Gay and lesbian Bangkok
Bangkok, like the rest of Thailand is, on the whole, a very gay friendly city. It also has some great night-life and fantastic restaurants to keep even the most discerning of visitors happy. There are various hotels, guesthouses, bars and clubs that cater, if not exclusively, then very often, to gay and lesbian clientele from all over the world. The Thai are very tolerant and welcoming of gay people and offer a very relaxed and comfortable environment for the gay community and its visitors.
Gay and lesbian Bangkok can be fun, naughty, refined or private, depending on what you prefer. There are discreet gay massage places in Bangkok, or pockets of lively bars and go go venues. Others prefer the tasteful restaurants and spas that are welcoming of a gay atmosphere in Bangkok. Wherever you go, the Thais and foreigners alike are unlikely to make you feel uncomfortable.
Thailand has a larger than usual gay community, for they are readily accepted without fuss. The feminine side of society is celebrated and many Thai boys find it much easier to ‘come out’ in this country, especially in Bangkok. Then there is the famous ladyboys who add a fun character to the gay community. Most lady boys are ‘she males’ (most can’t afford the full operation) who are equally at home with women and men. They often find themselves partners in both gay and straight men and are always ready for a party. They can be quite assertive but always take good care of themselves.
The Lesbian community is much smaller and more discreet but does exist. There are several lesbian/mixed places on Sukhumvit road that cater especially to foreigners, and the indifferent attitudes in Thailand means it’s a popular place for Westerner lesbians to come and live, vacation or meet lovers. Anjaree (no website email: anjaree@hotmail.com, tel: +66 2 477-1776) is Thailand's sole lesbian support/social group and for more than 20 years it has been publishing a newsletter, arranging regular meetings and special events, ad engaging in political activism. Unlike the gay and straight scene in Thailand, there is virtually no lesbian go go scene to speak of.
Bangkok is also home to the Bangkok Annual Pride Week, which takes place in mid-November and culminates with the Gay Parade. For a more extensive coverage of the gay and lesbian scene in Bangkok we recommend the following;
- Utopia Asia – extensive Asian gay network site with plenty about Bangkok.
- Drededned’s is a useful info resource and classifieds site, along with some events listings.
- Purpledragon arranges tours of the region for gay travellers and groups
- Askdarika provides finger-on-the-pulse gossip about the gay scene in Thailand, Darika is a local gay celeb.
Updated and correct: November 2008
Gay friendly venues in Bangkok
Lesbian friendly venues in BangkokGay friendly hotels and guesthouses in general are centred around the Silom area. The most popular budget hotels for gay visitors are the Pinacle and Malaysia Hotels (both on Sathorn, soi Ngam Duplis), and the Rose Hotel and Suriwong Hotel on Surawong (both very downmarket). The absolute favorite for affluent gays is the Sukhothai, which is very, very gay. Tarntawan Place, (119/5-10 Surawong Road). Is another popular, openly gay, hotel worth recommending.
Some popular restaurants frequented by Bangkok’s gay and lesbian communities are Harmonique, Cabbages and Condoms and the Old Dutch. Visitors are sure to find great food and friendly company at any of these establishments. Eat Me, with its friendly atmosphere, industrial décor and art shows is gay owned and operated.
After dark, Bangkok has much for a gay or lesbian visitor to see and do. Many gay and lesbian tourists are often shocked and thrilled by the openness and friendliness of Bangkok’s gay scene. The main concentration of gay venues is on Silom Road Soi 4, Soi 2 and Soi 2/1. Bars with outdoor balconies line the street and the saunas here are well designed and clean.
Silom Area
Gay bars Silom, Bangkok
Some great bars in this area include the Telephone Pub and Restaurant (114/11 Silom Soi 4, Bangkok, Thailand, 10500, Tel: 02 234 3279, Fax: 02 632 7115), with equally popular Balcony. A popular after hours venue is God, formerly the Freeman Dance Arena, (60/18-21 opposite Silom Complex, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500, Tel: 02 632 8033), which hosts regular cabaret shows and DJ Station (8/6-8 Silom Soi 2, Bangkok 10500, Tel: 02 266 4029) a large and rowdy nightclub popular with Thais and foreigners. The Happen Entertainment Bar is a friendly and busy place, popular with the gym crowd and it also contains a good shop above the bar. @Richard’s Pub nearby on 60/17 Silom Soi. 2/1, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Tel: 02 234 0459, info@richards-bangkok.com is the nearest mixed gay club, popular with Thais and foreigners with great music and atmosphere.
