Oh we do like to be beside the sea side

   With over 3,000 km of coastline the Kingdom of Thailand is sure to have something to please everyone who likes to spend time by the sea, whether you like snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, sailing, motor crafts or just relaxing and swimming. For gay people another factor sometimes influencing our decision on where to go is the level of gay life available. Some people choose to get away from it all, which is fine if that is what you are looking for but it is good to know in advance what you can expect. For others it is a compromise between quality of the environment and existence of a gay scene. Gay life needs a certain critical mass of people to make it happen so big cities have it all while there is far less happening at small resort areas.

   People looking for good snorkelling and scuba diving in the Gulf of Thailand should know that true reefs only occur from Chumpon province south. Koh Tao has great snorkelling and scuba diving but has no facilities for gay people. Nearby Koh Pangan has great beaches and is a thriving location for wind surfers but no good snorkelling or scuba diving and, as on Koh Tao, the backpacker hetro scene leaves many gay people feeling isolated and bored at night. Luck for people visiting this region Koh Samui is not far away. With its international airport, wide range of gay friendly accommodation and growing gay ex-pat community it is the centre for gay life in the region. Several new bars have opened in the last year and Samui boasts its very own male sauna Emerald Green Spa and the only gay adventure tour company in Thailand, Rainbow-Scuba & Tour (see Thai Puan listings for details). While the beaches in the main tourist centres are busy the south and east coast are still largely deserted and pristine with good options for snorkelling and kite surfing.

   On the Andaman coast the three main tourist destinations are worlds apart in terms of gay scene. Phuket is one of the most established in Thailand while Krabi just in its infancy and on Phi Phi you are likely to feel like the only gay on the island. All three have their appeal, of course, depending on what you are looking for. In terms of things to do and see on the water some of the best day trips are the same ones available from all three locations. For example scuba divers wanting a one or two day dive trip may be interested to know that the best three dive sites are offered at all three locations. King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef and Shark Point are all about equal distance from Krabi, Phuket or Phi Phi, approx. 2 hours sailing.

   Similarly, people wishing to visit the famous Phang Nga Bay area could choose to stay in Phuket, Krabi or the town of Phang Nga itself. This bay formed between Krabi and Phuket has some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The shallow water and river run-off make it not suitable for snorkelling or scuba diving but great for sailing and famous for canoeing and sight seeing. To avoid the crowds overnight trips are the best way to explore. Some companies provide accommodation on one of the small islands while others have boats with accommodation on board.

   Away from the main tourist centres the Andaman coast has hundreds of small islands with bungalow accommodation and quiet unspoilt beaches, perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape. For example off the north Andaman coast, close to Ranong, are Koh Phayam and Koh Chang (not to be confused with the other Koh Chang on the boarder with Cambodia). Off the south Andaman coast, close to Trang is Koh Sukon and Koh Kradan. No mention of the Andaman coast can be compete without mentioning the Tarutao National Marine Park. Often described as the last true unspoiled wilderness of Thailand, there is bungalow accommodation only on one island Koh Lipe. Few tour boats head down this far but one of the few that does is gay run Rainbow-Scuba & Tour who normally visit once a year.

   The Eastern Seaboard runs along the Gulf of Thailand towards the border with Cambodia. The beaches closest to Bangkok, near Pattaya for example, can be crowded and the gay scene should need no introduction. Further south near Ranong is Koh Samet, a popular short break escape for people in Bangkok. With powdery white sand and clear water it is quite a jewel in the region and attracts plenty of gay visitors, especially on weekends. On public holidays accommodation needs to be booked well in advance or you will find yourself sleeping on the beach.

   As one moves east towards Cambodia the beaches become nicer and nicer and quieter and quieter. The terrain is flat with vast expanses of fruit orchards and coconut plantations but the gay scene diminishes quite drastically. The last island group before the Cambodian border, the Koh Chang archipelago, has 50 islands. As in other remote locations don’t plan to come here if you are looking for gay party scene. Scuba diving and snorkelling are available but most people come to relax on the beach and watch the palm trees growing.