Features Phuket-An Island for All Seasons for Fun
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Gone are the uses of terms like “low” and “high” season to describe travel to Phuket because tourists who have come and love “the Pearl of the Andaman” now visit year-round during the what are now most often referred to as the “winter” and “summer” seasons. From pristine beaches to stunning waterfalls, soaring cliffs and rain forests, Phuket offers the quintessential tropical resort vacation, complete with exotic nightlife. The coolest time of year and the busiest in Phuket is November through February, when most of the tourists on the island have escaped bitter cold back home. September and October are the island’s rainiest months. April and May are your most humid.
Plan Ahead
Phuket is such a popular destination that you can get international flights directly to the island, or fly easily and affordably from Bangkok because of all of the competing airlines, or if closer to Pattaya, the Pattaya (Utapao) Airport is half the travel time to the Suvarnabhumi -BKK International Airport. VIP buses are also available between Phuket and Bangkok offering services similar to business class on an airplane, but I prefer to save time and fly for not much more money.
If someone going to Hawaii wanted access to vibrant nightlife but chose to stay on the big island rather than on the more populated Oahu, they would be disappointed. Same is true with Phuket. To be in the center of the action, stay in or near the Patong Beach area, about a 45 minute drive south from the Phuket International Airport as opposed to one of the isolated resorts north of the airport.
Unlike Bangkok, there are virtually no metered taxis anywhere, this is why I always book my ground transportation from the airport with my hotel. From the Phuket International Airport to Patong area, the going rate for a private car direct to your hotel for up to three people is 600 THB, plus you have the joy of having a driver at the airport with your name on a sign waiting for you upon arrival! You can find a shared minivan for less, but it adds a lot of time to your journey with all the individual drop-offs.
My personal advice it to avoid operating a motor vehicle in Thailand, even though motorcycle rentals are inexpensive. In the day time there are affordable busses to some locations, such as between Patong and Phuket Town for only 20 baht. Most Tuk Tuks have a 200 baht minimum rate and Motorcycle taxis start at 40 baht. Ask your hotel staff for more information.
As GayPatong.com so aptly explains, “Like Amsterdam, Sitges, Fire Island and San Francisco, Phuket is one of the world’s most exciting gay playgrounds. Parasail, snorkel, play golf, ride an elephant, canoe in hidden caves, sightsee, take a Thai cooking school course, have a tailor make you a custom suit, dance the night away, or just spend lazy days on the beach. Phuket has it all—adventure, sun, nightlife, shopping, great food and friendly people.”
Choosing Your Adventures
It can be challenging booking leisure activities while on vacation because you never really know if you’re being given the best deal. Also, because Phuket is such a popular international tourist destination for people from all walks of life, they aren’t necessarily all gay friendly, so I recommend you work with a gay tour company at your accommodation, where they recommend or the ones who are in SPICE! Extravaganzas Known as “the ultimate nighttime culture theme park,” an evening at Phuket Fantasea takes place in a vast outdoor theater with a huge cast including throngs of elephants who give the Rockettes a run for their money. Voted “best attraction” for several years running by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the ticket price (up to 2,250 including transportation and VIP seating) also includes a sumptuous buffet dinner, a cultural parade and street show and handicraft demonstrations.
A visit to Thailand would be incomplete for most without a visit to one of the large scale ladyboy shows taking place in all major cities. In Phuket you will be entranced by the “stylish, elegant and sensitive” performances at Simon Cabaret, highly recommended and only 800 baht for adults, and two shows nightly!
Phuket is such a popular destination that you can get international flights directly to the island, or fly easily and affordably from Bangkok because of all of the competing airlines, or if closer to Pattaya, the Pattaya (Utapao) Airport is half the travel time to the Suvarnabhumi -BKK International Airport. VIP buses are also available between Phuket and Bangkok offering services similar to business class on an airplane, but I prefer to save time and fly for not much more money.
If someone going to Hawaii wanted access to vibrant nightlife but chose to stay on the big island rather than on the more populated Oahu, they would be disappointed. Same is true with Phuket. To be in the center of the action, stay in or near the Patong Beach area, about a 45 minute drive south from the Phuket International Airport as opposed to one of the isolated resorts north of the airport.
Unlike Bangkok, there are virtually no metered taxis anywhere, this is why I always book my ground transportation from the airport with my hotel. From the Phuket International Airport to Patong area, the going rate for a private car direct to your hotel for up to three people is 600 THB, plus you have the joy of having a driver at the airport with your name on a sign waiting for you upon arrival! You can find a shared minivan for less, but it adds a lot of time to your journey with all the individual drop-offs.
My personal advice it to avoid operating a motor vehicle in Thailand, even though motorcycle rentals are inexpensive. In the day time there are affordable busses to some locations, such as between Patong and Phuket Town for only 20 baht. Most Tuk Tuks have a 200 baht minimum rate and Motorcycle taxis start at 40 baht. Ask your hotel staff for more information.
