. Legal in Thailand, gays are welcomed and respected. The prejudice found elsewhere in the world simply doesn't exist. Kathoeys, transgender people, have long been a part of Thai life—respected and accepted by the general population. Whether you come with your partner or a group of friends, or even by yourself, you will find a wide variety of Thais who will welcome you with open arms.
Best Time to Visit Phuket
The best time to visit Phuket is between November and February. The temperature hovers around 74 to 86 degrees. Making it a perfect time to lounge by the beach and take in all of the sun. Also, you will arrive just after the monsoon season so you won't have to worry about much rain during your visit.
Top Things to See and Do in Phuket
MUST DO Phuket Attractions & Activities
Phuket has plenty of beautiful beaches and scenery that you can easily spend your whole vacation exploring its beaches and natural beauty. There is also plenty of food to eat, and people to mingle with. There is plenty to do while visiting and there is something for everyone. Below, you will find some ideas on places to visit and do while visiting Phuket.
Beach hop - There are plenty of coastlines and hidden beaches all throughout Phuket, that you can spend your entire trip finding and exploring different beaches. You can also spend the day lounging and soaking up the sun on different beaches on different days. There are picturesque beaches for days and you will have fun looking for your favorite one.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Bezanger
Visit the Night Markets - This is where Phuket comes to life! In the night markets, you can mingle with the locals and partake in what they do for fun. At the night markets, you can eat different kinds of food, try some new snacks, find some cool accessories, or just hang out and take in the atmosphere. There are plenty of them throughout the city so you can ask the locals and see where their favorite ones are, or just wander around and see if you can run into one.
Visit the Elephant Sanctuary - The elephant is the national animal of Thailand, so it makes sense that there would have a sanctuary dedicated to them. Here you can get up close and personal to the elephants and learn more about the animals in an ethical way. There is no elephant riding allowed, just learning about the elephants and watching them live their best life.
Visit the giant Buddha - Probably the most famous landmark in Phuket is the giant Buddha. Located on the highest point of the Nakkerd hills, this 45-meter white marble buddha can be seen from many points on the island. If you go up the hill to see the buddha, you will be rewarded with astonishing panoramic views of the city.
Photo Credit: Miltiadis Fragkidis
MUST EAT Phuket Gay-Friendly Dining
Thailand is world-famous for its food and can be found all over the world. While visiting Phuket, you can get a taste of some of the popular dishes that people like to eat, but with the freshest ingredients and sometimes even made right in front of you. You can even try some of their famous street food at the night markets. Below, you will find some popular dishes that can be found in Phuket.
Pad Thai - Probably one of the most recognizable dishes in Thailand is Pad Thai. This dish is made up of noodles, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and fish sauce. There are plenty of variations of this dish that substitute different proteins and even tofu. Try a few variations for yourself and see which one was your favorite.
Som Tam - This is a finely shredded green papaya salad that is popular street food. You can find many varieties of this salad which is traditionally made very sweet and sour with a hit of spice. You can eat it on its own or it's a perfect side dish with some chicken and rice.
Gaeng Keow Wan Gai - This is a green curry made with chicken, bamboo shoots, coconut milk, chilis, and galangal (a Thai leaf). This is a popular curry that goes well with rice or even flatbread.
Street food - Phuket is known for having a popular street food scene throughout the city. You can find street vendors selling different kinds of foods such as skewered meats, fresh fruit, freshly caught fish, and more. There is an array of choices when it comes to what to eat. You can pick up some snacks while walking around the city or even have a full meal at one of the street stalls. Roam around and see what kinds of foods draw your attention and give it a go!
MUST VISIT Phuket Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Phuket has a fun and vibrant gay night nightlife. Most of the nightlife will be located in the Patong district, also known as the paradise district. Here you will find many different bars, clubs, and restaurants. At night, this area comes alive with many people drinking, dancing, and singing. They host drag shows and more in many of the clubs. You know when you are in the area when you see all the rainbow flags and people flooding the streets with excitement. You are guaranteed to have a great time dancing the night away or sitting outside and people-watching.
Travel Safety Tips
The weather is tropical with plenty of sunshine. Don’t bother bringing a lot of clothes with you – life on the Island is casual. Though the High Season – from late November to early April – when it is cold in the northern hemisphere and the temperatures range from the mid 80’s highs to the mid-’70s at night – attracts the most people, Phuket is now a year-round destination. The attitude is laid-back tropical fun. But whether you are an adventurer, sports enthusiast, sightseer or world-class shopper, or nighttime person - you will never be bored here. There is simply too much to see and do. Or you can do absolutely nothing at all.
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