PHUKET -- area code (66-76)

• James Dean Bar and Guesthouse
  188/22 Likit Plaza Sai Sam, email. James Dean Bar has been a gay social bar in Patong Beach since 1991. They are now in a new and 4th location, outside of the Paradise Complex and ever so lovely and quiet. Take a break from Patong's hustle and bustle and say hello to Phaithoon and Joel. Utopia Member Discount
• Maya City
  182 Viset Rd, Moo 2, 087-276-1257, email. Owned by a gay couple and also gay-managed, this bar features pleasant surroundings, good music and cabaret show with dancing after midnight. Utopia Member Discount

  Sundowners Bar and Guesthouse 125/10 Rat-U-Thit Rd, 083-301-4036, email. Gay bar and guesthouse situated on the exit road in the Royal Paradise Complex in the best possible location, central and convenient to everything. Ten minutes walk to the beach. Friendly staff. Two floors: G/F terrace bar with Wi-Fi and pool table. 1/F aircon live sports bar and terrace bar looking down onto the soi. Large selection of beers, fine wine, cocktails and champagne for any special occasion. The sports bar can be booked for private functions.

• Temptasian
  Paradise Complex, Patong, 087-320-2706, email. Contemporary bar located in Paradise Complex near the main walkway leading to Royal Paradise Hotel, near the fountain. Chill out before heading for dinner or to the clubs. Gay-owned. Utopia Member Discount
• Time Bar and Bed Patong
  125/12 Raj-U-thit Rd, 089-724-8497, email. This gay and lesbian-friendly bar, opened in 1999, is located in the heart of the gay district. From its humble beginnings, the owners intent was to create a fun, relaxing and nurturing environment that would attract Thai locals and foreign visitors from all parts of the globe. Enjoy a drink with your loved one or that special person. Utopia Member Discount

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Outside of Paradise Complex are other venues. One in Rawai is a new gay bar called Sawana Bar. Open from 5pm-2am and two lovely guys make sure you are entertained. Not well known in the gay scene outside of Patong, but worth the visit if you are in Rawai or want to get away from the Paradise scene." -- Thaibehr, Oct 31, 2011

  "Kiss Club, in soi paradise, is the most popular club on the gay strip. The outside terrace starts filling up from 11pm most nights. Especially busy on Fri/Sat nights. They have a show on the street at 11:45pm nightly followed by a midnight cabaret show inside. Then it's dancing/drinking on the terrace until the 2nd show at 1:45am followed again by another cabaret show inside at 2am. During the shows the club is usually packed, but otherwise the actual inside of the club is quiet - most people prefer the terrace, and only go inside to see the shows, which are some the most professional and funny in Thailand. The Flying Handbag is now Heaven Bar, a friendly host bar. J and B Bar no longer exists either, it is now Kai Bar, another friendly host bar. Other places on the paradise complex include Yes! Bar, a gogo bar with erotic shows; OK Bar, a gay karaoke place. Also Mein Schalz Massage, opposite Aquarius hotel. Also note that Boat Bar disco has just reopened after total renovation, showtime 12pm and 2am renovation." -- wolfcub, Jul 1, 2011

  "Chic and Orchid (opposite) are the two best bars in Patong Beach. Friendly staff, good cocktails (mojitos are excellent) and comfortable seats in front of the street animation." -- gilnice, Jan 15, 2011

• Simon Cabaret
  100/6-8 Moo 4, Patong, 076-342-115 FAX 076-321-437. Huge, extravagant drag theater. Shows nightly.
• Tangmo Club
  Paradise Complex, email. Lip-synch, dance and variety show featuring handsome guys and gorgeous transgender performers. Khun Tangmo's club has been in operation more than a decade. Show twice nightly.

• Boat Bar
  Royal Paradise Complex (just down from Connect), 076-341-237, email. Very popular late night gay dance club. Dim second floor offers some romantic seclusion. Trendy design and good music. Cabaret shows.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Boat Bar disco has just reopened after total renovation. Show time is 12pm and 2am" -- wolfcub, Jul 1, 2011

• Fire Island Disco
  Royal Paradise Hotel, Paradise Complex, email.
• Galaxy
  Soi Sunset. Opened by the owners of Simon Cafe. Mixed club but lots of gay clientele. Best after 2am.

• B & W
  Paradise Complex Soi 3.
• Marn Ya
  Paradise Complex Soi 5 (opposite My Way).
• Phuket Amazing Pub and Karaoke (mixed)
  70/117 Rat-U-Thit Rd, Paradise Complex. This mixed place gets swinging when the bars close.
• Twilight Karaoke
  Paradise Complex Soi 4.