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A place of great beauty, Prathet Thai, "land of the free," the country has stunning tropical landscapes, idyllic beaches, shimmering temples of gold, and people who are generous with their smiles. Buddhism remains as one of the foundations of this society, and taxi drivers at work will stop to make offerings and pray at small temples throughout their day. Self-assured and fiercely independent, Thais are proud to have stood alone in resisting the European colonization of most of this region. Following the death of his beloved father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Maha Vajiralongkorn took the throne in December 2016.

Thai culture has uncommonly relaxed perspectives on sexuality and gender roles compared to those of many other countries, including its non-Buddhist southern neighbors. Women can be seen working construction jobs alongside men in hard hats, while young men may find work dancing in nightclubs, wearing only thongs, but living otherwise conventional lives. Ladyboys, while not particularly esteemed, don't shock or scandalize most people, and they occupy a sort of third-gender social niche that's hard to imagine elsewhere. Life has more important concerns, and sex is less an issue of morality or depravity than distraction -- a personal or family affair. These outlooks can disorient foreign visitors who sometimes binge (so little time, so many opportunities), but Thais think of sex as a kind of appetite -- to enjoy, to partake of in its varieties, but in moderation, gracefully, and with good manners.

 

Gay rights

Traditionally more accepting of fluid sexuality and gender ambiguity, Thai people appear less judgmental, compared to Europeans or Americans, about looks and age as well. Older people, generally treated with more respect throughout the society, will probably feel less excluded in the gay scenes here than back home. Sodomy was decriminalized in 1956, and gay and transgendered people have been able to serve in the armed forces since 2005. Neither sex nor public displays of affection are particularly unusual or remarkable among men, but those who self-identify as gay may not become monks, and Thailand has no same-sex marriage or partnership rights. Technically illegal, prostitution is an important part of the economy, and widely tolerated, gay or straight, so long as minors are not involved. Whatever the age of consent among locals, it should be considered 18 by visitors, given various legal caveats, international laws, and official vigilance.

Recent changes in Thai law concerning digital files and internet browsing "deemed offensive or against good morals" may adversely impact people or publications in the gay community - see this Coconuts article. With changes in the crown and in government, people and businesses have adopted lower profiles, waiting to see how political winds blow. Local websites and social media postings have been affected - with some online guides and club websites now dark. Consult locals on arrival and check out Squirt.org for local cruising updates.

Gay Pride Bangkok, with its Saturday Pride March on Silom Road, has in recent years been cancelled, with promises to return as yet unfulfilled. See OUTinBKK and OUTAsia for updates.

 

Getting here

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the country’s main gateway. The 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 Silom/Sathon are not expensive, and even less for groups of up to four pre-booked online.

The Airport Rail Link provides inexpensive (45 TBT or less) local service every 15 minutes, and express departures every half hour, 6am to midnight. Take the ARL Red Line from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai, or change for the MRT Blue Line at Makkasan/Petchaburi for Lumpini or Silom/Saladaeng stations, if staying in that part of town. For other areas change to the BTS Silom or Sukhumvit Green Lines along the way. There are also Yellow BRT and Purple MRT lines further out.

Train Travel in Thailand (The Man in Seat 61) is a good website for train times and fares for popular routes into and out from Bangkok.

 

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 tricky, 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 strip shows. Clubs might have a dozen to several dozen dancers, and anyone who tickles your fancy may be engaged for some private time. The mamasan will help with arrangements, or language difficulites. Besides companion costs, there are house charges and tips to pay. For small tips the dancers will become more responsive. Lumphini Park, off Thanon Rama IV, can be quite cruisy, especially at dusk along east-side paths.

