Bangkok

A place of great beauty, Prathet Thai, "land of the free," this country has stunning landscapes, tropical vegetation, idyllic beaches, shimmering temples of gold, and people who are generous with their smiles. The foundations of this society are Buddhism and the monarchy. Even taxi drivers at work will stop at small temples to make offerings and pray; and at 6pm each day people across Bangkok stand quietly to pay their respect to the king. Self-assured, fiercely independent, Thais are proud to have stood alone in resisting European colonization of the region.

Buddhist culture has uncommon concepts of sexuality and gender roles. To outsiders' eyes, women working construction jobs alongside men in hard hats, while some men dance in bars in tiny thongs or less, doing sex work with men but living otherwise straight lives, might appear odd. And ladyboys, who don't outrage or scandalize anyone, occupy a sort of third-gender social niche, hard to imagine in most countries. In Buddhist traditions, life has far more important concerns, sexual knowledge is not immoral or depraved per se, and such matters are personal or family affairs. This attitude sometimes disorients foreigners who binge (so little time, so many opportunities), but Thais think of sex as a kind of appetite -- to enjoy, to partake of in any or all it's varieties, but in moderation.

 

Gay rights

Thai culture has traditionally been more accepting of fluid sexuality and gender ambiguity. Thai men, as appreciative of youth, vitality and bodies beautiful as anyone, can be less obsessed with body types or age than their Europe and American counterparts. Sodomy was decriminalized in 1956, and gay and transgendered people have been able to serve in the armed forces since 2005. There is not total equality, however. While sex among men is not particularly remarkable, self-identified gay men may not become monks, and there are no same-sex marriages or partnership rights. Prostitution, technically illegal, is an important part of the economy, so widely tolerated if with partners over 18 years old. The age of consent is officially 15, but various legal caveats make it 18 in practice. Check out Squirt.org for more on cruising. Gay Pride Bangkok takes place each November in the Patpong district.

 

Getting here

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the country’s main gateway. The gleaming new facility, about 20 miles southwest of the city has been taking over international flights from the old Don Muang Airport. To get to your hotel, look for the "Taxi Meter Hire" stand. Fares to the center are $10 to $12. The Airport Rail Link began operations in August 2010 with local service every 15 minutes, and express departures every half hour, 6am to midnight. There are eight Bangkok stops between Phaya Thai and Suvarnabhumi, taking 15-30 minute trip for the full distance, depending on the line.

 

Getting around

Bangkok is hot and crowded, with difficult-to-navigate tangles of streets -- even with a map. In some areas you might find yourself in someone's home, thinking you're on a public sidewalk. Traffic is bad, but the subway system and overhead Sky Trains provide cool, convenient and inexpensive transportation. Water taxis plying the Chao Phraya River are one of the best ways to travel, costing a few baht to see the city in all its splendor. For public transportation and pass information see BTS.

Tuk-tuks, speedy, three-wheeled motorcycles plying downtown streets, are another way to get around. Check with locals for fare advice to avoid inflated tourist rates, then agree on price with the driver before leaving.

English names for businesses, places or streets have a confusing variety of spellings as there's no standard transliteration for writing Thai words in the Roman alphabet. Google or printed maps, or even businesses on the same street rarely agree. Some businesses have Thai instructions "for taxi drivers" on their website, to print out, or display on your gizmo for a cabbie. Even English-language addresses are hard, with one soi, and then another, branching off a main street. Venturing outside the central tourist area is easiest with someone in the know.

Cooler months from November to April are peak tourist season, see TourismThailand or Whats-On-Thailand for general information. Purple Dragon does gay and lesbian alternative tours, without the emphasis on sex.  Budget airlines such as Airasia, Nokair and Fireflyz provide cheap flights throughout Thailand and to neighboring countries.

 

Neighborhoods

By the Chao Phraya River, the Silom and Surawong Roads district has a thriving scene of restaurants, karaoke bars, saunas, massage spas, and go-go bars. It's where most gay visitors head first to see the uninhibited strip shows, and more. Clubs might have a dozen to several dozen dancers, and anyone who tickles your fancy may be engaged for some private time alone. The mamasan will help with arrangements, or language difficulites. Besides companion costs, there are house charges and tips to pay. For small tips many dancers encourage hands-on explorations in the club. Lumphini Park, off Thanon Rama IV, can be quite cruisy, especially at dusk along east-side paths.

