• Log in
    NewsVoicesExpertsEat & DrinkTravelogueExclusivesTravel TipsPrint IssueVideo
    ADVOCATEOUTPridePLUSADVOCATE CHANNEL
    SubscribeSubscriber ServicesEmail Newsletter Signup
    CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
    © 2023 Pride Publishing Inc.
    All Rights reserved
    OutTravelerOutTraveler
    Scroll To Top

    By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.

    Accept

    10 Questions With Bangkok-Based LGBTQ+ Travel Bloggers Aon & Lan

    Jacob Anderson-Minshall
    | 03/22/21

    10 Questions With Bangkok-Based LGBTQ+ Travel Bloggers Aon & Lan

    Pullman Bangkok Hotel in Bangkok

    Aon and Lan, who joke they are "an intergaycial couple," are the duo behind the award-winning LGBTQ+ travel blog Deer Is Travelling.Based in Bangkok the couple writes about living in Thailand and traveling in the region. The cofounders of LGBTQ Travel Thailand, Aon and Lan have collaborated with many hotel chains (including Hilton, Pullman, SO Sofitel, and Amari) and their blog has been recongnized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. 

    In our exclusive interview below they tell Out Traveler what makes Thailand such a great hub for travel, what most tourists to the area miss, and the best things about traveling as a couple.

    (Pictured: Phi Phi Islands, Thailand)

    Koh Kood Island Thailand

    How did you meet?

    We matched on Tinder and we were so busy, so we met for the first time a few months after that. But when we finally did, we had this click and our story started! We both didn’t plan to stay in Bangkok as Aon wanted to move to Canada to study and Lan was in Bangkok to learn Muay Thai for a year with the plans to travel more. But looks at us now!

    (Picture: Koh Kood Island Thailand)

    Koh Kood Island Thailand

    Why is your blog called Deer Is Travelling?
    For our first big trip together we went to Japan for two weeks. And I asked Aon: “We spent so much money on this trip, should we do at least a couplegram out of it?” And we actually did! When we started looking for a name, we thought "deer" may work because in Thai it has a queer meaning, plus during that time we used to call each other "dear deer." Plus one of us has a deer horn tattoo on the chest, so we thought we’re just like a deer — four legs and horns. And since the deer is an animal that is strong and independent, brave, and mostly does not hurt other animals; we thought it fits perfectly!

    (Pictured: Pullman Bangkok Hotel G in Bangkok, Thailand)

    Temple Wat Arun in Bangkok Thailand

    What advice do you give LGBTQ+ travelers coming to the region?
    Thailand is famous for its beaches and temples. There are literally thousands of both here but normally only the beaches get well explored. We recommend everyone try to explore more mountains or cultural events. Thailand actually has over 40,000 temples but most tourists can name just a few. Let’s change that!

    (Pictured: Temple Wat Arun in Bangkok Thailand)

    Koh Kood Island Thailand

    Do you have a favorite destination in Thailand? Outside of Thailand?
    We love that it’s always hard to choose anything particular about Thailand. For example. last year we went to local regions Loei and Mae Hong Song, it was absolutely stunning! Then we came to visit two hidden gem islands — Koh Kood and Koh Phi Phi. Although each was absolutely different, those four destinations are the ones that surprised us the most.

    Outside of Thailand we definitely in love with Japan! We have been to the countryfour times but it’s never enough! We already planning to be back as soon as restriction ease. Also, we love the nature of Laos a lot!

    (Pictured: Koh Kood Island Thailand)

    Koh Samed Island Thailand

    What is the best thing about traveling as a couple?
    There are so many things! Especially for two guys who are almost the same size! We always share our clothes and personal care items, so we have a double wardrobe during our travels! It also means more food. It’s safer and cheaper. It is awesome to spend birthdays and other big holidays together, even better to share moments like splashing around the sea in the golden hour. We can even think of more reasons! Renting a kayak to paddle out to some hidden sea cave? Driving anywhere? Each of us gets a chance to sleep, take pictures, check the map, reserve the next hotel. It’s truly amazing!

