Steven and Manu’s Thai escapade takes you across the country in search of some of the hottest gay-friendly hotels in Thailand, from laid-back island resorts in Koh Samui and Phuket to a slick city stay right in the heart of Bangkok’s LGBTQ+ hub.
Leading the way is Steven Hodgson (@imstevenhodgson), an expert traveler and hotel connoisseur based in Madrid, traveling with his partner Manv (@manvort), a trained chef who knows a thing or two about good taste, both on the plate and beyond. Together, they checked into hotels that deliver on design, service, and that all-important feeling of being genuinely welcome as a gay traveler.
Along the way, Steven captured the experience as it actually happened. Expect exclusive photos, behind-the-scenes videos, and real, unfiltered moments from each stay, from floating breakfasts and private villas to spa days and late sunsets. This is not a brochure version of Thailand. It’s what these hotels really feel like when you check in.
If you’re planning a trip and want stylish stays with the right vibes, these are hotels that know how to host gay travelers properly, on camera and in real life.
Paradise in Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most welcoming islands for LGBTQ+ travelers, known for its laid-back beaches, inclusive atmosphere, and growing selection of gay-friendly resorts. Days here are about slowing down, beach walks, wellness, and sunset dinners, with nightlife that feels social rather than overwhelming.
Koh Samui’s diverse nightlife caters to various preferences, with inclusive bars and clubs providing lively atmospheres. Explore the island’s energetic nightlife scene for a memorable evening.
Steven and Manu explored two very different, but equally memorable, stays on the island.
Explorar, Koh Samui
Vibe: Modern, beachfront, adults-only
Explorar Koh Samui hits the sweet spot if you like your island stays clean, modern, and social without losing privacy. It’s adults-only, right on the beach, and easy to slip into holiday mode fast.
Steven’s take:
“The property felt young, light, modern, and fun. Our villa had beach views, a private pool, and a beautiful interior. The main pool was huge, the food was excellent, and the staff really took care of us. It felt easy and relaxed, and we’d absolutely come back.”
Best for: gay couples or solo travelers who want a stylish beachfront stay with a social, adults-only vibe.
Garrya Tongsai Bay, Koh Samui
Vibe: Luxe, wellness-led, deeply tranquil
Garrya Tongsai Bay is one of those hotels that makes you slow down without trying. Set in nature, it blends privacy, wellness, and genuinely thoughtful service, making it one of the most memorable gay-friendly hotels in Thailand.
Steven’s take:
“This was one of our absolute favourites. The staff were incredibly warm and made you feel like family from the moment we arrived. We celebrated Manu’s birthday here, and the hotel went all out with a private beach table, a personalised cake, and bubbles. Our villa was huge, beautifully designed, with a private pool and outdoor bathtub. The spa was incredible, especially when it started raining during our treatment. It’s a hotel you really feel, not just stay at.”
Best for: special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, wellness-focused trips, and couples who want privacy with emotional wow moments.
Something for Everyone in Phuket
Phuket
Phuket blends beach escapes with a lively, inclusive social scene. From sunset views to energetic nightlife and resort-style relaxation, the island offers some of the most versatile gay-friendly hotels in Thailand, whether you are visiting as a couple or with friends.
Steven and Manu stayed at two very different Phuket properties, each offering a distinct experience.
Amari, Phuket
Vibe: Relaxed resort, scenic, easygoing
Amari Phuket is a comfortable, well-rounded resort that delivers on views and atmosphere without feeling overcomplicated. It’s the kind of place where days flow easily between pool time, food, and sunset drinks.
Steven’s take:
“The views over the bay were beautiful, especially from the pool near the Italian restaurant. The bar had great sea views, and the high tea in the trees was such a fun experience. It felt relaxed and scenic without being over the top.”
Best for: travelers who want classic resort comfort, strong views, and a laid-back Phuket base.
The Pavilions, Phuket
Vibe: Luxe villas, romantic, adults-oriented
The Pavilions Phuket is all about space, privacy, and elevated service. Villas feel secluded, the grounds are stunning, and everything runs smoothly without feeling formal.
Steven’s take:
“This resort is a dream. The villas, restaurants, and even the lobby are beautiful, and everything feels very intentional. Service was exceptional across the property, from in-room dining to getting around in buggies. Dinner at ALTO was a highlight, every plate better than the last. It’s one of those hotels that makes you start planning your return while you’re still there.”
Best for: romantic getaways, luxe escapes, and gay couples who want privacy with polished service.
Iconic Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok remains the cultural and nightlife heart of Thailand’s LGBTQ+ scene. Staying in the right area makes all the difference, especially if you want easy access to gay bars, clubs, and restaurants around Silom.
Steven and Manu’s Bangkok stay centered on one of the city’s most reliable gay-friendly hotels.
Le Meridien, Bangkok
Vibe: Urban luxe, central, nightlife-ready
Le Méridien Bangkok works because it puts you exactly where you want to be if nightlife is part of your trip. You’re steps from Silom’s LGBTQ+ scene, with the comfort of a polished international hotel when the night winds down.
Steven’s take:
“I loved the location, right in the heart of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. The rooms were modern and comfortable with impressive city views. The VIP club lounge on the top floor had amazing staff, free food and drinks, and felt like a calm reset after late nights out.”
Best for: gay travelers who want nightlife on their doorstep without sacrificing comfort or service.
Why These Hotels Actually Work for Gay Travelers
Across very different destinations, these hotels all get one thing right: they don’t just tolerate gay travelers, they know how to host properly.
Steven didn’t love hotels these because they wave a rainbow flag but because they deliver on what actually makes a great hotel stay, for anyone, while also being places where you never feel out of place as a gay traveler.
That means:
- genuinely welcoming staff who treat you like any other guest
- locations that make getting out and exploring easy
- privacy when you want it, and social energy when you don’t
- comfort, design, and service that hold up after long travel days or late nights
But just as important, these are quality hotels, full stop. Strong design, memorable food, good spas, well-thought-out rooms, and those little details that turn a nice stay into a great holiday. Being gay-friendly is the baseline. Being a great hotel is what makes the trip.
FAQ: Gay-Friendly Hotels in Thailand
Are hotels in Thailand gay-friendly?
Yes. Thailand is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in Asia, and most international and upscale hotels are welcoming to gay travelers. In cities and resort areas like Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui, it’s very common for gay couples and solo travelers to stay openly and comfortably.
What actually makes a hotel gay-friendly in Thailand?
In practice, a gay-friendly hotel is one where you feel comfortable, respected, and unremarkable in the best way. It usually comes down to staff attitude, location, and how the hotel operates day to day, not whether it markets itself as a “gay hotel.”
The hotels in this guide are places where Steven felt relaxed being himself, without having to think twice about it.
Which destinations in Thailand are best for gay travelers?
Thailand works so well for gay travelers for the same reasons it works for everyone else: beautiful beaches, incredible food, strong hospitality, and great value for money. You can have an amazing trip almost anywhere in the country without feeling out of place.
If gay nightlife is a priority, Bangkok is still the clear hub, with the largest and most established scene centered around Silom. You’ll also find smaller, more low-key gay nightlife pockets in Phuket, and to a more limited degree in Chiang Mai, Phuket Pattaya, and Koh Samet.
Outside of nightlife, destinations like Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai are popular with gay travelers for the same reasons they attract everyone else: great resorts, spa culture, outdoor experiences, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The key is choosing the right hotel and location for the kind of trip you want, rather than chasing labels.