Few tourists make it so far, but a few of the intrepid might see another area of gay pubs and saunas in the Ramkhamhaeng Road area, a district best explored with Thai friends. English is less frequently spoken here, and most Thais are looking for Thais, but simpatico outsiders are welcome enough. The clubs here are more laid-back social meeting places, with fewer commercial sexual overtones. Khamphengphet Road, Sukhumvit Road and Saphan Kwai (Pradiphat) are home to similar scenes and to some of the best gay dance clubs in Bangkok. Most of this other Thai gay world is invisible and inaccessible to tourists, but over 50 more gay bars, massage spas, and bathhouses are listed by local guides outside the central tourist district - either without websites or published only in Thai.

Straight friends may head for the Phrakorn/Banglampu area, up-river a bit, to the legendary Khao San Road. This favorite on the old backpacker/hippy trail is still full of inexpensive hostels, restaurants, bars, cafes, and services. Mainline movies enjoy the joke of knowing (or not) the ladyboys from the girls, here in this international party scene. Blame it on the beers.

 

What to do

The Grand Palace, the Wat Phra Kaew complex, and the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples are magnificent sights. The National Museum has many artifacts of ancient Siam. The nearby National Gallery Museum houses traditional and contemporary works by Thai artists. For more see the websites Bangkok-museum.com and Thailand Be There Guide

In peaceful Dusit Gardens the Vimanmek Teak Mansion is a museum dedicated to King Rama V.
Boat trips on the Chao Phraya River depart every half hour from Sathorn pier with cruises to places of historical interest. See Tour-Bangkok-Legacies for details on these and other destinations.

Trips to the Floating Market of Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi may be arranged through A&F Travel (120 Silom Rd; 2-266-5105). Phra Pathom Chedi, the holiest Thai structure, is on the way at Nakhon Pathom, 35 miles south of Bangkok. A&F books travel throughout Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

 

Currency and Money

The local currency is the Thai baht. Each baht is divided into 100 satang, so getting used to the currency won’t take you long. For current exchange rates consult an online site such as XE. You’ll find ATMs, but mostly in urban areas. Inform your local bank of travel plans before departure for smooth credit card transactions, and ask if Thai partner banks can save on cash withdrawal fees.

Local Media

Out in Thailand, and Thai Puan are magazine-style websites with news and features about gay life in Thailand. Gay Thailand has Bangkok listings and forum pages with recent updates, as well as other Thai destinations.

Nicky's Gay Bangkok is a guide to the city with foreign visitors in mind, from the source of the best guide to Pattaya. SiamOut is another gay website, intended for locals, in Thai only.

Utopia is a well-established and comprehensive gay guide to most major Asian cities, including Bangkok -- particulary useful for those who head off the beaten tourist track.

Bangkok City Boys photo albums and video clips, though a little outdated, provide windows into gay life here. Bangkok.com is a good overall general site with good gay pages too.

The Bangkok Post, "the world's window on Thailand," has English language news, food reviews, plus arts and entertainment listings. TravelFish lists good, inexpensive lodgings for backpackers and budget travelers, in Bangkok and elsewhere in the region. For listings of local museums and galleries see Bangkok Museum

For all Bangkok listings below, and more, with locations and website links, see our map & listings pages.

 

Bangkok bars & clubs

Silom, terrace bars and restaurants
The Silom subway stop and the Sala Dang Sky Train station serve the Silom-Surawong district. Silom Soi 4 has a famous cluster of bars, and a website to promote them. Soi Pratuchai, aka Duangthawee Plaza or Soi Twilight, is home to a dozen go-go bars, and massage establishments. A couple of short-term room hotels nearby provide a discreet place to relax with any go-go dancer you fancy. Some long-standing cafe/bars are popular with expats and gay tourists, with cabaret shows, and terrace tables for watching the street parade.

4 Sports (Silom soi 4 ), large-screen TV sports bar, jukebox music, games, buffet spreads, holiday feasts.
Balcony Bar (Silom soi 4) bar and restaurant, known for tasty cocktails, two popular terraces, and friendly staff. Upstairs at the karaoke bar they have periodic cabaret nights. Across the street Tiger Terrace with 6pm-1am Happy Hours is a Balcony Bar sibling bar. 
Bearbie Bar (Silom soi 4), bears and friends, Thai Chub&Chasers meeting place; warm color metro-retro decor, big sofas to cuddle or sprawl, best karaoke equipment.
Coffee Society (12/3 Silom) 24/7 caffeine, internet access, patio seating, cozy lounge, all-day meals include veggie options.
Dick's Cafe Bangkok (soi Pratuchai) quiet oasis on a bustling street where early birds get the best seats. Thai and western breakfast, brunch, dinner and late-night snacks, plus wide selections of cocktails, wine, beer and spirits.
@Diamond (Silom soi 2/1), former @Richard's, neighborhood gay beer pub, local expats and Thai friends, Thai & Italian food.
Disco Disco & Expresso (Silom Rd, soi 2), spill-over clubs from DJ Station, with whom they share manager.
JJ Park (Silom Rd, soi 2) nightclub next to DJ Station, same management, same crowd, singers and stage shows, live music performances, chill-out space, mixed Thai/ western.
Maxis Bar & Restaurant (soi Pratuchai) Thai and western meals, stylish cocktail lounge, second floor balcony and open air terrace.
Sphinx Bar & Restaurant (Silom soi 4, far end) award-winning Thai and international food, good wines, central location, indoor or al fresco terrace seating; upstairs Pharaoh's karaoke music bar.
Telephone Pub (Silom Rd, soi 4), longtime favorite bar and restaurant, shows, parties, karaoke and dancers, many ages and nationalities; website pdf map of Silom district, news, videos, photos and links.

