Chiang Mai is generally a very relaxed place, and that extends to its gay scene. There are a number of gay-owned businesses in the town, and at times Chiang Mai comes closest to having a "community" atmosphere, although it lacks a well-defined center. Unfortunately, Chiang Mai is the only city in Thailand with a big gay population but no pride event.
Of course, since its Thailand's handicrafts capital, Chiang Mai has no shortage of opportunities for that all-time favorite past-time for many: shopping!!
Resources for Gay Travelers
All of the resources listed on our main Gay/Lesbian page for Thailand provide information about and services in Chiang Mai. In addition, check out the following:
Travel Services
- Purple Dragon
- The guys at Purple Dragon specialize in personalized travel throughout Southeast Asia. Choose from a variety of base packages that you can add special side trips to for a one of a kind vacation experience.
Accommodation
There's a surprising number of gay-owned and operated guest houses available in Thailand. Here's a list of those with web sites:
- Seven Suns
- Gay friendly guest house in the center of the old city, operated as a non-profit enterprise to fund AIDS education and vocational training.
- PJ's Place
- Gay-owned guest house with access to many facilities, located on the road to Suthep Mountain from the city center.
Meeting Places
- Soho Bar
- Soho bar on Huay Kaew Road is a gay place with no hassle and no hosts - just a nice comfortable place for gays - farang and thai to meet without the hassle about offs and all that goes with it. Also has a small amount of accommodation: one suite and one en-suite bedroom.
Guide Books
Utopia Guide to Thailand (2nd Edition) : the Gay & Lesbian Scene in 23 Cities Including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya & Phuket
$18.76