Gay travelers, on their first trip to Thailand, often comment how wonderfully open-minded Thais are about sexuality and how well gay travelers are treated here. For one of the best gay-friendly destinations in Thailand, I always tell them to visit Phuket.
It is wonderful for anyone, but particularly welcomiing to gay travelers with its many gay-friendly hotels. Many hotels are in the Patong area, Phuket’s most gay-oriented area but, if you prefer to be away from the gay scene, you can find that too.
Connect Guest House – One of the most popular independent gay-friendly hotels on Phuket, the Connect Guest House is low-budget in price, but not in design, comfort or decor. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
Guest rooms are designed in a pretty modern style, and have en suite bath, satellite TV, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge, and a small safe. Rooms have gay-oriented posters on the walls, which definitely adds to the ambience too.
There is even a Penthouse, with its own small kitchen area, if you like to stay home now and again. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
Balconies have been recently added to some rooms, where guests can sit, relax and enjoy a drink while watching the people walk by below.
The hotel has a small restaurant and a bar, both known for being “hassle-free”, and they don’t hassle you if you bring a romantic partner back to your room. Unusual compared to other less gay-friendly hotels in the area.
You will find Connect Guest House at the Paradise Complex area of Patong, on Phuket – right in the middle of all the action.
Marriott Hotel – Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa – The Marriott Hotel, otherwise known as the Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa, one of the largest hotels on Phuket, is also known for being extremely gay-friendly.
A luxury hotel, guest rooms feature en suite bath, satellite TV, tea and coffee trays, mini bar, plush bedding, luxury linens and private balconies. Villas are even more spectacular, with their own private pools – perfect if you meet the right someone while on vacation, and want to spend a romantic evening alone.
The Marriott Hotel has a large swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness center, a spa, if you like to be pampered, and several excellent restaurants. Don’t miss the the Sandbox Restaurant and Bar. It is right on the beach, and simply gorgeous at night.
The Marriott Hotel – Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa – is located at 555, Moo 3, Mai Khao, Talang on Phuket.
Club Bamboo Boutique Resort – Just about the most gay-friendly hotel on Phuket, Club Bamboo has been in existence for 10 years, and is a repeat destination for many gay travelers who have enjoyed the wonderful personal service here in the past. Plus, the hotel is just so darn beautiful.
At Club Bamboo, you’ll love the marble bathrooms, Jacuzzis, satellite TV, air conditioning, tea and coffee trays, Wi-Fi internet, and private balconies or terraces.
The hotel features a stunning swimming pool, a spa, laundry service, a fitness center, and even moped rental if you like to do some exploring.
The Club Bamboo restaurant serves Thai and Western fare, and it is such a lovely romantic place, you just may never eat anywhere else.
Club Bamboo Boutique Resort is at 247/ 1-8 Nanai Road, Patong Beach, Phuket.
By the way, if you are planning on doing a little traveling around Thailand, you might also want to read The Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Pattaya, as well as Gay-Friendly Hotels in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.