Phuket has always been that tropical escape where you can actually be yourself without anyone raising an eyebrow. The island just made history in 2025 when Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, which means the vibe here is even more celebratory than usual. While everyone talks about the beaches and the nightlife, there's another side to Phuket's gay scene that deserves attention – the saunas where locals and tourists mix after long days of sun and sand.
Aquarius Sauna sits at the heart of Patong's Paradise Complex, which is basically ground zero for everything gay in Phuket. This place has been the only men-only sauna in the area for years now, which means they've got the market pretty much to themselves. The setup spans multiple floors with a dry sauna, steam room, whirlpool, dark rooms, and private cabins. What really sets it apart is the rooftop sundeck with a jacuzzi that gives you panoramic views over Patong. On clear days, you can see straight across to the beaches while soaking in the hot tub.
The sauna opens around 3 PM without a fixed closing time – usually wrapping up somewhere between 9 and 10 PM depending on how busy things get. Peak hours hit between 5 and 8 in the evening when guys finish their beach day and head over before hitting the bars. Entry includes a locker and towels, and guests staying at the Aquarius Guesthouse get free access, which explains why that place stays pretty packed during high season. They've also got massage services available if you want to add that to your afternoon.

Now, Paradise Complex itself deserves its own section because everything connects there. Picture a few pedestrian streets lined with gay bars, clubs, restaurants, massage parlors, and the sauna, all within a couple blocks of each other. The Royal Paradise Hotel towers over the area like a beacon – you literally cannot miss it. Most visitors spend their evenings bouncing between venues, starting with drinks at one of the street-side bars around 9 or 10 PM, catching a drag show, then ending up at Zag Club or Tangmo Club dancing until the early morning hours.
Boat Bar has been around forever and remains one of the most popular stops in Paradise Complex. They've got nightly cabaret shows and an outdoor terrace where you can people-watch while sipping cocktails. The place gets incredibly crowded on weekends, with a mix of tourists from all over Asia, Europe, and beyond. My Way puts on what many consider the best ladyboy cabaret show in the area, with performers who've been perfecting their routines for years. The shows typically run at multiple times throughout the night, so you can catch one whenever you wander by.
Tangmo Club recently took over the space that used to be MO2 and has been drawing serious crowds. They run shows at 10:30 PM, 11:30 PM, and 1 AM, each lasting about 40 minutes. The performances mix drag, go-go dancers, and plenty of audience interaction. Between shows, DJs keep the dance floor packed. The venue opens at 5 PM and stays lively until midnight, which makes it perfect for starting your night before moving on to other spots.
Phuket Pride has become a major event that now stretches across the entire month of June. The 2025 edition ran from June 2-8 with the theme "Be You, Be Equality," timing perfectly with Thailand's new marriage equality law. The festival kicked off with a beach volleyball tournament on Patong Beach that drew athletic competitors and spectators who spent three days watching matches in the sun. Pride Talk Volume II brought speakers and panels to Simon Cabaret Theater for discussions about lgbtq+QIA+ issues, activism, and rights.
The Miss Queen Andaman Power pageant on June 6 at Jungceylon shopping mall showcased transgender beauty contestants in elaborate costumes competing for the crown. These pageants are huge in Thailand, with production values that rival anything you'd see internationally. The crowd goes wild for the performances, and the competition gets fierce.
June 8 featured the Pride Parade starting at Patong Beach and winding through Bangla Road before ending at Jungceylon. Local cabaret stars and performers from Paradise Complex participated in the march, which drew thousands of people lining the streets. The parade included elaborately decorated floats, dancers in rainbow costumes, and plenty of music that echoed through Patong for hours.
But wait – there's more Pride happening in Phuket. On June 28, Phuket City Pride took over Old Town with the theme "Wave of Generations." This separate celebration started at Dragon Square with 25 groups including government offices, private companies, and celebrities marching through the historic Sino-Portuguese architecture of Old Town. The streets got decorated with rainbow flags, and photo spots popped up at the Peranakan Museum, the Rainbow Building, and next to the giant Rainbow Bunny sculpture. A mini-concert with Thai artists performed from 8 PM until midnight on Phang Nga Road, closing out the month-long festivities.
The entire Old Town district transformed into Pride headquarters for the day, with shops participating in Pride collections and restaurants serving rainbow-themed specials. This dual Pride approach – one in Patong's beach party zone and another in the cultural heritage district – gives visitors totally different vibes depending on what you're after.
Throughout Pride Month, Aquarius Sauna sees increased traffic as visitors pour into Phuket for the celebrations. Many guys use the sauna as a meeting point before heading to evening events or as a relaxation spot between beach time and nightlife. The rooftop jacuzzi becomes particularly popular during Pride when people want to decompress and trade stories about which events they've hit.
