For a supposed ‘conservative’ country, Thailand is one of the most gay friendly any gay man or lesbian will ever visit. Chiang Mai, in the north of the country, is one of the most relaxed cities. If you’re visiting Chiang Mai and want to stay in a gay friendly hotel, you’ll be thrilled to know there are many. These however are three of the very best.
Bodhi Serene – If you are looking for an independent boutique hotel that is also gay friendly, you can’t go wrong with Bodhi Serene. Designed in a stunning, traditional Thai style, It’s also one of the most beautiful hotels you’ll ever stay in.
At Bodhi Serene, all 38 guest rooms have private balconies that look out over a stunning courtyard. Guest rooms themselves all feature en suite bath, flat screen TV with cable, a DVD player, Wi-Fi internet, and an in-room safe. Deluxe, executive and suite rooms feature even more delicious goodies.
The hotel has a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, a fully-stocked library, babysitting services and a business center. The Bodhi Serene’s restaurant serves both Thai and Western dishes and it’s known for its superb food.
Bodhi Serene is also into the environment, so everything they do is environmentally-sound. It is nice to support a hotel like that, isn’t it?
You will find the Bodhi Serene at 110 Ratchaphakhinai Road, Phra-sing in Chiangmai, in the Old City area of town.
PJ’s Place – Another small independently-owned gay friendly hotel in Chiang Mai, PJ’s Place is an absolutely gorgeous guest house that offers comfortable accommodation, friendly service and a great location. It is situtated in several converted traditional Thai houses, and all rooms and suites are quiet and very private.
At PJ’s Place, guest rooms have en suite bath with shower, TV with cable, a DVD/CD player, tea and coffee making faciliites, an in-room safe and free Wi-Fi internet. A delicious full English breakfast is also included in the room rate, so you won’t go hungry here either.
The guest house does not have its own restaurant, (although it does have a bar) but is very close to many of Chiang Mai’s favorite places, and they are happy to recommend something you will like.
It is also owned by a British guy and his Thai partner, so you will get the down-low without any communication problems. Don’t forget to ask about the best gay bars in Chiang Mai too. They know them all.
PJ’s Place is at 19, Plubplueng Soi, Huay Kaew Road in Chiang Mai.
Lotus Hotel – Gay-owned and operated, Lotus Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in town for gay travelers as everyone is welcome (and, if you’re straight but like to support gay friendly businesses, don’t worry, you are welcome too).
At Lotus Hotel, (which by the way is absolutely stunningly decorated), you have a choice of studio, superior room, deluxe room, large suite and apartment suite, so no matter how inexpensively, or lavish, you like to vacation, you’ll find it here.
Guest rooms have en suite bath, air conditioning, cable TV, refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and DVD player (their website also lists every single thing included in each room — perfect if you want to be really sure you’ll get everything you’re looking for in a hotel).
There is a lovely garden bar, and a restaurant serving Thai and Western cuisine. Or, if you prefer to eat out, the staff is happy to give you some great recommendations. Continental breakfast however is included in the room rate, and it is very nice.
Lotus Hotel is at 2/25 Viangbua Road in Chiang Mai (near Chiang Mai Rajabhat University) Be aware though, Chiang Mai has another ‘Lotus Hotel’, the Lotus Pang Suan Kaew, but it is not this one, so don’t mistakenly book there, or you may be disappointed.