Café Society is another gay friendly café that is situated neat the Sky Train station between Soi 4 and 2. As well as being a great place for people watching, they serve very good coffee and internet access is freely available. Heaven (4th Floor, BIS Building, 119 Soi Mahesak, Silom, Bangkok 10500, Tel: 02 266 9092 (Mr. Kai or Mr. Toon), heaven_eden@hotmail.com) is another popular venue near to the Silom Road area. It is a sauna which contains a very nice rooftop garden and host of private rooms. Recently opened in the funky 9 Nightclub, also on Soi 4, which has a nightly caberet (9pm), and regular events.
Gay saunas and massage in Silom
Some notable saunas and massage are the Babylon Sauna Barracks (34 Soi Nandha, South Sathon Rd., Soi 1, Bangkok 10120, Tel: 02 679 7984), Arena (491/19-21, Silom Plaza, 2nd floor, Silom Rd., Tel & Fax: 02 635 3645) and Aqua Spa Club (11/5 Soi Sathorn 9, South Sathorn Rd., Bangkok 10120, Tel: 02 286-5233, 02 286-4535).
Sukhumvit Area
Gay bars in Sukhumvit, Bangkok
There are a good number of gay go-go bars in the Sukhumwit area of Bangkok. On Soi 7 there is the Man’s Club (Soi 7, Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok, Tel: +66 (02) 255 4675), also the Big Boy Cocktail Lounge (1/34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Tel: 02 253 3727, 251 9582) and Jet Set (32/19 Sukhumvit Soi 21, Tel: +66 (02) 258 4311).
Gay saunas and massage in Bangkok
Some notable sauna and massage buildings are Hero Men’s Fitness Club (Soi 11 65 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Tel: 02 251 1033), The Banana Men's Fitness Club (49/9 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Klong Toey, Bangkok, Tel: 02 651 0002), and Nobody Massage (1, Ban Chang Glas Haus Bldg., Lower Ground Floor (LG 06), Sukhumvit 25 Rd., Tel: +66 (02) 260 6016). Hero Sauna is (65 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Tel: +66 (02) 251 1033), an up-market sauna, and contains an indoor waterfall and a great spa. The Beach Resort Sauna (316 Soi Preedeepanomyong 42 (Panich-anan), Sukhumvit 71 Rd., Klongton Bangkok 10110, Tel: 02 713 0007, Mobile: 081 755 0509, Fax: 02 713 4477) and the Gent’s Club (Thonglor Soi 8, Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok, Tel: +66 (02) 390 0197) are also popular venues for gay and lesbian clients in Bangkok.
The Siam Ratchadamri is a far smaller area than Silom or Sukhumwit, but it still houses some interesting gay-friendly entertainment. The Gypsy Pub and Restaurant (Ari Soi 2 (tel: (02) 656 7131), is a great place to eat and enjoy the atmosphere and there are two notable saunas; the Chakran Sauna (32 Soi Ari 4, Phaholyothin 7, Phaholyothin Road, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, (tel: 02 279 1359, 278 5310, Fax: 02 617 1063) and the V Club Massage on 52/1 Soi Ari, (Phaholyotin Soi 7), Phaholyotin Rd., Phayathai Tel: 02 279 3322, 271 2464.
Lesbian friendly venues in Bangkok
Being much smaller and private by nature the lesbian scene is more restricted to private groups and gatherings at individuals homes. The Bangkok lesbian growd are generally welcomed at most gay venues and their options are limited to a number of mixed places. Sukhumvit Soi 4 is the trendiest gay area in Bangkok but perhaps a bit busy for some and often a bit crowded with ‘straight’ tourists. The best known ‘Tom’ club (as Thai lesbians like to call themselves) is Zeta, in the RCA nightclub complex south of the city, it’s strictly female, no males at all are allowed past the door.
Mambo (Washington Theatre, 22-24 Sukhumvit Rd., Tel: +66 (02) 259 5128), is a mixed caberet place that can be fun for a group. It’s quite an up-market place and reservations are recommended. On the same lane is the lively Thumb up with is mostly lesbian and popular on Fridays. Nearby is the more down to earth Relax (Sukhumvit, soi 23) which is a karaoke restaurant with a mixed crowd.
Traveller tale: Gay-friendly Bangkok
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A great site to compare hotel rooms in Bangkok is hotelscombined.com which aggregates the data from several booking sites so you can find the best deals.
Updated and correct: November 2008
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