Gay nightlife in Bangkok is booming with bars, clubs, parties, hotels, and saunas to suit all tastes. Expect lip-syncs to trash pop music, topless male dance shows, and cheap drinks.
The hottest gay venue in town is DJ Station on the famous gay party street, Silom Soi. The club has a huge following among LGBT travelers and can get very crowded.
Silom Soi
There’s no doubt that Silom Soi is the heart of Bangkok’s gay scene. It’s a teeming stretch of bars, clubs, and restaurants packed with local gay men and LGBT tourists from all over the world. It’s also home to one of the city’s hottest clubs, DJ Station.
If you’re looking for an intimate experience check out Telephone Bar and Balcony Bar – both have outdoor tables lining the street. Both are great spots for people-watching and meeting new friends. They also have cheap drinks and karaoke nights, making them the perfect spot to kick off your night on the town.
For a more energetic experience head to the nearby Soi Twilight in Surawong Road. It’s home to many bars that offer risque shows by go-go dancers and drag queens. You can also check out gCircuit, a three-day dance festival held in various venues across the city.
The Grand Sathorn is a great hotel option for anyone staying in the heart of the gay nightlife scene. It’s a moderately priced hotel with a rooftop pool and sun deck – ideal for nursing a hangover after a wild night on Soi 2. It’s also within walking distance of a riverboat and Sky train station, providing convenient access to all the city’s top attractions. Alternatively, the swanky The Siam is also an excellent option for its central location and luxury rooms.
Surawong Road
In the heart of Bangkok is a pulsing gay area that comes to life at night. Here you will find everything from raucous bars and clubs to sexy strip shows and fetish venues. The infamous Silom Soi 4 is the main drag but there are also other spots to check out.
The Balcony Bar is a long-time favorite for its huge outdoor terrace and sexy drinks menu. It’s the perfect place to sip a chilled cocktail before hitting the crazier bars and clubs on the same street.
There is also the Calypso Cabaret Bar that offers a more inclusive version of drag – you can see some amazing performers without all the smutty extras. The Stranger Bar is another big drag venue that’s a fun way to spend the evening with friends or strangers. Lastly, Hugs is a popular bar and club that caters to the bear* gay community in Bangkok – expect big muscles and plenty of eye candy.
There is also a host of sexy massage parlors here that offer some of the best gay massages in town. A good idea is to book ahead as these places are often busy. Another highlight is exploring the countless backstreets of the city’s vast Chinatown – it’s one of the largest in the world and is a great place to get some wacky souvenirs.
Kika Bar
To the naked eye, Silom might look like a business district filled with towering office blocks and groups of men in suits. But once you peel back the layers, it’s a pulsing hub of nightlife and other guilty pleasures. It’s home to a huge variety of gay bars and clubs, restaurants, saunas, and more. There’s even a gay hotel with an epic rooftop bar.
One of the most popular gay-owned bars in the area, Kika Bar, is a must-visit. This large, outdoor bar features tables that face the street for people-watching and is staffed by charming waiters. They’re also known for their affordable cocktails and large pitchers offered every night of the week (a mojito pitcher for a tenner anyone?).
Another place to check out is the infamous Boy Plaza. This street is where you’ll find a number of taverns, go-go bars, and sexy discos that attract many men from around the world. There’s also the famous gay club, DJ Station, just a block away on Silom Soi 2.
Located in the Bukkhalo neighborhood, Chakran Sauna is an upscale sauna that puts a big emphasis on dark rooms and personal trainers. They also have a restaurant and cafe, and host regular themed nights, including Foam nights.
Hugs Bar
The gay scene in Bangkok is wild and exciting. There are plenty of clubs, bars, saunas, and karaoke venues to choose from – all in a very accepting environment. The best way to find the most suitable venue is by using social media to connect with other LGBT travelers or locals in the area. Searching for dedicated LGBT groups on Facebook or specific hashtags on Instagram will yield the most relevant results.
One of the most popular gay bars in Bangkok is The Balcony, a large venue with indoor and outdoor seating that plays disco anthems, pop hits, and dance music. During peak times, it’s a good idea to book in advance.
Another great place to meet gay men in Babylon is Sathorn, a gorgeous complex that includes a bathhouse, massage, bar, and restaurant. This exclusive venue also hosts a Saturday Gay Night with drag shows, games, and costume contests.
A must-do during your trip to Bangkok is Songkran, the Thai New Year, which lasts for a week in April. The celebrations include throwing water at everyone you see on the streets, and all the gay venues have events going on throughout the event.
