Bangkok's Pride Is One of the Largest in Asia—and It's Attracting LGBTQIA+ Travelers From Around the World

Bangkok was hot for its pride festival. The humid wind meant that makeup ran, clothing clung to dampened skin, and the large crowds didn't find much relief in the shade. But it didn't slow down the exuberance. From marching bands and floats, flags, and signs, the Bangkok Pride Festival was a party from beginning to end.
In the crowd, amongst hundreds of thousands of Thai citizens, there were also attendees from all over the world. One young man, Bo Han, attended the festival for the first time after living in Thailand for three years. 'I'm originally from Myanmar,' he told Travel + Leisure . 'My country is very traditional, conservative. Here it is very open, and I feel like myself here.'
This year's Bangkok Pride Festival had about 300,000 guests, an increase from 250,000 attendees in 2024. By comparison, the world's largest pride festivals, including in São Paulo, New York, Toronto, and Madrid, all have over one million attendees. So Bangkok isn't home to the largest celebration in the world, but it might be the biggest in Asia, outpacing Taiwan's record of 180,000 attendees in 2024.
'This surge in attendance highlights Bangkok's rising status as a leading LGBTQIA+ destination in Asia,' Chompu Marusachot, the director of Tourism Authority of Thailand's New York office. 'Government support has played a key role, with the Thai administration integrating Pride Month into its national tourism strategy. These efforts are part of Thailand's broader goal of positioning itself as a global hub for LGBTQIA+ travel and a future host of World Pride in 2030.'
This commitment is helping draw attendees from across the continent. But it is not just people from other Asian countries who are coming to Thailand for the big celebration and welcoming environment. Syd and Jamie, an American couple in their 20s, moved to Bangkok in May. After a wave of anti-LGTBTQIA policies were introduced and passed, both women were feeling less welcome in the country. 'America is dangerous,' Syd said, standing on one of the giant Pride flags rolled out in the plaza where the parade ended. 'At least, that's one of the reasons for me.'
They were eager to join the lesbian scene in the city, which is how they found out about the Pride Festival—it had been posted on the Les Hi Bar Instagram account, one of the most popular lesbian bars in Bangkok. The internet is generally helping to push Pride events to broader audiences in the country. Overall, the U.S. market is most engaged with GoThaiBeFree.com, a LGBTQIA+ travel planning site, accounting for 26 percent of the site traffic, while visitors from China, Germany, and the United Kingdom each account for about 10 percent of the traffic.
For locals, the growth in international popularity of Bangkok Pride has been a net-positive. Zymone, a trans woman born and raised in Bangkok, is a singer, performer, and contestant of season five of The Voice Thailand . She has seen an increasing amount of cultural acceptance and celebration over time, both within Thailand and from tourists.
Zymone hosts a drag show at Lost & Found, a speakeasy with a diverse clientele ranging from a mix of tourists wandering in from the hotel and locals looking to enjoy the steampunk design and craft cocktails. In the past, celebrations might have been exclusively attended by people in the LGBTQIA+ community, the festivities now draw in more straight allies as well. That can be seen during the shows at Lost & Found: according to Zymone, a recent crowd included a mother and son, a straight couple from the UK, and a straight couple from France.
'Some of them are not gay, but they show up to support and have fun,' Zymone said. 'We are art. Every year it's bigger and bigger, it's not just a place to come out and say 'we are a couple,' we come out as art … when people come for Pride Month, it actually makes it more special. The world is better when we are actually showing people who we are.'
Thailand's LGBTQIA+ centered offerings aren't just contained to one city: Pride events are held in every region of the country throughout June. From a film festival in Krabi to parades in Phuket and Pattaya, you're bound to a few celebrations no matter where you go in the country.
Even before the law was officially changed on Jan. 23, 2025 to finally allow LGBTQIA+ couples to legally marry, Thailand has been a popular destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. This year, Phuket is one of the top locations according to an Expedia survey.
