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Looking for something simple to do after the sun sets in Phuket?

When you stay at SAii Laguna Phuket, you are close to more than just the beach. Around Bangtao, local markets light up the evening with street food, small stalls, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels easy to step into. No plans needed, just time to wander and enjoy.

Fun Friday Night Market at Boat Avenue

The Fun Friday Night Market at Boat Avenue is one of the most popular spots in the Bangtao area. It is lively, but still comfortable to explore at your own pace.

Food is the highlight here. You will find a wide mix of options, from Thai favourites to international dishes. Grilled seafood, BBQ skewers, fresh salads, baked goods, desserts, and snacks are all easy to try. It is the kind of place where you can pick a few things and share.

There are outdoor tables and chairs throughout the market, so you can sit and enjoy your food. Close by, live music adds to the atmosphere, with different artists performing each week. It feels social, but never rushed.

Along the walkway, you will also find stalls selling souvenirs, handmade items, and small crafts. These are perfect if you are looking for something simple to bring home.

Opening hours: Friday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Location: Boat Avenue, Cherngtalay, Phuket

Bangtao Night Market

The Bangtao Night Market offers a more local and relaxed experience. It takes place twice a week and is easy to visit if you are staying nearby.

The best time to go is after 5:00 pm, when more stalls are open and the atmosphere begins to build. The market is simple, with a mix of street food, drinks, and everyday items.

Here, you can enjoy local dishes at a slower pace. Freshly cooked meals, grilled meats, snacks, and sweet treats are all part of the experience. It is not about variety, but about enjoying familiar flavours in a comfortable setting.

You can walk through, stop when something catches your eye, and take your time. It is an easy way to spend the evening without needing a plan.

Opening hours:

Monday: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Thursday: 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Local Fruit Market

If you prefer something lighter during the day, the local fruit market near Cherngtalay is worth a short visit.

This small market offers fresh tropical fruits, often sourced locally. Depending on the season, you may find mango, pineapple, watermelon, dragon fruit, and more.

It is a simple stop, but a refreshing one. Many visitors pick up fruit to enjoy back at their room or after time at the beach.

Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

Location: Near Cherngtalay Police Station

A Simple Way to Experience Phuket

When you stay at SAii Laguna Phuket, these local markets are just a short distance away, making it easy to add a local touch to your time in Bangtao. You can spend the day by the beach or pool, then head out for an evening of street food, fresh fruit, and small discoveries. It is a simple, relaxed way to experience another side of Phuket and enjoy the area at your own pace.

When it comes to the best destination beach wedding venues in Thailand, few experiences compare to saying “I do” by the sea.

Perhaps it is the light. Perhaps it is the sound of the water, or the way everything feels a little more relaxed when you are surrounded by nature. In Thailand, weddings often carry that sense of ease naturally. The setting is beautiful, the atmosphere is warm, and the celebration can unfold in a way that feels both meaningful and unforced.

For couples planning a destination wedding, that is part of the appeal. You are not only choosing a venue. You are choosing a place where the ceremony, the holiday, and the memories around it can all come together.

At SAii Hotels & Resorts, couples can celebrate in three very different southern Thai destinations. SAii Laguna Phuket brings together beachfront beauty, flexible event spaces, and easy access for guests. SAii Phi Phi Island Village feels more secluded and island-led, with beautiful beachside settings in a naturally romantic location. SAii Koh Samui Villas offers a more intimate atmosphere, with romantic spaces and sunset views over Hanuman Bay that suit celebrations by the sea especially well.

Why Thailand feels so right for destination weddings

A wedding in Thailand is not only about scenery, although that certainly helps. It is also about the experience around the ceremony itself.

A few days with family and friends can become part of the celebration. A quiet dinner can turn into the beginning of the honeymoon. Time by the pool, spa treatments, island excursions, and long meals together can make the wedding feel less like a single event and more like a full chapter of the story.

That is why destination weddings in Thailand continue to appeal to so many couples. The setting feels special from the start, but it also leaves room for the celebration to feel personal. Some weddings are relaxed and understated. Others are joyful and full of energy. What matters most is that the place supports the feeling you want to create.