    (Pictured: Koh Samed Island Thailand)

    Loha Prasat Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan Temple Bangkok

    What makes Thailand such a great hub for traveling?
    Thailand has it all! Culture, mountains, islands, crystal clear water, white sand beaches, kind people, food, and more! People in Thailand are very tolerant and we never had any problems with being a gay couple in Thailand. Maybe we just lucky but we couldn’t remember anything unfriendly that happened to us.

    (Pictured: Loha Prasat Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan Temple Bangkok)

    Red Lotus Floating Market in Thailand

    If you were setting up a culinary travel itinerary what restaurants or regions would be must-visits?

    Thailand is a large country with diverse geography, which over the years has led to the development of regional differences in cuisine. There are currently four different cooking styles in Thailand.

    Dishes in the north of Thailand are generally less spicy than in the rest of the country, with sticky rice traditionally mixed into small balls with the fingers. There is a strong influence from neighboring Burma and its popular dishes like Kaeng Hang Le, pork curry flavored with ginger, turmeric, and tamarind.

    Food in the northeast is influenced by Laos, usually very spicy food served with glutinous rice. Although there are many meat dishes, historically in the villages meat was very small, and the source of protein was shrimp and freshwater fish. They are often fermented to increase shelf life.

    The Central Region offers cuisine that is somewhere between north and south, with aromatic jasmine rice, a stickier variety, popular. The central area is home to royal cuisine, which makes it special. This type of cooking, which originated in the royal palace, involves more complex dishes prepared with more sophisticated methods.

    Southern Thai cuisine is the most popular outside of Thailand and is the main tourist region of the country. Coconut milk is much more commonly used in southern cuisine as a substitute for ghee for frying. The dishes are rich in seafood, as well as cashews from local plantations and coconut pulp as a condiment.

    Talking about Thai food is always hard since it made you hungry easy!

    (Pictured Red Lotus Floating Market in Thailand)

    Pullman Hotel Luang Prabang Laos

    Tell us about your biggest #TravelFail and how you recovered.
    Once we stayed in Da Nang, Vietnam. In the morning we were blue since we had not had enough time to explore all we wanted but it was time to leave the city and be back in Bangkok. We went to check out from the hotel but the receptionist said our hotel check-out wasn’t until the next day! We checked our flight and it wasn’t until the next day as well! Somehow we miscounted and got an extra day in Vietnam, which made us so happy!

    (Pictured: Pullman Bangkok Hotel Luang Prabang, Laos)

    Koh Larn Island Thailand

    What are your top LGBTQ+ travel resources?
    We started our blog for the reason that there are almost no LGBTQ+ friendly resources about Thailand. Plus, we always were looking for hidden gems places around Thailand but there is not much information either. At first, we were confused ourselves and later decided to makeDeer is Traveling to show how it is to be a gay couple in Thailand but also show the beauty of Thailand that regular tourists often don't see.

    (Pictured: Koh Kood Island Thailand)

    Latest Stories

    Here are the Top 15 Travel Destinations for LGBTQ+ Travelers
    Best of Travel
    Badge
    gallery

    Here are the Top 15 Travel Destinations for LGBTQ+ Travelers

    May 26 2023 6:31 PM
    Discover the Mediterranean: Three Islands for the Perfect Sun-Soaked Vacation
    Mediterranean
    Badge
    gallery

    Discover the Mediterranean: Three Islands for the Perfect Sun-Soaked Vacation

    May 25 2023 3:28 PM
    Get Soaked! with These 35+ Steamy Pool Pics From This Year’s White Party
    Photography
    Badge
    gallery

    Get Soaked! with These 35+ Steamy Pool Pics From This Year’s White Party

    May 25 2023 9:29 AM
    30+ Pics of the Gay and Bisexual Men of Elska Almaty
    Photography
    Badge
    gallery

