LGBTQIA+ Retreat in Chiang Mai Thailand – Loy Krathong Lantern Festival

8

Days

Dates

Nov 3, 2025 to Nov 10, 2025

Locations

Start Location: Chiang Mai

End Location: Chiang Mai

  • Visit the Hidden Jungle Temple - Wat Pha Lat
  • Mountaintop Views of Chiang Mai from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
  • Experience the Magic of Thailand's Loy Krathong Lantern Festival
  • Northern Thai Cooking Class
  • Iconic Drag Show with Queens from Drag Race Thailand
  • Wellness Day Including (optional) Yoga Session and Thai Massage
  • Explore Muang On Cave
  • Bamboo Rafting Through the Jungle
  • Bond With Gentle Giants at a Karen Hilltribe Elephant Sanctuary
  • Hang Out like the Locals Do - Lakeside at Huay Tung Tao Reservoir
  • Converse Over Queer "Family Dinners" - Delicious Northern Thai and Burmese Cuisine
  • Enjoy a Variety of Authentic Thai Dining Experiences - From BBQs to Full Course Meals

A percentage of the profits from this trip will be donated to:

Love Foundation

  • Experience Northern Thailand from a local LGBTQIA+ perspective

    Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime LGBTQIA+ group travel retreat in Northern Thailand. 8 days of joy-filled, culture-packed, drag-sparkled adventures designed for queer folks who crave authentic experiences, hidden gems & genuine connection.

    Curated by a queer couple who used to call Chiang Mai home.

  • Slow travel vibes & cultural immersion

    This community-inclusive & gender-affirming queer group retreat is centered on queer joy and cultural immersion, not tourist traps.

    It’s not a party cruise or a whirlwind sight-seeing tour. It’s an immersive, intentional week for LGBTQIA+ adults of all ages. Every detail is designed for you to feel held, inspired, seen, and celebrated for who you are.

  • A queer woman & trans led adventure

    We’re a queer couple who lived in Northern Thailand for five years, it’s where we fell in love — with each other, with the culture, the nature, the food, the music, the temples, the queer bars tucked down glittery side streets, the quiet moments, and the wild ones too.

    We’ve danced all night with drag queens, gotten muddy with elephants, explored hidden caves, and played random Thai drinking games under jungle canopies.

    We’ve lived the magic of this place. And now, we want to share it with our community.

    Queer Connect Travel Northern Thailand LGBTQIA Retreat
  • For queer folks who crave more connection

    This is your chance to experience the best of Thai culture and queer community off the tourist-track.

    You’ll float down rivers, hike to mountaintop temples, bond with elephants, cook Thai food with local chefs, release lanterns into the night sky, laugh with new friends, and maybe have a moment of clarity during a sunset that feels suspiciously like healing.

    We’ll dance. We’ll chill poolside. We’ll create space for each other.

    This is for gay folks. For trans folks. For bi and pan and ace folks. For genderfluid babes and nonbinary legends. For anyone who wants to travel as their whole self — safely, joyfully, and surrounded by people who just get it.

  • If you’re ready for a different kind of LGBTQIA+ Travel

    …this retreat is for you.

    Whether you come with your partner, your bestie, or just yourself, you’ll land in a space held with care. You’ll eat well. You’ll laugh hard. You’ll feel safe. You’ll dance. You’ll rest. You’ll make memories that will never fade.

    This isn’t your average gay group trip.

    It’s a once-in-a-lifetime queer experience — rooted in community, designed with love and intention, and queer as hell.

  • Day 1

    Nov 3, 2025

    Arrival & Welcome Celebration

    Welcome Dinner & New Connections

    Arrive between 3–6pm, settle into our beautiful accommodation for the week, and meet your new queer crew. As the sun sets, we’ll kick off the adventure with a welcome dinner, drinks, and entertainment.

    This isn’t just a meet-and-greet — it’s your official entry into a curated week built on joy, connection, Thai culture, and queer magic.

    Day 2

    Nov 4, 2025

    Temples, Trails & Thai Nights

    Hiking, Sacred Sites & Chiang Mai’s Queer Nightlife

    Start the day with a short peaceful hike up the Monk’s Trail (or drive if you prefer) to Wat Pha Lat, a hidden temple nestled into the mountainside overlooking the city. Then we’ll visit the famous gold-plated Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After lunch and free time, we regroup for a delicious Northern Thai dinner and a night out exploring Chiang Mai’s night markets, bars, and buzzing queer nightlife.

    Day 3

    Nov 5, 2025

    Experience the Magic of Loy Krathong – The Festival of Lights

    Floating Flowers, Fireworks, and Lantern Filled Skies

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Loy Krathong, Thailand’s lantern festival. After visiting the riverside flower market and crafting your own handmade Krathong, we’ll relax poolside before gathering for an intimate lantern release at sunset – letting go of the past and making space for amazing things to come our way. Later, head into town to experience Chiang Mai’s most dazzling night of the year under a sky full of lanterns.