Few tourists make it so far, but the more intrepid ones might find another area of gay pubs and saunas around Ramkhamhaeng Road, a district best explored with Thai friends. English is less frequently spoken here, and most Thais are looking for fellow Thais. Simpatico outsiders are welcome if respectful of local ways. The scene is more laid-back with social meeting places and less of a commercial-sex vibe. Khamphengphet Road, Sukhumvit Road and Saphan Kwai (Pradiphat) are home to similar scenes, and some of the best gay dance clubs in Bangkok were here, although several closed in 2016. Most of this world is invisible and inaccessible to tourists, but many 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. Mainstream movies enjoy the joke of knowing (or not) the ladyboys from the girls, here in this international party scene. Blame it on the whiskey.

 

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. See more listings at Bangkok.com.

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 for independent travelers.

Day tours from Bangkok include the Floating Market of Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi, and Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest stupa in the world and holiest Thai structure at Nakhon Pathom, 35 miles west of Bangkok. For travel bookings throughout Thailand, Laos and Cambodia see A&F Tour (120 Silom Rd; 66-2-266-5105).

Out Adventures also offers LGBT tours, with ten-day "Travel in Syle" groups of 4-12 -- from Bangkok nightlife and restaurants to the temples of Chiang Mai.

The Bangkok Opera “the operatic hub of Southeast Asia” produces four operas at the Thailand Cultural Center and other venues.

At Asiatique, The Riverfront, shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, see Calypso Cabaret stage shows, with elaborate ladyboy lip-synch performances.

Muay Thai boxing contests take place each evening at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on Rama IV Road, accompanied by traditional music players.

At the National Theatre, performances include Khon Mask & Lakhon Thai classical dance dramas.

See these and more, such as the Jim Thompson House, at our events & experiences page.

 

Currency and Money

The local currency is the Thai baht (฿). Each baht is divided into 100 satang. For current exchange rates consult an online site such as XE. Exchange rates have ranged between ฿28 and ฿36 per $1 in the past nine years. 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.

Media and resources

Thai Puan is a magazine-style website with news and features about gay life in Thailand. Attitude Magazine website (Facebook), KU, and GThai are other Thai language online gay resources.

OUTinBKK is an LGBTIQ+ community resource, with an emphasis on sexual and psychological/ mental health and support and education, along with socially engaging recreational activities. OutAsia is another media portal.

Travel Gay Asia has listings for 14 Thai destinations, plus over 40 more Asian locales, and a dozen more cities in Australia and New Zealand.

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 has some flash back to 2006 photo albums.

GagaOOLala, the first Asian LGBTI streaming platform, offers over 400 film/video titles from around the world, with service to Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Gay Passport website also has a guide to Bangkok, with venues and events listings.

Go Thai Be Free is the official travel blog about LGBT life in Thailand from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The Gay Passport guide, written by locals and expats who live here, features some of their favorite Bangkok clubs, bars, saunas, restaurants and hotels.

Local hook-up apps? Sign up at ThaiCupid and/or ThaiFriendly. Both feature girls on their default home pages, so edit preferences in profile visibility to “allow” for “males looking for males."

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.

Bangkok Coconuts has coverage of local news from an alternative and LGBT-friendly perspective, along with articles on popular culture and events.

For general listings of hotels, restaurants, shops and events around town, Bangkok.com is a good website from Bangkok Magazine with a first timers guide to the city. Tourism Thailand covers the whole country.

Nicky's Gay Bangkok website guide has CLOSED. For those with a historic interest in how things were, Nicky Stewart has written about the scene his website covered in the Cocktail Boys series -- in paperback or for Kindle, at Amazon. Richard Vohl has documented his Thai years in Bangkok Boy Bar.

For locations and website links to businesses listed below, and more, see our gay Bangkok map & listings pages.

 

Going Out in Bangkok

Silom/Surawong area
The Silom subway (MRT) stop and the Sala Dang Sky Train (BTS) station serve the Silom-Surawong district, just off the Rama IV main road, the side opposite Lumphini Park. This popular gay tourist destination has a profusion cafe/bars, sports bars, cabaret showbars, go-go dance clubs, restaurants, late-night discos and massage services crowding each narrow side street (Soi in Thai). Many of these are lined with terrace tables for kicking back and just watching the busy world walk by.

