Gay Phuket

[Guest Guest_Rain]

Will be travelling to Phuket in Mid June.

Can anyone share where to go in Phuket ?

Gay Massage or saunas ... or any other travelling tips ... Some 'Must go' or "Can Give it a Miss"..

Thanks in advance...

[TopChinese]

June is not the best time to go. Low season then. May rain in the afternoons.

Most of the scene in Patong is commercial. Expect to pay for boys. If you like money boys and boy bars, stay in Patong near Paradise Soi. Lots of boy bars there like My Way, Spartacus, Babylon but you must pay for action. The show is usually at 10:30pm at night.

The boys go in the morning to the gay beach near the tsunami warning tower. Look out for the gay section there. Afternoon around 5pm, they all move to the sauna in Aquarius Guesthouse in Paradise to practice their "skills". If you're lucky, you can get it there for free.

If you prefer to meet non-scene boys, try the usual websites like gaydar or fridae for Phuket. Not very easy to meet non-money boys there.

[TTS]

Was there in April this year. Honestly, if you are looking for saunas or gay massage, Bangkok will be a better location than Phuket. Phuket, however, is a paradise for outdoors/beach/sea lovers.

Did a one day sea canoe trip to Phang Na Bay, with all the limestone clifts and caves etc etc. Was an really exhilarating experience for me, and humbling as well, to know what Mother Nature is capable of, in the creation of these wonderful nature. (Phang Na was badly hit by the tsunami)

A one day snorkelling trip to Coral Island, and that is a 'can miss'. Unless you are a real good swimmer, swimming further from the beach will give you better corals scenic views. However, I have a bf who fear doing almost everything, and I spent most of the day near the beach with him.

Massage was ok, but was totally pissed when the massge guy demanded 1000 baht for jerking me off (which he initiated). It's common for tipping in Thailand, and up to one's preference on how much to tip (especially in Bangkok) but the demand for a 1000 baht is way too unreasonable. I just said 'No', assertively and firmly, tipped him 200 baht and walked out of the place.

Overall, the place is too commercialised (Patong). Even for the street side stalls, what you can get at in Bangkok, expect to find the price doubled in Phuket. They are used to having Caucasian clientels (good rip offs) and at some stalls (nearer to Phuket beach) when they asians, they simply ignore you.

The go go boy bar (the one that states as the only one that performs in nude) was a disappointment. If you show up there expecting it to be like establishments in Bangkok, you will be dismayed.

I will not return to Phuket for the gay scene there, but will certanily be back there for the sea. Next trip to Phuket, in December 06/Jan 07, and yes, am going to give Nation Party a miss....

[Guest GWMlover]

Any advise on where most of the GWM congregate? I'm not interested in moneyboys, they can be easily obtained even in Singapore. I want to go Phuket for the sea and relaxed atmosphere, and it would be even greater if I can get to cruise or be crused by some GWM instead of having to keep declining offers from money boys. Thanks

[Guest Phuket Guest]

Hi,

Have never been to Phuket. Will be going there with a friend in 2 weeks time. Would like to know what we can do over there, both the usual tourist activities as well as gay activities. Things like snorkeling(heard this may not be the right time though), cabaret shows, where to buy souvenirs, cheap and good eats, go-go shows, sauna, etc. Also, any do's and don'ts? Thanks!

[GachiMuchi]

Everygthing in Phuket is expensive. Everything needs money. So do bring lots of cash or credit. Lots of PLU places to go to. www.utopia-asia.com for more info on Phuket.

[kal]

agree gay scene in phuket realli cannot compare to bkk.. never try the canoe trip but did go to the pp island+snorkelling trip. Quite fun though.. think the best time to go phuket will be in Oct as its the starts of the good weather and is still under the low season rate. high season is on Nov-Mar where you will see tonnes of europeans there and all resort rates are doubled.