    Day 4

    Nov 6, 2025

    Spice, Sass & Showstopping Drag

    Cooking by Day, Serving by Night

    Learn the art of Thai cuisine with a hands-on cooking class and enjoy your creations for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore, chill by the pool, or nap. By nightfall, we’ll glam up for dinner and one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic drag shows — unforgettable, unfiltered, and absolutely fabulous.

    Day 5

    Nov 7, 2025

    Wellness & Wonders

    Yoga, Thai Massage, and Cave Adventure

    Ease into the day and recover from our night out with grounding wellness: yoga, a Thai massage, or just slow, quiet time. After a local lunch, we’ll take a short trip to Muang On Cave — a stunning cave system full of ancient rock formations and shrines, that is (often) surrounded by monkeys. The evening is open for exploring or simply recharging.

    Day 6

    Nov 8, 2025

    Rafting, Elephants & BBQ Vibes

    River Adventure, Sanctuary Visit & Game Night

    Drift along the river on a bamboo raft before spending the afternoon with gentle giants at a Karen Hilltribe Elephant Sanctuary. Feed, bathe, and bond with these beautiful beings, then unwind with a group BBQ and game night back at our stunning accommodation — queer coziness and connection at its best.

    Day 7

    Nov 9, 2025

    Lounge Like a Local & Dine Like Royalty

    Thai-Style Lake Lunch, Reflection & One Last Party

    We’ll head to Huay Tung Tao Lake for a casual local-style lunch by the water, then ease into a slow afternoon of rest or last-minute wandering. That evening, we’ll get fancy for our final dinner — a full-course meal, live music, and a closing celebration of everything we’ve shared. Come ready to sparkle.

    Day 8

    Nov 10, 2025

    Until Next Time

    Packed Bags, Group Hugs & Goodbyes

    All good things must come to an end. After a slow morning of packing, selfies, and goodbyes, we check out by 11am — full hearts, new queer friendships, and the memory of a once-in-a-lifetime experience to carry with you home.

    Want to keep the adventure going? Explore further North with our 4-Day Mountain Escape Add-On after the retreat.

    Trip Includes

    • Private stay at a beautiful five star Thai boutique accommodation for 7 nights
    • Transportation to and from all activities, including transport during free time
    • Entrance fees and excursion costs: Thai cooking class, kratong workshop, 2 temple visits, cave tour, drag show, bamboo rafting, elephant sanctuary and waterfall, lake entry and more
    • Wellness and other activities like yoga, thai massage, kayaking and more
    • Daily breakfast, plus at least one other meal each day will be provided - including a full course thai fusion dinner
    • Fresh drinking water
    • Some additional snacks and complimentary drinks throughout the trip
    • Live music & entertainment

    Trip Excludes

    • Flights to and from Chiang Mai
    • Transportation from the airport to the accommodation (unless requested beforehand)
    • Any additional gratuities you would like to give to local drivers and excursion guides – not required in Thailand but always welcomed with a smile.
    LGBTQ Travel Adventures bamboo rafting elephants

    Activity Level

    Our retreat is designed for ease and enjoyment, not exhaustion. You can expect light to moderate activities, perfect for travelers of most fitness levels who want to experience Thailand without feeling rushed. Most days include gentle walking, like peaceful temple strolls and exploring local markets. Some optional outdoor activities are sprinkled in for those seeking a bit more adventure, like light hiking, kayaking, or stairs to certain caves and temples. However, everything is designed to be accessible and unhurried.

     

    Comfort & Stays

    Our stay is at a Thai-style boutique luxury villa that blends comfort, style, and soul. Our private retreat space is an LGBTQIA+ sanctuary—with a sparkling pool, beautifully decorated communal spaces, and plenty of cozy corners for when you need to relax and recharge. You’ll enjoy thoughtful amenities, daily breakfast, and the kind of warm service that makes you feel seen, celebrated, and completely at home. It’s luxury with heart, rooted in local charm.

    Queer Travel Retreat Loy Krathong Festival Chiang Mai

    Travel Style

    This is not your average sight-seeing tour. Expect laidback queer adventure and curated local experiences that prioritize connection over checklists. Experience authentic Northern Thai dinners, hidden gems, cultural immersion, and space to breathe and just be. Whether we’re feeding elephants, dancing with drag queens, or releasing lanterns into the night sky, every moment is crafted to spark queer joy, meaningful memories, and friendships that last long after the trip ends.

    Where Will We Be Staying?

    We’ll be staying in a stunning Thai-Style boutique villa nestled in Chiang Mai’s lush landscape. Our private retreat space features a sparkling pool, beautifully decorated communal areas, a rooftop yoga and meditation area with panoramic views, and plenty of cozy corners for rest or connecting with new friends. Each spacious, en-suite bedroom features a private balcony and a private bathroom. 

    The villa is surrounded by nature, yet just moments away from the vibrant life of Chiang Mai’s historic old town, offering an ideal balance between a peaceful retreat and cultural exploration. It’s the perfect safe space for you to be yourself, soak in the beauty and charm of Chiang Mai and form meaningful LGBTQIA+ friendships. It’s luxury with heart, rooted in local charm.