Silom Soi 4, where many people begin their evening, has a cluster of bars, and restaurants - turn right a short distance up Silom from the station.
Silom Soi 2 and Silom Soi 2/1, between the the BTS and MRT stations, have a later scene with some of the area's best dance clubs. Silom 2 has a minimum age restriction of 20.

Between Surawong and Rama IV, Soi Pratuchai, (aka Duangthawee Plaza or Soi Twilight) is the red light district, home to a dozen or so bars, go-go clubs, and massage establishments. A few more of the same can be found in streets on the other side of Surawong. Nearby short-term hotel rooms provide discreet spaces to relax with a go-go dancer or host you fancy. See our map for overview, zoom-in locations, and website links where available.

Silom/Surawong bars, cafes and restaurants
Some clubs have been around for years, others, mostly small bars, come and go frequently and no guide can keep up with them. In this area consider them all to be gay-friendly.

4 Sports (114/6 Silom Rd, soi 4), large-screen TV sports bar, jukebox music, games, buffet spreads, holiday feasts.

Banana Bar on 4 (114/17, Silom Soi4), central gay cocktail bar, streetside terrace seating, friendly waiters, upstairs lounges with curtains for privacy; nightclub coming soon.

Balcony (86-88 Silom Rd, 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.

BAS (114/5, Silom Rd soi 4), cocktail lounge at quieter end of the street, more relaxed and laid-back, pleasant staff, music at conversation-comfortable volume.

Boys66 Club (33/1, 33 Thaniya Soi 2), Suriwongse Hotel nightly cabaret club shows, sexy male go-go dancers.

Brothers Bar & Restaurant (12/1-2, Silom Rd), gay-friendly, bear-popular Thai restaurant/bar, live music, DJ sets, karaoke.

Bug & Bee Café (18 Silom), near BTS Sala Daeng station, eclectic menu includes curried crab, stuffed squid, shrimp, fettuccini, teriyaki, crepes, massaman chicken, set lunches, teas and fruit smoothies.

CÉ LA VI (98 Sathorn Sq Bldg), chic 39th floor rooftop international restaurant, bar and lounge convenient to W Bangkok Hotel appears closed as of May 1st, 2018. The XY gay events have moved to Club XS at Hotel Pullman (30 Sukhumvit 21).

Connections Bar (114/15, Silom soi 4), host bar and restaurant next to Telephone Pub, overlooking busy gay street, theme parties, mixed gay crowd.

Dick's Cafe Bangkok (894/7-8 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.

Fork & Cork by Sphinx (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.

HUGs (82 Silom Soi 4), bears, chubs and chasers' karaoke bar, male mix of locals and expats, theme party events. Former Bearbie Bar site.

JJ Park (Silom soi 2) nightclub next to DJ Station, same management, same crowd, singers and stage shows, live music performances, chill-out space, mixed Thai/ western. Club Café, the Expresso and the Patio are chill-out zones, also part of the JJ Park group. A minimum age of 20 is required to enter.

Jupiter 2018 (92 Silom soi 4), fast paced and sexy male go-go dancers, drag diva shows; moved to new location and dropped the shower/ foam shows and big cock parades.

Kika Kitchen & Bar (14/2-3 Convent Road, Silom), Spanish-inspired tapas/wine bar/taberna and seasonal menu Mediterranean restaurant with terrace; Sunday gay T-Dance with drag shows.

Maxis Bar & Restaurant (38/1-2 soi Pratuchai) Thai and western meals, stylish cocktail lounge, second floor balcony and open air terrace.

Moonlight (31/1, 33 Thaniya Soi 2, Surawong Rd), new bar at Surawong Hotel, handsome male models perform in sexy shows, nightly at 10:30pm and midnight.

