Koh Samui offers the perfect escape for those looking for an idyllic Island getaway.
The Island has a small but lively gay scene with small bars and cabaret shows.
Koh Samui, which locals usually call Samui, is the second most popular island destination in Thailand. It’s also the up-and-coming gay destination in Thailand. Although it’s not nearly as raucous as Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket, Koh Samui is open, friendly, and accessible and not so overdeveloped. Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket, with an area over 200 km² and a population of over 63,000.
Until the late 20th century, Samui was an isolated self-sufficient community of fishermen, coconut farmers and a few pirates, having little interaction with the Thai mainland. Western backpackers were the first to arrive for daytrips, or beach rave parties in the 1970s and ’80s. The airport was built in 1989 and now about a million visitors arrive each year. Samui International Airport is surprisingly beautiful with a thatched roof luggage hall and flower beds down the side of the runways. The open-air Koh Samui Airport is served mostly by Bangkok Air and Thai Airways for easy connections from your arrival city. There are also good bus and rail links to ferry service from the mainland; often a cheaper way to get here than flying. Car and passenger ferries arrive from Don Sak on the mainland.
Koh Samui still offers slivers of “undiscovered” Thailand with great beaches and less crowds than it’s sister island, Phuket.
The Gay Scene in Koh Samui
The gay neighborhood is mostly centered in Cheweng, with a cluster of gay and gay-friendly bars and cabaret bars. KClub is the boy bar and disco club, and Starz cabaret is the gayest among several featuring ladyboy cabaret. A multitude of hotels and resorts ring the island now, from super luxury villas and cottage clusters set in lush beachside gardens, to simple and inexpensive B&Bs.
Gay Beaches
There is no designated gay beach in Koh Samui, but most of the gay tourists and locals head over to Central Chaweng beach, around the end of Soi Lamdin for their relaxation and sunbathing. At Chaweng Beach every evening, a game of gay volleyball takes place in front of O.P. Bungalow. Most players are either gay or very gay.
Most gay visitors stay near popular beaches like Chaweng, Lamai and BoPhut. All of these locations have a wide range of accommodations to choose from. If you want to enjoy swimming and sunbathing in a more relaxing ambiance, look for the northern beaches of Mae Nam Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, Taling Ngam Beach, and Hua Thanon/ Bang Kao Beach.
Watching the sunset in Koh Samui is a unique experience that should not be missed. The best locations to see the sunset are Taling Ngam Beach, Lipa Noi Beach, & Bang Po Beach.
Gay Cruising
Gay Cruising in Koh Samui can be found in one place; the Khanom Ferry Terminal area, where several gay men are searching for fun, and the number of young guys is surprising!
Koh Samui – Weather
Thailand’s beaches are located on two primary bodies of water: the Andaman Sea to the west of Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. Choosing between them is mostly a question of when the rains fall – for the best weather, avoid the Gulf of Thailand resorts like Koh Samui from September through December, and avoid Andaman Sea resorts like Phuket and Krabi from April through October.
If you do travel in the rainy season, expect deep discounts and typical tropical rain patterns, hard rain for an hour or two followed by sun.
Exploring the Island
Beautiful sandy beaches, plus natural areas such as the Khao Sok National Park, with evergreen rain forest, exotic plants and wildlife, and dramatic limestone mountains, along with the Mu Ko Angthong Marine National Park of 42 islands, (2 hours northwest of Koh Samui by boat), are part of the attraction.
A 25-30 km trip from Nathon pier to Chaweng or Lamai beach should cost around 600-800 baht. Note that taxi prices are higher than in Bangkok, and drivers tend to ask foreigners for a flat rate or much higher than normal fare.
Motorbikes can be rented almost anywhere on the island for between 120-700 baht per day depending on the size and seasonality. It is advisable that you hire only from a reputable company. Bicycle rental is very cheap on Koh Samui and shouldn’t cost more than 200 baht per day. Driving is easy on Koh Samui, and there are many car rental companies available.
The main gay bars are located in Chaweng Beach area, near the Boxing Stadium. The scene is busy from early evening and the cabaret shows host several shows per night.
K-Club is one of the longest running gay bars on the Island
Bar Solo is a mixed bar that marks the beginning of the gay street.
Starz Cabaret is a nightly lady-boy cabaret show and terrace bar.
Paris Follies Cabaret is the most risqué of the Koh Samui ladyboy shows,
Samui has a very lively nightlife scene, much of which is centered in Chaweng Beach area. Stay close to this area if you want to be near the gay beach and the gay scene. Venture beyond to BoPhut if you want a more relaxed resort-style escape. Wherever you choose, Samui is the perfect Island retreat.
Luxury in Chaweng
Right on the beach and a short walk to Chaweng main drag, with plenty of shops and nightlife options. Pride Bar Samui gay bar is just a 10-minute walk away.
Just Sublime!
An oasis of calm on Chaweng Beach, offering a warm welcome and great location for gay guests, being near gay-popular venues.
Gay Owned and Operated
A real retreat for a relaxing holiday yet is close enough to Chaweng Beach area if you fancy a night out (about 20 minutes by taxi).
When traveling to Koh Samui, you may tempted to spend your trip draped over a chaise lounge at one of the island’s top resorts. But these top sites and attractions are not to be missed. Don’t worry: wherever your exploration takes you, you’re never far from another golden-sand beach.
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks – Located on Lamai Beach.
Big Buddha Temple, impossible to miss across the Island.
Wat khunaram – with its famous mummified monk on display.
A day trip to the Khao Sok national park should be on your bucket-list!
The famous Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks are located on Lamai Beach. These odd-shaped rocks resemble the male and female sexual organs; one of Samui’s most popular attractions. Head to Wat khunaram with its famous mummified monk on display or visit Wat Phra Yai, the Big Buddha TempleBuilt in 1972, the temple containing a 15m tall statue of the Buddha.
For something a little different check out Fisherman’s Village, a lively night market filled with restaurants and shops, located in Bophut area. Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo,at Ban Harn beach, has a great collection of tropical fish, aquatic animals and colourful corals. The zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards.
The Secret Buddha Garden looks something out of a “Laura Croft” game. Built in 1976, this lovely garden is surrounded by lush forests and rocky hills with stunning statues.
Finally, Angthong National Marine Park is a group of beautiful islands close to Koh Samui formed from eroded limestone. Definitely a place for those Instagram moments.
Whether you are on a budget, or looking for luxury, Phuket has something for every budget. From Fine Dining to charming souvenirs, check out our recommendations on where to eat and the best places to bag a bargain.
Central Festival Samui has with three floors and around 90,000sqm of retail space with lots of shops and restaurants
Ocean Pier by Latest Recipe is a beautiful floating pier at Le Meridien Hotel
Lamai Walking Street is held every Sunday on Lamai Beach Road selling clothes, handicrafts and local street food.
Trade Wind Restaurant is located on the soft sands of Samui Palm Beach Resort
Ark Bar Beach Club
Every Wednesday and Friday there is a Beach Party with International DJ...
K CLUB
K club is a gay host bar which means you never have...
Pride Bar Samui
Pride Bar Samui is a new gay bar to the gay scene...