[TopChinese]

Any advise on where most of the GWM congregate? I'm not interested in moneyboys, they can be easily obtained even in Singapore. I want to go Phuket for the sea and relaxed atmosphere, and it would be even greater if I can get to cruise or be crused by some GWM instead of having to keep declining offers from money boys. Thanks

A bit hard leh... if you want GWM, can you compete with the money boys? Ie are you sexy muscular and almost good enough to be a money boy yourself?

There are a few non-scene GWMs there hanging around in mygaydar/fridae who will really appreciate hooking up with someone who speaks english and can communicate. But not sure if they are also keen on holiday fun, most tend to want someone long term.

I would try the gay beach in patong. Quite a lot of visitors there.

[ry-d]

True the gay scene is not that good there. I go to Phuket once every 2 months and make quite a num of new friends. Therefore everywhere i go, i am sure to have a huge discounts as there are ways which the local knows which tourist didn't.

Not to miss in Phuket is the beach, island tours (james bond island to me is a let down anyway).. and i think it's worth recommending to go visit Phuket Fantasea. Entrance for Phuket Fantasea is not that cheap (for a 2 hours show) but it worth every single cent of it.

[Guest Guest_Rain]

Thanks Guys, for all the valubale tips.

Guess will stick with a day trip of sea kayaking and white water rafting at Phang Nga as well as beach-hopping for this time.

Probably will check out the Paradise Complex and sun tanning at the gay beach..

James Bong Island = Phi Phi or Phang Nga ?

[oralb]

been to Phuket only twice, not really like the place, too commercialise for a start.

if prefer nice beach, i think Thailand has better offering

if prefer PLU scene, BKK is better.

everything is abt $ $ $. stall owner generally prefers Ang Mo as preceived them to be bigger spender. But in reality, i saw ang mo bargain fiercier than asian...

i guess phuket is good if you have time only for 1 place and prefer beach & sex.

i would go to Chang Mai or BKK instead.

[ry-d]

James Bond is at Phang Nga Bay but there are over hundreds of rock islands around there. See what you really want coz some tour operator just stop by James Bond Island to let you see see and take pics while some offers canoeing there. For me it's just a stopover coz waiting for the low tide so we can proceed to go canoeing inside a cave. Now that one is great. Well, if you got some cash to spend, you can get cheaper price if you take the 2 day island tour.. like day 1 u go Phang Nga Bay and day 2 go Phi Phi ect ect.. Well i paid 1300bht (about SGD60) for the 2 day tour inclusive of onboard lunch.

If you just want to stay in Phuket, u can go beach hopping as there are few like Karon, Kata, Patong beach which is also near the gay beach. Can take the beach service bus for a about 40baht (if i not wrong) to any of the beaches. For shopping and nightlife, not really a recommended as it's much more expensive compared to BKK. Most of the stalls there tells me that they buy goods from Chatuchak market in BKK and sell them in Phuket as much as triple or double the price.

[Guest Guest_Rain]

Well... Hmm.. Phuket will only be fun when they are holding the Gay Festival..Parade

[skylancer]

hmm.. okok.. or we all organize a trip to there?

haha

[Guest Guest]

Well i paid 1300bht (about SGD60) for the 2 day tour inclusive of onboard lunch.

If you just want to stay in Phuket, u can go beach hopping as there are few like Karon, Kata, Patong beach which is also near the gay beach. Can take the beach service bus for a about 40baht (if i not wrong) to any of the beaches. For shopping and nightlife, not really a recommended as it's much more expensive compared to BKK. Most of the stalls there tells me that they buy goods from Chatuchak market in BKK and sell them in Phuket as much as triple or double the price.

Man, you paid 1300 baht!!!! I got totally ripped off by booking a whole day and night trip online, and it costs me 3800 baht. (I realise the rip off teh night before the trip while checking out the rates around in Phuket) But every pinch of feeling ripped off was well soothe away, when we canoe/kayak into caves, having to lie down and having the roof of the caves only millimeters away from the tip of your nose!!! Astonishing!!!!