    Queer adults of all ages and identities (gay, trans, bi, lesbian, nonbinary, ace, etc.), primarily 30+, looking for meaningful connection and a slower pace of travel.

    This trip is also suitable for LGBTQIA+ young adults traveling with their queer or allied family members.

    This retreat is a space intentionally created by and for queer people – that being said, if you are a parent of an LGBTQIA+ teen or adult, or if you would like to bring your hetero/allied partner, or straight bestie, they are welcome to join, assuming they are a respectful ally and promise to behave.

    Absolutely! Many of our guests come solo and leave with lifelong friends. We offer shared rooms for solo travelers who’d like to be paired, or private solo rooms at an additional cost.

    Not at all. There are drag shows, drinks, and dancing, but the focus is on connection, culture, rest, and joy — not clubbing every night.

    For this trip, we can accommodate a maximum group size of up to 16 people. Regardless of group size, our accommodation will provide you with private space and plenty of areas to have quiet time to yourself.

    We’ll be staying in a stunning Thai-Style boutique villa nestled in Chiang Mai’s lush landscape. Our private retreat space features a sparkling pool, beautifully decorated communal areas, a rooftop yoga and meditation area with panoramic views, and plenty of cozy corners for rest or connecting with new friends. Each spacious, en-suite bedroom features a private balcony and a private bathroom.

    See more details and photos under the “Where We’ll Stay” tab above.

    No — flights are not included in the retreat price.

    Many nationalities can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days. To enter Thailand, visitors generally need a passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining. Please check your country’s requirements before booking. See all official visa requirements here.

    Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). We recommend arriving during the day on November 3rd, 2025, or a day or so before if you want to adjust to the time difference before we begin our adventure together.

    Lodging, meals, transportation, activities, excursions, guides, entertainment, and support from your hosts. Everything but flights, travel insurance, and transportation from the airport to the accommodation.

    See more details under the “What’s Included” tab above.

    Yes! The itinerary is full but spacious — you’ll have plenty of free time to rest, explore, or opt out of activities when needed.

    Most of your big expenses are already covered — That said, you’ll want to bring some extra cash for your own spending:

    • A few meals on your own (especially on free nights)
    • Shopping at markets or queer-owned businesses
    • Optional experiences (like tattoos, extra Thai massages, or souvenirs)
    • Extra drinks, snacks, or spontaneous adventures

    Here’s a rough guide for how much money to bring (per person), depending on your spending style:

    • Budget Babe: $100–$200 – Stick to local restaurants and street food, a souvenir or two to take home, and still have a great time.
    • Mid-Tier Queer: $250–$400 – A mix of sit-down meals, a few souvenirs, cocktails, an extra massage or two.
    • Big Spender Energy: $500+ – Fancy dining, custom tailored outfits, tattoo appointments, spa treatments, shopping, and nights out.

    Thailand is generally very affordable, so your money will go far — and we’ll give you our favorite recommendations so you spend it well.

    We accept Stripe (all major cards except Amex), and offer payment plans via Klarna.

    The $1,000 deposit is non-refundable. You can view our full Cancellation & Refund Policy

    Yes! You can pay in 4 installments through Klarna if approved.

    We strongly recommend it, and partner with SafetyWing for flexible, queer-friendly coverage.

    Most likely, yes. Please email us to make sure we can support you and ensure the retreat is safe and comfortable for your needs.

    While this is not a substance-fueled party space, we aren’t party killers! We will have plenty of alcoholic drinks available throughout the trip (and non-alcoholic too) and encourage you to enjoy yourselves! You’re adults, so do as you please – all we ask is that you be respectful of the rest of the group and don’t get carried away. We prioritize collective care and consent.

    8

    Days

  • Nov 3, 2025 – Nov 10, 2025

  • Price From:

    $3,900.00

    Estimated Group Size:

    Please note:
    A minimum of travelers is needed for this trip to run. We will confirm whether the minimum has been met two months before the trip start date. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund. We recommend waiting to book flights until after the trip is confirmed, unless your tickets offer full flexibility

    Read more under the trip FAQ or under our Terms & Conditions

    Add to Your Adventure

    These trips are happening in conjunction with your retreat for those who want to experience more.

    4

    Days

    Queer Connect Travel - Mountain Escape Pai Thailand LGBTQ Group Travel

    Northern Thailand Mountain Escape – Explore Pai & Hilltribe Villages

    Dates

    Nov 10, 2025 to Nov 13, 2025

    Share Trip

    Other Upcoming Trips

    12

    Days

    LGBTQ Thailand Group Travel - Bangkok Koh Samui Queer Group Trip 2026 - FEATURED
    9

    Days

    LGBTQ Luxury Travel Morocco - Marrakesh Atlas Mountains Queer Retreat - LGBTQ Group Travel Africa - Queer Connect Travel
    9

    Days

    LGBTQ Luxury Travel - Porto Portugal Queer Retreat - Featured Image
    4

    Days

    Queer Connect Travel - Mountain Escape Pai Thailand LGBTQ Group Travel
    Book NowClose