Few destinations meet as many travel desires as Thailand. Sandy beaches with year-round hot temperatures? Check. Luscious rainforests inhabited by all kinds of exotic creatures? Check. Grand architecture with deep histories connected to religion and royalty? Check. A cosmopolitan urbanity with shopping, clubbing and enough trouble to get into when the sun goes down? Check, check, check.
As the capital city, Bangkok encapsulates many of these traits. With a metro population of more than 17 million, it’s large enough to enjoy multiple airports, subway lines and quality hotels, but still has ancient buildings and preserved forested areas that make a traveller feel like an explorer. With its many sights, its heavyweight culinary culture and its wide array of price points that suit anyone, from backpacker to billionaire, Bangkok is as versatile as it gets. It’s also a global hub for Buddhists and those seeking a spiritual connection.
For many, Bangkok’s reputation for partying supersedes its many other draws. Called “the world’s nightlife capital,” Bangkok attracts visitors eager to delight in its sometimes-wild bars and clubs, cheap beer and seemingly permissive culture when it comes to drugs and sex.
Much like with Amsterdam, Bangkok’s global reputation has been moulded over the years in part thanks to its red light districts, like Soi Cowboy (Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok) and Nana Plaza (3, 1 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok), which provide transactional opportunities to fraternize with the locals. Domestic breweries like Singha, Chang and Leo have flooded the market with low-cost drinking options, and movies like The Hangover Part II only popularized what many travellers already knew: if you want to get wild in Asia, Thailand is the place to go.
But what about queer locals and visitors? Is all the hype solely to be enjoyed by straight cis people? Or can LGBTQ+ folks get as much—or more—bang for their buck in Bangkok as anyone else?
Fortunately, the answer to that question is an emphatic yes. Thailand has led the way in Asia with respect to LGBTQ+ rights. Homosexuality has been legal in the country for 60 years—decades before even supposed Western bastions of progressiveness like the United Kingdom and the United States. The country legalized equal marriage in January 2025. Queer Thais are able to adopt kids, and trans people have been able to legally change their gender since 2007.
LGBTQ+ Thais need to be given much credit for this LGBTQ+-friendly attitude. Several magazines and periodicals created by Thai queers were popularized throughout the 1980s, ’90s and early 2000s. Mithuna Junior, which was launched in 1984 and ran for 13 years, is considered Thailand’s most commercially successful gay zine and, in addition to steamy photos, shared local-language info about gay socializing, life and health—eventually becoming an important resource during the global HIV/AIDS crisis.
The trans community, too, has carved out space for themselves in Thailand’s cultural consciousness. Though it’s not a one-to-one overlay of how Westerners use the term trans, the “kathoey” (more commonly known as ladyboys, people born as men who identify and present as women) have formed a distinct presence in Thai culture. While some perform in clubs and engage in sex work, they have also been featured in modelling, on TV and in other parts of the wider Thai culture. For instance, Miss Tiffany’s Universe, a huge beauty pageant specifically for kathoey, has been taking place annually since 1998.
Yes, the queer and trans community has been able to flourish not only in Bangkok’s shadows but also in its spotlight. That broad tolerance has allowed the LGBTQ+ community—along with its art and business—to create a foothold in the city, the likes of which you might not expect to see in other Asian hubs. Especially ones that also have deep religious roots like Bangkok.
Though Bangkok is very queer in general, finding queer hotspots isn’t always easy. Because of the broader social acceptance, Bangkok lacks a single central district where all the queer bars, hotels and other venues operate. The scene is always changing and venues can be found in unexpected places, for example, alleyways, malls and mainstream hotels.
But we’re here to help. Here are our recommendations for the best of LGBTQ+ Bangkok.
What to see and do
Wat Pho (2 Sanam Chai Rd., Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok). A visit to Bangkok isn’t complete without visiting a Buddhist temple. Buddhism is the country’s dominant religion and its very roots can be traced to the region. Because there are dozens of beautiful temples scattered around the city, you’re likely to stumble upon a few when out and about; however, if you’d like to be more intentional, the Wat Pho is a safe bet with its huge grounds, a much-photographed sculpture of the city’s largest reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand and very tourist-friendly policies.
The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok). The Grand Palace has been the home of the kings of Thailand since the 1780s. While Thailand’s adoption of Western-style of monarchy and culture is partly credited for slowing the country’s progress on LGBTQ+ rights, it’s hard to argue that the complex isn’t stunning. Within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the nation’s most sacred and arguably most beautiful Buddhist temple. Be warned—the palace is sometimes closed for ceremonial or government reasons, so check public access in advance.