 

Silom go-go bars
Bars change frequently, listings and maps are quickly outdated; but touts at street level will quickly indicate where new places have opened, often in the same building, or else nearby.
Boys Bangkok (38/3-6 soi Pratuchai) good shows twice nightly, part of the Best Boys group of many dancers.
Classic Boys (soi Pratuchai), large stage of dancing boys, water tank shows.
Dream Boys (38/3-6 soi Pratuchai) above Boys Bangkok, also Best Boys group, with big studs to fey twinks, explicit and big cock shows on two stages.
Fresh Beach Boys (soi Pratuchai), older than average dancers, big cock shows, up-close stage views.
Golden Cock (soi Anuman Ratchathon), cocktail lounge, erotic go-go dancers, afternoon fun, some shows.
Heart Beat (off Surawong), new host bar across from soi Pratuchai, go-go dancers, cheap drinks.
Hot Male Boys (soi Pratuchai), more mature go-go dancer shows.
Jupiter 2002 (Thaniya soi 2, off Suriwong Rd) fast paced more muscular go-go dancers, shower and foam shows, erotic big cock parades.
Male Pub Karaoke (soi Anuman Ratchathon), a bit of everything beer/host bar, go-go boy dancers, goes late nights & gets randy.
Nature Boys (soi Anuman Ratchathon, off Thantawan), small raunchy go-go boy bar where anything goes, dancers j-o onstage, clients too.
Night Boys (soi Anuman Ratchathon, off Thantawan), small go-go boy bar, younger dancers.
Ocean Boy (soi Pratuchai), former Future Boys, go-go boy dancer shows.
Screw Boys (Patong soi 2, Surawong) go-go dancers, plenty of contact opportunities, live sex shows, open later than most other bars.
Tawan Men's Club (2/2 soi Tantawan, Surawong) amiable muscle men get off nightly onstage, offer massage onsite or off.
X-Boys & X-Size (soi Pratuchai), two hot go-go clubs, large selection of nice looking, younger, friendly guys, decent music. X-Size also has a small downstairs chill-out bar with pool tables.

Out in the Sukhumvit area, Inter Mustache’s House (23/12-13 soi Sukhumvit, soi 10) has go-go boys who dance for a lively young Thai party crowd, plus karaoke.

 

Dance clubs
Bed Supper Club (26 Sukhumvit Soi 11), no more Think Pink, but fashionable dining and nightly late dancing with top DJs.
DJ Station (Silom Rd, soi 2) busiest gay disco, comedy and drag shows, over-the-top glamour, mostly Thai crowd.
G.O.D. (Guys On Display) (Silom, alley at soi 2) shirtless men groove to hard house and funk on large dance floor, most crowded after 2am.
Fake Bar (Chatuchak), disco in the University district, young Thai crowd, busy most nights, outdoor tables,
G-Star Club (74/2 Soi 8, Ratchadapisek Rd), mostly young, gay, very Thai dance and show club; far off the tourist track, not unfriendly to foreigners.
ICK (Ramkhamhaeng soi 89/2) big, late disco, popular with Thai students. One of several gay clubs in the Lamsari Complex near Ramkhamhaeng University.
See-K Dance & Show Club (Ramkhamhaeng Soi 89/2), young gay Thai crowd beyond the tourist areas, Thai country and dance music, cabaret shows, go-go boy dancers.

g-Circuit (Gcircuit.com) sponsors annual parties that include three nights of Song Kran Thai New Year celebrations in mid-April, drawing people from all over Asia. See our events tab.