The international reputation for Thailand being ultra-welcoming and accepting hasn't happened by accident. There's been a concerted push from the government and tourism board to message these developments to the global public. LGBTQIA+ travel is projected to bring the country an anticipated four million additional tourists each year, $2 billion in generated revenue, 152,000 full-time jobs, and a 0.3 percent increase in Thailand's GDP, according to the tourism authority.
'Anecdotal insights from hotel and private sector partners suggest a significant increase in LGBTQIA+ travelers attending events throughout the year, underscoring that Pride celebrations nationwide are a strong driver of tourism,' Marusachot said. 'The legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand, effective January 2025, is expected to strengthen further the country's appeal as an LGBTQIA+ travel destination.'
Going forward, there will only be a bigger push to bring more LGBTQIA+ travelers to the country with more programming that will 'reinforce the country's reputation as a welcoming, inclusive destination,' said Marusachot. 'Thailand has long positioned itself as a place that celebrates people for who they are, how they identify, and who they love.'
Zymone, who performs at festivals and MCs events across Bangkok, is hoping the increased popularity—and investment from the government and the public sector—will result in year-round celebrations of the LGBTQIA+ community.
'After this, it's not going to be just Pride Month,' she says. 'It's going to be every month, and everybody can hang out.'

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Muy Thai Boxing at Bangla (Patong) Boxing Stadium Klook • Sip cocktails at the chic Bua Bar, where mixology meets artful presentation—with style to spare. If you're sober-curious, the mocktails are just as creative and twice as fun. Bua Bar at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas The Garden Cocktail Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas • Dine at Anantara's beachside hotspot serving up inventive dishes designed to excite the palate. at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas PETER BAAS FOTOGRAFIE Additional Cameo Locations: •Rosewood Phuket's Ta Khai Restaurant: In Episode 3 ('The Meaning of Dreams'), the Ratliff family dines at Ta Khai, where Victoria recounts a haunting tsunami dream, Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) offers a symbolic interpretation, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) sharply dismisses it, and across the restaurant Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb), and Laurie engage in a parallel clash over politics and religion. Ta Khai is also where Mook performed a traditional Thai dance for guests that left Gaitok absolutely spellbound in episode 6 ('Denials'). Ta Khai at Rosewood Phuket Epicure Vietnam •Café Del Mar Phuket: Styled after its Balearic predecessor, this Kamala Beach venue brings Ibiza's electric energy to the shores of Thailand. Valentin took Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie out to party here after first steering them toward a 'budget hotel for retirees' in Episode 4 ('Hide or Seek'). Expect live fire shows, world-renowned DJs, and splashy pool parties. Cafe Del Mar DJ Set Cafe Del Mar Bonus Experience: Visit The Distillery Phuket for a fun cocktail-making workshop that includes small-batch Thai spirits crafted with local botanicals and tropical ingredients. Think lemongrass, pomelo, and pandan. Guests can sip their handcrafted cocktails (and mocktails) alongside gourmet bites, then tour the onsite facilities to learn more about the distillation process. Open-air Lounge at The Distillery Phuket The Distillery Phuket • Must Taste: Locally sourced, Michelin-inspired dishes at Ta Khai and La Sala. • Must Try: Sunrise yoga and singing bowl sessions at Anantara Mai Khao's Lagoon Pavilion. • Must Buy: Thai-crafted wellness goods from Anantara's spa boutique and one-of-a-kind finds in Phuket Old Town. • Must Seek: The iconic Lotus Villa and cheeky monkey statues featured in the show. • Must See: Café Del Mar's electrifying sunset show. Stop Two: Koh Samui Aerial View of The InterContinental Koh Samui The InterContinental Koh Samui Stay Here: Hands down, the InterContinental Koh Samui is the standout stay of this stop—and arguably one of the most enchanting escapes on the island. Situated along a private stretch of Taling Ngam Bay, the resort features 79 rooms, suites, and