King Power Mahanakhon (114 Narathiwas Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok). Yes, going to the roof of the “King P” tower may be the most touristy thing to do on this list. But visiting one of a country’s tallest buildings is a tried and true tradition of visitors all around the world. King P is no exception. At 314 metres, the observation deck gives a 360-degree view of the entire city, complete with a glass platform that will have you hovering above Bangkok’s streets.
Thai Glam Studio (243 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon). Nothing helps you feel as though you’re a celebrity like being followed around by a photographer. That’s exactly what this costume rental/photography business does. They have an assortment of sumptuous outfits across the gender spectrum to help you get into the traditional Thai spirit, and then their photographers bring you on a walking tour of the nearby Wat Arun temple while taking literally hundreds of photos. It is an incredibly popular offering, so be prepared to line up and wait with other groups to get exactly the shots you want.
Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium (8 Rajadamnern Nok Rd., Wat Somanas, Pomprapsattruphai, Bangkok). Watching combat sports might not make the top of every queer traveller’s must-do list, but the roots of Muay Thai run deep in Thailand. The Rajadamnern Stadium is considered the birthplace of professional Muay Thai aka Thai boxing. Besides, what’s better than watching muscled, shirtless men go at each other? The more affordable tier of tickets are reserved for Thai locals, but the cheapest ticket for visitors is still only 1,500 baht.
Lumphini Park (main entrance at corner of Rama IV and Witthayu roads, Pathum Wan, Bangkok). While Bangkok is Thailand’s most urban and industrialized city, it still has preserved green spaces. One of the best and most easily accessible is Lumphini Park, a sizable place for jogging, cycling or just strolling to get away from the bustle of Bangkok’s busy streets. Free-to-use public exercise equipment is located throughout the park, and visitors can rent pedal and rowboats to leisurely circle the small lake.
Chao Phraya River. Called the “River of Kings,” the Chao Phraya cuts through the heart of Bangkok and is Thailand’s main water artery. If you don’t have much time in the city and want to get a quick look at major sights like the Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, a hired ride up and down the river is a great choice. There are dozens of companies that offer such trips, but avoid those charging thousands of baht. Even a round-trip water taxi ride, hopping on and off at stops that seem most appealing, can get the job done for less than 100 baht a ride. On most boats you’ll find water sheeting to pull up over your body and clothes, to repel the splashes of dirty water.
Asiatique: The Riverfront Destination (2194 Charoenkrung Rd., Wat Phrayakrai, District Bangkor Laem, Bangkok). Accessible by boat or from Charoenkrung Road, this large open-air market has food, shopping and theme park–type attractions. When you see the 60-metre Ferris wheel, you’ll know you’re there.
Rama I Road shopping malls. With shopping malls at all price points, some with fantastic food courts, Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise. Your budget and your tastes will determine which malls you gravitate toward, but the densest concentration is along Rama I Road, between the Phloen Chit and National Stadium metro stops. The mammoth MBK Center is known for its cheap clothing, souvenirs and affordable food court.
Where to stay
ibis Styles Bangkok Silom (289 Silom Rd., Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok). If you’re looking for affordable, quality rooms very close to the LGBTQ+ hotspots of Silom Soi 4 and Silom Soi 2, ibis Styles Bangkok Silom is the right choice. With over 260 rooms it’s large enough to keep rates reasonable, but with well-kept and designed spaces. Within walking distance of a dozen queer bars and clubs, it knows its clientele—a peek at their Instagram account confirms that.
Blu Cabin Gay Poshtel at the VCK Cool Space (32 Soi Ari 4, Phaholyothin 7 Rd., Phayathai, Bangkok). When convenience is your number one priority, consider checking out this “posh hostel.” There aren’t many rooms, but this men-only venue is attached to the VCK Cool Space, which runs queer pool events and has exercise spaces and restaurants. It’s also attached to the Chakran Sauna (more info below). You could eat, sleep, workout, party and cruise all without leaving the complex.
Lebua at State Tower (1055 Silom Rd., Bangrak, Bangkok). Lebua is definitely on the grander, more luxurious side of the scale—a real beauty of a hotel. Though not explicitly queer, they are LGBTQ-friendly, lighting up their balconies in rainbow colours to celebrate special occasions. Those balconies are high enough to see much of Bangkok, and they’re very close to the Chao Phraya River and Skytrain. An Instagram-worthy stay.
