Gay Koh Samui guide
Hey, fancy a good time!
Samui is a growing gay holiday destination, especially for romantic couples. Gay life on Samui is a relaxing, quieter, fun contrast to the exuberant gay life of Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Gay bars and cabaret are more laid back, open, friendly and accessible and while there is a 'commercial' side to some parts of the gay scene, most gay Thai men hold down regular jobs. They work in the hospitality businesses, while many are doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, and own or manage other businesses.
For those who are unfamiliar with Thailand, you’ll be pleased to hear the country is very tolerant, even welcoming of gay people. It’s perfectly comfortable to come out here, the atmosphere is relaxed and many local boys (and increasingly some girls) are gay.
In fact it is the friendly and easy going character of the Thai people that make the country such a popular destination for gay travellers. Not only are there numerous gay-friendly venues and accommodation, there are also lots of friendly locals for companionship.
Gay venues in Samui
Emerald Green Mens' Club: Samui's premier gay massage business provides quality 'man-4-man' massage and treatments, and they have well trained gay Thai masseurs. They also have a branch at the five-star X2 Resort. Open: 12:00-21:00; Chaweng Beach Road (opp Nora Beach), North Chaweng, tel: (077) 601 372, email: info@emeraldgreensamui.com.
BoyZone: This smart, revamped, air-conditioned bar and massage venue is a sofisticated meeting place for the growing gay community. There is an elegantly-designed bar here where you can watch outstanding male dance shows nightly. Chaweng Beach Road (down a short Soi opposite Centara Grand Beach Resort), South Chaweng, tel: (077) 230 611.
Male Box: This bar currently wrestles for an identity, now aiming for a mixed audience - boy/ladyboy. The show happens nightly at 22:30 and is known as the 'old fashioned drag cabaret'. Despite the moniker, it is a smart, comfortable place with air conditioning. No rent boys. Chaweng Beach Road (down a short soi, opposite the Centara Grand Beach Resort), South Chaweng, tel: 081 083 1273.
Gay cabaret in Samui
Samui, and Thailand in general, has an obsession with ladyboy/boy cabarets. There are four such clubs for gay, but mainly mixed, audiences - three in Chaweng and one in Lamai.
Christy's Cabaret: The original Samui cabaret show is still running, although is looking a bit worse for wear. The show runs at 21:30 nightly and has free entry. Chaweng Beach Road (down a short soi, close to Burger King), tel: (077) 413 244.
Sweet Soul Café and Green Mango: Mixed venues with a gay slant that gets busy around 23:00. The music is loud and it’s a bit grubby, but is fun for the non-puritan gay. Both freelance ladyboys and local gay guys frequent the dance floor. Closes at 02:00. Central Chaweng.
G-Bar: This gay bar features a cabaret show nightly at 22:00 and comes with a decent drinks menu. Free entry. Soi Colibri, Chaweng Beach (near Centara Hotel).
K Club Bar: The is the original rent boy venue; a small, unassuming place with friendly staff. Open: 18:00-02:00; Chaweng Beach Road (behind Starbucks), Central Chaweng.
Star Club Cabaret: About five minutes on foot from Christy's, Star’s is similar and also has free entry. Shows are nightly at 21:30. Chaweng Beach Road (upstairs opposite Family Mart), South Chaweng.
Gay Activities in Samui
Rainbow-scuba & Tours: Long-running Samui company providing first class service for gay travellers, including diving, accommodation and sightseeing. Tel: 086 272 0980, email: info@rainbow-scuba.com.
Gay Accommodation in Samui
Samui offers a wide range of accommodation, from brand names such as Four Seasons and Six Senses Hideaway to 500 baht a night beach bungalows. No hotel has a non-gay policy and the emphasis is on the customer, making it popular. Although there are no gay-themed hotels on Samui, there are a few small, good quality, gay-run bed and breakfasts.
Little Palace Chaweng Noi: A meticulous private home with two rooms for rent. Comes with a beautiful garden and pool. 64/20 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi (across from Fair-House-Hotel), South Chaweng, tel: 089 587 8774, email: info@littlepalace.org.
Mana's Home: High on the hill above Chaweng is this large, modern Thai-style home with wonderful panoramic views. There are two rooms for rent and a sun deck and Jacuzzi. 42/26 Moo 6, Tambon Bophut, Chaweng Yai, tel: 081 899 1767, email: manahome@wanadoo.fr.
Updated and correct: January 2012