 

Saunas & massage
Bangkok has a lot of saunas and even more massage spas, along with internet massage services who'll send young men of your choice to your hotel room. Those catering strictly to Thai clients are easy to spot with their Thai-only language websites - most of which we don't list - to be found on local guides. A wide variety of techniques and durations are on offer from an army of young men, in all shapes and sizes. In most cases the masseur will finish you up with (in the local euphemism) a "happy ending," and four or eight-hand sessions are also an option. See locations and web links for businesses listed below, and more, at our map & listings pages. Thai Massage Boy has information on many of the various massage services.

Adonis (44/11 Convent Rd, Silom) massage for men by men, luxury rooms in renovated Silom townhouse, large selection of handsome masseurs, free parking, seven day service with weekend hours until 11:30pm.
Albury Men's Club (71/1 soi Sukhumvit 11, Sukhumvit Rd), steam bath, total massage services, many guys to choose from, cafe food, karaoke bar.
Arena Spa Bangkok (2/F Silom Plaza, 491 Silom Rd), handsome muscular men-for-men massage & other services.
Aqua Spa (34 soi Nadhna, Sathorn) club for gay men at city center for fully-equipped gym workouts and sensual massage from (then relaxation with) one of their talented staff. Also with restaurant, bar and garden.
Babylon Bangkok (34 soi Nadhna, Sathorn) wide range of accommodations, lavish sauna complex, pool, gym, massage services, restaurants, wild cabaret, erotic and drag shows. All man's pleasures in one place.
Bangkok 10 Sauna (650 Thanon Si Phraya, Mahaprutharam), new sauna/sensual play space on 4 floors from TMC Singapore group. Friday Bears' night.
Beach Sauna (Sukhumvit 71, 316 Soi Panit Anant), sauna & steam, swimming pool, restaurant, cruising areas, locals, expats and visitors.
Body Club (4/24-25 Sukhumvit, Soi 8) massage for men by men, seven days a week noon to 10pm, many types of able guys.
Candle Paradise Spa (18/464 Rama 4 City Court) escape stress and hassles with premium spa therapy and massage in a warm, comfortable, private and peaceful environment.
Chakran Sauna (32 soi Ari 4, off Phaholyothin soi 7) fully equipped sauna, upscale decor, pool, restaurant, bar, Thai and Asian clientele.
Guy Spa (28/7 Sukhumvit 19, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana), full-body sensual massage, body scrubs, private personal spa service, 24-hour model escorts.
Heaven Sauna (119 soi Mahesak, Silom, 4th floor) steam room, sauna, rooftop spa, garden near Skytrain station Surasak, popular with local office crowd and bears.
iSpa (68/976 Rattanathibate Ave, soi Rattanathibate 28), 24-hr traditional Thai and deep tissue Swedish massage, Aroma therapy, strictly professional services.
Jey Spa (15/1 Soi Sukhumvit 41), loving touch massage, four hands, deep relaxation techniques.
K-Male (688/58 Laksi Square, Changwattana Rd), men's club for total relaxation, sensual oil, milk massages, body scrubs, rooms with private showers.
Macho Sauna (Borommaratchachonnani Rd 15), mainly Thai/Asian crowd, hard-core men's erotic zone, underwear nights.
Men Factory Sauna (Silom Soi 2/1), open daily to 6am, sauna, steam, bar, gym, private rooms, internet, naked nights, hardcore erotic and hunk shows.
Nine Spa (296/2 Sukhumvit 31, Mona Suite, 2nd floor), oil, cream, traditional Thai massage services, aroma and hydrotherapy, body scrubs.
Play Room Sauna (1108/26 soi Sukhumvit Plus 1), near Prakhanong BTS, open daily, weekends until 5am, naked nights, massage.
Sauna Mania (35/2 soi Phipat 2, off soi Convent, Sathorn) small gym, rooftop terraces, Sunday naked nights, wide age ranges, mostly Thais looking for Thais.
Senso (5/8 soi Saladaeng, Silom) men for men erotic massage spa, open daily 2-11pm, well-equipped, wide range of masseurs, hotel outcalls, and escort services.
Troy Sauna (639/9 Ladprao Soi 5, Ladyao Jatujuck), mainly Thai men, steam and sauna, daily erotic shows.
Urban Male Massage (24/6 Sukhumvit 23) modern intimate boutique spa for men, spacious showers, private rooms, aroma therapy, highly skilled and personable masseurs.

