GAY PHUKETYOUR INDISPENSABLEGUIDE TO GAY PHUKET

ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO

Editionth4

October2014

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Contents

IntroductionGetting to PhuketFrom the airport to your hotelGetting around the IslandGay sceneBeachesGay bars and clubs map Gay Patong mapThings to see and doFast facts Emergency contacts

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Introduction

Getting to Phuket

From the airport

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. It is located in the Andaman Sea, just of the south west coast of the country. The island is 48 km long, 21 km at its widest point and connected by a bridge to the mainland.The best sandy beaches are on Phuket’s west coast. Patong, Kata and Karon beaches are the most well-known but can get crowded during peak season. The beaches and resorts north or south of these central areas are more peaceful.

Metered TaxiTaxis are a popular option, although by Thai standards, not particularly cheap. The average fare from the airport to Patong is 550 to 650 Baht. The fare is the rate displayed on the meter plus an airport fee of 100 Baht. The journey time to Patong is about 40 minutes. Some drivers may want to charge a flat rate. To find the official taxi rank, exit the terminal building and turn right.Limousine TaxiA more comfortable ‘upmarket’ taxi option that can cost up to 800-1,000 baht.MinivanA door-to-door shared commute. These minibuses leave after they fill up and drop passen-gers off along the way – so journey times will be longer.Car RentalThis is a great way to explore Phuket as there are many scenic roads. Car hire is not particu-larly expensive, but driving standards in Thailand are pretty poor so drive defensively and watch out for motorcyclists.Municipal Airport BusOperates daily 6:30-21:30, every hour, to Phuket town (but not to the west coast) and takes about one hour. Not a particularly helpful option.

The vast majority of tourists arrive by plane. Phuket International Airport, located towards the north end of the Island, is served by direct flights from many countries as well as flights from Bangkok and other regional Thai cities.It is possible to travel from Bangkok, Malaysia or even Singapore by bus, car or train. Train passengers get off at Surat Thani province and make the last leg to Phuket by road. It is also possible to visit Phuket by cruise ship.

HOT TIPTry to get a window seat as most flights approach over the beautiful Phang Nha bay before heading out over the sea for final approach.Don’t lose your luggage receipts as there are spot checks at the terminal exit to ensure you only have what belongs to you.

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Getting around PhuketTaxi

Phuket has two types of taxi. A “tuk-tuk” has no meter, so always agree on a price beforehand and bargain hard. Tuk-tuks are good for short trips around town that should not cost more than 40-50 baht. Metered taxis are a much better option for longer journeys. They are not easy to find on the street, so ask your hotel reception to phone for a taxi.

Car

Car rental costs from 1,000-1,200 baht per day. There are several rental companies in and around the airport. We recommend taking full insurance coverage and drive defensively. By law, you must have your driving licence with you when driving.

Motorbike

Motorbike or Scooter rentals start at around 200 baht per day. However, it is very dangerous and best avoided. Remember, motorcycle rental NEVER includes any third party insurance. If you are involved in a accident or injury or damage the motorcycle, YOU will be liable. You are required by law to wear a helmet. Traffic police are more likely to stop Westerners for not wearing a helmet as they are more likely to have the cash to pay the fine.

Boat

Longtail boats are a great way to do a bit of island hopping. Prices can be negotiated and should be around 500 baht per hour or no more than 1,800-2,000 baht per day.

‘Songthaew’ or bus

There are few full-sized buses. Most lines are operated with ‘songthaews’ (essentially a converted pickup truck). The fare is from 25 baht and up, and there are no set stops. Songthaews pick up and drop off as requested. There are no “cross-beach” connections, so

Surin Beach

Nai Thon Beach

Nai Yang Beach

Mai Khao Beach

Kamala Beach

Karon Beach

Kata Beach

Nai Harn BeachRawai Beach

Phuket Town

HeroinesMonument

BeachesPatongMain coastal resort town and home to Phuket's gay nightlife with a number of exclusively gay hotels.

KamalaA quiet beach just 5 miles north of Patong.

KaronThe second longest beach on Phuket, located 3 miles south of Patong.

KataKata Yai & Kata Noi in the south of Patong are considered amongst the nicest on Phuket.

Chalong BayPhuket’s largest bay located in the south-east, popular with dive enthusiasts.

Mai Khao & Nai Yang BeachA beautiful 6-mile stretch of beach at the northwest end of the island.

Panwa CapeA peaceful spot on southeastern Phuket.

Surin Beach & Pansea BayTwo excellent beaches 9 miles north of Patong. This is the place that two of the most popular beach clubs located. Catch Beach Clubs and Bimi Beach Club. Though not exclusively gay, These 2 beach clubs are regular playground for the movers and shakers of the island and is not to be missed while you are on Phuket. Perfect place to spend afternoon and evening chilling on the beach.

Surin BeachPansea Bay

Nai Thon Beach

Nai Yang Beach

Mai Khao Beach

Kamala Beach

Karon Beach

Kata Beach

Chalong Bay

Panwa Cape

Phuket Town

HeroinesMonument

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Gay sceneThe main gay scene on Phuket island is located in the west coast town of Patong. Dozens of gay venues including hotels, restaurants, saunas & spas, bars & clubs are concentrated in and around the Paradise Complex. There is a well-established gay section at Patong Beach – just in front of La Flora hotel.The week-long Phuket Gay Pride Festival takes place every year in April, attracting thousands of visitors.