Choosing the setting that feels right for you

One of the loveliest things about a destination wedding in Thailand is how naturally it can reflect your style as a couple.

For some, that means a ceremony with the sea as a backdrop and sunset light all around. For others, it means tropical greenery, soft florals, and a setting that feels calm and quietly romantic. Some couples picture a private moment with only a few loved ones nearby. Others imagine several days of celebration, with welcome drinks, shared meals, and time together in one beautiful place.

The beauty of Thailand is that it gives you space to shape the atmosphere in a way that feels true to you.

Which SAii destination suits your wedding style?

SAii Laguna Phuket

If you are looking for a wedding destination that feels polished, flexible, and easy for guests to reach, SAii Laguna Phuket is a natural choice for beach weddings in Phuket. Set on Bangtao Beach, the resort offers a range of wedding settings, from beachfront ceremonies to poolside celebrations and ballroom receptions. It is especially well suited to couples who want the romance of the sea without giving up convenience or versatility. The resort’s wedding offering includes Bangtao Beach venues, poolside cocktail receptions, and the Similan Ballroom for larger gatherings.

Phuket also brings a certain ease to destination weddings. Travel access is straightforward, and guests can enjoy more than just the ceremony itself. A wedding here can naturally extend into a few days of celebration, with beach time, spa moments, dinners, and time together built into the experience.

SAii Phi Phi Island Village

For couples drawn to a wedding that feels more tucked away from the world, SAii Phi Phi Island Village offers something beautifully different for Phi Phi Island weddings. The setting feels unmistakably island-like, with beachside ceremony options and a sense of seclusion that gives the day a more intimate, escapist mood. The resort describes its weddings as beautiful beachside ceremonies in Phi Phi with tropical backdrops and genuine Thai island hospitality.

Phi Phi has a way of making everything feel more cinematic. The natural beauty is already there, so the celebration never needs to feel overworked. It suits couples who want the destination itself to play a leading role in the wedding atmosphere.

SAii Koh Samui Villas

SAii Koh Samui Villas is especially appealing for couples seeking wedding venues in Koh Samui that feel romantic, personal, and quietly special. The resort’s wedding offering centres on beachfront ceremonies, sunset views over Hanuman Bay, candlelit dining, and intimate personalised service.

There is a softness to Koh Samui that works beautifully for weddings. The island feels relaxed, but never ordinary. At SAii Koh Samui Villas, that translates into celebrations that feel thoughtful rather than formal, and intimate without losing a sense of occasion. For couples who want a destination wedding with warmth, privacy, and a naturally romantic setting, it is a particularly lovely fit.

When is the best time for a wedding in Thailand?

The best time depends on where in Thailand you plan to celebrate.

For Phuket and Phi Phi, many couples naturally look to the drier months, when beach ceremonies and outdoor celebrations are generally easier to plan. For Koh Samui, the seasonal rhythm is different, which makes it an attractive choice for couples seeking an island wedding during periods when the Gulf side tends to be more appealing. The Tourism Authority of Thailand notes that Koh Samui is a year-round destination and specifically highlights calmer conditions from January to May.

This difference can be useful when choosing between destinations. Rather than thinking only about the wedding style, it also helps to think about when you want to travel, what kind of light and weather you hope for, and what experience you want guests to have around the celebration.

One important thing to know

At SAii Hotels & Resorts, wedding celebrations are ceremonial only. Couples who wish to make their marriage legally official should arrange the legal registration separately, according to the requirements of their nationality and home country. Legal marriage in Thailand requires formal registration at a local district office rather than the resort ceremony itself.

Begin your next chapter by the sea

Some weddings are remembered for their scale. Others are remembered for their feeling.

A destination wedding in Thailand offers the chance to create something that feels personal from beginning to end: a beautiful setting, time with the people you love, and a celebration that unfolds at a gentler pace.