Stranger (114/14 Silom Soi 4), two-level New York style cocktail bar and lounge next to Telephone Pub, mezzanine, dance beats, lively atmosphere.

Sugar Bowl Bar & Restaurant (76 Silom soi 4), terrace bar and restaurant at beginning of Soi 4, Thai and International food, party evenings.

Telephone Pub (114/11, Silom soi 4), longtime favorite bar local legend, restaurant, shows, theme parties, karaoke and dancers, many ages and nationalities.

White Rabbit (12/3 Silom Rd), ground level cafe/bar with daytime mix and WiFi; gayer in the evenings and at 3rd floor lounge events. Formerly Silom Society.

On the other side of Lumpini, 8 on eleven (14 Soi Sukhumvit 11) has weekly night drag cabaret shows and parties, Wednesdays with local star Pangina Heals and the boys-only Silent Dating Experience.

CLOSED: For Fun (90-98 Silom soi 4), chic bar and restaurant, DJs, live music, dancing, special parties - Jupiter 2018 moved here.

Silom/Surawong go-go bars
These clubs change frequently so the list is certainly outdated by now, but touts at street level will indicate where new places have opened --often in the same building, or else nearby - offering pretty much the same shows and services.

Dream Boys (38/3-6 soi Pratuchai), above Boys Bangkok, Best Boys group; big studs to fey twinks, shows on two stages.

Classic Boys (38/16 soi Pratuchai), dancing boys on stage, water tank shows.

Fresh Beach Boys (894/9-10 soi Pratuchai), older than average erotic go-go dancers, up-close stage views.

Hot Male Boys (38/1 soi Pratuchai), go-go dancers stage shows upstairs; street level host bar with open front, lower drink prices and street views.

Nature Boys (soi Anuman Ratchathon, off Thantawan), small raunchy go-go boy bar where most anything goes.

New Boys Bangkok (38/3-6 soi Pratuchai), go-go shows twice nightly include performances and massages; part of the Best Boys group of many dancers.

Tawan Men's Club (2/2 soi Tantawan, Surawong) amiable muscle men onstage nightly, offering massage onsite or off.

X-Boys / X-Size (894/12-13 soi Pratuchai), go-go club, stage shows, good looking, friendly guys, decent music.

X-Size (38/7-8 soi Pratuchai), go-go boys on stage and a small downstairs chill-out bar with pool tables.

Other go go bars include, or have included: Golden Cock (39/27 Soi Narathivat Rajanakarindra 1); Ocean Boys (894/5-6 Soi Pratoochai); and Super A (39/3 Soi Narathivat Rajanakarindra 1).

 

Dance clubs

Disco Disco (Silom soi 2), spill-over club from DJ Station, with whom they share manager and 20-and-over only policy, diva disco music.

DJ Station (Silom soi 2), popular 20+ gay disco, comedy and drag shows, over-the-top glamour, mostly Thai crowd on ground floor, Western/Thai mix upstairs, busiest on weekends after midnight, pre-club chill-out lounge and coffee bar next door.

Fake Club Next Generation (Ratchada Soi 4/1, Huai Khwang), gay cafe/restaurant and dance club, young Thai crowd, model shows, live bands, go-go dancers, busy late most nights; best experienced with Thai friends.

GBangkok (60/18-21 Silom Soi 2/1) shirtless men groove to hard house and funk on large dance floor; expats, tourists, locals, busiest after 2am; formerly G.O.D.

G-Star Pavilion Pub at Town in Town (300/1 Soi Ladprao 94, Srivara Rd, Wangthonglang), among other locations; young gay Thai crowd, dance/show club, K-Pop, go-go boys, ladyboy shows.

g-Spot Entertainment gay events have included: Sunday Gay Nights at Maggie Choo's, Theme Nights first Saturdays at Vertigo Too (Banyan Tree Bangkok 60th floor), TGIF last Fridays, and Splash Out pool parties. See the Gay Passport website for future events.

