Phuket Gay Pride Festival attracts revelers from the world over and is a week of fun and well-organised activities, parties, competitions, quizzes, parades and over-the-top costumes and characters. Based around Soi Paradise and gay-friendly hotels, the festival certainly leaves its mark on Patong Beach.
Once a year the Phuket Gay Carnival will take place, and for three nights, Paradise complex becomes a little Rio Carnival with lots of lights, plenty of balloons and flags, lots of extravagant shiny costumes, and the ever popular Katoeys (ladyboys). During those three nights, bars will put on small street performances and contests and the bars will be crowded.
This carnival was originally in Bangkok but was brought to Phuket probably for traffic jam reasons. The Parade going around Patong Beach on the last of the three days can create a serious mess, so remember that if you plan to drive your car along the beach road, it might take two hours to cross Patong. Each gay bar and Phuket Simon Cabaret will work on their best costumes and decorated floats to proudly parade on huge trucks, driving down the beach road. Great occasion for photos as the entire town, gay or not, gets into party mood. The Parade will end at Paradise Complex where the last wild party will begin.
Stargazer Talent Contest has become an integral part of Phuket Pride’s Celebration and is now on its third year. This contest is open to all expats who live in Thailand and our Thai community. Stargazer brings together a wide range of singers, bands, dancers, acrobats, actors who are scored and finally crowned the winner by spectators and professional judges at CC’s Hideaway, Kata Phuket
We have found hotels with good reviews that keep you close to all the action,
Orchid Resortel, Lub d Hotel, R-Mar Resort and Spa, Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa.
Stay in the Principe Real district, where you will find the city’s best gay bars and clubs!
The Meridien Phuket is our favourite location, close to Patong Beach, with direct beach access, great rooms and a delicious breakfast! Book early.
For further information and advice on Phuket Gay Pride visit their official Facebook page.
Most of the gay events taking place during Pride in Phuket will occur along Patong beach and in the Paradise Complex.
Highlights of Pride in Phuket
The popular gay bars and nightclubs in Phuket are located in the area surrounding the Exit Road of the Paradise Complex in Patong Town. Clubs get busy from 11pm. The hotels we have recommended are within a short walking distance of the bars and beaches.
Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa is set within 20 acres of gardens above Patong. Overlooking the Andaman and Kalim Beach, it offers 3 restaurants, 3 bars and 2 pools
Bangla, Lub d Phuket Patong offers both private and dormitory-style rooms with air conditioning. The stylish hostel features its own outdoor pool, free WiFi in all areas
Featuring private balconies, rooms at R-Mar Resort and Spa come with a 32-inch flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. A fridge and tea/coffee making facilities, Free WiFi is available
The air-conditioned rooms come with cable TV and a fan. A refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities are also provided. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower.