Whether that leads you to the flexible beachfront elegance of SAii Laguna Phuket, the secluded island beauty of SAii Phi Phi Island Village, or the intimate romance of SAii Koh Samui Villas, the setting becomes part of the story itself. And that is often what makes a wedding by the sea so unforgettable.

Thailand has long been a favourite for LGBTQ travellers — open-hearted, welcoming, and effortlessly beautiful. From vibrant beach scenes and world-class nightlife to serene island hideaways framed by dramatic nature, the country offers space to celebrate individuality in every form.

Together with The Gay Passport, we explore three of Thailand’s most iconic island destinations — Phuket, Koh Samui and Phi Phi Islands — and the stays that elevate the experience.

Phuket: High-Energy, High-End, and Unapologetically Fun

If you’re drawn to buzz, variety, and a thriving party scene, Phuket delivers — and nowhere does it with more polish than SAii Laguna Phuket.

Set on Bangtao Beach within the prestigious Laguna Phuket enclave, this is Phuket at its most upscale. Think long stretches of sand, sophisticated dining, beach clubs, wellness escapes and easy access to Phuket’s legendary nightlife — all while staying in a refined, international setting where diversity feels natural and celebrated.

It’s the ideal base for LGBTQ travellers who want the best of both worlds: days spent poolside or kayaking the lagoon, and nights out exploring Phuket’s vibrant social and party scene — before retreating to calm, beachfront luxury.

Koh Samui: Pool Villas, Beach Club Days & Chaweng Nights

Relaxed by day, electric by night — Koh Samui continues to charm LGBTQ travellers with its effortless blend of tropical calm and lively social energy.

At SAii Koh Samui Villas, privacy takes centre stage. Secluded pool villas, lush surroundings and an adults-focused atmosphere create a space that feels intimate, free and judgement-free — perfect for couples seeking connection or friends travelling together.

Just minutes away, Chaweng Beach brings the island’s most happening bars, clubs and beachfront energy to life. Add in laid-back afternoons at SAii Beach Club, sunset cocktails, and relaxed island dining, and you have a destination that balances romance, freedom and fun with ease.

Credit @ram_pit and @alejandro__calvo
(SAii Koh Samui Villas)

“We loved the very luxurious room with a bathtub and shower. The bed was incredibly cozy; we think it was feather-filled because it was very comfortable to sleep in. The laundry service was impeccable. We had a lot of dirty clothes from our trip, and they were very quick and thorough. The spa treatment was a wonderful experience with unique and super friendly hands. The pool overlooking the beach and the mini bar were great for hanging out at the hotel. As for the meals, there was a lot of variety in everything (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The views while eating are unbeatable, and the private dance show with fireworks was incredible! In addition, the staff were all super helpful and friendly. It’s very easy to enjoy a unique vacation in Koh Samui at this place [❤]”

 

Credit @kaernt
(SAii Koh Samui Villas)

“The service was truly impressive, the property and the villa were beautiful, and the beach was so peaceful and undisturbed.”

Phi Phi Island: Iconic Beauty, Total Escape

For those seeking nature at its most cinematic, SAii Phi Phi Island Village offers a completely different kind of luxury — one defined by space, serenity and jaw-dropping surroundings.

Set against towering limestone cliffs and fringed by perfect white-sand beaches in the heart of the Phi Phi Islands, this is an escape made for switching off and reconnecting. Days unfold slowly with snorkelling, kayaking and barefoot beach walks, while evenings are quiet, romantic and deeply peaceful.

It’s a favourite for LGBTQ couples looking for privacy, honeymooners drawn to natural beauty, and travellers who value authentic, unfiltered island life in a welcoming, inclusive setting.

Credit Jonny Foe https://www.instagram.com/jonnyfoe/?hl=en

 

Credit @davidescri
(SAii Phi Phi Island Village)

“The hotel’s location was incredible, right on the beach and surrounded by nature. The bungalow was perfect, and we absolutely loved the restaurants.”

Credit @followandriy
(SAii Phi Phi Island Village)

“A Slice of Thai Paradise! Saii Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is a paradise. With its 800-meter private beach, the resort provides the ultimate getaway for those looking to unwind and bask in luxury.