As GayPatong.com so aptly explains, “Like Amsterdam, Sitges, Fire Island and San Francisco, Phuket is one of the world’s most exciting gay playgrounds. Parasail, snorkel, play golf, ride an elephant, canoe in hidden caves, sightsee, take a Thai cooking school course, have a tailor make you a custom suit, dance the night away, or just spend lazy days on the beach. Phuket has it all—adventure, sun, nightlife, shopping, great food and friendly people.”
Choosing Your Adventures
It can be challenging booking leisure activities while on vacation because you never really know if you’re being given the best deal. Also, because Phuket is such a popular international tourist destination for people from all walks of life, they aren’t necessarily all gay friendly, so I recommend you work with a gay tour company at your accommodation, where they recommend or the ones who are in SPICE! Extravaganzas Known as “the ultimate nighttime culture theme park,” an evening at Phuket Fantasea takes place in a vast outdoor theater with a huge cast including throngs of elephants who give the Rockettes a run for their money. Voted “best attraction” for several years running by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the ticket price (up to 2,250 including transportation and VIP seating) also includes a sumptuous buffet dinner, a cultural parade and street show and handicraft demonstrations.
A visit to Thailand would be incomplete for most without a visit to one of the large scale ladyboy shows taking place in all major cities. In Phuket you will be entranced by the “stylish, elegant and sensitive” performances at Simon Cabaret, highly recommended and only 800 baht for adults, and two shows nightly!
Scenic Views
One of the best views available from anywhere on Phuket is Promthep Cape near Nai Harn beach near Rawai beach, with a nearby restaurant for that romantic sunset. Elsewhere, the Big Buddha overlooks Chalong Bay from the top of the 380 meter Nakkert Hills between Chalong and Kata. They don’t call the Buddha big for nothing, as it is over 25 meters wide and 45 meters high, adorned with 135 tons of white jade marble.
One of the best views available from anywhere on Phuket is Promthep Cape near Nai Harn beach near Rawai beach, with a nearby restaurant for that romantic sunset. Elsewhere, the Big Buddha overlooks Chalong Bay from the top of the 380 meter Nakkert Hills between Chalong and Kata. They don’t call the Buddha big for nothing, as it is over 25 meters wide and 45 meters high, adorned with 135 tons of white jade marble.
Shopping
Phuket offers the same great shopping available throughout Thailand, especially in Patong. Sharpen your bartering skills with street vendors or check out the higher end offerings at the very modern Jungceylon Mall, a very large complex with Hotel, Carrefour, major movie theater with the latest Thai and Hollywood offerings and bowling. It also entertains with a spectacular outdoor dancing waters show twice daily.
Only a 20 baht bus ride (available during daytimes only) away is another modern shopping mall in Phuket Town, Central Festival, with even more movie offerings and a major department store, plus all your favorite food offerings ranging from pizza to Sushi. Phuket Town itself is very quaint and filled with unique restaurants, galleries, and more, and in many ways, it feels very unlike Thailand but more like a quaint little “Western” town.
More than “Paradise”
The epicenter of gay life on Phuket is in the heart of Patong Beach in the Paradise Complex, which describe the three streets intertwining at the base of the towering Royal Paradise Hotel which makes the area easy to find. A mix of gay and straight hotels and guesthouses, gay saunas, bars, cabarets, massage parlors, and guy shows, the Paradise Complex is a great place to hang out at night. Since the party does go well into the night, if you book a room within the Paradise Complex, ask in advance about noise levels—most can offer you a room that is not on a main Soi, or they offer double-paned glass to reduce the noise.
Basically, in the Paradise Complex, there are two types of cabaret shows, those at the “Go Go clubs” and those at the gay Disco clubs. A lot of time and energy goes into all the shows, so patrons bounce from one show to the next for their evening’s entertainment. The oldest Go Go showbars are My Way and Tangmo clubs with other Cabaret variations at Mamasan’s. Two new Go Go bars recently added to the scene are Dempseys and James Dean Bar. The popular outdoor upscale “Beer Bars” as always packed and popular as the “street show” parading up and down is so entertaining to watch while conversing with friends. The most popular are Connect, Sundowner, James Dean & Friends, and now two new ones added to the street. One is called Chic, a modern stylish place converted to an open air lounge (where BB Boys used to be) across from the lovely Orchid Lounge which is now under gay management. The Orchid Lounge is draped with lovely Orchids and offers coffee and snacks too with very comfortable seating. For late night entertainment as the rest of the bars close things begin to heat up at Kiss Club and Boat Bar. Both are Discos and have dance floors, very lively outdoor patios, and fantastic, free cabaret shows, allowing you to tip the performers with the money you save on the reasonably priced drinks!
