Restaurants - Shopping - Pubs & Bars - Discos & Clubs - Lady Bars - Ladyboys show - Gay Places
Gay Places
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 organized 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 parlors 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.
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 R
obinson 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.
Clubs & Discos
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, Roxy 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 Freeman (located halfway between Soi 4 and Soi 2) or DJ Station (Soi 2), where the real action begins.
Disco Disco
The name says it all! Disco Disco is another place to boogie woogie and let it all hang out, especially when every inch of DJ Station and Expresso is occupied. The ideal place to chill and observe all the action.
Opening Hours: 21:00 - 02:00
Location: Silom Soi 2 on
Silom
- MRT: Silom - BTS: Sala Daeng
Tel: +66 (0)2 234 6151
DJ Station
The main attraction in Soi 2, DJ Station is famous, and has long been a favorite haunt among both local and international dancing queens.
With a selection of the latest and trendiest beats, DJ Station is 'the' place to be for the hip crowd.
An entertaining mini cabaret show launches the fun around 23:00 most evenings.
The first and second floors are usually dominated by sweaty half-naked men, while the third has a long comfy couch perfect for smooching with your new-found friend.
Expect to be groped on all floors. Be cautioned; it can become suffocating packed on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is 200 baht and includes two drinks.
Opening Hours: 22:00 - 02:00 Daily
Location: Silom Soi 2 on
Silom
- BTS: Sala Daeng
Tel: +66 (0)2 266 4029
Expresso
G.O.D.
Bed
Supperclub
The Patio
Sphinx
Coffee
Society
@Richard's
The Balcony
Balls
the Sports Bar
Dick's
Cafe
Vincent's Restaurant
Tapas
On groovy and predominantly gay Soi 4, this chic Moroccan grotto is the place to go for Balearic house music.
Set in an atmospheric two-storey venue, it attracts a straight, hip and beautiful crowd, the occasional celebrity just itching to be spotted. Live percussionists perform twice a week.
While a great price to chill during the week, it's usually hot and heaving on weekends, especially upstairs.
Should the interior's charm
turn to claustrophobia, head for the al fresco area out front with its
rattan chairs, chatty cocktail enthusiasts and processions of toned men
and other night creatures.
Open: 20:00 - 01:00
Location: 114/17 Silom Soi 4, Sala Daeng on
Silom
Go-Go Bars
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 phenomena's, 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. Walking along the soi, you'll find many bars featuring various types of shows, from exotic dance, muscle-flexing, ladyboy comedy, sexy boys in very little clothing, and all kinds of other spectacles that go beyond anyone's wildest fantasies.
Classic
Stands out from the rest of its fellow go-go bars with a wet and wild swimming show.
Apart from the usual sexy dancing shows and the likes, Classic also features underwater 'mermen' guaranteed to give you a whole new perception of synchronized swimming.
Check out the wet and willing 'water boys' at 22:30, 23:30 and 00:30.
Opening
Hours: 20:00 - 02:00
Location: 38/16 Soi
Pratuchai , Surawong Road on
Silom
- BTS: Sala Daeng
Tel: +66 (0)2 637 0914
Dream Boy
Large bar with two large central dance stages with lots of seating though some is not well positiond to see the stages.
Lots of dancers, also have shows every night at 10:15 PM and 12:15 PM.
Drink prices now 270 baht Fri/Sat and 400 baht off fee but still very popular bar!
Opening Hours: 20:00 - 02:00
Location: 38/3-6 Soi
Pratoochai, Surawong Road on
Silom
- BTS: Sala Daeng
Tel: +66 (0)2 233 2121
Toy Boys
Popular gogo bar located in Pattayaland Soi 3 Boyztown.
Large central stage with lots of boys & reasonable drinks prices. Boys are not pushy but will make eye contact from the stage or from the seating area around you.
Opening Hours: 20:00 - 02:00
Location: Soi
Pratoochai, Surawong Road on
Silom
- BTS: Sala Daeng
Tawan
One of the longest surviving bars in Bangkok, Tawan caters especially to those who prefer their men leaning towards the hunky side.
Expect and be prepared to see a lot of shiny biceps, ripped six-packs and more.
