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Detours Gay Travel Blog

Gay Travel Guide: Thailand

  • May 19, 2020

Fast Facts:

  • Capital city - Bangkok
  • Population - 69 Million
  • Official language(s) - Thai
  • Official currency - Thai Baht (THB)

The Kingdom of Thailand is a nation of white sand beaches, thousands of buddhist temples and an electric nightlife scene within a tropical environment. Thailand translates into "the land of the free;" it's the only nation in Southeast Asia that was free from foreign influence throughout the turn of the 19th century and was able to flourish under its own principles. The fervently respected monarchy traces its lineage back to the Sukhothai Kingdom of 1238 and has been operating as a constitutional monarchy since 1932. You'll see the iconic imagery of the King plastered amongst gardens and billboards alike - he's as much a national symbol as he is a much beloved figurehead.

Thailand is home to lemongrass, galangal, basil, kaffir lime and of course, chilli peppers. The country has plenty of spices and herbs that make Thai cuisine unique and delicious. From international favourites like pad thai and massaman curry to local dishes like khao soi and guay teow, there's an abundance of deep, intricate flavours that entice visitors with some of the world's tastiest meals. Once you've bitten into a fresh Thai pineapple, you'll wonder how you'll ever eat the fruit back home.

Thailand is a nation of contrasts. In the morning, you'll visit an open-air temple and listen to the faint sound of dancing wind chimes and the chanting of monks. In the evening, street vendors loudly sell their wares with bright neon signs overhead as the roar of a thousand scooters makes it way across the city. The contrasts make Thailand what it is - eclectic and bustling, yet charming and gripping nonetheless.

Our Favorite Highlights

  • Visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok
  • Boating around Koh Phi Phi Lei 
  • The thrill of riding on the back of a tuk tuk motorized cycle

Our Favorite Restaurants:

  • Namsaah Bottling Trust (Bangkok); elevated Thai food in a restaurant filled with rich ambiance and some of the best cocktails Bangkok has to offer.
  • The Local Canteen (Bangkok); a trendy Silom restaurant filled with locals and twists on typical Thai cuisine. 
  • Kohinoor Indian Restaurant (Railay); the international culinary food scene is just as amazing as the local dishes. A restaurant without the bells and whistles, but full of flavour.

Our Favorite Bars:

  • The Last Bar (Railay)
  • Maggie Choo's (Bangkok)
  • Red Sky Bar (Bangkok)

Our Favorite Optional Activities:

  • A visit to Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok
  • Rock climbing limestone cliffs in Railay
  • The Oasis Spa in Phuket

Our Favorite Time to Visit

With a rainy season that's most fierce in September and October, and the heat and humidity that comes in April and May, our favorite time to be in Thailand is November through March and July.  Thailand is hot all year round, but sticking to these months generally keeps us in the best weather of the year.  Those who want to avoid crowds would be best to avoid January.

A Couple Books

  • Bangkok 8 (2003)
  • Killed at the Whim of a Hat (2011)

A Couple Movies

  • The King and I (1956)
  • The Beach (2000)

"Must Try" Local Cuisine

  • Pad See Ew
  • Guay Teow
  • Panang Curry