Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gay Pride In Phuket
Although there are big gay-pride celebrations in Bangkok and Pattaya, the
Phuket Gay
Pride Festival
is considered by many to be the best in Thailand, maybe even southeast
Asia. It usually happens between February and April but whenever it blooms, the whole
island - but Patong specifically - is packed with (mostly male) revellers from all over the
world.
The main events of the four-day weekend party are a huge beach volleyball tournament
and, of course, the Grand Parade, featuring floats, cheering crowds and beautiful cos-
tumes in the streets of Patong. In recent years, the festival has also included social-re-
sponsibility campaigns against child prostitution and substance abuse, and for HIV aware-
ness.
For updates on future festivals or for more information about the scene in general, go to
Sleeping
BURASARI $$$
(
Hotel
0 7629 2929;
www.burasari.com
;
18/110 Th Ruamchai; r 2700-9300B;
)
It's a lovely maze of swimming pools and waterfalls, etched columns, cushion-
strewn lounges and bars. Rooms are more simple but chic with flat screen TVs,
queen-sized beds and bamboo accents. The
Naughty Radish
cafe here serves
outrageous customisable salads (from 180B) and the best smoothies (120B) on
Phuket.
BAIPHO, BAITHONG & SALA DEE $$
( 0 7629 2074, 0 7629 2738;
www.baipho.com
,
www.baithong.com
,
www.saladee.com
;
205/12-13 & 205/14-15 Th Rat Uthit 200 Pee; r 1800-3300B;
)
These three arty guest houses are all on the same little soi under the same
friendly and organised management. The dimly lit, nest-like rooms are all unique so
ask to see a few if possible. The
Lounge
, downstairs at Baithong, serves cocktails
and very good Italian and Thai food as well as gourmet snacks. Guests can use the
pool at the unsightly Montana Grand Phuket next door.
Guest House