However, one has to be selective with the Pha Nga canoe/kayak package they choose. Some just send you there in their yatch, paddle you into a few caves and that's that. The trip I paid for, though expensive, leaves me satisfied feeling every baht well paid off.

The highlight of that trip, is when my bf and myself get to learn and build a traditional Thai candle float (the sort they offer in festives season) that evening. We paddled into this hard to reach lagoon enclosed by a cliff, made our wishes and lit the candle float and set it out into the lagoon. With the fireflies and some sparkling creatures in the sea water, the whole scene is spectacular and memorable.

Talking about shopping, yes indeed, the price are marked up way too high. But try visiting stalls outside of the CONGESTED Patong, and you can find gems there. I stayed at Karon beach, and there was this 'Kaorn Shopping Plaza' along the beach beside the resorts. The place is more like a night market than an plaza, sadly vacant of tourists, and I can see that the business owners there greatly needed more money spenders. There is this one particular stall that sells Thai wooden artifacts, where I kind of got touch by, and sympathise with the lady owner. Middle aged lady. I picked up a lamp which I liked heaps, and quoted 1/3 of the marked price. The lady nodded immediately, and I was taken aback as I paid higher for that price in BKK. What's more, she threw in the ligh bulbs, and gave me two scented candles (in elephant shaped ceramics) as momentos. It's easy to locate her stall. She's at the extreme left of the 'plaza', and her stall is the only stall that have all the items price-tagged. If you are there, buy something from her.

I won't recommend the bus service that brings you from Phuket town to all the beaches. Quoting the locals, "town to Patong, 2 hours!!!". Unless you have heaps of time, or travelling from beach to beach (short distance), that seems viable. Else, settle for Tutu, but must bargain hard.... And by the way, I learnt that almost all the nightspots closes and rest on Friday evenings... weird isn't it?

I also learnt about airport buses hijacking tourists from airport to the resorts, dropping them halfway into tour agencies etc etc to try selling you packages. You may want to arrange for airport pickup with your resort, to avoid being hijacked.

Thumb of rule when bargaining, slash the price by least 1/3 of the asking price. If not agreeable, 'Sorri!!! Mai Ao"!!!! The importantly, lots of sun block, and have fun!!!!

[Guest Guest_Rain]

Man, you paid 1300 baht!!!! I got totally ripped off by booking a whole day and night trip online, and it costs me 3800 baht. (I realise the rip off teh night before the trip while checking out the rates around in Phuket) But every pinch of feeling ripped off was well soothe away, when we canoe/kayak into caves, having to lie down and having the roof of the caves only millimeters away from the tip of your nose!!! Astonishing!!!!

However, one has to be selective with the Pha Nga canoe/kayak package they choose. Some just send you there in their yatch, paddle you into a few caves and that's that. The trip I paid for, though expensive, leaves me satisfied feeling every baht well paid off.

The highlight of that trip, is when my bf and myself get to learn and build a traditional Thai candle float (the sort they offer in festives season) that evening. We paddled into this hard to reach lagoon enclosed by a cliff, made our wishes and lit the candle float and set it out into the lagoon. With the fireflies and some sparkling creatures in the sea water, the whole scene is spectacular and memorable.

Hi Guest,

Are you talking about Sea Canoe or Paddle Asia ?

The above are recommended in Lonely Planet...

[TTS]

Hi Guest,

Are you talking about Sea Canoe or Paddle Asia ?

The above are recommended in Lonely Planet...

Oops it wasn't Guest... That was me in office, and not logging in.

It's John Gray's Sea Canoe. John Gray, as the pioneer who flourished the Phang Nga region canoe travel business. Yes, he's the first in Phuket, as told.

I booked my trip via http://www.phuket-travel.com, where under Sea Canoe/Kayaking, you can find a trip named Daytrip - Hong by Starlight. More on the trip at http://www.johngray-seacanoe.com

Two meals provided onboard.... And I am eager to get back again...

[Guest Guest]

What are the charges of the transport by Tuk Tuk or Motorcycles over there?

