Thailand Songkran Water Festival Gay Tour 2025 - Experience the Thai New Year - Happy Gay Travel

Thailand Songkran Water Festival
Gay Group Tour 2025

Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and more!

10 Days from Phuket to Bangkok, Thailand

April 07 – 16, 2025
April 07 – 16, 2026

Shop 2(X)IST for Men's Underwear, Swimwear, Apparel & Accessories!

Wendy Wu Tours - The Asia Travel Experts

Shop gay designers underwear & swimwear at Inderwear

Thai Songkran gay tour Arm yourself with water guns, super soakers and a sense of adventure if you plan on joining this all-gay Songkran tour. Cannonball into The Land of Smiles on this sopping Songkran adventure. Our journey begins on the sandy shores of Phuket and Krabi, two popular resort destinations on Thailand’s south-west coast. Expect plenty of optional watersports like sea kayaking, swimming and snorkelling. Then it’s off to the country’s mountainous north where we’ll get doused in culture, cuisine and nature. Specifically we’ll visit stunning Buddhist temples, devour a delicious Thai cooking class and even enjoy an optional visit to a respected elephant sanctuary.

If you’re interested in visiting The Land of Smiles but these dates don’t work, check out our Thailand Temples & Beaches Gay Tour and Thailand Gay New Year Celebration Tour.

Quote or Reservation

Gay Thailand tour

• Get absolutely drenched on the streets of Bangkok during the world’s largest water fight, Songkran

• Enjoy optional excursions like a visit to a respected elephant sanctuary where you’ll meet and learn about Thailand’s famously friendly giants
Note: animal welfare is extremely important to Out Adventures and petting or riding the rescue elephants is strictly prohibited

• Enjoy a day of sun, sand and sea on famous Railay Beach in Krabi, home of the postcard-perfect longtail boats

• Enjoy Bangkok’s rowdy gay nightlife along Silom 2

• Kayak into the mysterious caves of Phang Nga Bay’s limestone towers

• Tuk tuk through Bangkok on a delicious street food tour, nibbling everything from crispy catfish to spicy red papaya

• Braise, broil and fry your very own three-course dinner during a fiery Thai cooking class

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

• Find your zen in ancient Buddhist temples and at important spiritual sites

• Shop for the perfect souvenir at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

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

Gay Phuket

Day 1 - Arrive Phuket, Thailand
Sawadee Krap! Welcome to Phuket. And thank you for joining our gay Songkran adventure.

Our adventure begins at 4pm with a brief Welcome Meeting followed by a short orientation walk around the popular tropical destination.

Then we’ll savour an incredible Thai Welcome Dinner at one of Patong’s most renowned restaurants. Thaan hai aroi na khrap! (Bon Appetit!)

Hotel: Clover Patong Phuket Hotel, Phuket

Gay Phuket holidays

Day 2 - Phuket
Good morning, Gentlemen. After a leisurely breakfast you’ll have a little free time to wander the loud and lively streets of Patong for souvenirs and postcards.

We’ll convene around 11:30am for our full-day sea kayaking experience. For this excursion we’ll board a pontoon boat and jet over to Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karstic islands where quiet lagoons and marine caves await. For the wildlife enthusiasts among us, these islands are home to macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, mudskippers, egrets and brahminy kites. It’s here we’ll board sea kayaks and tour the beautiful ecosystem.

Back on our boat we’ll enjoy both a fabulous lunch and dinner as well as a quick tutorial on how to make your own krathong (buoyant, all-natural decorated baskets). Just after sunset we’ll paddle into a dark cave once more and release our lit krathong into the sea. If we’re lucky, the candlelight will stir up the bioluminescent plankton.

Hotel: Clover Patong Phuket Hotel, Phuket

Gay Krabi

Day 3 - From Phuket to Krabi
This morning we will board a private land transfer and drive to quiet Krabi. Perhaps pre-download a podcast or two as the drive can take up to 4 hours.