villas cascading down a lush hillside with panoramic views over the Gulf of Thailand. For those who want the ultimate stay, the Club Beachfront Pool Villa offers direct beach access, an infinity-edge pool, and personal butler service. Beachfront Pool Villa Bedroom InterContinental Koh Samui Beachfront Pool Villa Bathroom InterContinental Koh Samui The property also boasts one of the island's most romantic sunset views and impeccably kept gardens. Thai architectural elements shine throughout, from vaulted ceilings and carved fretwork to whimsical birdcage motifs woven into the resort's commons. Lobby Bino Chua Upon arrival, guests are led into a sweeping lobby lounge that opens onto jaw-dropping views of endless turquoise sea. The entrance is so striking it quite literally stops you in your tracks. Partial walls give the space an open-air feel while maintaining a sense of sanctuary. 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This sacred site doubled as the show's Buddhist monastery and meditation center—the place she claimed to be researching for her dissertation, and the reason the Ratliffs traveled to Thailand. But in a moment of reversal, it was Tim (Jason Isaacs)—her guarded, uneasy father—who found unexpected clarity and comfort there. Wat Phu Khao Thong Temple Tripadvisor • Tour Samui's sustainable innovation projects with Blue Ocean Plastic Recycling, a local initiative turning marine waste into functional homewares and one-of-a-kind design pieces. Guests can witness the recycling process firsthand, meet the changemakers behind the mission, and shop limited-edition creations made entirely from repurposed ocean plastics. Cameo Locations: • Four Seasons Koh Samui is the real-life resort where the Ratliff family checks in at the start of Season 3. It's also where Lochlan (Sam Nivola) accidentally downs a smoothie laced with poisonous pong pong seeds. In Episode 3, Kate surprises Victoria during lunch with the family—only to be met with an icy response after asking if Victoria remembers her. Later at the pool, Saxon aggressively flirts with Chelsea, only to be swiftly rejected—a moment that fuels his obsessive pursuit of her for the rest of the season. Four Seasons Koh Samui Resort The Hotel Guru • Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort is the location used for the White Lotus hotel lobby and main entrance. The jewelry boutique ransacked by gunmen in Episode 2 was filmed here, as was the security booth where Gaitok stood guard. After the robbery, he's ordered to carry a gun, but in Episode 4, he leaves it unattended. Just outside, Tim receives a troubling phone call from his lawyer and, in a spiral, spots the firearm and steals it. Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort Anantara • Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort is where Chelsea and Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) first hit it off at The Singing Bird Lounge—an alluring cocktail bar wrapped around a 120-year-old canopy tree. The lounge flows into Treetops, the resort's signature restaurant and the island's only true treetop dining experience. While the coastal views are beautiful by day, it's the nighttime setting that makes dinner here unforgettable. Guests follow a torch-lit path through the trees to private glass-enclosed cocoons, softly illuminated by candlelight and suspended high in the treetop. A phenomenal tasting menu and premium bottle service complete the experience—elevating Treetops to one of Koh Samui's most atmospheric and sought-after dining destinations. The Singing Bird Lounge at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort Anantara Treetops Restaurant at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort Honeymoon Dreams Bonus Experience: Samui Elephant Sanctuary Samui Elephant Sanctuary offers an ethical, hands-off alternative to traditional elephant tourism and is home to seven senior female Asian elephants—each rescued from logging camps or exploitative attractions. Guests spend peaceful mornings preparing watermelon and elephant sushi (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves), feeding the elephants from a platform, and watching them roam, play, swim, and mud-bathe—all from a respectful distance. There's no riding, no forced interaction—and we love that for them. This 25-acre refuge gives these magnificent beings the space, dignity, and empathy they've long been denied. Samui Elephant Sanctuary Tripadvisor Main Attraction: Songkran Celebrate the magic of Songkran in Fisherman's Village, just outside the resort's limits. Locals line the streets with buckets of ice water and high-powered water guns, soaking motorbikes, cars, and anyone in their path. In Episode 5, Jaclyn, Laurie, and Kate learn the hard way—dashing through back alleys in drenched designer fits, and ducking behind stalls as laughing kids spray them from all angles. Held every April, Songkran is Thailand's New Year celebration, marked by community-wide water battles and the custom of applying white clay paste to faces—symbolizing cleansing, blessings, and renewal. