Thailand has been a destination for travelers for decades. Renowned for its culture, stunning scenery, affordable travel options and kind people. It is also a top destination for LGBT travelers – the country was supportive of Trans folk long before the west and is known for being gay friendly. In April 2016, I joined other gay media from North America to sample some of what Thailand has to offer.
The biggest challenge of traveling to Thailand is getting there. Over 20 hours of travel makes for a weary person once you finally arrive. It can take a day or 2 to adjust, which is why our first stop, Phuket, is an ideal place to start or end your Thailand visit. Located in Southern Thailand, Phuket consists of the main island (the country’s largest) and another 32 smaller islands. The Angsana Languna Phuket resort (http://www.angsana.com/en/ap-thailand-phuket ) boasts beautiful beaches, a series of connecting pools, and all the amenities one wants for a relaxing vacation.
The hotel was also the host of TropOut! (http://www.tropout.com ) Designed as an alternative to mega-cruises and circuit parties, the inaugural TropOut saw gentleman from over 20 nations descend on Phuket for an unforgettable week-long experience. From nightly parties to excursions, TropOut is designed for gay men to chill, party and explore together. To be part of a group from around the world with common interests is a fun and unique experience – creator Aaron Zoanetti and his team have created something special. The next TropOut takes place in New Caledonia in May 2017 and returns to Thailand in December 2017.
While sitting on the beach after enjoying Angsana Laguna’s glorious breakfast buffet has its appeal, travelling to the other side of the world means wanting to experience the culture. An excellent way to do so is at the Phuket Thai Cookery School. (http://www.phuketthaicookery.com ). A breathtaking seaside view relaxes you before the charismatic and skilled chefs teach you how to make delicious Thai Food. We even learned how to make the little tomato roses that garnish the plate! Guests take home recipe cards and a certificate of completion.
Journeying around Old Phuket Town, one cannot help but be taken in by the beautiful vistas high in the hills that allow you to see the town and sea. A trip to the Big Buddha (http://www.phuket-big-buddha.com ) is a must. This free attraction is located on the peak of mount Nagakerd. A massive 24.45m wide and 45m tall it is the largest Buddha in Thailand. We would see many Buddha statues on the trip but the Big Buddha is one that remains in your memory. Astonishing views also greet visitors, as do monkeys which run around looking adorable but must be respected and not touched or fed. They are wild animals and can give a nasty bite – not what you want to remember from your vacation!
Cap off your visit to Phuket Town’s historical district. Impressive mansions occupied by Phuket’s tin barons 100 years ago along with temples, shops and restaurants make it easy to spend an entire day browsing, A long day of touring combined with lingering jetlag meant skipping a visit to the Patong District – home to several gay bars as well as other adventures for the party minded. Some of our new TropOut friends did visit and regaled us with entertaining stories of the great time they had.
The Phi Phi Islands is another popular destination. Maya Bay at Phi Phi Ley Island – where Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach was filmed - is flocked to by tourists and does get quite crowded. Other islands include Monkey Island – named for the small primates that climb down to watch the boats and sometimes even surprise tourists by jumping on them, and Phi Phi Don. Crystal clear water for swimming and snorkeling, tall mountains and pristine views make it clear why the Phi Phi Islands are so popular among locals and tourists. Another popular film related destination is Ko Khao Phing Kan. Since 1974 is has been dubbed "James Bond Island" as it was featured in The Man With The Golden Gun.
It would be easy to spend a week in Phuket alone. The travel time and cost to get there makes it less ideal for travelers seeking a simple beach vacation compared to destinations in North America and the Caribbean. As part of a larger scale Thailand visit, Phuket is an ideal place to catch up on jetlag and prepare for your journey, or to wrap up your trip with some sun and sand.
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Contributor Jason Clevett |
Locale Phuket | Thailand |
Topic Travel |
Photo Gallery Phuket |Thailand |Travel |