Upon arrival we’ll need to actually board longtail boats to access our ocean-front resort. Krabi has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and striking karst peaks. If the scenery feels hauntingly familiar, you may remember the tropical towers from 1974’s 007: The Man with the Golden Gun.

While we’ll arrange an optional group dinner this evening, feel free to enjoy the region’s fragrant cuisine on your own.

Hotel: Pakasai Resort, Krabi

Krabi gay holidays

Day 4 - Krabi
Today is completely free, allowing you the opportunity to either soak up the sun, enjoy our luxe hotel’s many amenities or wander the nearby green spaces and jungle.

However, we are planning a completely optional speedboat and snorkelling tour with stops at four of the Andaman’s most popular island ecosystems. The price will vary depending on interest.

Finally, tonight we’re hosting another optional group dinner you’re more than welcome to join.

Hotel: Pakasai Resort, Krabi

Thai gay cooking class

Day 5 - From Krabi to Chiang Mai
Today we leave the sand and sea behind in favour of Thailand’s northern capital, Chiang Mai. This cool, mountainous region is known for its deep Buddhist traditions and sleepy aura.

Around 4pm we’ll gather for a delicious (and informative!) Thai cooking class. We’ll meet our local instructor at a busy market where they’ll point out regional ingredients, fragrant spices and exotic fruit. From here we’ll venture to an outdoor classroom where our instructor will provide a clear demonstration before we chop, broil, bake and fry our very own 3-course Thai dinner.

Then it’s back to the hotel and an optional visit to one of Chiang Mai’s local gay bars for the region’s popular Chang beer.

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: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary

Day 6 - Chiang Mai
Another day, another amazing optional activity! After a quick breakfast, you’re welcome to join our full-day elephant sanctuary excursion. If you choose to join in on the fun we’ll leave our hotel early via private transfer to a well-respected sanctuary that rescues elephants from circuses and other unfavourable situations. We’ll meet the friendly giants and their calves before following them to a watering hole to watch them play in the mud. Our private mahout (elephant keeper) will teach us about the importance of these magnificent beasts in Thai culture. We’ll also get our hands dirty preparing elephant food to be consumed later.

If you join this tour lunch will be provided at the sanctuary. Tonight is free.

Please note: for the protection of yourself and the elephants, tourists are not allowed to pet or ride the animals.

Hotel: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai drag cabaret

Day 7 - Chiang Mai
Today you have a free morning and afternoon to enjoy any number of optional activities in the area, including but not limited to ziplining and/or white water rafting.

No matter how you choose to spend your day, we’ll reconvene at 5pm to delve into Chiang Mai’s Buddhist side at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The temple is perched on the hill overlooking Chiang Mai allowing some pretty spectacular views. At this gorgeous temple we’ll learn a little more about the religion and it’s importance to Thai people past and present.

Then it’s off to The River Market Restaurant for an aromatic Thai dinner followed by some shopping at the exciting (if not overwhelming) Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

Our evening concludes at the hilarious included Chiang Mai Cabaret performance. Local Queens will make you squirm and squeal as they perform everything from Whitney’s power ballads to Kylie’s dance anthems.

Hotel: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai

Songkran Thailand gay tour

Day 8 - From Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Hey ho, it’s off to Bangkok we go! After an early breakfast we’ll fly south to the country’s massive capital to celebrate Songkran. Bangkok can often overwhelm visitors who aren’t prepared for her congested streets and chaotic sidewalks. But below this bustling exterior is a fascinating city with a sweeping history, exceptional diversity, underground arts and culture scenes, and some of Southeast Asia’s most lauded restaurants.

Speaking of restaurants, after we drop off our luggage, we’ll board tuk tuks and begin our private street food tour. We’ll taste spicy raw papaya salad, deep-fried catfish and spicy pork meatballs.

To break things up we’ll also visit the blossoming flower market before finishing our sumptuous adventure at the city’s best Pad Thai joint—don’t worry about the inevitable queue as we’ve secured a special reservation and we can walk right in.

