Gay Bangkok will be an incredible experience for whoever wants it to be. There is literally something for everyone and Bangkok is safe, open, and accepting. Whether you are from San Francisco or Vatican City you can come to Thailand, be yourself, and get immersed in one of the worlds most amazing cultures. There is plenty to do and see other than the inside of gay venues so be so to get out and explore. (this article was last updated on October 9, 2017)
1. Clubbing:
Nightlife in Bangkok is a blast. There are plenty of gay parties but do not be afraid to pick up a free BK Magazine or check them out online to see what’s hot that week at art galleries or other bars before you hit the bars. There are gay bars peppered in neighborhoods throughout the city but considering distance and traffic make it a one stop shop. Head down to Silom Soi 4 or Silom Soi 2 (Silom is the name of the main avenue, Soi is the word for side street or alley). Soi 4 has your basic Bangkok gay bars with some great drag shows, themed events, and cheap drinks. There is outdoor seating to sit and chill while tourists walk the street. Soi 2 has DJ Station which is the larger dance club in the area and a few smaller bars. For DJ Station, you will pay cover at the entrance of the alley which should get you a drink ticket or two. Walk to the back of the alley past the other bars and you can enter DJ at the back right for the bottom dance floor or there stairs at the back left that take you to the balcony. It can get VERY crowded on holidays. Downstairs will have some campy drag shows earlier on then its all fun and dancing.
Tip: Burger King is right outside of Soi 2 so if you don’t find an Australian backpacker to make a bad decision with you can accomplish that with a Whopper and large fries. Sunrise Tacos is outside of Soi 4.
Tip: Do NOT let some Russian kid slip something in your drink so you wake up in a broom closet with all your shit stolen. I’ve never met anyone that this happened to but there’s some truth in most urban legends.
Pro Tip: A standard “vodka soda” can mean a death of a hangover despite the fact that the bottle has a brand name you recognize. Especially if you are with friends, buy a new bottle of Absolute and it’ll come with ice an bottled soda. It is cheaper and will save you the headache. If you plan on being in Bangkok a couple days most if not all bars will give you a card with a serial number so you can store your bottle at the venue for up to a month.
2. The Gay Scene In General
Admittedly some of the better gay parties travel to mainstream bars, hotels, or restaurants venues depending on the night so you might need to do some more Facebook research or ask around on Grindr before you head out. Follow G-Spot Entertainment on Facebook for the latest on a couple cool parties and events.
If you don’t want to worry about the research just stick to DJ Station and Soi 4. Some other regular cool parties are Maggie Choo’s on Wednesday and Sundays for the drag show. Also Boys Love Bubbles (free-flow champagne for men) at the W Hotel.
Tank tops are OK for gay bars, not OK nicer restaurants. Flip flops are a no-go almost everywhere at night.
Thailand has a large and open trans community which is something to be celebrated. I will admit I have on occasion seen tourists that didn’t act exceptionally “polite” when they were drunk. Don’t be that dick.
If you are trying to look up a bar, restaurant, or any business really, websites are often out of date or not working
3. Substances
Poppers are illegal in Thailand and in most places where you will have a connecting flight. I know people who have gotten stopped and searched. Nothing serious happened but their stuff got taken away, info recorded, and were detained for a combined couple hours. In general, this is not the place to experiment with anything other than a premium cocktail at a bar. Do not end up in jail.
4. Getting Around Bangkok
Uber works well in Bangkok. The Geo-pin does not though. Enter an address or you will likely loose your driver. If you take a taxi 1. open the door and tell the driver your destination 2. ask if he is using a meter 3. if he says “no” get out of the cab and flag down another that has a meter. Tuk tuks are these crazy carts that can shuttle you around. 1. Tell him where you are going 2. Ask how much it will cost 3. Tell him you will pay him HALF that amount, then work up from that price 4. These are more expensive than a taxi but are an experience and a faster way to get around. Do it at least once. The absolute best way to get around is the BTS (metro/subway) or if you have the energy to look it up, a canal water taxi.
5. Massages
A “gay massage” is a bad massage where they will specifically not concentrate on getting knots our of your shoulders. Go to a legit spa, ask for a male masseuse, get a real massage, and tip well.
Tip: A “thai massage” has you in baggy pajamas and they stretch you out (think passive yoga). An “oil massage” has you naked on the table.
6. Protection and PrEP.
The HIV prevalence is the Bangkok gay scene is quite high. One out of every four men. Do what you want with that information but there are plenty of clinics where you can get PrEP if you need it. It is not supposed to be expensive either. Do not buy condoms on the street because they sit out in the sun. There is a 7-11 basically every 10 meters. Go there.
7. Money
I have never met someone this happened to but if you see an ATM alone on a random street, do not use it. Only use one in malls, stores, or banks. It can be a fake and your info can get stolen. Many places do not accept cards. Taxis and many cash-only joints will not be able to break huge bills. Plan accordingly.
Service charge is included. It is still nice to leave a little something or at least your left over change at the end of a transaction.
8. Bangkok Gay Saunas
There are a couple saunas. Babylon is the nicer one. It has a pool, bar, occasional parties… and the usual stuff. Honestly though, do not waste your time waiting at a sauna. Enjoy the town. Every person I know who has gone to a sauna [other than for a dance party] has said it was a waste of time.
9. Street food:
Welcome to the best street food on Earth. Rule of thumb is go to busy stalls so you can be assured of a high turnover and not some meat that has been sitting out all day. The most common cause of stomach issues is from undercooked chicken so just make sure your kebab is good and cooked. If cleanliness is a worry for you eat food served on sticks, leaves, or disposables. In general it is all good. If you have the time, book yourself one of the million food tours. If you wanna taste street food but A. cannot find a good spot or B. do not feel comfortable, most of the malls have food courts selling the exact same stuff. The restaurant food scene here is out of control too do a quick google search to figure out what’s hot.
If you are heading to Soi 4 or Soi 2 at night, nearby Convent Street is known for good street food. My favorite mango sticky rice in town is right there. You should also be able to find yummy noodles for drunk munchies after the bar.
10. Shopping
My favorite market is Chatuchak open only on weekends. It is enormous and you can spend multiple days there. Take the metro to Mo Chit and follow signs. Another fun market is Asiatique. You will find souvenirs, gifts, tank tops, art, and all that all in one stop any night of the week. Go just before sunset and get dinner after you scope out a cool place. You can take a cab or water taxi.
11. Dress Code
When you are sightseeing, temples usually do not allow tank tops and some will not allow shorts. Flip flops are fine (honestly easier) because you have to be barefoot when you walk in there anyway. Keep this in mind in case you have room for a pashmina in your bag. Worst case there will be sarongs on loan that literally one million people used before you. Or there will be someone selling those one-size-fits-all flowy elephant print hippie pants.
Malls, theaters, and public buildings are sometimes freezing so that pashmina is not a terrible idea. Gay bars allow shorts and tanks but not flip flops. Sky bars are more formal so you might need long pants and a buttoned shirt.
12. Respect
Please be aware that the country will continue to be in mourning through October 2017. You no longer are expected to wear black but please be conscious that many people will be. You will also note portraits of the current and late King just about everywhere. Please be sure to treat those areas, the name of the King, and any discussion about the royal family with utmost respect- but it is actually better to not say anything at all. If you go to the movies, theater, or a performance you will likely have to stand in silence for the royal anthem of the King.
Bangkok is totally safe, fun, delicious, and a shoppers paradise. You can be and therefore should be out and proud. Have fun and let us know how your trip was!