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Gay Beach Behind La Flora Hotel

Paradise Complex

Thaweewong Rd.

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Ratchapatthanusorn Rd.

Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd.

Patong Sai 3 Rd.

Pisitkoranee Rd.Nanai Rd.

Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd.

Thaweewong Rd.

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The Sea Hag 78/5 Permpong Soi 3, Thaweewong RoadTel.+66 76 341 11118.00 - 24.00

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The White Box 245/7 Prabaramee RoadTel. +66 76 346 27117.00 - 01.00

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Home Dining Café @ Club One Seven 9/9-10 Prachanukroh Road Tel.+66 76 366 359

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The Surface @ La FloraTel. +66 76 344 24117.00 - 00.00

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Suay Restaurant50/2 Takuapha RoadTel.+66 81 797 413517.00 - 23.00

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Newspaper Restaurant 125/4-5 Paradise ComplexTel. +66 76 346 276

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Baan Rim Pa223 Prabaramee RoadTel.+66 76 340 78912.00 - 24.00

BYD Lofts Restaurant Bistro & Bar5/28 Rat-U-Thit RoadTel. +66 76 343 02407.00 - 23.00

Oriental Spoon @ TwinpalmsTwinpalms Resort, Surin BeachTel.+66 76 316 50007.00 - 10.00, 16.00 - 23.00

Restaurants

* Simon CabaretShow at 6pm, 7.45pm, 9.30pmTel +66 76 342 011

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Paradise Complex

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Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd.

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Aquarius SaunaTel. +66 76 341 668

Spartacus Massage Tel. +66 76 345 517

Two Hands Massagenext to Tangmo Club

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Tara Sauna Tel. +66 76 220 172

Hiranyikara Spa Tel. +66 81 370 0202

Connect Bar & Restaurant Tel. +66 76 294 19508.00 - 02.00

My Way Cabaret Tel. +66 81 978 4172

Boat Bar Tel.+66 76 341 23721.00 - 04.00

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Tangmo Club Tel. +66 76 294 11520.00 - 02.00

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Kiss Club Tel. +66 86 944 242620.00 - late

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Chic Bar 20.00 - late

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7 Sundowners Bar TEL. +66 76 344 21517.00 - 02.00

James Dean And Friends 08.00 - 02.00

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10 ZAG ClubTel. +66 81 561 911408.00 - 02.00

11 Sundowner BistroTel +66 87 893 474108:00 – 02:00

12 Club Love KaraokeTel +66 84 188 4005

Saunas and spas

Bars and clubs

Yes Bar & OK KaraokeTel +66 907067622

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Quick factIn tourist areas, most stores open from daily from 10 or 11am to 10pm.The currency is Thai baht. ATM machines are widely available. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shop, hotels and most restaurants. Most tourist areas have currency exchange booths or banks.Electricity - 220 Volts. Usually two round pins (European type). Most hotels offer adapters or they can bought at local stores.

Things to see and doMost gay visitors spend most of their holiday soaking up the sun. But if your body can be dragged from its natural beach habitat, it will discover a great range of leisure activities on and around Phuket island.Khao Sok National ParkThailand’s premier rainforest reserve that has more than 48 species of mammals including wild elephants, tiger and leopards.Phi Phi IslandsMade famous by the movie “The Beach” and now rather overdeveloped. However, Phi Phi islands are still a majestic sight to see and makes for an interesting day-trip excursion.

Phang Nga BayPhang Nga Bay stretches out from the east coast of Phuket Island to Krabi. This bay is home to gigantic rock mountains rising from the sea – the most famous of which is called James Bond Island. Spectacular sights that are well worth a day trip to see.Phuket Simon CabaretIf you fancy being entertained by some of Thailand’s best ladyboys, then book tickets to see this show. A real extravaganza of costumes and gorgeous performers. Shows twice a night at 7:45 and 9:30pm. 8 Sirirat Road, Patong Beach Tel. +66 76 342 011, +66 76 342 114

Scuba DivingThe islands around Phuket offer some of the best diving spots in Southeast Asia. Of particular note is the close by Similan Islandswhere visibility can reach over 30 meters and leopard sharks and dolphins are a common sight. There are a number of PADI certified diving schools on the island that provide instruction and organise excursions.

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Phone and internet

Drinking water

Emergency contacts

GSM phones work in Thailand, but using your own mobile to make a call or connect to the internet can be expensive. If you cannot contemplate a week without email, Facebook, Gaydar, or Grindr then consider buying a Thai SIM card. SIM and micro SIMS (for iPhone users) are widely available on a ‘Pay As You Go’basis. The SIM card will cost around 100 baht, but the price will include some credit. One-Two-Call from AIS offers some of the best rates for international calls.Virtually all hotels offer internet access and WiFi, usually free of charge to guests.

Tourist Police 1155http://www.phuket-tourist-police-volunteers.com/ Police 191Rescue 1669

Drink bottled water.

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