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Years ago there was a discreet gay scene on Phuket. As it is a
relatively small island, discretion amongst local gay men and women
meant that for a rendez-vous with a young man would usually arranged
over the telephone by someone who had that “connection.”
But almost two decades ago, the first gay gathering places opened
in Phuket City and Patong Beach, quiet, intimate places where men
could meet and talk and perhaps disappear into the night together.
It was a very private scene.
Asia's Largest Gay Party : March 29 - April 1, 2007 
Party, party, party! March 29 - April 1, 2007 is carnival time
and colourful, 'Phuket Pride', Phuket's glitzy gay festival comes
to town.
As in previous years, this promises to be a spectacular event.
Patong Beach comes alive with sequinned, feathered, glitter-glue-covered
festival participants, dancing, parading, partying and playing in
the streets and on the beach.
In its eighth year, the festival has become one of the biggest
tourist happenings on the island and its international reputation
grows yearly.
An Ostentatious Event
Guaranteed to be the highlight of any visitor or local's visit
to the island, this flamboyant festival is set to 'wow' all who
experience it. First held in 1999 it takes its cue from the now
defunct, Bangkok Gay Festival. Khun Poonsak Sanchan, one of Phuket's
original festival founders, promises this year's event to be more
ostentatious than ever before.
Gay, straight or otherwise; young, old or somewhere in-between;
or simply interested, this vibrant, boisterous carnival offers a
fun filled programme for all. From its outrageous street parties,
competitions and ceremonies to its glitzy finale parade it's an
incredibly fantastic celebration, not to be missed.
Some of the Events
There are beach volleyball competitions, fashion shows, cabarets,
bowling tournaments, a Miss Queen Phuket contest, a sunset foam
party as well as other exciting activities. A popular contest is
Phuket Idol where anyone is welcome to test their karaoke talent.
True party goers, will be thrilled at what's on offer on the music
front. International DJ's will be supporting a number of parties
and events and the Phuket Pride Festival Beach Party on the 31st
March and another on the 1st April are perfect to bop the night
away to their tunes.
Fashion shows and a costume contest are sure to delight the trend
setters and lovers of 'all things glittery'. With designs both local
and from abroad, style followers and others are sure to be impressed.
Not to be Missed
Must do events well worth experiencing, are the fire-dancing shows,
the fireworks and light shows as well as the cultural performances.
Of all the activities the festival features, ear-mark your holiday
calendar for the Phuket Pride Grand Parade, the procession is spectacle
you'll never forget.
DON'T miss it and DO buy a raffle ticket from the Royal Paradise
Hotel complex; draw to be held on the final night.
Where to Eat
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"The Sea Hag" is a fine restaurant in Patong
Beach on Phuket Island, specializing in sea food and
an expert presentation of traditional Thai recipes that
Khun Kenya has learned and kept over the years. Tel:
66 (76) 341 111 |
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Where to Stay
This popular festival is just one week before the Thai New Year (Songkran) so be sure to book your hotel in advance. Here are some recommendations
of Gay Friendly Hotels.
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A Luxury Gems Collection of Boutique Hotels and
Resorts International. Our newly completed Boutique-Resort
offers a brand new alternative for conscious travelers
seeking unprecedented luxury, deluxe comfort, traditional
Thai charm and hospitality. With breathtaking sea
view overlooking Patong Beach, Baan Yin Dee offers
21 first class and spacious rooms divided in 5 separate
categories 14 Deluxe rooms, 2 Pool Suite room, 3
Junior suites, 1 Senior Suite and 1 Presidential
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Club Bamboo is a beautiful and unique Bungalow Resort
Hotel with just 33 bungalow-suites, superior-deluxe-rooms
and penthouse-suites. This stunning Thai-baroque-style
resort looks like a fairy-tale. The sounds of crickets,
birds and waterfall relieves any tension and gives
a total feeling of relaxation. The lush tropical
green garden and jungle - valley makes you feel
serene and at one with nature. |
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