While I enjoy patronizing many of these venues, hands down, my favorite bar in all of Thailand is Boat Bar. The people are as friendly as they come, the owner is the host with the most, and the shows are incredibly moving, energetic and inspiring—performed by professionals at the top of their game who have worked together for years.
The epicenter of gay life on Phuket is in the heart of Patong Beach in the Paradise Complex, which describe the three streets intertwining at the base of the towering Royal Paradise Hotel which makes the area easy to find. A mix of gay and straight hotels and guesthouses, gay saunas, bars, cabarets, massage parlors, and guy shows, the Paradise Complex is a great place to hang out at night. Since the party does go well into the night, if you book a room within the Paradise Complex, ask in advance about noise levels—most can offer you a room that is not on a main Soi, or they offer double-paned glass to reduce the noise.
Basically, in the Paradise Complex, there are two types of cabaret shows, those at the “Go Go clubs” and those at the gay Disco clubs. A lot of time and energy goes into all the shows, so patrons bounce from one show to the next for their evening’s entertainment. The oldest Go Go showbars are My Way and Tangmo clubs with other Cabaret variations at Mamasan’s. Two new Go Go bars recently added to the scene are Dempseys and James Dean Bar. The popular outdoor upscale “Beer Bars” as always packed and popular as the “street show” parading up and down is so entertaining to watch while conversing with friends. The most popular are Connect, Sundowner, James Dean & Friends, and now two new ones added to the street. One is called Chic, a modern stylish place converted to an open air lounge (where BB Boys used to be) across from the lovely Orchid Lounge which is now under gay management. The Orchid Lounge is draped with lovely Orchids and offers coffee and snacks too with very comfortable seating. For late night entertainment as the rest of the bars close things begin to heat up at Kiss Club and Boat Bar. Both are Discos and have dance floors, very lively outdoor patios, and fantastic, free cabaret shows, allowing you to tip the performers with the money you save on the reasonably priced drinks!
While I enjoy patronizing many of these venues, hands down, my favorite bar in all of Thailand is Boat Bar. The people are as friendly as they come, the owner is the host with the most, and the shows are incredibly moving, energetic and inspiring—performed by professionals at the top of their game who have worked together for years.
Cruising
One of the most popular gay excursions taking place weekly for over a decade is the Gay Day Tour on Saturdays for which revelers convene at 11:00 a.m. at the Connect Guest House in the Paradise Complex and then go by mini-van and then by speedboat to Koh Yao Yai. If you’ve taken the excursion before, well, what’s new is they now go to a totally private beach, equipped with private fresh water shower and toilet. The all-inclusive price of 1,850 THB includes round-trip transportation from Connect, beach chairs and umbrellas, plenty of food and an open bar. Participants should bring swim wear, beach towel, flip flop shoes, sun block, and a change of clothes for the bus ride home—but leave your valuables at home!
There is a gay beach in Patong with cute gay volleyball players, but my favorite beach is Surin beach for more authentic ocean swimming and right now, they have a pontoon which allows you to walk quite a distance out onto the ocean, dive in, and swim to a little plastic island complete with a slide.
One of the most popular gay excursions taking place weekly for over a decade is the Gay Day Tour on Saturdays for which revelers convene at 11:00 a.m. at the Connect Guest House in the Paradise Complex and then go by mini-van and then by speedboat to Koh Yao Yai. If you’ve taken the excursion before, well, what’s new is they now go to a totally private beach, equipped with private fresh water shower and toilet. The all-inclusive price of 1,850 THB includes round-trip transportation from Connect, beach chairs and umbrellas, plenty of food and an open bar. Participants should bring swim wear, beach towel, flip flop shoes, sun block, and a change of clothes for the bus ride home—but leave your valuables at home!
There is a gay beach in Patong with cute gay volleyball players, but my favorite beach is Surin beach for more authentic ocean swimming and right now, they have a pontoon which allows you to walk quite a distance out onto the ocean, dive in, and swim to a little plastic island complete with a slide.
Lights, Camera, Pride!
With official dates announced months ago (which means a lot of people have had time to make their travel plans!), Phuket Pride will take place February 25-28th, to include an opening ceremony and party, nightly activities and shows, sport days on the 26th and 27th, a parade on the 28th, and a variety of promotions throughout! Check in with your favorite gay venue for more details!
Phuket has something for everyone. For more information about our friends and supporters, check out our “Phuket Venues” pages in this issue. And remember, spring, summer, winter or fall, Phuket has it all!
With official dates announced months ago (which means a lot of people have had time to make their travel plans!), Phuket Pride will take place February 25-28th, to include an opening ceremony and party, nightly activities and shows, sport days on the 26th and 27th, a parade on the 28th, and a variety of promotions throughout! Check in with your favorite gay venue for more details!
Phuket has something for everyone. For more information about our friends and supporters, check out our “Phuket Venues” pages in this issue. And remember, spring, summer, winter or fall, Phuket has it all!