When business partners Ulf and Börje founded the Connect Guest House, Restaurant and Internet Café in Patong Beach on the island of Phuket almost a decade ago, they noticed that there were virtually no gay-focused tours available in the area. At the time, gay tourists often had to “in” themselves to integrate into larger tour groups, plus most of the available tours started too early in the morning for those who enjoy the late night scene in the Paradise Complex.
Setting a fabulous precedent, the duo launched “Connect’s Gay Day Trip to Koh Kai” in 1999, with a sensible starting time of 11:00 a.m., wrapping up about 7:00 p.m. “Today, our trip sets off from Connect by minibus to Sire Island, just north of Phuket Town, where we take a 20-minute fun speedboat ride to the islands, explained Ulf. The gay group used to be alone on the big island but now, as Ulf explained, that island “is now exploited by many tour companies with a restaurant and hundreds of sun chairs and umbrellas. This is why we prefer to stay at the smallest island although it does depend on the tide.”
Ulf
The gay day tour was originally held every Thursday, but popular demand by weekend tourists from neighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia, and even from Phuket locals who had weekends off, changed all that and the trip was moved to Saturdays, remaining the only tour of its kind in southeast Asia catering to the GLBTQ community—yes, the LBTQ’s are welcome as well!
At only 1,700 baht (subject to change, please verify current rate when booking), the all-inclusive price includes round-trip van transportation from Connect to the boats, the round-trip boat ride, a relaxing barbeque lunch and a seemingly non-stop supply of your favorite beverages, plus the use of beach towels and snorkeling equipment. The cruise is offered year-round weather-permitting with the number of participants starting at ten, although one special event had 130 participants.
I’ve taken the cruise twice, the first time in one October during one of those rare weeks when it rained every day. We braved the sea anyway as often when it is raining in Phuket it is sunny on Koh Kai. The small island was underwater because of the high tide so we went to the larger island. We only had five minutes of sun the entire time, but a good time was still had by all as the camaraderie was spectacular. On my second cruise one November, we went to the small island and had it basically to ourselves with the exception of a constant rotation of tourist boats in the near distance because of great snorkeling in the area.
Words of caution! Take sun screen even if you think you don’t need it, as shade and umbrellas are scarce on the small island. Also, be sure to wear a pair of sandals with hard soles because the beach can be quite rocky in places. When taking advantage of the snorkeling equipment and enjoying those close-up underwater views of the marine life, heed the sharp rocks—I scraped my knee a bit unknowingly, but the guide was prepared with adequate first aid. Yes, the island is a bit rugged, with absolutely no sign of Gilligan (Gilligan’s Island was a long-running U.S. TV series about tourists who became stranded on a desert island during what was supposed to be a three-hour tour, the skipper, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the professor or Marianne!
“Our customers enjoy this feeling of isolation and serenity, providing for a relaxing lad-back ‘getaway’ experience,” added Ulf.
What makes the trip so special?
“The people,” responded Ulf. “Every trip is a little bit unique as we get people from all over the world on the trip with us. I believe that while the wonderful beach sun and sea are important, it is the people on such a group trip that create a great experience… It is amazing what can happen when you take people away from their busy work lives and the noisy bars.”
I, along with at least 30% of the people who have taken the cruise, am a repeat customer. To book your cruise, visit www.gaypatong.com and look for the link to the Koh Kai/Egg Island cruise, feel free to call connect directly at +66 76 194195, or email connect@beachpatong.com.
Ulf and Börje explain their goal is “to bring gay travelers from all over the world a little closer together, so when they return to their countries they will remember not only the great holiday they had in Phuket, but also the great people they have met, and great friends they have made.
So, now you now, instead of just cruising guys from all over the world, you can cruise WITH guys from all over the world! Perhaps we'll cruise together one day!
About Connect Guesthouse
Connect Guesthouse is a charming Swedish owned guesthouse. Connect was opened by Ulf in 1998 with eleven rooms and a small restaurant. Börje (Gula huset) Carlsson joined the business in May 2001. The duo subsequently totally renovated Connect, and they make ongoing upgrades every year. There are now 25 rooms.
Downstairs you will find the restaurant and bar, complete with WiFi. The owners explain, “Connect restaurant and bar has been a hassle free zone since 1998 and is a popular hangout. Many returning and long stay guests all say ‘Connect is my second home.’” Additional rooms are available in the Annex in which no rooms face the street.
Some of the rooms are equipped with balconies, and many of the rooms have been completely remodeled. All rooms have a Queen-sized beds, air conditioning, on-suite bath room with hot water shower, cable TV, electric kettle for coffee and tea, mini bar fridge and a electric safety box—plus IDD telephone and Internet access (LAN). Four computers are available for guests on the ground floor.
Plus, there is much to do in the Paradise complex where Connect is located, including going to the Boat Bar at the end of the soi (about a 30-second walk) for their night show (photo gallery below):
- Airport 40 km (1 hour by taxi)
- Phuket Town 11 km (15 minutes by taxi)
- The Beach 8 minutes walk way
- Patong city center (Bangla road) 2 minutes walk way
Characteristics
- 25 rooms in Connect (Paradise Complex, way out)
- All check in/out are at Connect - Check out time: Noon
- Payment at check in by: visa/master card/cash
- Currency: Thai Baht
- Language used: Thai, English, Swedish
- Electricity 220 Volt
Room Facilities
- Private Bath rooms with hot water shower
- Fan and Air condition with individual control
- Cable/satellite TV with remote control
- Mini bar fridge
- Hot water pot for Coffee and Tea
- Queen size bed
- Telephone and Internet connection
- Safe Deposit box is available in the room.
Services
- Daily maid service 10 AM until 4 PM
Please put the green door hanger on the outside of your room when the room is available for cleaning.
- Laundry service is available at Connect . We deliver back to your room.
Bar & Coffee shop
- Served at Connect rom 8 AM until very late.
Restaurant
The Connect Restaurant is open from 8 AM until midnight. We have a full menu with Thai and European food at a reasonable price. If you never tried Thai food before try our Thai Set menu.
Connect Sunday Buffet
Every Sunday at 8-10 PM (20.00-22.00).
10 different Thai dishes and fresh fruit. Only 200 Baht/person.
Make your reservation at the bar counter in the restaurant.
Take this opportunity to try our wonderful Thai food.
Internet, Fax and Telephone
At Connect we have 4 computers with Internet and Fax/Telephone service. Open from 08:00 AM until very late.
- 20 Baht for Internet service charge
- 10 Baht/page for Computer printout
- 80 Baht/page for fax
Transfer Services
From the front desk at Connect
- Taxi to Airport 550 Baht
- Gay Day Tour to Kai Island every Saturday 1,500 Baht
- Round trip on the Island
- Anywhere else? Ask at the travel desk at Connect
Motorbike and Car rental
From the front desk at Connect, we can provided this services.
A Valid driving licence and helmet is required. Our staff can also arrange another rental.
Information, Maps, Reservations for Phuket Fantasea and Simon Cabaret. Free maps of Phuket are available at Connect. For other information or reservations ask our staff at Connect.
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