Dance numbers, drag comedy and other shows are also available for your viewing pleasure.
Opening Hours: 20:00 - 01:00
Location: 2/2 Soi
Thantawan, Surawong Road on
Silom
- BTS: Sala Daeng
Tel: +66 (0)2 234 -
5506
Karaoke
If 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 colorful 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!
Paradiso Kara Club
Extremely popular with trendy locals, Paradiso Kara Club is located just off Sarasin Road, behind Lumpini Park.
This place boasts one of the most decent karaoke sound systems in town.
Enjoy a large song selection, tasty cocktails and great atmosphere while singing to your heart's content!
Opening Hours:
19:00 - 02:00
Location: 2nd
Floor, Lang Suan Balcony, Soi Lang
Suan
on
Silom
Tel: +66 (0)2 252
122
Big Bearz Club
Possibly the first and only 'bear' pub in town, now all the 'pooh-bears' and their fans can belt out favorite tunes while tasting honey at the same time.
Wednesday draws extra heavy crowd as 'Chubby Night' is being held.
There's a 50% discount on entrance fees for a group of four whose collective weight is over 400 kg! Find the other three, it's time to tip the scale baby!
Opening Hours:
18:00 - 01:00
Location: Silom Soi
6
on
Silom
-
BTS: Sala Daeng
Tel: +66 (0)4 681
1655
Pharoahs's Music Bar
On the second floor of Sphinx, Pharoah's Music Bar is the reigning karaoke bar 'empress' in the Silom area.
The space is cleverly divided into two large sections: a bar area with a small stage and a private lounge.
Veteran singers and trained divas showcase their vocal virtuosity in the bar area.
The less confident wannabes will be better off in a private lounge where you can always hide behind your sofa or blame whoever sitting next to you for failing to hit certain notes. A variety of Thai and Western food is also served.
Opening Hours:
19:00 - 02:00
Location: Silom Soi
4
on
Silom
-
BTS: Sala Daeng
Tel: +66 (0)2 234
7249
Massage
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!
66
Spa
A new (Feb 2006) day spa and massage place for men. Situated amidst the quiet and peaceful surroundings of a garden-themed home, 66 Spa offers a range of massages and spa treatments including facials and body scrubs exclusively for men. Bookings recommended.
Opening Hours: 13:00 - 23:00
Location: 87 Sukhumvit Soi 13
on
Sukhumvit
- BTS:
Asoke
Tel: +66 (0)2 252 0866
Albury Men's Club
Albury Men's Club is a quiet upscale retreat far removed from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. A perfect place to just relax and take it easy. Take your pick from the many types of massage available (note that minimum tip for a masseur is 1,000 baht). Facilities include restaurant, bar, gym, steam room and private massage rooms. No admission charge.
Opening Hours: 15:00 - 24:00
Location: 71/1 Sukhumvit Soi 11
on
Sukhumvit
- BTS:
Asoke
Tel: +66 (0)2 255 8920
Arena
Re-energize your body and spirit at Arena, an upmarket massage and spa with large lounge area, luxury rooms and mirrored walls.
Various massages and spa treatments are on offer.
If you like your masseurs beefy and sinewy, this is the place for you.
Opening Hours: from noon to midnight on
Silom -
BTS: Sala Daeng
Tel: +66 (0)2 635 3645
Babylon
(Spa & Sauna)
"No gay man can leave Bangkok without visiting Babylon", someone once declared.
This is not an overstatement considering what Babylon has to offer.
Sauna and steam room, dark area (to play hide and seek), restaurant, coffee shop, pool, weights room, barber shop, Internet and reading lounge, bars, and 'Barracks' are all slapped together into one very well-designed and trendy venue.
Extremely popular among Thais, expats and visitors, so expect some congestion on weekends. Admission is 220 baht during the week and 250 baht on weekends and holidays.
Regular events are hosted on different days of the week, so check the do check before you go.
Opening Hours: Sun - Thurs 12:00 - 23:30, Fri - Sat
12:00 - 01:00
Location: Soi Nantha (off Sathorn Soi 1), Sathorn Road on
Silom -
MRT: Lumpini
GQ Men
GQ Men is a cosy converted house located in the discreet Soi Suan Phlu 6. Friendly and oh-so-cute masseurs have been trained to please you with a wide selection of massages and treatments.