If the group is up for it we can even enjoy our first brew in Silom 2, the city’s queer strip.

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: Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, Bangkok

Gay Bangkok tour

Day 9 - Bangkok
If you aren’t too tuckered out this morning, you’re welcome to join us on our included big Bangkok city tour. We’ll begin at Wat Po where you can grab a selfie with the reclining Buddha. Then we’ll stroll the impressive Grand Palace and appreciate its magnificent architecture. Finally, we’ll swing by the Queen Sirikit Textile Museum before lunch at a beloved local restaurant.

After returning to our hotel you’ll have lots of free time to battle the rowdy crowds that have gathered for Songkran. Arm yourself with goggles, a super soaker and some water bombs before heading out into the streets—this is literally the world’s largest water fight!

Tonight we have our official Farewell Dinner followed by more Songkran shenanigans along Silom Road. If the group is up for it, a final dip into Silom 2 can also be arranged.

Hotel: Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, Bangkok

Bangkok gay tour

Day 10 - Bangkok Departure
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart or further explore at your leisure.

Please note: today is the final day of Songkran and there will still be plenty to do and see if you wish to extend your stay. If not, thank you for joining our big gay Songkran adventure. Safe journey home!

• A gay English speaking local guide throughout

• Arrival transfer to Out Adventures’ joining point hotel

• Domestic flights (2026 departure)

• 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners

• All activities mentioned in the itinerary

• Gratuities for drivers, porters, and included activities and meals

• All land transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles

Bangkok Gay Songkran

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

• Departure airport transfers

• International departure taxes

• Optional activities

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary

• Drinks with included lunches and dinners

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.

• Gratuities for local guide, drivers, porters, activity suppliers and meals (budget approximately $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. Songkran in particular is an absolutely wild experience that may be particularly overwhelming to some—we can’t stress enough that as soon as you leave our Bangkok hotel, you are fair game to be sprayed, splashed and water-bombed. 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 Thailand

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.

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.

Thai Gay New Year

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.

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.

Gay Thailand holidays

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
Clover Patong Phuket Hotel, Phuket
Located 100 m from Patong Beach, Hotel Clover Patong Phuket provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. Among the various facilities are a bar, a shared lounge, as well as a garden. The accommodations offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.

Guests at the hotel can enjoy a continental breakfast. Hotel Clover Patong Phuket offers a terrace.

Clover Patong Phuket Hotel room

The accommodations also offers a car rental service and a business center with free WiFi throughout the property.

Popular points of interest near Hotel Clover Patong Phuket include Kalim Beach, Jungceylon Shopping Center and Paradise Complex Patong. The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport, 24 mi from the hotel.

Finishing Point Hotel
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, Bangkok
Located just a 5-minute walk from Chongnonsri BTS Skytrain Station and 500 m from the MahaNakhon building, Pullman Bangkok Hotel is close to various shopping , business and entertainment centres. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Guests can enjoy an invigorating fitness session at the gym or relax at the sauna and spa pool. Alternatively, dream away by the poolside.

Pullman Bangkok Hotel G houses on-site drinking and dining options. Varieties of burgers can be sampled at a famous 24-hour burger restaurant & bar, 25 Degrees Burger, Wine & Liquor Bar, while Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant serves wines, cocktails and French cuisine.

Pullman Bangkok Hotel G room

Featuring modern and stylish interiors, rooms at Pullman Hotel G have floor-to-ceiling windows that feature spectacular views of the city. Each room has a flat-screen satellite TV, an iPod docking station and a minibar. Cobigelow bathroom amenities are provided for guests’ enjoyment.

Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is about 24 km from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Attractions like MBK Shopping Mall and Jim Thompson's House are within 3 km from the hotel. For added convenience, a complimentary shuttle to Saladaeng BTS Station via Tuk-Tuk is available every hour from 08:00 - 16:00 hrs.

Gay Thailand travel