Thailand New Year Celebration Gay Tour - Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket - Happy Gay Travel

Thailand New Year Celebration
Deluxe Gay Group Tour

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket

12 Days from Bangkok to Phuket, Thailand

December 22, 2025 – January 02, 2026
December 22, 2026 – January 02, 2027

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Thailand Gay New Year The Land of Smiles awaits on this exquisite Christmas and New Year gay holiday. Our festive foray begins in big gay Bangkok where we’ll wander the Grand Palace, devour the street food and indulge in the raucous revelry and nightlife of the Silom district. We’ll then explore the famous temples of Northern Thailand and luxuriate in our superb hotel. Christmas day will be an unforgettable affair spent at a world-renowned elephant sanctuary. From Chiang Mai we fly south to swim, snorkel and explore the tropical islands of Krabi with extra time built in to enjoy the pristine beaches. Finally, we’ll take a private transfer to the booming beaches on Phuket. It’s here we’ll ring in NYE with a festive dinner and gay street party. To wrap up this once-in-a-lifetime tour we’ll kayak through Phuket’s elaborate cave system before releasing our own krathong (biodegradable candle boats) into the sea.

Quote or Reservation

It’s worth mentioning we host multiple other departures through The Land of Smiles that don’t conflict with the holidays. See our Thailand Temples & Beaches Gay Tour and Thailand Songkran Water Festival Gay Tour for alternative dates and prices.

Bangkok Thailand gay tour

• Savour authentic Thai on a Bangkok street food tour

• Explore the Grand Palace, home to the King of Siam

• Spend Christmas get acquainted with Asia’s friendly giants at an elephant sanctuary

• Celebrate NYE with a festive dinner followed by late-night shenanigans in Phuket

• Swim, snorkel, sunbathe and explore Krabi’s tropical islands and beaches by private speed boat

• Immerse yourself in Bangkok’s famed gay nightlife along Silom

• Cook your own three-course meal in Chiang Mai

• Witness sunset from Doi Suthep Temple

• Enjoy an afternoon kayaking through Phuket’s elaborate cave system

• Craft your own krathong, a buoyant, all-natural basket, and set it afloat after dark to stir up the bioluminescent plankton

Bangkok gay tour

Day 1 - Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Sawadee Krap! Welcome to Bangkok. Our trip begins with a Welcome Meeting at 4pm in the hotel.

After introductions, we’ll take a short ride via BTS Skytrain to a street food tour to fuel the many adventures ahead.

We then head for Silom—the financial district that lets its hair down after sunset—to scope out the local gay Bangkok scene.

Hotel: So Sofitel Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok

Gay Bangkok tour

Day 2 - Bangkok
Bangkok is even more breathtaking from the river, our unusual avenue to the gleaming spires of the Grand Palace by local river boat.

Here, the Emerald Buddha awaits, highly regarded as the Palladium of the Kingdom of Thailand. We’ll then venture to Wat Pho to marvel at the majesty of the Reclining Buddha, and feast on a local lunch before some free time by the infinity pool.

Hotel: So Sofitel Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok

Thailand gay tour cooking class

Day 3 - From Bangkok to Chiang Mai
We have a busy day ahead beginning with an early flight to Thailand’s peaceful Northern city of Chiang Mai.

After checking into our luxury hotel we’ll enjoy a local lunch and visit a Buddhist temple.

Then things get cooking with a culinary lesson that turns into a dinner to savour over sunset. Enjoy the rest of the evening in solace, or join us out for drinks.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Trip Notes for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

Hotel: U Chiang Mai Hotel, Chiang Mai

Thailand gay tour - Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary

Day 4 - Chiang Mai / Christmas Day
Happy Holidays! To celebrate this gorgeous green Christmas we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our hotel.

After we’re fully fuelled we’ll be transferred by private coach to the Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary. It’s here we’ll get the meaningful opportunity to learn about Thailand’s noble elephants. After an introduction to the sanctuary, we’ll follow the six resident elephants to a watering hole.

To cap off the experience we’ll have tea and snacks from an observation deck while watching the elephants play in a mud pit below. This is one of our most popular activities and a magical way to celebrate the holiday (if you celebrate, that is!).