Patong Beach itself has an unofficial gay section near La Flora Resort, marked by a rainbow flag that flies year-round. Guys gather there for volleyball games in the late afternoon, and you'll spot the crowd easily – lots of speedos, tanning, and socializing. The beach sits just a few blocks from Paradise Complex, so people drift between the two throughout the day.
Zag Club operates three distinct zones – bar, lounge, and VIP – with themed nights that change regularly. They're known for outdoor shows featuring large groups of dancers performing choreographed numbers before everyone moves inside for the club portion. The place doesn't really get going until after midnight, so plan accordingly. OK Karaoke offers a different vibe for people who want to belt out songs, opening at 8:30 PM and running until 2:30 AM.
Simon Cabaret deserves mention as one of Phuket's most famous attractions. This isn't technically in Paradise Complex, but it's become a must-see for many gay travelers. The venue puts on elaborate productions with costume changes, choreography, and production values that look expensive. Shows run multiple times nightly, and the theater fills up with tour groups and independent travelers alike.
The sauna scene in Phuket remains fairly limited compared to cities like Bangkok or international destinations. TARA Sauna operated for years as an alternative to Aquarius but was reported closed as of October 2024. That venue catered mostly to Thai locals with a more low-key atmosphere, minimal English spoken, and lower prices than Aquarius. Its closure means Aquarius effectively has a monopoly on the gay sauna market in Phuket, which brings both advantages and drawbacks depending on your perspective.
Getting around Phuket requires some planning since the island sprawls across a large area. Most visitors rent scooters or rely on taxis and tuk-tuks. Patong sits on the western coast, about an hour's drive from Phuket International Airport. The town itself is compact enough to walk around, especially within the Paradise Complex area and down to the beach. Bangla Road, the main straight nightlife strip, runs parallel to the gay area and gets impossibly crowded with tourists every night.
For accommodations, staying near Paradise Complex makes the most sense if you're here for the nightlife. Aquarius Guesthouse offers 36 rooms right on the property with the sauna, ranging from basic standards to luxury jacuzzi suites with private tubs. The Nap Patong provides modern rooms walking distance from all the action, while La Flora Resort sits beachside in the unofficial gay section of Patong Beach, perfect if you want to be right on the sand.
Phuket's position as Thailand's largest island means there are quieter areas to explore when you need a break from Patong's intensity. Kata and Karon beaches to the south offer calmer atmospheres with fewer crowds but still maintain gay-friendly vibes. Nai Harn Beach gets recommended frequently for its laid-back acceptance and beautiful setting. These areas work well for couples or anyone who wants tropical relaxation without the party scene constantly surrounding them.
The legalization of same-sex marriage in January 2025 has turned Phuket into a legitimate wedding destination for lgbtq+Q+ couples. Beach ceremonies, clifftop celebrations with ocean views, and luxury resort affairs are all options now that the law officially recognizes these unions. Several hotels have started offering wedding packages specifically designed for same-sex couples, capitalizing on this new market.
Thailand's HIV prevalence remains something to be aware of, particularly in tourist areas like Phuket which sees the second-highest incidence after Bangkok. Sexual health services are available at private hospitals including Siriroj International Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Phuket, both staffed with English-speaking doctors who cater to international patients.
The Phuket gay scene has evolved significantly since the early days when it was basically just the Nightingale Club and a few bars. Paradise Complex gradually grew into the concentrated hub it is today, though some longtime visitors say the glory days have passed with the rise of hookup apps and increasingly gay-friendly mainstream venues across the island. Still, for tourists looking for that specifically gay environment, Paradise Complex remains the destination, especially during Pride Month when the entire area erupts in rainbow colors and celebration.

| Aquarius Gay Guesthouse & Sauna | Raintree Spa Phuket | The Green Mango Club | ZAG Club and Sauna | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Patong Beach | Patong Beach | Patong Beach | Patong Beach |
| Facilities | Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Bar | Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Massage | Bar, Dance floor | Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Bar |
| Google Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Facebook Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Gayout Rating | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Price Range (per visit) | ฿200 - ฿350 | ฿150 - ฿300 | ฿100 - ฿200 | ฿180 - ฿300 |
| Special Features | Dark rooms, private cabins, rooftop terrace | Thai massage, aromatherapy, facial treatments | Live DJ, themed events | Dark rooms, themed nights, private cabins |
| Hours of Operation | Mon-Sun: 12pm-10pm | Mon-Sun: 10am-10pm | Wed-Sun: 9pm-3am | Mon-Sun: 1pm-11pm |
| Address | 127/10-12 Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong Beach, Phuket | 127/34-36 Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong Beach, Phuket | 388/8-9 Thanon Phang-nga, Patong Beach, Phuket | 95/19-20 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Patong Beach, Phuket |
| Contact Number | +66 76 340 782 | +66 76 345 345 | +66 81 956 4050 | +66 93 333 4333 |
| Reviews Summary | "Great atmosphere, friendly staff." | "Relaxing ambiance, professional service." | "Exciting nightlife, vibrant atmosphere." | "Fun and welcoming, good music." |