Bangkok is the twenty-second city in the world in terms of population. This huge metropolis is often ignored by tourists who prefer the sandy beaches of Phuket to the dusty streets of the Thai capital.
Nevertheless, there is much to enjoy in Bangkok, and especially so for gay travelers.
Due to Thailand’s relaxed attitude towards homosexuality, its capital has a very large gay scene with a wide choice of first-class discos and bars, shops and hotels.
Visitors should be aware of certain basic rules to follow when visiting the Kingdom of Thailand.
Gay-friendly Neighborhoods in Bangkok
While gay bars can be found almost everywhere throughout the city, there are actually three hot spots for gay entertainment in Bangkok.
Silom Road, next to the Sala Daeng BTS Station and the Rama IX intersection, is probably the best-known gay area in the city. Soi’s (sub-streets) 2 and 4 are home to an extensive choice of bars and discos while hotels can be found on the parallel Surawongse Road.
The second gay-friendly area in Bangkok is Sukhumvit Road, mostly between soi Nana and soi Asok. However, most establishments in that area specialize in adult entertainment.
Finally, the area around the Ramkhaemheng University has a few bars and discos, mostly frequented by a younger local crowd.
Gay Bars and Discos in Bangkok
Note: For ethical reasons, bars which provide adult entertainment are not listed here.
The two best-known gay bars in Bangkok, and maybe in Thailand, are Telephone Pub and Balcony. They are both located in Silom Soi 4. Both venues offer food and drinks, served by friendly and chatty waiters.
- Telephone Pub, Silom Soi 4. Phone: 022343279 Open from 6PM until 2AM every day.
- Balcony Bar, Silom Soi 4. Phone: 022355891 Open from 6PM until 2AM every day.
Another well-known bar in that area is Dick’s Café on Surawongse Road. Unfortunately, the various touts trying to loudly lure customers to massage parlors right in front of the café can ruin what otherwise usually is a pleasant experience.
- Dick’s Café, Soi Pratuchai, Surawongse Road. Phone: 026370078 Open from 6PM until 2AM every day.
The Silom area is also home to a huge gay disco named DJ Station. It is located in Silom Soi 2 and actually occupies the entire soi. Visitors shouldn’t miss the daily cabaret show every day at 11PM.
- DJ Station, Silom Soi 2. Phone: 022664029 Open every day from 10PM until 2AM.
Lesbian bars are less common than gay ones. A good and popular choice with ladies is the Zeta Bar, located near the MRT Subway station Petchaburi.
- Zeta Bar, RCA Block C, Rama 9 Road. Phone: 060393671 Open from 6PM until 2AM. Girls only.
Gay-friendly Accomodations in Bangkok
There are many gay hotels and guesthouses in the city. All of them allow you to bring a visitor to your room, provided that he or she is over the age of 18.
- Le Residence, 173 Surawongse Road. Phone: 022333301 Well-located boutique hotel.
- Om Yim Lodge, 72/74 Naratiwat Road. Phone: 026350169 Located near Silom Road, this charming little hotel offers great value for money. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a lift which can be an issue for disabled travelers.
- Tantawan Place, 119 Suriwongse Road. Phone: 022382620 An upmarket hotel with first-class amenities. Suites are available.
Shops for the Gay Community in Bangkok
Many shops in the capital cater specifically to the gay community.
Clothes shops can be found in Silom Complex, the large shopping center located on Silom Road, right next to the Sala Daeng BTS Station.
A gay hairdressing salon has also opened recently inside the Thaniya Complex, on Silom Road. Its name is Cutey’n’Beauty and can be found on the third floor.
Read more:
Bangkok City Guide: What to Visit, What to Do and Where to Eat
Koh Samui Guide: Visit Thailand's Most Beautiful Island
Pattaya City Guide: Visit Thailand's Wildest City
Nicolas Henrion - Nicolas Henrion started his writing career for the now defunct Geocities website, back in the nineties. As a Community Leader, he was in ...
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