Festivals include: g-Circuit annual parties with three nights of Song Kran Thai New Year celebrations in mid-April, drawing people from all over Asia; plus the White Party, held over New Years eve, day and night. The Sundance Asia annual gay dance party festival of several years didn't happen in 2017. See our events tab for more.

CLOSED: Several large clubs outside the tourist district with young, mostly Thai crowds, shows and go-go dancers: App Pub (App Arena, 76/4 Ratchada Soi 8, Huai Khwang); Atlantiis (Ratchada soi 4, Ratchada); Castro RCA (29/59-64 Royal City Av, block C); Celebrity Club (622 soi Lim Thong, Khwaeng Huai), gay-friendly weekend dancing, shows, cayotes; and Wave Club (Ramkhamhaeng soi 89/2), near Ramkhamhaeng University.

 

Saunas & massage, Silom/Surawong and beyond
Bangkok has a lot of saunas and even more massage spas, along with internet massage services that will send young men of your choice to your hotel room. Those catering strictly to Thai clients have Thai-only language websites, listed on local guides. A wide variety of massage techniques and durations are offered by an army of young men, of all kinds. Often the masseur will finish you up the euphemistic "happy ending" if you want, and four or eight-hand sessions are an option. Tips make up most of a masseur's income.

Find saunas and some massage spas listed below. For another two dozen massage spas see our map & listings services pages For more options see Thai Massage Boy and ThaiBoy.net. Travel Gay Asia also has bathhouse and massage spa listings.

Arena Spa Bangkok (Silom Plaza 3/F, 491/23-24 Silom Rd), handsome muscular men-for-men strong and deep massage and other services.

Babylon Bangkok (34 soi Nadhna, Sathorn) wide range of accommodations, lavish sauna complex, pool, gym, dark steam room, massage services, restaurants, wild cabaret, erotic and drag shows. All of man's pleasures in one place.

Bonny Massage (soi Pratuchai), red light district, oil massages, body scrubs, body-to-body rubs, 4 hands and hot candles, open late. See the guys on their website

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, Phaholyothin soi 7), fully equipped sauna, upscale decor, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gym, restaurant, bar, WiFi; mostly Thai and Asian clientele, naked and foam parties.

Dejavu (Lat Phrao soi 122, Klong Chan), men's cruise club, naked orgy nights, mask parties, mostly locals' scene.

Farose Sauna (108/3 Pradipat 19), 5-level sauna in Saphan Kwai; steam, cabins, dark room, rooftop deck, mostly young Thai crowd.

Farose II Fitness & Sauna (Ramkhamhaeng 21, Soi 2), large men's sauna facility, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tropical garden, gym, cabins, dark room, dance and karaoke club, restaurant, mostlly Thais.

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.

Jey Spa (15/1 Soi Sukhumvit 41), loving touch massage, four hands, deep relaxation techniques, happy endings.

Macho Sauna (Borommaratchachonnani Rd 15), across the river, mainly Thai/Asian crowd, hard-core men's naked/erotic zone, underwear nights; open until 6am, food service.

Nake Sauna (Happyland Sai1, Ladprao), men's sauna, cabins, Jacuzzi, dark room, stripper and sex shows, orgies, open late, local Thai crowd.

Nine Spa (296/2 Sukhumvit 31, Mona Suite, 2nd floor), oil, cream, traditional Thai massage services, aroma and hydrotherapy, body scrubs.

The Prince Men’s Spa (253/4 Suanplu Soi 6, Sathorn), luxurious facility with 34 rooms, massage services, VIP room with entertainment center, photos online.

R-3 Sauna (502/373 Ratchada Soi 3; Silom), 24-hour gay sauna/steam, with gym, Jacuzzi, dark maze, playspaces, cabins, video room, snack bar, and WiFi; mostly local crowd.

