Bangkok Gay Nightlife

Bangkok Gay Nightlife

Bangkok Nightlife

Thailand is a highly tolerant country where sexual preference is regarded as a personal choice when it comes to homosexuality. Gays, lesbians and transsexuals are all accepted as part of the Thai way, inspired by the teachings of Buddhism. Gay harassment is virtually non-existent. Thai people - both gay and straight - are also known for their sweet, friendly and polite natures. All of this have contributed to making Thailand a prime gay tourist destination, with Bangkok often being dubbed as the gay capital of Asia.

To celebrate this diversity and freedom, gay pride events are held annually in the three major tourist destinations: Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. The first Bangkok Gay Festival was organised in the Silom and Surawong area in 1999.

The inaugural event was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, with participants dressed in extravagant, over-the-top and flamboyant costumes, cheered on by thousands of spectators. The lavish parade and decorated floats attracted both local and international crowds. Definitely a feast for the eyes, Bangkok Gay Pride usually takes place in late October or early November in the Silom area. Make sure you're close to the action; staying in hotels around the Silom area will guarantee you a front seat!

Bangkok gay nightlife is as fun, exciting and wild as the straight scene (if not more). Wide-ranging gay venues in Bangkok offer everything from gay-friendly hotels and guest houses to pubs, clubs, bars, karaoke venues, ladyboy cabarets, go-go bars, massage parlours and saunas.

But before you do so, it's important to take note of a few things. As is always the case when you're traveling in a foreign country, it is vital to comply to the laws of the land. Firstly, the punishment for drug offences are severe in Thailand. So too sexual liaisons with under-aged persons. At the same time, be street-wise. The same traps that can be found in the gay scene of any other big city also apply to Bangkok.

Bangkok Gay Areas

With its infamous Soi 2 and Soi 4, Silom is considered the main gay area of Bangkok. While Soi 2 caters exclusively to those who like to shake their 'thang' with dance clubs like DJ Station, Freeman and Expresso, Soi 4 offers a more relaxed atmosphere with pubs, bars and restaurants such as Balcony Bar, Telephone Pub and Sphinx.

Most foreigners tend to flock around this area more than others. Both Soi 2 and Soi 4 are located conveniently close to BTS (Sala Daeng) and MRT (Silom) stations. Snugged between Robinson department store and Burger King, the tiny alley of Soi 2 is easily missed unless you're looking for it.

Soi 4 is just a short walk from Soi 2, directly opposite Soi Convent (look out for California WOW Fitness). If you want to experience something a little more adventurous, the nearby Suriwong and Patpong areas reveal a naughtier side of things.

Other notable areas include the Soi Ramkhamhaeng 89/2, or 'Lamsalee'. Many dance clubs can be found here and, due to lower drink prices, most of their customers are Thai university students. The area behind Chutuchak Weekend Market is also a small clutter of gay-dedicated establishments. There are also bars and saunas along the Saphan Kwai and Sukhumvit areas. But, unlike Silom, these areas are less frequented by tourists and cater for a largely local clientele.

 

Gay Clubs & Bars in Bangkok

Now that you have the general idea of what Bangkok gay scene is like, it's time to decide where to go! Most people kick off their evening routine by chilling out in Soi 4. The Balcony, Telephone, and Sphinx all serve food and some welcome the crowds with 'happy hour' and monthly promotions. Then around ten or eleven, people start to migrate to either G.O.D (located halfway between Soi 4 and Soi 2) or DJ Station (Soi 2), where the real action begins. (Read More)

 

Gay Karaoke & Pubs in Bangkok

If the all the dancing, the crowds and the noise become too much, why not go for something a little less chaotic? Whether having dinner with your significant other, sharing a jug of colourful kamikaze among your friends, unleashing your inner diva at the karaoke, or just chill out and watch the world around you go by, a great night out awaits! (Read More)

 

Gay Massage & Sauna in Bangkok

If last night's partying and playing left you with sore muscles (or a bruised ego), why not take advantage of a world-famous Thai massage offered by skilled (and sexy) masseurs, or unwind at one of Asia's finest saunas? We promise you'll be treated like a king, or queen! (Read More)

Gay Go-Go Bars in Bangkok 

Bangkok's nightlife wouldn't be complete if we failed to mention go-go bars. While straight go-go bars are one of the Thailand's nightlife phenomenas, the not-so-straight ones are no less sensational and eye-opening. There are quite a few go-go bars in the fluorescent-lit street of Soi Pratuchai (informally known as Soi Twilight) on Surawong Road. Try to avoid aggressive street touts vying for customers. (Read More)

 

Top 10 Gay Experiences in Bangkok

Touted as a Southeast Asia’s gay hub, Bangkok boasts the best – be it fabulous bars and clubs, world-class saunas or inventive go-go boy shows – when it comes to catering to the rainbow crowd. Prepare to be blown away by a variety of fun and decadent delights tailored to all the kings, queens and everything in between in this ‘City of Angels’. (Read more...)

 

Lesbian Venues in Bangkok 

Compared to gay venues, the number of lesbian venues in Bangkok are somewhat scarce. However, there are a few hang-out spots where 'tom' (short for 'tomboy', the 'butch' one) can mingle with 'dee' and vice versa. Here are some of the lesbian-friendly venues... (Read More)

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