Patong is the center of the gay scene on the island of Phuket. With dozens of gay bars and gay friendly restaurants, clubs and hotels available for the gay tourist. Indeed, the whole of Thailand is incredibly gay friendly, not surprising considering that ladyboys, or more correctly katoey, have been a part of Thai culture for decades.

Tourists will be pleased to know that there is a fairly large gay expat community in Patong, friendly people who are more than happy to show visitors around, and introduce them to the gay hotspots.

Within the Paradise Complex is Boat Bar Disco, this is the very epicenter of the Patong gay scene. The club puts on a live cabaret most nights of the week, or for those who prefer being outside there is a large terrace. The Paradise Complex is home to some thirty or more gay and gay friendly bars as well as restaurants and a gay sauna. The Paradise Center is quite easy to find, it is located very close to the Royal Paradise Hotel (from which it takes its name). The whole financial deal is exactly the same is it is for straight men taking girls from a bar, the bar fine needs to be paid as well as the boy.

One of the gay highlights of Patong is definitely the Flying Handbag, this is a British themed bar, with a strong Monthy Python influence, an amusing place and definitely worth a visit even for straight visitors.

Another notable bar in Paradise Complex is Boom Boom, a very large and friendly bar with an excellent terrace. It is also fairly inexpensive.

One of the oldest gay bars in Patong is My Way, a gay Go-Go bar, which puts on nightly cabaret and stage shows.

Paradise Complex is located near the Royal Paradise Hotel on Rat-u-thit Rd.  As with the straight visitor, the rules are the same. Bar fines are levied should you leave with your new friend, and any arrangements you make for further entertainment is subject to negotiation. Many of these bars now offer a transvestite show with lots of fluff, feathers and choreography. Always entertaining, usually free, you'll have a good time for the price of a drink. Couples are welcome in any of these bars:

The Flying Handbag: It claims to be the funniest Gay Pub in Patong. A mix of British humour with its roots in Faulty Towers, Monty Python, and Ab-Fab. Dress code: bring your handbag!

Boat Bar: One of the best known and most popular bars in the area - after many years it still continues to be the place to be seen. Inside is a disco/dance area that is usually crowded in the small hours - particularly weekends. A great place for a drink and to watch the action in the Soi. Located in Soi 5 Paradise Complex, Patong.

My Way: Old established Go go bar with nightly shows. Located Soi 5 Paradise Complex, Patong.

Boom Boom: New large double-fronted open bar with inside and terrace seating. Friendly relaxed service. Soi 5 Paradise Complex.

James Dean Bar: One of the original beer bars. Friendly and popular. Staff are very friendly and service is always good on the terraces or in the air-con bar inside. A popular bar for watching the action. Soi 5 Paradise Complex, Patong.