Gay Koh Samui
Samui is a rapidly growing gay holiday and residential 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 gay life, most gay Thai men here hold down regular jobs in a wide variety of hospitality businesses, many are doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, own or manage 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 that make the country such a popular destination for gay travellers. Not only are there numerous gay friendly venues and accommodation, but lots of friendly locals for companionship.
Here are some recommended places on Samui for gay visitors.
Updated and correct: January 2010
Emerald Green Mens' Club
Samui's premier gay massage business which provides high quality 'man 4 man' massage and body treatments, Open daily midday to 21:00, they have well trained gay Thai masseurs and an innovative massage . There’s also a branch in the five star 'X2 Resort' . 077 601 372 Chaweng Beach Road, north Chaweng, opposite the Nora Beach , info@emeraldgreensamui.com
BoyZone: Smart recently refurbished air conditioned bar with a boy dance show daily at 21:30. Plenty of rent boys, mixed crowd but mainly gay. Chaweng Beach Road, south Chaweng down a short Soi opposite the Centara Grand Beach Resort. +66 (0) 7723 0611.
Male Box: This bar currently wrestles for an identity, now aiming for a mixed audience with a boy/ladyboy show daily at 22.30, they call 'old fashioned drag cabaret' but it is a smart recently renovated, comfortable, air conditioned bar. No rent boys. Chaweng Beach Road, south Chaweng down the small short Soi as Boy Zone, opposite the Centara Grand Beach Resort. +66 (0) 81083 1273.
Samui and Thailand in general, has an obsession with lady boy/boy cabaret with four such clubs for gay but mainly mixed audiences, three in Chaweng and one in Lamai.
Starz Club Cabaret: is the newest, largest and most swanky where they pump out a high energy show every night at 21.30. Free entry and bar service. Chaweng Beach Road, central Chaweng at the back of Khun Chaweng Plaza.
Christy's Cabaret: the original show in town and a five minute walk from Starz Club Cabaret along. A bit scruffy now but they were the first show in town many years ago and set the formula all the others now copy. Show every night at 21.30. Free entry and bar service. Chaweng Beach Road and down a short Soi close to Burger King, +66 (0) 77 413 244.
Star Club Cabaret: another caberet in Chaweng, though nothing spectacular, worth poking your head into. Free entry and bar service, shows nightly at 21:30. Chaweng Beach Road, south Chaweng upstairs opposite 'Family Mart'
Zodiac Cabaret in central Lamai, down the lane-way by Fusion Club. The owner and main star Tina is a ladyboy icon on Samui who does a powerful Tina Turner routine. Daily show at 21:30, with bar service and free entry.
K Club Bar: is the original rent boy Bar on Samui and still at it. Small open front, simple unaffected bar with friendly staff open 18:00 to 02:00 daily, Chaweng Beach Road, central Chaweng behind Starbucks.
Sweet Soul Cafe and Green Mango: both mixed venues but gay Thai and international gay visitors often go to these bars about 11pm. Very loud music, crowds, dirty but fun and a must to go to. Commercial boys and lady boys prowl the floor but many regular non commercial gay guys go here, often in large groups so it is a good place to meet local gay guys. Closes 02:00. Central Chaweng, opposite each other in the same Soi
Gay Accommodation in Samui
Samui offers a wide range of accommodation options from famous brand name hotels like 'Four Seasons' and 'Six Senses Hideaway' through to simple bungalows for 500 baht a night. All hotels are gay friendly in as much as they are customer friendly so it probably most practical to work out what you want from a hotel; beach location, in the jungle, close to town or far away, butler service etc. then look at the options on the Internet.
There are no gay hotels on Samui but there are a few small good quality gay owner occupied B&B options.
Little Palace Chaweng Noi, is a meticulous private home with two rooms for rent, beautiful garden and pool. Chaweng Noi (Chaweng-South) across from "Fair-House-Hotel"
64/20 Moo 3, +66 (0) 895878774. info@littlepalace.org
Mana's Home High on the hill above Chaweng is a large modern Thai style private home with wonderful panoramic views, two rooms for rent, sun deck and Jacuzzi. +66 (0) 81 899 1767, manahome@wanadoo.fr.
Rainbow-scuba & Tours: is still going strong after many years of providing first class service for gay travellers on Samui, including diving and sightseeing with a gay-friendly group. +66 (0) 86 272 0980, info@rainbow-scuba.com
Updated and correct: January 2010
