‘I went to Thailand 10 months after equal marriage ruling – here’s what I saw’
Thailand has plenty of proud displays of ‘rainbow tourism’ (WeRoad)
Thailand has plenty of proud displays of 'rainbow tourism' (WeRoad)
With its plethora of LGBTQ+ bars, cabaret shows and inclusive hotels and spas, it’s hard to believe that Thailand legalised same-sex marriage just 10 months ago.
Fans will recall that the country lent its picture-perfect locations of Phuket and Koh Samui for The White Lotus season three’s tropical backdrop. Off the back of both the HBO series and its momentous law enshrining queer rights, Thailand expected a double-dose of tourism peaks.
And they might have been right. In the first nine months of 2025, foreign tourists from the UK saw an increase of 13.66 per cent, while travellers from the US increased by 5.59 per cent, as per a Ministry of Tourism and Sports report.
Although both cultural talking points made Thailand a bucket-list destination in a mainstream way, its culture of respect, kindness and understanding has been woven into the fabric of the country long before equal marriage was enshrined.
Upholding a destination’s cultural legacy and rich history is something that solo travel company WeRoad also stands firm on within its tours, including to Thailand, which the company says is one of its top 10 most popular offerings.
“Every group is led by a Travel Coordinator: not an outsider with a flag at the front, but a member of the group, present 24/7 to ensure the dynamic gels and strangers quickly become friends,” WeRoad UK country manager Clarissa Cappelletti says.
“They are the social glue of the experience, sparking conversations, creating shared moments, and turning a collection of solo travellers into a bonded friendship group. Local guides still join where specialist knowledge is key (for historical sites, cultural deep dives, or natural wonders), but it’s the Travel Coordinator who ensures no one ever feels alone.”
WeRoad’s Thailand 360° tour is an ambitious one – covering the country from north to south in just 12 days (yes, really!). From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, temples a plenty in Chiang Rai, elephant and jungle experiences in Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of Sukhothai, and even island living on Koh Tao, PinkNews jumped at the chance to explore this tour for themselves.
’80 per cent of our travellers join solo, but no one leaves alone’
Touching down in Bangkok during the first stop of the tour, and immediately the group – made up of likeminded travel companions aged 25-35 – were immersed into the country’s thriving nightlife on Khao San Road.
After breaking the ice with the nine travel companions over a hearty plate of Pad Thai – the country’s national dish which would also become a staple during the tour – in a local restaurant, the group strolled to the backpacking hotspot. Peppered by a mix of market stalls, massage parlours, bars and clubs, there’s no shortage of night-time activities for the jetlagged traveller, or night owl.
After a long journey from the capital to the northern city of Chiang Rai (five hours, but who’s counting when you’re making new friends?), we were immersed into places of both art and worship, including the infamous White Temple, Blue Temple, and The Black House. The area is also home to the Golden Triangle, the region in which Thailand borders its neighbouring countries of Laos and Myanmar.
Whilst there, the group took a gentle river cruise along the Mekong River – the third-longest in Asia which flows through Thailand, China, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. With some encouragement from our local guide, as well as WeRoad’s very own travel coordinator – who expertly manages the itinerary and creates memorable travel experiences – our return journey became an impromptu karaoke-on-the-water.
Our third day saw us travelling by coach to the nearby city of Chiang Mai, where we underwent a walking tour – including one of the largest clothes and food markets we’ve ever laid our eyes on. After practicing our bartering skills, our local guide Dui, showed us to Hidden Temple, Wat Pha Lat.
‘Just for a moment, it felt as if the world stopped turning’
Nestled along the Monk’s Trail in the mountain is the city’s hidden gem, offering detailed carvings, Buddhist statues and the sound of rushing water from the waterfall adjacent to the temple. Dui, who has served as a Monk three times during his life so far, took the time to explain how practising his religion helped him navigate alcohol abuse and depression.
He invited us into the temple for a short meditation session. We closed our eyes to the gentle sounds of nature just outside, and just for a moment, it felt as if the world stopped turning. It served as a small reminder to live in the present during an eventful tour, and was one of our favourite memories of the entire trip.
On day five, the group embarked on a bicycle tour of Sukhothai. Famed for its ancient city ruins, the area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Led by local guide Chip, he explained that statues of Buddha there are deemed the most beautiful in Thailand because they have androgynous features.
After cycling through vast rice paddies, traditional homes and even a field of buffalo, we stopped for a drink and homemade biscuits near Wat Chang Lom, the “temple surrounded by elephants”. We noticed a local youth football club were practicing nearby, and with Chip and the coach’s blessing, we were able to play alongside them in an impromptu game. We may have lost (against an under-16s team, no less!), but it was so special to be accepted with open arms by the locals.
After yet more travel, we arrived in the island paradise of Koh Tao. After a refreshing dip in the water, we were ready to take on the local nightlife.
There was yet more karaoke before heading to our crown jewel of the evening, The Queen Cabaret, Sairee Beach. Hailed as a venue both by and for members of the LGBTQ+ community, one star performed an explosive rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”.
After a series of interactive performances – one of which involved a volunteer from our group – one performer took the time to speak candidly to the crowd.
Amanda, who introduced herself as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, delivered an emotional speech, highlighting that The Queen Cabaret is a safe space for the queer community, to which she rightly received rapturous applause.
It was a heartwarming reminder of why it’s important to find your community – whilst travelling, or otherwise – and hold them close.
You can book your WeRoad tour here, and make the most of up to 30 per cent off trips for Black Friday.