Sauna Mania (35/2 soi Phipat 2, off soi Convent, Sathorn) small gym, rooftop terraces, Sunday naked nights, dark room, wide range of ages, mostly Thais looking for Thais.

Sauna Phoenix (72/5 Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Rd), men's steam and sauna on three floors, private cabins, live shows, karaoke, local Thai crowd. Formerly EDOK - Erotic Divine Oops Kinky Sauna.

Senso (5/8 soi Saladaeng, Silom) men for men erotic massage spa, open daily 2-11pm, well-equipped, each room with shower, wide range of masseurs, hotel outcalls, and escort services.

Spa Bangkok (491/23-24 Silom Rd), serious massage services at the Silom Plaza Building (Thai Airways Office); Ministry of Health certified therapists, member discounts, day guests.

Underground 39 (1511/39 Phaholyothin), Phaya Thai by Saphan Kwai BTS Station, 4-floor sauna popular with younger Thais, sauna, gym, cruise area, roof deck, underwear and naked nights, orgy sessions.

Urban Male Massage (24/6 Sukhumvit 23) modern intimate boutique spa for men, spacious showers, private rooms, aroma therapy, highly skilled and personable masseurs.

V Club 7 (32 Chakran Building, Soi Ari 4, Soi Paholyothin 7, Phaholyothin Rd), men-for-men massage and scrub services, 4-hands options, handsome therapists, stardard to luxury rooms, out calls.

CLOSED: Adonis (Silom); Albury Men's Club (Sukhumvit); Aqua Spa (Sathorn); Bangkok 10 Sauna (Bangrak); Guy Spa (Wattana); Homme Club (Silom);  K-Male (Changwattana Rd); Men Factory Sauna (Silom); Mind Sauna (Prakhanong); S Sauna (Sena Center); Troy Sauna (Ladyao Jatujuck).

 

Bangkok Accommodations

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel (155 Rajadamri Rd), 354-room, full service, luxury hotel with full amemities, outdoor pool, 24-hour spa, eleven dining options, including three with Sunday brunch. Formerly Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok.

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.

Bandara Suites Silom (75/1 Saladaeng, Silom), big rooms, suites with kitchen, two pools, good location, reasonable rates, gay-friendly service, business center, restaurant/bar, sauna/gym.

Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel (21/100 S Sathon Rd), high-rise 5-star luxury resort and spa, 327 rooms/suites, full amenities. Vertigo & Moon Bar & Grill open-air terrace on 61st floor, with 360° panoramic views, one of several fine dining options.

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. The former Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok.

Furama Xclusive Sathorn (59 Silom soi 3, Phipat 2) rooms and suites, restaurant, pool, sauna, exercise room, in-room massage, near shopping and nightlife.

Glow Trinity Silom (150, Soi Phiphat 2, Silom), newly renovated large rooms, good location, gay-friendly staff, pool, sun deck, restaurant, WiFi.

The Heritage Silom (198 Soi Narathivas 3, Silom), gay-popular modern rooms next to BTS Chong Nonsi Station, pool, fitness area, sun deck, restaurants and bars, WiFi.

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 Lumphini Park, suites and executive rooms, large pool with bar, WiFi.

Malaysia Hotel Bangkok (54 Soi Ngam Duplee, Rama 4), longtime favorite, standard and luxury rooms, restaurant, pool.

Millennium Hilton Bangkok (123 Charoennakorn Rd, Klongsan), riverside high-rise rooms/suites, infinity pool, gym, sauna; eight restaurant/cafes include ThreeSixty Lounge with magnificent views, and Flow Restaurant beside Hilton Pier.

Muse Hotel Bangkok Langsuan (55/555 Langsuan Road), luxury high-rise boutique hotel, 174 rooms, pool, fitness, restaurants, bars, full amenities.