Hotel: U Chiang Mai Hotel, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai drag cabaret

Day 5 - Chiang Mai
After yesterdays big day at the elephant sanctuary, feel free to take the majority of today to yourself.

We’ll reconvene around 5pm to get a taste of the Lanna Period at Doi Suthep temple, replete with chanting monks.

After exploring the temple, we’ll enjoy an included dinner before strolling the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for some friendly haggling and souvenir-hunting.

Finally we’ll sashay over to Chiang Mai’s notorious cabaret for a drag-tastic performance.

Hotel: U Chiang Mai Hotel, Chiang Mai

Krabi Thailand gay tour

Day 6 - From Chiang Mai to Krabi
Lather on the SPF because we’re off to the tropical province of Krabi for some proper rest and relaxation.

Upon arrival we’ll be transferred to our luxury hotel before enjoying free time to soak up the sun. The only activity today is dinner at our hotel’s lauded restaurant.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Trip Notes for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

Hotel: Amari Vogue Krabi Resort, Krabi

Thailand gay group tour

Day 7 - Krabi
After a leisurely breakfast we board a private speedboat to explore the limestone monoliths and lush islands that define the region.

We’ll swim, snorkel and sunbathe off the coast of four distinct islands before enjoying more time on the powdery beaches. The evening is yours to enjoy.

Hotel: Amari Vogue Krabi Resort, Krabi

Gay Thailand Phuket tour

Day 8 - Krabi
Our final day in this remote oasis.

Take your time exploring on your own or basking in the sun.

Hotel: Amari Vogue Krabi Resort, Krabi

Phuket gay boat tour

Day 9 - From Krabi to Phuket
A 3-4 hour private land transfer awaits us this morning as we make our way to lively Patong. This gorgeous resort town is located on Phuket Island and is a major highlight for beach enthusiasts that aren’t bothered by crowds.

Upon arrival we’ll enjoy an orientation walk and visit to Patong beach.

While it’s not included, your local guide may suggest a group dinner followed by drinks at Patong’s lively gay bars.

Hotel: Indigo Phuket Patong Hotel, Phuket

Gay Phuket travel

Day 10 - Phuket / New Year's Eve
Another free day to enjoy the beach or do some last minute souvenir shopping.

We suggest keeping your itinerary low-key today as we’ll be convening for a glorious New Year’s Eve dinner tonight.

Pack your party pants, because after dinner we’ll ring in the New Year amongst the crowds and crazyness of Phuket. Happy New Year!!!

Hotel: Indigo Phuket Patong Hotel, Phuket

Gay Thailand New Year

Day 11 - Phuket / New Year's Day
Escape the hustle and bustle of Patong Beach on our final excursion.

We’ll transfer to the other side of the island to explore the sea caves of Phang Nga Bay by sea kayak. No experience is necessary, as you’ll be captained by an expert local. We’ll explore hidden bays and caves and even make our own krathong (buoyant, all-natural decorated baskets).

Launched after sunset, they may even stir up the bioluminescent plankton, causing the water to glow gorgeously.

After heading back to land, we’ll freshen up for Farewell Drinks.

Hotel: Indigo Phuket Patong Hotel, Phuket

Thailand gay beach holidays

Day 12 - Phuket Departure
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at your leisure.

Your local guide will help arrange your included departure transfer to the airport.

Thank you for spending the holiday season with us in Thailand!

• Arrival & departure transfers to/from Out Adventures’ joining/finishing point hotel

• Group leader from beginning to end of tour

• 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners

• 4-star or higher accommodation (11 nights)

• Grand Palace & Wat Pho tour, including Queen Sirikit Textile Museum

• Street food tour

• Bottled water on all buses

• New Year’s Eve Exclusive Party

• Elephant experience

• Doi Suthep Monastery

• Thai cooking class & dinner

• Temple Tour by Songthaew

• Private speedboat tour and snorkelling in Krabi (Weather depending)

• Sea Kayaking Full-Day Excursion (Weather depending)

• Gratuities for drivers, hotel staff & porters

Gay Thailand tour elephants

• International airfare & domestic airfare (details will be provided when the official Trip Guarantee is sent to group)

• Meals and activities not outlined

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.

• Gratuities for drivers, day/city guides, group leader ($80-$130 USD)

• All items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks, etc.)

