Gay Guide to Phuket
Thailand's marriage equality law took effect on 23 January 2025, the first in Southeast Asia, and Phuket has long been one of Asia's best-known gay beach destinations. Its scene is concentrated in the Paradise Complex, a short pedestrian street in Patong opposite the Royal Paradise Hotel, just off Bangla Road.
Nothing much happens before 10 or 11pm. Zag Club is the biggest venue, with a classic drag show and male dancers every night, and Cruise Club has its own drag cabaret and dance floor. TANGMO adds go-go dancers and lip-sync drag, and (i) Bar is the place for an early drink and some people-watching.
Aquarius, a men-only guesthouse on Rat-U-Thit Road, has Phuket's only gay sauna, which is open to non-guests, and the Neramit Hill homestay in Kathu is a men-only retreat with a clothing-optional pool.
Phuket Pride fills the first week of June and ends with a Sunday parade through Patong from Thaveewong Road towards Soi Bangla and Jungceylon. The cooler, drier months from November to April are the island's high season.