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, WiFi,

Oriental Residence Bangkok (110 Wireless Rd), 145 suites and apartments, 5-star, full-service luxury hotel, full amenities; Chinese restaurant/bar. Near US and UK embassies.

Rose Hotel (118 Si Phraya, Surawong Rd), central gay-friendly, nicely-priced rooms, guests okay, pool, spa, gym, WiFi.

Saladaeng Colonnade (21 soi Saladaeng, Silom), teakwood apartments, fitness center, long pool, in-room breakfast, monthly rates.

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok (Rama 1 Road 991/9), 303 rooms/suites, full service luxury hotel, restaurants/bars, fitness center and spa.

The Siam (3/2 Thanon Khao), 38 luxury suites and villas, boutique hotel, restaurants, bars, pool, sauna and spa.

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-hour services, Jupiter go-go boy club at street level.

Tarntawan Place Hotel (119/5-10 Surawong Road) stylish hotel, simple and deluxe suites, daily newspaper, restaurant with Thai and Japanese specials.

Vincents Guesthouse (12/1 soi Ngam Duphli, Rama 4) spotless rooms, restaurant, near Lumphini Park.

W Bangkok (N Sathorn Rd 106, Silom), 403 stylish boutique rooms/suites, restaurants/bars, gym/spa, business center.

For more hotels in Bangkok see our maps & listings tab.

 

Bangkok Shopping, & Grooming
The streets between and around Skytrain (BTS) stations National Stadium, Siam and Chit Lom, along Rama I Road (becomes Sukhumvit going east) are home to a number of large shopping centers and thousands of small shops and restaurants. See locations and links on our map.

Asiatique The Riverfront (Wat Ratche Singkhon Pier), new riverside complex of renovated warehouses, shops, promenade, restaurants; also the Calypso Cabaret, and Joe Louis Thai Puppet Theatre.

Central Chidlom (1027 Ploenchit Rd), 8-floor luxury department store, gourmet supermarket and freshly prepared foods, international restaurant.

CentralWorld (Sukhumvit at Ratchadamri Roads), 8-story upscale shopping mall, hotel, restaurant, and entertainment complex. Mejico Mexican Restaurant, on the malls's second level, does Friday Gents' Nights weekly, with DJ music.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market (Kamphaengpecth Station), among the world's largest, over 15,000 stalls on 27 acres of bargain hunters' delights, and plenty of food options too.

Cutey Beauty (Third Floor, Thaniya Plaza, Silom) hair coloring, cuts, massage, facials, body waxing, foot massage, etc.

Gateway Ekamai (Ekamai Station, Sukhumvit), Japanese lifestyles on 8 floors, fashions, restaurants, digital and electronic devices.

Gaysorn Plaza (Chit Lom Station, Ploenchit Rd), over 100 store include luxury brand names the likes of Prada, Gucci, Dior, and Vuitton.

Global Medical Clinic (281/15 Soi Silom Road; 2-635-5414) does cosmetic surgery, botox, lipoatrophy treatments.

Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company Shop & Cafe (9 Surawong Rd), traditional textiles factory outlet, contemporary art & design items, photo/art books, Thailand and SE Asian culture; plus Cafe 9, with Thai and international meals.

Khao San Road (Banglampu), famous strip of shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, and inexpensive hotels.

The huge MBK shopping mall has most everything in one location, a thousand stores, right by the National Stadium.

Pantip Plaza (604/3 soi Phetchaburi), electronics wonderland of computers, cameras, printers, software, repair facilities, music devices, and more.

Patpong/ Silom Night Market (Phat Pong 1), 7pm-midnight price-pleasing flea markets, clothing, music CDs, video DVDs, and food carts of every kind, each evening, except Mondays.

Siam Paragon Center, (Siam Station), fashion shows, aquarium, designer boutiques, restaurants and department stores.

Terminal 21 (Asoke Station), 9-floor center complex, shops, services, gourmet market, restaurants, cinema, fitness center.

 

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