Friendly staff, every individual we encountered was warm, helpful, and eager to make our stay as delightful as possible. This is a gem that we’d happily revisit should our travels bring us back to this corner of the world.”

Why SAii?

Across all destinations, SAii Resorts are united by a simple promise: peace of mind. Thoughtful service, genuine warmth and an environment where every guest feels respected make SAii a natural choice for LGBTQ travellers seeking comfort without compromise.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets and social scenes, private pool villa romance, or postcard-perfect island solitude — Thailand, with SAii, lets you travel exactly as you are.

 

When was the last time you slowed down while travelling, not to see more, but to feel more?

Travel does not need to be full to feel meaningful. Some of the most lasting moments happen when you pause and allow yourself to be present. On an island, this rhythm comes naturally. Days follow the sun, and evenings arrive gently. As the pace softens, travel begins to feel less like a schedule and more like a state of mind.

Looking Up Again

In everyday life, the night sky often fades into the background. Artificial light fills our cities, softening the stars until only a few remain visible. Screens keep our eyes looking down, and stargazing, once a simple pleasure, becomes something we rarely pause for.

On Phi Phi Island, that connection returns. With significantly less light pollution than most destinations around the world, the night sky opens up. Even to the naked eye, stars appear clearer and more abundant, forming patterns that are often hidden elsewhere. Simply looking up becomes an experience in itself, offering calm, perspective, and a sense of scale that quietly resets the mind.

Why Islands Feel Different at Night 

Remote islands offer something increasingly rare: natural darkness and quiet.

At night, Phi Phi feels especially still. With minimal light interference, the sky stretches uninterrupted above the sea. The horizon fades, the air cools, and the sound of waves replaces the noise of daily life. Evenings unfold without pressure or performance, creating space to slow down, linger, and let the day gently fade.

This environment makes Phi Phi ideal for stargazing, not as a spectacle, but as a moment of presence shaped by nature rather than technology.

Astro Moments at SAii Phi Phi Island Village

At SAii Phi Phi Island Village, Astro Moments is thoughtfully designed to fit into this natural island rhythm. Taking place along the beachfront, the experience runs seasonally from November to April, when sky conditions are at their clearest.

The evening begins with a guided presentation by a professional planetarium team, offering an accessible introduction to the night sky. Guests are gently guided through the stars and constellations visible that evening, learning how to recognise key formations and understand their movement, all explained in a relaxed and engaging way.

Following the presentation, guests are invited to continue the experience through telescope-assisted stargazing, allowing a closer look at celestial details that are often impossible to see in urban environments. Throughout the evening, there is time to observe quietly, ask questions, or simply enjoy the sky at your own pace.

Light refreshments and beverages are served, adding a comfortable, social element without distracting from the calm of the night. Whether seated on the beachfront or standing beneath the open sky, the experience remains unhurried and easy.

Astro Moments reflects SAii’s approach to travel: thoughtful, peaceful, and centred on creating space to slow down. It is not about doing more, but about noticing more.

Exploring Travel Through the Zodiac

 

As part of Astro Moments, guests may also explore the Zodiac to Experience Guide, a light-hearted addition designed to encourage personal reflection. The guide offers simple ideas inspired by the zodiac, helping you consider how different travel experiences may align with your natural rhythm.

Some signs may feel drawn to stillness and quiet observation, while others may resonate with shared moments or gentle exploration. The guide is entirely optional, allowing you to engage as much or as little as you wish, while remaining present in the moment.

When you slow down, travel begins to change. A night under the stars becomes more than an activity. It becomes a memory shaped by darkness, clarity, and the rare luxury of an unobstructed sky.

Astro Moments at SAii Phi Phi Island Village is a gentle invitation to pause, look up, and spend an evening guided by the night sky. In a world increasingly affected by light pollution, this quiet experience offers something truly special: the chance to see the stars as they were meant to be seen, and to carry that feeling with you long after the night ends.

Explore the Experience