When you spend as much time in Thailand as Andee (@andeecys) and his husband Hugo (@hugo_tw), hotel choices stop being about hype and start being about standards.
Based in Southeast Asia, the Singaporean and Taiwanese couple travel to Thailand constantly. Not once-in-a-while vacations, but regular escapes that have turned the country into something close to a second home. That’s exactly why their hotel picks matter. These are not “first trip” recommendations. These are stays chosen because they consistently deliver.
We asked Andee to make it tricky and pick just one hotel in each destination: Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya. The result is a tight edit of some of the best gay-friendly hotels in Thailand, selected by travelers who know the country inside out.
Why Thailand Feels Like a Second Home
Andee and Hugo don’t visit Thailand occasionally. They return constantly. At this point, Thailand feels less like a destination and more like a second home.
Part of the pull is obvious. The food, the beaches, the hospitality, and the sheer variety of experiences, from tranquil islands to full-on city energy. But what keeps drawing them back is how easy it feels to exist here, especially as gay men.
Thailand offers space to explore at your own pace. One trip can be about quiet beaches and spa days, the next about parties, temples, and late nights. As long as you’re willing to explore, the country keeps revealing new sides of itself.
Another reason they return so often is community. Over the years, Andee and Hugo have built close friendships through their trips, making each visit feel personal rather than transactional. Even small things, like picking up the Thai language well enough to order food and coffee, have deepened that connection.
Why Thailand Resonates With Gay Travelers
Thailand’s reputation as a gay-friendly destination isn’t just marketing. It’s lived.
While there is still progress to be made, particularly around transgender rights, LGBTQ+ people are widely visible and accepted in everyday life. Trans and queer individuals are present in media, pop culture, and television, and that visibility shapes how inclusive the country feels on the ground.
As Andee puts it, Thailand is one of the few places in Asia where you don’t feel like you have to explain or justify who you are. In Bangkok and beyond, gay men live openly, comfortably, and unapologetically. That sense of ease is rare, and once you experience it, it’s hard not to come back.
Bangkok is still the heartbeat of Thailand’s gay scene. Big city energy, late nights, rooftop pools, and some of the country’s most stylish hotels.
Hotel Muse Bangkok, Autograph Collection
Vibe: Design-forward, moody, Instaperfect
Area: Langsuan, easy access to Silom
Hotel Muse is one of those Bangkok stays that feels intentional from the moment you walk in. The design leans bold and theatrical, making it a favorite for travelers who care as much about aesthetics as they do about comfort.
Andee’s take:
“I love the design of this hotel. It’s thoughtful and perfect for photos. The Speakeasy Bar was a highlight, dinner at the basement restaurant was incredible, and even the massage spot next door was surprisingly good value. The staff were warm, inclusive, and made us feel genuinely welcome.”
Why it works: a strong choice if you want a chic Bangkok base with personality, great bars, and easy access to nightlife.
Phuket offers range. Party zones, quiet beaches, and resorts that feel worlds away once you check in. Andee’s pick leans firmly into relaxation with a capital L.
The Pavilions Phuket
Vibe: Ultra-luxe, private, hillside calm
Area: Bang Tao / Laguna
Perched high above the coast, The Pavilions Phuket is all about space, views, and switching off. This is the kind of hotel where days blur together in the best way.
Andee’s take:
“This hotel is luxury and relaxation. I stayed in an Ocean View Pool Villa and it was honestly heaven. Peaceful, private, and with an incredible sea view. Floating breakfast made the stay even more special, and the spa and gym were fantastic. The staff were attentive, and the buggy service made everything easy.”
Why it works: perfect for couples, special trips, or anyone craving privacy and polished service in Phuket.
Koh Samui is where Thailand slows down. Beach days, spa time, and villas designed for disappearing from the world.
Conrad Koh Samui
Vibe: Secluded, dramatic views, villa luxury
Area: Southwest Koh Samui
Conrad Koh Samui is built for privacy. Villas are spaced out, views are uninterrupted, and the atmosphere is calm without feeling dull.
Andee’s take:
“The view is unreal. I was almost speechless when I first saw it. The rooms offer so much privacy that you feel completely disconnected from everything else. Service was on point, quick, accommodating, and genuinely kind. As a gay couple, we felt completely at home.”
Why it works: a top-tier choice for couples who want quiet luxury, privacy, and one of the best views on the island.
Pattaya often surprises people. It’s close to Bangkok, easy to reach, and offers beachfront hotels that feel more relaxed than the city, with a social edge.
Hilton Pattaya
Vibe: Beachfront luxe, social, sexy details
Area: Central Pattaya
Hilton Pattaya delivers exactly what you want for a short escape: views, spa time, and a hotel that feels fun without being chaotic.
Andee’s take:
“We loved our stay here. The spa was amazing, the infinity pool overlooking the sea was a highlight, and dinner at Horizon on the 34th floor was superb. The room was chic, and the outdoor bathtub on the balcony was pretty sexy. Staff were friendly and welcoming throughout.”
Why it works: a great pick for beach views, photos, and a relaxed but social Pattaya stay.
Why These Hotels Work So Well for Gay Travelers
What connects these hotels isn’t branding. It’s quality.
They deliver on:
- strong design and memorable spaces
- good food, proper spas, and thoughtful amenities
- service that feels warm and unforced
- environments where gay travelers feel comfortable without thinking about it
Being gay-friendly is the baseline. Being a great hotel is what makes the holiday.
Andee and Hugo’s picks reflect that balance perfectly.
See all their travels
FAQ: Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Thailand
Why is Thailand so popular with gay travelers?
Where is the gay nightlife in Thailand?
Bangkok has the most established gay nightlife scene, mainly around Silom. Smaller gay scenes can also be found in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Koh Samet, though they are more low-key.