• Visa fees

Thailand Visa
A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to Thailand for fewer than 30 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.

Culture Shock
Tourism in Thailand is well-developed enough to afford many of the luxuries of home, however in our experience the culture and craziness of Thailand can be a tad overwhelming at times. We recommend you relax, have a sense of humour and take it easy.

Local LGBT Scene
Most major cities in Thailand, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, have vibrant gay scenes with exciting nightlife and welcoming locals. While it is not yet viewed as socially acceptable for LGBT locals, tourists are welcomed with open arms.

Weather
Expect it to be hot and sticky at times. It can be pleasantly chilly in the evenings, and there is a chance of showers (although they are not common during our tours). We recommend travelling with a light sweater and jacket, but don’t leave your summer clothes at home: mid-day temperatures can climb well above 30°C/85°F.

Gay Bangkok travel

Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements for Thailand, there are no vaccinations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as we cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Electricity
You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type A/B/C sockets.

Connectivity
All our hotels will have Wi-Fi access, so feel free to tweet, pin, post and share your experience with your friends and family at home. They might be a tad jealous!

Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Thailand gay holidays

Domestic Airfare
On this tour domestic airfare is not included. We will provide the recommended flight details in the official Trip Guarantee email. If you are booking your trip less than 90 days to departure, there is a chance you will have to purchase a different flight than the rest of the group.

Meals
To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. Although we typically dine together so that everybody can get a taste of everything, feel free to explore on your own…your guide will always have some restaurant recommendations.

Money
The local currency is Thai Baht. We usually recommend carrying local currency for small purchases, however credit cards are accepted at most upscale restaurants, and at hotels. We recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used only in the case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Gay Thailand beach holidays

Tipping
On this trip, tips for drivers, hotel staff and porters are covered in the tour cost. If you are happy with services throughout your trip, tipping your tour leader is recommended. Further tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $50-$100 USD.

What to bring
Our adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.

Optional Activities
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Thailand gay travel

How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $50-$100 per person… they’ll certainly appreciate it!

Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Starting Point Hotel
So Sofitel Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok
This stylish urban oasis features stunning interior design inspired by the 5 natural elements of Water, Earth, Wood, Metal and Fire. Rising 30 stories above the city, SO Sofitel Bangkok has rooms equipped with Apple Mac minis and suites with iPads.

Located only 200 m from Lumphini MRT Subway Station, SO Sofitel Bangkok offers easy access to the city's important landmarks and must-see attractions. It is approximately a 10-minute walk from Silom Road and Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain Station.

Elegant and modern, the themed rooms feature full-length windows with views or the city or Lumpini Park. All come with free WiFi, a 40-inch flat-screen TV and a free mini-bar. Bathrooms have a bathtub and separate rain shower.

So Sofitel Bangkok Hotel room

The world-class SoSPA is designed like a mythological forest, with relaxing massage treatments and rejuvenating hot tubs. There is also an outdoor pool and well-equipped fitness center. Bicycles can be rented with a reservation.

The chic Park Society Restaurant and Bar offer fine dining on the hotel's rooftop, while Red Oven presents live cooking stations serving international dishes. Other dining options include Chocolab Cafe and 3 bars.

Finishing Point Hotel
Indigo Phuket Patong Hotel, Phuket
Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong, a boutique hotel in Patong beach. Situated in prime location nearby the beach, shops and entertainment hotspots. Hotel designed infuse with neighborhood stories of Phuket fishing village heritage and vibrant nightlife.

Hotel features stylish guestrooms include with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine, a fridge, a bath, free toiletries and a wardrobe.

Indigo Phuket Patong Hotel room

The private bathroom is equipped with a bidet and a hair dryer. The property provides a garden and a terrace. Hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, room service, luggage storage for guests. Free WiFi and free parking are available throughout the property. A fitness center modern style with full equipment (24 hours), including its own Thai boxing ring and martial arts facilities. You can relax at a rooftop pool overlooking breathtaking views of Patong city.

A continental or buffet breakfast is available each morning at the property. The premium steakhouse restaurant, you can find an inspired menus. The stylish bar serves homemade pizza cuisine and creative drinks.

Gay beach Thailand