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), it's one of the most joyfully chaotic festivals on the planet. Be warned: nothing and no one is off-limits. If you're not ready to be drenched from head to toe, plan your route wisely or stay within resort grounds. Otherwise, brace yourself and wear something you don't mind getting soaked. Cap off the day at the iconic Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, where fire shows, neon body paint, and moonlit dancing take over the shoreline. By the end of Episode 5, Chloe, Chelsea, and the Ratliff brothers dive headfirst into the revelry—setting the stage for one of the season's most unexpected and cringeworthy turns. Songkran Celebration in Koh Samui Getty Images Koh Samui Musts: • Must Taste: A sunset dinner at Azure Lounge and the elevated treetop experience at Treetops. • Must Try: The iconic Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan and the indulgent Tropical Samui Experience at Baan Thai Spa by HARNN. • Must Buy: One-of-a-kind Thai artisanal pieces from Anantara Bophut's boutique. • Must Seek: Monk blessings at Wat Phu Khao Thong during Songkran for good fortune and spiritual renewal. • Must See: Ethical elephant encounters at Samui Elephant Sanctuary and Songkran celebrations in Fisherman's Village. Stop Three: Bangkok Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok Thailand Michelle Chaplow Stay Here: The legendary Mandarin Oriental Bangkok isn't just the city's most iconic hotel—it's also a key backdrop for Episodes 5 through 8. Anchored along the Chao Phraya River since 1876, this historic property has hosted royalty, celebrities, and heads of state for over 149 years. With 331 stunning rooms and suites, it effortlessly marries timeless grandeur with contemporary comfort. Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok Thailand Wikipedia Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Lobby Mandarin Oriental Hotels Balcony View of Lobby Mandarin Oriental Hotels The Oriental Suite is easily the hotel's most coveted reservation. Featuring sweeping views of the river and city skyline, two spacious bedrooms with en-suite baths (including one with grand marble), rich teakwood details, and a full-service kitchen and dining area—this suite sets the stage for one of the series' most pivotal moments. In Episode 7, Rick paces at the edge of the bed, gripping a gun and grappling with the weight of vengeance. The Oriental Suite Master Bedroom Mandarin Oriental Hotels The Oriental Suite Master Bathroom Mandarin Oriental Hotels The Oriental Suite Living Room Mandarin Oriental Hotels In Episode 5, he reunites with long-lost friend Frank (Sam Rockwell) at the hotel's famed Bamboo Bar. Over chamomile tea, Frank overshares sordid stories from his past, triggering Rick to glaze over and mentally check out. By Episode 6 ('Denials'), viewers catch a glimpse of the hotel's grand lobby and gilded elevator interior as Rick and Victoria pass Khun Mayuree Laolugsanalerd, the Mandarin Oriental's real-life Guest Relations Director. The Bamboo Bar Mandarin Oriental Hotels The hotel wasn't just a filming location; it served as a creative hub for Mike White and the production team throughout Season 3. 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The company played a key role in escorting the White Lotus production team during their initial location scouting—helping them uncover hidden temples like Wat Suthat, whose murals later inspired the show's Season 3 opening credits. The experience includes a visit to that very temple to hunt for the featured murals, a hands-on lotus folding session, and a guided walk (and tuk-tuk ride) through Bangkok's historic Flower District and nearby shops. Smiling Albino also curates immersive itineraries in Phuket and Koh Samui. Wat Suthat Temple Tripadvisor • Wander through the Maha Songkran World Water Festival, held annually from April 11–15 in Bangkok's Sanam Luang and along Ratchadamnoen Avenue. For five days, the city erupts into epic water battles, the Grand Parade of floats, live concerts, EDM zones, drone shows, and sacred Buddhist ceremonies. Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 Opening Night The Pattaya News • Dine at Horsamut Coastal Thai Cuisine, a lively riverside restaurant known for coastal Thai flavors rooted in regional sustainability. Snag a rooftop table at sunset for panoramic views of Wat Arun, paired with live music and a laid-back vibe that flows into the night. Horsamut Coastal Thai Cuisine Horsamut • Explore Chinatown's Soi Nana, where sizzling street food, indie bars, and late-night vendors transform the alleyways into one of Bangkok's most electric after-dark scenes. Soi Nana/Chinatown Bangkok, Thailand Nikkei Asia • Cruise to Siri Sala by private boat for a villa tour and hosted lunch before continuing to Bangkok's most famous temples—Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace. This riverside villa on the Bangkok Noi Canal starred as the home of Jim and Sritala Hollinger (Scott Glenn and Lek Patravadi). In Episode 7, Rick confronts Jim inside the villa's den before he and Frank make a speedy exit. Siri Sala is currently available for private buyouts, but beginning in July, guests will also be able book individual rooms. The stay is homey, cultural, luxurious, and fully all-inclusive—food, drinks, and activities. Siri Sala Private Thai Villa Bangkok Post • Close out your Bangkok escape with a riverfront farewell dinner and Thai cultural performance at Sala Rim Naam, just across the river from Mandarin Oriental's main site. Set in a richly adorned Thai-style pavilion, this elegant dining experience pairs classic cuisine with live traditional music and dance. Sala Rim Naam Dinner and Show at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Access Travel Cameo Locations: • Step inside the Jim Thompson House, a cultural landmark that bridges Thailand's storied silk legacy with the fashion aesthetic of Season 3. While no scenes were filmed here, the legacy of its namesake—the legendary American silk merchant Jim Thompson—deeply influenced the show's visual language. The brand played a key role in honoring Thai heritage through costume and set design, with characters like Belinda and Victoria styled in Jim Thompson caftans. Outside the Jim Thompson House, Bangkok Tripadvisor Inside the Jim Thompson House, Bangkok Thailand Tripadvisor • Dine at Royal Osha, where in Episode 6, Rick meets Sritala for an intimate dinner under the guise of pitching a film project. In reality, he's using the encounter as a pretext to get closer to her husband and settle an old score. Royal Osha stands apart in Bangkok's culinary scene. The restaurant is founded and led by Chef Vichit Mukura, a Thai culinary icon and the visionary behind its concept. This Thai-fusion gem has earned Michelin recognition for six consecutive years and is praised for its premium ingredients, world-class presentation, and high-touch service. Expect a dazzling, modern setting where seasonal Thai flavors meet global technique. Royal Osha Restaurant Bangkok © All Rights Reserved Royal Osha Restaurant, Bangkok Luxury Society Asia • Experience Bangkok's nightlife at Sing Sing Theater, the neo-Chinoiserie boutique club where Rick and Frank's wild night out unravels in Episode 7. Known for its sultry interiors, avant-garde performances, and a rotating lineup of top-tier local and international acts, Sing Sing has become one of the city's most iconic and visually striking after-dark destinations. Sing Sing Theater, Bangkok Kayak Bangkok Musts: • Must Taste: Dinner at Royal Osha, sizzling street food in Chinatown, and coastal Thai flavors at Horsamut. • Must Try: Dive into Songkran celebrations for an unforgettable splash of Thai culture. • Must Buy: Hand-loomed Thai silk and cultural keepsakes from the Jim Thompson House. • Must Seek: Holistic healing at The Oriental Spa and riverside views from the freestanding soaking tub in the hotel's Oriental Suite. • Must See: The sacred temples of Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace—each steeped in centuries of ritual, reverence, and striking design. The Forbes contributor was invited on a ten-day trip to Thailand as a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's New York Office. All reviews, recommendations, and reporting herein are based entirely on her personal experience.