[TTS]

Prices are negotiable (means you have to bargain)....

Tuk tuk, from Karon Beach to Patong Beach usually costs 350 baht. Peng Mak Mak!!!

Didn't see those motorcycle-taxi service along the beach though. However, bikes are available for rental everywhere...

[Guest Guest]

Thanks TTS! That's really expensive.

[Guest Guest_Rain]

Prices are negotiable (means you have to bargain)....

Tuk tuk, from Karon Beach to Patong Beach usually costs 350 baht. Peng Mak Mak!!!

Didn't see those motorcycle-taxi service along the beach though. However, bikes are available for rental everywhere...

Thanks.. the pointers are really useful...

The best way to travel around in Phuket is to rent a car, especially we are in a group of six.

I have managed to get a 20% discount for the sea kayaking excursion..

[TTS]

I have managed to get a 20% discount for the sea kayaking excursion..

How did you managed the 20% discount? Perhaps you may like to share with the rest reading this forum. Good 'kang-tau' must share mah...

[Guest Guest_Rain]

How did you managed the 20% discount? Perhaps you may like to share with the rest reading this forum. Good 'kang-tau' must share mah...

Well... I wrote to them...Asking for a discount since this will be a group of six.

It is low season in June and naturally competition is high with fewer visitors.

Need to be ' thick skinned' abit lah..

The other excursion company offered us a discount of BHT 200 for white water rafting plus elephant trekking...

[Guest Phuket Guest]

Back from Phuket. It rained everyday we were there. It was pouring when we left the airport for our complimentary city tour to kill time as we were told we will not be able to check in till abt 12pm. Not too keen but anyway, no harm since it was raining. Went to a t-shirt shop and local food products shop. Bought some t-shirts and some food stuff. Realised we got ripped off at the food products shop cos the stuff were much cheaper in shops Patong. Rain stopped and we visited a temple and also went for the Elephant trekking at 600bht per person. Something different but nothing really great. There were also ATV(All Terrain Vehicle) and Paintball there but none in the group were interested. So we proceeded to the hotel. Had our shower and went out for lunch. Had some local food at one of the local 'kopi tiam'. Spent the rest of the day walking at the beach and the night walking around the streets amd night markets.

Following day, we went for the Phang Nga bay canoeing tour arranged by the guide from the 1st day that cost us 1600bht per person. Took the can to the jetty and tranferred to a ferry. After we reach the 1st island we got off from ferry and got into canoes rowed by a guide each into the lagoons through the caves accessible only during low tide. Did the same at another island. Visited James Bond Island and as we were getting back to our ferry, it started to rain. Got to experience heavy rain and strong wind at sea which diluted out tom yam soup during our lunch on board. Quite interesting. After lunch, rain stopped and we canoed to one small beaches of the islands for a swim. For those more daring, we also got to jump off from upper deck of the ferry. Felt great. Soon it's back to main land. by the tme we reach the hotel. It was almost 5pm. Had seafood dinner at one of the open air food centres. After dinner, it was more walking around and we went for the Cabaret cum GoGo boys at 'My Way'. The performances and the boys were rather disappointing and nothing compared to those in Bangkok. Ok Ok there was one cute performer.

Next day, spent the morning at the beach and went for a swim and Thai massage in the afternoon. Rained the minute the massage started. How lucky. After that it was back to the hotel for some rest before dinner. Decided to go to another GoGo bar and ended up in 'CU tonight'. It was pathetic. Only about 10 boys in all and againg performances were nothing to brag about. That sort of wraped up the trip.

Last day, had to be in the lobby by 6am for our ride to the airport.

Anyone else got anything to update on their trips?

[TopChinese]

Welcome to Phuket during low season. Chances are.. it will rain everyday.

Sorry that you didn't have a good time. I would usually skip all the packaged tour rubbish and head straight to Patong since that seemed like what you guys are looking to do. The sauna is much better and at least have some selection of guys (for free).

Thanks for sharing.