Opening Hours: Everyday, midday to midnight
Location: 253/4 Soi Suan Phlu 6, South Sathorn Road on
Silom
Tel: +66 (0)2 677 5915
Sauna
Chakran
Babylon's main competition, Chakran is known for its luxurious interior and well-equipped multi-story sauna complex with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, spa and steam room, gym, mini theatre, café, cruising corridors, karaoke areas and other facilities.
Particularly popular with Thais and Asian tourists. Admission is 230 baht Monday to Thursday, 250 baht Friday to Sunday.
Opening Hours: 15:00 - 23:00 Daily
Location: 32 Soi Ari 4, Phaholyothin Road on
Silom -
BTS: Ari
Tel: +66 (0)2 279 1359
Sauna Mania
Similar to Babylon and Chakran but seems to attract mostly after-office locals. Trendy decoration with two rooftop terraces where you can lay underneath the stars. Now open until six in the morning on Saturdays, addicts can go somewhere else and then re-enter (30 baht fee applies).
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 17:00 - 24:00, Sat 15:00 -
06:00, Sun 15:00 - 24:00
Location: Soi Pipat 2, Convent Road on
Silom -
BTS: Surasak
Tel: +66 (0)1 817 4073
Lesbian Venues
Compared to gay venues, the number of lesbian venues in Bangkokare somewhat scarce. However, there are a few hang-out spots where 'tom' can mingle with 'dee' and vice versa.
http://www.bangkoklesbian.com/
Zeta
Just up the street is the other all-girl gay club in Bangkok: the longer running Zeta.
You will find that your male buddies are not welcome inside and there isn't an outside drinking area for them to wait while you head inside for a dance. So if you're heading to Zeta, leave the blokes at home (or send them to Silom).
Every now and then they'll have a theme night so you might get stung with a 100 baht entrance fee, but it'll get you a beer once you're inside.
The drinks are all similar in price to E-Fun and the shelves of half-full whiskey bottles that run the hallway indicate that whiskey is the drink of choice here.
You can hold your leftovers on the shelf for your next visit (bottles starting at 1,800 baht). If you arrive too early, you will be outnumbered by wait staff, so time your night so you arrive no earlier than 11pm, push for midnight to be safe.
By then, the live band (Mister Sister) will have started pelting out some Thai pop (plus some Gloria Gaynor to keep the handful of foreigners entertained) and the young Thai Tom-Dee crowd will start to pile through the door.
It gets crazy busy on weekends, so if heaving crowds in confined spaces is not your thing, you might prefer to stick with E-Fun
Opening
Hours: 20:00 - 02:00, nightly
Location: RCA Block C, Rama 9 Road on
Ratchadaphisek
Tel: +66 (0)6 039 3671
E-Fun.
Extreme fun for Ladies
My pick of the two (yep, there are only two) is E-Fun. It's smack bang in the middle Royal City Avenue and is a neat little place to chill out with your lady pals.
The outdoor couches are great for bigger groups and a perfect place to share a bottle of whiskey, down a beer or enjoy a cocktail.
It'll set you back 1,800 baht for a bottle of Johnny Red, 100 baht for a bottle of Federbrau and 160 baht for a gin and tonic.
You can get away with bringing your male friends to E-Fun -- as long as they remain outside. Inside it's dark but cosy. Table service is efficient and friendly and the international tunes are mixed by the only male in the house (they couldn't find a chick to mix?).
At around 11pm, the live music kicks in beginning with an acoustic duo playing Thai pop.
As the night gets going, it's not uncommon to see patrons (after a good dose of whiskey) up behind the microphone for some impromptu karaoke.
Opening Hours: 8pm-2am
Location: E-Fun. Extreme fun for Ladies: 21/135-136 Royal City Avenue (Opposite Overture) on Ratchadaphisek
Tel: +66 (0) 8177 78018
Restaurants - Shopping - Pubs & Bars - Discos & Clubs - Lady Bars - Ladyboys show - Gay Places
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