LGBTQ Thailand: Visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Koh Samet

Thailand is a great destination for LGBTQ travelers – offering a blend of culture, adventure, and vibrant nightlife. During my visit I went to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the island of Ko Samet. I was able to really get a great feel for the country, the people, the culture… and the FOOD! Thai is my favourite cuisine and having it in its homeland really can’t be beat.

Bangkok

Bangkok is of course an essential stop on any LGBTQ travel itinerary to the country (and surely where you’d be flying in and out of anyway). Canadian travellers can find direct flights through Air Canada, which is the only airline in North America offering non-stop service to Thailand. The capital city is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse offerings, and its temples – I started my adventure by visiting Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple complex, home to the famous reclining Buddha.

Wat Pho, the largest temple complex in Bangkok

From there I embarked on a canal tour on what’s often referred to as the Venice of the East. I went on a solar-powered boat to enjoy a quieter, more eco-friendly experience while taking in the sights from the water. It’s a cool way to see a different part of the city and doing it on the solar-powered version made for a more enjoyable ride with the lack of sound and exhaust compared to the other boats.

Solar-powered boat tour on the canals of Bangkok

That evening I went to the Chinatown area (one of the biggest in the world) to explore the local street food scene. I wasn’t feeling adventurous enough to try any of it, but there were definitely some interesting things on offer! There’s of course some other vendors as well if you want to find items to take home like clothing, souvenirs or art.

Street food vendors in Bangkok

To finish off the night I checked out some of the local drag scene. House of Heals has high-energy performers, showcasing incredible talent and creativity. DJ Station is often hailed as Bangkok’s most famous gay nightclub and It’s located in a vibrant area filled with other nightlife options, making it easy to hop from one venue to another.

Chiang Mai

After soaking up the energy of Bangkok I went up north to Chiang Mai. This city offers a different pace, steeped in history and natural beauty. I began my visit at Doi Suthep, a significant spiritual site perched on a mountain, offering stunning views and a glimpse into that part of Thai culture.

Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai

The temple is adorned with golden stupas and intricate carvings, providing a serene atmosphere for meditation and reflection. You can even talk with local monks who offer insights into their spiritual practices and daily life. I got to speak with one and learn more about their quiet and simplistic lifestyle.

Monk at Doi Suthep temple

After that I explored the Jing Jai Market, where I found everything from clothing to delicious street food. I was also quite excited to find a stall selling lychee iced coffee – I love the unique combinations of food and drink that you can find in areas like this.

Jing J Market in Chiang Mai with local vendors

The local markets in Chiang Mai are a treasure trove of culture and flavour. This one is a bustling hub where you can find everything from handmade crafts to traditional textiles and handcrafted jewelry. The local artisans offer a wide array of items that reflect the rich culture of this part of the country.

Delicious Khao Soi served at a local market

For animal lovers, a visit to the Elephant Rescue Park is a must. This sanctuary provides a loving environment for elephants rescued from harsh conditions. Interacting with these gentle giants was a pretty unforgettable experience for me. I loved spending time with them!

Elephant Rescue Park in Chiang Mai

This sanctuary is dedicated to caring for elephants rescued from abusive situations. It was a meaningful experience to spend an afternoon helping to care for them and learn more about what this park is doing to give them a great life, compared to where they came from.

Feeding elephants at the sanctuary

Visitors can participate in feeding, bathing, and learning about the elephants’ stories. It’s an opportunity to understand the importance of animal welfare and conservation efforts in northern Thailand that I can’t recommend enough.

Koh Samet

My final destination was the idyllic island of Koh Samet, located in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere, it’s perfect for relaxation and adventure. I stayed at a beachfront resort and got to have a traditional Thai massage to unwind. This rejuvenating experience is a quintessential part of Thai culture and definitely leaves you feeling relaxed.

Traditional Thai massage at a beachfront resort

The resort also offers free catamaran rides to explore the surrounding waters. It’s a great way to experience more of the beauty of the island. The picturesque scenery makes for a pretty stunning backdrop for water activities. The rest of the time can easily be spent just enjoying the beach or the pool. 

Catamaran ride in Ko Samet

There are some great dining options on Koh Samet as well. Winks Beach Club offered a unique experience by including a fire show,  where skilled performers dazzle the audience with their talents. Following that there was some live music that got everyone out of the seats.

Dining at Winks Beach Club with ocean view

You’ll want to bring your bug spray and your sunscreen for a visit to this island, but overall it’s a pretty incredible experience to visit and stay in such a beautiful part of the world. It’s a 2 – 3 hour drive from Bangkok to get to the water where you’ll then take a boat for about half an hour to arrive in this little slice of paradise. 

Conclusion

Same-sex marriage will be legal in Thailand as of January 23rd, 2025 so that in itself is proof that the country is moving in the right direction when it comes to LGBTQ acceptance and welcoming visitors from our community. Whether you’re looking for an exotic destination in Asia to have your own wedding, a romantic getaway as a gay couple, or just a fun place to go as a solo 2SLGBTQIA+ traveller, Thailand is sure to be a place where you’ll feel welcome and safe.

I stayed at a number of luxury resorts and hotels in Thailand so there is really no shortage of those to choose from. The ones I stayed at were the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, SO/ Bangkok, Na Nirand in Chiang Mai, and Paradee on Ko Samet. They were all fantastic and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of them for your stay!

This experience was provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, but they had no input on my writing.
There are some affiliate links in this article which provide me with compensation for any purchases made.

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