    30+ Pics of the Gay and Bisexual Men of Elska Almaty

    May 23 2023 4:41 PM
    Explore the Outdoors: 15 National Parks Perfect for Hiking
    Outdoors
    Badge
    gallery

    Explore the Outdoors: 15 National Parks Perfect for Hiking

    May 19 2023 5:24 PM
    Top 15 World Vacation Destinations
    Best of Travel
    Badge
    gallery

    15 Must-See Vacation Destinations Around the World

    May 17 2023 4:22 PM
    Discovering Finland: A Gay Journey Through the Happiest Country in the World
    Virtual Travel
    Badge
    gallery

    Discovering Finland: A Gay Journey Through the Happiest Country in the World

    May 17 2023 9:00 AM
    25+ Sizzling Shots From GCircuit Thailand
    Bangkok
    Badge
    gallery

    25+ Sizzling Shots From GCircuit Thailand

    May 16 2023 11:45 AM
    25+ Pics of Gorgeous LGBTQ+ Portugal with Gay Travel Influencers Michael and Matt
    Lisbon
    Badge
    gallery

    25+ Gorgeous Pics of LGBTQ+ Portugal with Gay Travel Influencers Michael and Matt

    May 11 2023 11:10 AM
    Gay Travelers Michael and Matt Experience LGBTQ+ Lisbon, Portugal
    Lisbon
    Badge
    gallery

    Gay Travelers Michael and Matt Experience LGBTQ+ Lisbon, Portugal

    May 11 2023 5:00 AM
    Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with These Cool Tequila Partida Cocktails
    Eat & Drink
    Badge
    gallery

    Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with These Cool Tequila Partida Cocktails

    May 05 2023 12:50 PM
    May the 4th Be With You: Locations You Can Visit From Every Star Wars Films
    Outdoors
    Badge
    gallery

    May the 4th Be With You: Stunning Locations You Can Visit From Every Star Wars Film

    May 04 2023 2:51 PM
    Here are the Top 15 National Parks For Seasoned Travelers
    Outdoors
    Badge
    gallery

    15 U.S. National Parks for the Savvy Traveler

    May 01 2023 3:48 PM
    Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney Resurrect Football Glory to Wale’s Historic Wrexham
    Virtual Travel
    Badge
    gallery

    Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney Return Football Glory to Wale’s Historic Wrexham

    April 28 2023 4:56 PM
    25+ Thirsty Pics of Gay Traveler Influencers Michael and Matt in Costa Rica
    Virtual Travel
    Badge
    gallery

    25+ Thirsty Pics of Out Travelers Michael and Matt in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

    April 27 2023 2:40 PM
    Escape to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica with Gay Travel Influencers Michael and Matt
    Travel Tips
    Badge
    gallery

    Out Travelers Michael and Matt Share Their LGBTQ+ Secrets for Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

    April 27 2023 8:47 AM
    Here’s How You Can Name and Track a Great White Shark
    Outdoors
    Badge
    gallery

    Here’s How You Can Name and Track a Great White Shark

    April 24 2023 4:23 PM
    Manatomy Awards Announce Winners for the Best Gay Sex, Male Nudity Scenes in 2022
    News
    Badge
    gallery

    Here are the Best Gay Sex and Male Nudity Scenes in 2022

    April 19 2023 5:23 PM
    25 Thirsty Jungle Cruzin Party Pics from White Party Palm Springs 2022
    White Party
    Badge
    gallery

    25 Thirsty Jungle Cruzin Party Pics from White Party Palm Springs 2022

    April 18 2023 6:00 PM
    25 Thirsty Pool Party Pics from White Party Palm Springs 2022
    White Party
    Badge
    gallery

    25 Thirsty Pool Party Pics from White Party Palm Springs 2022

    April 14 2023 5:55 PM