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.
- Pink Ink – a monthly gay and Lesbian online newsletter/paper with extensive listings.
Gay friendly venues in Bangkok
Lesbian friendly venues in BangkokThe Tawana Ramada and the Montien Hotel both have a small but loyal gay following and are positioned in good areas of the city for exploration and access. The Aquarius Guesthouse is Bangkok’s only exclusively gay hotel. Rooms are clean if slightly simple here. Also promoted actively within the gay and lesbian community is Baan Siri Rama Place.
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. Bars with outdoor balconies line the street and the saunas here are well designed and clean.
Some great bars in this area include the Telephone Pub and Restaurant (114/11 Silom Soi 4, Bangkok, Thailand, 10500, Tel: +66 (02) 234 3279), the Freeman Dance Arena (60/18-21 Silom Rd., in a subsoi opposite Silom Complex, Bangkok, 10500, Tel: +66 (02) 635 8033), which hosts regular cabaret shows and DJ Station, 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. Some notable saunas and massage are the Babylon Sauna Barracks (34 Soi Nandha, South Sathon Rd., Soi 1, Tel: +66 (02) 679 7984), Arena (491/19-21, Silom Plaza, 2nd floor, Silom Rd., Tel: +66 (02) 635 3645-6) and Aqua Spa Club (11/5 Soi Sathorn 9, South Sathorn Rd., Tel: +66 (02) 286-5233).
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, Warner Tower, 119 Soi Mahesak, Silom, Tel: +66 (02) 266 9092) 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.
In the Sukhumvit Road Area, there are also a number of gay and lesbian venues. Hero Sauna (65 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Tel: +66 (02) 251 1033), an up-market sauna, contains an indoor waterfall and a great spa. The Beach Resort Sauna (316 Soi Preedeepanomyong 42 (Panich-anan), Sukhumvit 71 Rd., Tel: +66 (02) 713 0007) 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.
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 (Soi Chai Yot), Tel: +66 (02) 253 3727, 251 9582) and Jet Set (32/19 Sukhumvit Soi 21, Tel: +66 (02) 258 4311). Some notable sauna and massage buildings are Hero Men’s Fitness Club (Soi 11 65 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Tel: +66 (02) 251 1033), The Banana Fitness Club (Soi 11 41/9 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Tel: +66 (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).
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, Bangkok, (tel: +66 (02) 279 1359, 278 5310) and the V Club Massage on 52/1 Soi Ari, (Phaholyotin Soi 7), Phaholyotin Rd., Phayathai (Tel: +66 (02) 279 3322).
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. @Richard’s Pub nearby on Silom Soi 2 (tel: (02) 234-6151) is the nearest mixed gay club, popular with Thais and foreigners with great music and atmosphere.
The biggest selection is probably on Sukhumvit road. 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.