SO/ Sofitel Bangkok (2 North Sathorn Rd., Bangrak, Bangkok). Like ibis Styles, SO/ Sofitel is a hotel so close to the queer Silom Soi streets that they especially embrace LGBTQ+ visitors. They even host a monthly queer pool party. But their added edge, they argue, is their “French luxury” aesthetic. That means lavish bathtubs, minimalist interior design and an emphasis on elite dining.
The Standard (114 Narathiwas Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok). Even though simple design choices and minimal clutter is on trend for hotels, some venturing queers want accommodations as bold as they are. That’s where the Standard comes in. Like the other hotels on this list, it’s within walking distance to the majority of queer bars, but still far enough that you don’t feel like you’re in the middle of the action. With their funky colours and designs, they’ve earned enough hype to be named one of Bangkok’s top five hotels by Travel + Leisure.
137 Pillars Suites and Residences (59/1 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok). The luxury hotel market is very competitive in Bangkok; there are few places on Earth where a smart shopper can more easily find something super posh at a less-than-posh price. For amazing design, amazing service and a rooftop swimming pool 40 storeys up, 137 Pillars delivers all that you’ve fantasized a luxury hotel should be.
Where to eat
Ruen Urai (118 Surawong Rd., Bangrak, Bangkok). It feels fitting to start this list of eateries with a queer-owned and -operated venue, but that’s not the only reason you should check out Ruen Urai (which means “the House of Gold”). The city has many fine-dining options for Thai food, so it’s really the ambiance that pushes Ruen Urai to the top. It’s located in a restored century-old traditional Thai house of golden teakwood, overlooking the large pond and tropical garden of the nearby Rose Hotel.
The Never Ending Summer (760/1 Lat Ya Rd., Khlong San, Bangkok). For a more casual and social dining experience, the Never Ending Summer has many devoted fans. Located in a spacious converted warehouse, the entire kitchen is encased in glass panels, meaning you can enjoy the food while watching the process of how it’s made. As well, the Never Ending Summer is just a 10-minute walk from ICONSIAM (299 Charoen Nakhon Rd., Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok), one of the premiere shopping malls in Thailand.
Sushi Sora (Ground floor, SO/ Bangkok Hotel, 2 N. Sathon Rd., Pathum Wan, Bang Rak, Bangkok). If you’ve had your fill of Thai food, unsurprisingly Bangkok also has exceptional Japanese and Chinese restaurants. One such venue is Sushi Sora, an “omakase” restaurant—meaning the chef will choose the items in your meal based on seasonal specialties. It’s a lack of control that not everyone appreciates, but if you can hand yourself over to the experience, you’ll lavish in the personalized journey and exposure to new dishes. They have only eight seats.
Babyccino (Siam Discovery, G Floor, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, and other locations). Babyccino is a success story that just keeps building on itself. Known mostly for its mouthwatering baked goods and flavour-packed smoothies and milkshakes, the eatery has since expanded into brunch and dinner, becoming increasingly known for menu options like pizza and fried chicken. The most interesting location is at the Siam Discovery complex, a 1997 building that was extensively renovated in 2016 and features a futuristic, innovative design that makes the building look like it jumped straight from a computer.
Corgi in the Garden (240/1 Charoen Nakhon 10 Alley, Khlong San, Bangkok). If you need a mid-trip pick-me-up, look no further than this pet café. Its drinks and baked goods are tasty, but the real appeal is dining in the midst of more than two dozen corgis, all perfectly manicured and eager to interact. There are a number of animal cafés in Bangkok, so you want to be cautious about which seem to treat their animals well and which don’t. Here, it’s immediately clear how much the staff love and care for these dogs.
Where to party
Silom Soi 4 and Silom Soi 2 (Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok). Though Bangkok doesn’t have a dedicated queer district, it does have two side streets—you can call them alleys or sois—not too far from each other, both energetic hubs of queer bars and activity. Though the many venues come and go, gain and drop in popularity, Silom Soi 4 and Silom Soi 2 are must-visit for those hoping to bar hop among LGBTQ+ parties in Bangkok. On these fully pedestrianized streets, one can safely stumble from door to door. Addressing can be unclear—you’re going to have to look for the signs; bouncers will tell you a place is hopping when it’s not—and visitors will need to use their intuition to determine if it’s worth it. We’ll start our listing with some of Silom Soi 4 and 2’s best and most dependable hotspots.
The Stranger Bar (98 Silom Soi 4, end of the soi, Bang Rak, Bangkok). Don’t be fooled by its smaller stage, this is the spot for drag shows on Silom Soi 4. Owned by Drag Race Thailand alum Miss M Stranger Fox, the cabaret’s performances and crowds kick in at around 10 p.m. Like most of the bars in Bangkok, cover comes with a certain number of drink tickets, which you can spend while watching the queers and their dancers twirl.