 

Bangkok Accommodations
Aquarius (243 Hutayana, soi Suanphlu, S Satorn Road) quiet gay guesthouse, tropical garden, near Silom/Patpong entertainment district. Guests welcome at gay-family socials, bar, cafe, internet, massage, laundry, roof garden.
Baan Saladaeng (69/2 Soi Saladaeng), central guesthouse with 11 boutique rooms and suites, big buffet breakfast, laundry services, WiFi.
Babylon Bangkok (34 soi Nandha, S Sathon Rd, soi 1) sauna, nightclub, restaurant, gym and cabaret shows; all male pleasures. Inexpensive bed and breakfast rooms to garden or penthouse suites, plus three luxurious Botticelli House suites in 1920 Colonial-Thai style, manicured gardens.
Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel (21/100 S Sathon Rd), new high-rise 5-star luxury resort and spa, 327 rooms/suites, dining, full amenities.
Bally's Studio Suites (10 Silom Road Soi 2) boutique served residence, 53 fully furnished apartments, near all Silom nightlife, 24 hour security, satelite TV and Wi-Fi, in-house coffee shop and bar.
BBB Inn (918 Rama 4 Rd, Silom), clean modern inexpensive, overnight or short-term rooms near go-go bars; private bath, double-glass quiet, 24-hour room service, TV, Wi-Fi access, fridges, multi-lingual staff, laundry facilities.

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok (155 Rajadamri Rd) 354 room, full service, luxury hotel with full amemities.
Furama Xclusive Sathorn (59 Silom soi 3, Phipat 2) rooms andsuites, restaurant, pool, sauna, exercise room, in-room massage, near shopping and nightlife.
HQ Hostel (5/3-4, Silom Soi 3; 2 233-1598), central location, ultra-budget prices, backpacker dorm lodgings, rooms, 24/7 check-in/out, WiFi.
IBIS Sathorn (Soi Ngam Duphli Rama IV, Sathorn) modern rooms, restaurant and bar, wi-fi, breakfast until noon, in the heart of gay scene.

LeMeridien Hotel Bangkok (40/5 Surawong Road) 282 room hotel with full amenities just steps from gay district and Patpong Night Market.
Luxx (6/11 Decho Rd, Silom; 2-635-8800) modern rooms, studios and suites with wood bathtubs, near bars, American breakfast included.
LuxxXL (82/8 Langsuan, Pathumwan) near Luphini Park, suites and executive rooms, large pool with bar, wi-fi.

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok (Rama 1 Road 991/9) 303 room, 98 residence, fully service luxury hotel with full amenities.
Tarntawan Place Hotel (119/5-10 Surawong Road) stylish hotel, simple and deluxe suites, daily newspaper, restaurant with Thai and Japanese specials.

Muse Hotel Bangkok (55/555 Langsuan Road) 25 storeys, 175 room, boutique hotel, dining, bar, full amenities.
Saladaeng Colonnade (21 soi Saladaeng, Silom) teakwood apartments, fitness center, long pool, in-room breakfast, monthly rates.
Malaysia Hotel Bangkok (54 Soi Ngam Duplee, Rama 4) longtime favorite, standard and luxury rooms, restaurant, pool.
Nana Hotel (Sukhumvit Soi 4), large 500-room gay-friendly hotel, breakfast buffets, pool, internet access.
Om Yim Lodge (72,74 Naratiwat, Silom) tidy guesthouse, Thai/western restaurant, wi-fi.

Oriental Residence Bangkok (110 Wireless Road) 145 room, full-service, luxury hotel, full amenities.
Rose Hotel (118 Si Phraya, Surawong Rd), central gay-friendly, nicely-priced rooms, guests okay, pool, spa, gym, WiFi.

The Siam (3/2 Thanon Khao) 38 room luxury boutique hotel with full amenities. (Opening June 2012).
Sofitel South Bangkok Hotel (2 N Sathorn Rd), 30-storey urban design luxury hotel, 238 rooms/suites, each with full media center and iPad.
Suriwongse Hotel (31/1, 33 Surawong Rd), gay-friendly, central rooms, 24-hr services, Jupiter go-go boy club at street level.
Vincents Guesthouse (12/1 soi Ngam Duphli, Rama 4) spotless rooms, restaurant, near Luphini Park.

For more hotels, along with locations and websites of businesses on this page, see our maps & listings tab.

 

Bangkok Shopping and Grooming
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is among the world's largest, with over 27 acres for bargain hunters to explore, and plenty of food options too.
Cutey Beauty (Third Floor, Thaniya Plaza, Silom) hair coloring, cuts, massage, facials, body waxing, foot massage, etc.
Global Medical Clinic (281/15 Soi Silom Road; 2-635-5414) does cosmetic surgery, botox, lipoatrophy treatments.
The huge MBK shopping mall has most everything in one location right by the National Stadium.
Silom Road has price-pleasing flea markets nightly except Monday.
Siam Paragon Center, at Siam Station has fashion shows, an aquarium, designer boutiques and department stores.

 

For our coverage of other gay scenes in Thailand, see Chaing Mai, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Phuket.