Nai Harn Beach (southern end)

The quiet southern end of Nai Harn Beach, at Phuket's laid-back southern tip near Rawai, has a long-standing, low-key reputation as an informal gay meeting and cruising spot. It is most active in the evening and draws a mix of local Thai men and visitors. This is a public beach, not an organised venue: there are no facilities aimed at cruising, and discretion is expected. Thailand does not criminalise same-sex activity, but public nudity and sex in public places are illegal and can be prosecuted, so normal caution and respect for other beachgoers apply. Nai Harn itself is one of Phuket's most beautiful and least developed beaches, well worth a daytime visit for the scenery alone.