The Balcony Pub (84-88 Silom Soi 4, Bang Rak, Bangkok). A people-watcher’s dream. With outdoor seating that sprawls down the walkway of Silom Soi 4, it’s impossible not to notice and be noticed when walking by this resto-bar, which has a karaoke club upstairs. It’s a great cocktail-hour venue to grab a drink at while you’re waiting for other bars to get busier. If you keep your eyes open and make some eye contact, you might pick up a number or two as well. If there are no free seats, never fear. Just pick one of the identical-seeming bars around Balcony, like Telephone Pub, which also has karaoke upstairs, or Circus.
DJ Station (11 Silom Soi 2/1, Bang Rak, Bangkok). For more of a club versus bar vibe, wander over to DJ Station. The long-running three-story club is one of Thailand’s biggest gay clubs—and its most iconic. It gets packed on the weekend with locals and visitors who love heavy beats, sweaty grinding and nonverbal cruising. Expect drag shows, too.
G Bangkok (formerly G.O.D.) (22 Silom Rd., Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok). This late-night shirts-off club is a five-minute walk from DJ Station. It can be intense. Note that there is now another Bangkok club called G.O.D., which is not this gay club.
House of Heals (Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, 518, 8 Phloen Chit Rd., Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok). If you’re willing to hop into a tuk-tuk and venture away from Silom hotspots, House of Heals is a can’t-miss drag club. Located on an upper floor of a five-star hotel, the nightly shows feel like a premium going-out experience from the moment of arrival. Add to this some of the best drag performances in the country (the venue is owned by Drag Race Thailand host Pangina Heals), and you’re in for a fabulous night.
Rush Bar (5th floor, 60 23-24 Silom Rd., Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok). House of Heals was just step one in Pangina Heals’ plan for world domination. She’s also behind this men-only shirts-off (and sometimes pants-off), circuit-inspired club. The go-go boys aren’t the only ones letting it all hang out.
Beef BKK (9th floor, Silom Edge, 2 Silom Rd., Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok). Another of Pangina Heals’ footprints on Bangkok gay life, this ain’t your typical North American-style bear bar. Think more of a hyped-up Japanese-style go-go bar with beefy dancers and, of course, drag.
GCIRCUIT (various venues, April 10 to 14, 2026). One of Asia’s biggest gay circuit party promoters blows the roof off a big venue each April with a six-party lineup of some of the world’s hottest DJs…and attendees. Channel your inner go-go boy.
White Party Bangkok (various venues, December 2025, exact dates TBA). This annual series of circuit parties leading up to New Year’s Eve attracts as many as 40,000 attendees from 120 countries with its over-the-top productions. The promoters also work with Spain’s Matinee Group to produce Circuit Festival Asia, held in the beach resort town of Pattaya, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Bangkok. The next one is May/June 2026; exact dates TBA.
Les Hi Bar (30 Vibhavadi Rangsit 8 Soi, Ratchadaphisek, Din Daeng, Bangkok). Finding women-loving-women in Bangkok can be more daunting than finding gay men, but they’re there. This women-only LGBTQ+ bar is the best place to start. It’s welcoming, unpretentious, and attracts both locals and visitors. The vibe can depend on the theme, but there’s pretty much always dancing.
GIRLxGIRL (various venues). These sparklingly sapphic parties happen every couple of months, organized by a non-profit group dedicated to bringing women-loving-women together. Women, trans mascs, trans femmes, nonbinary people and other sapphic identities are welcome.
Go Grrrls (various venues). This roaming all-queer party has been serving “glitter-coated rebellion” since 2013. For inclusive chaos and a chance to get all glam, watch the Facebook page for the next iteration of this party.
Where gay and bi men can have fun
Chakran Sauna (First floor, Chakran Building, 32 Soi Ari 4, Phaya Thai, Bangkok). A popular spot among locals, in part due to its central and easy-to-get-to location—not too far from the Silom Soi queer bars, making for a streamlined journey after last call. Equipped with a gym, bar, restaurant, and both wet and dry heat rooms, it’s a versatile space for both chatting socially and more serious cruising at a reasonable price. Connected to the VCK Cool Space.
Krubb Bangkok (112 112 Sukhumvit Plus 2 Soi, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok). Krubb promotes the social aspect of the club beyond anything else. In addition to amenities like a gym, adult playgrounds (including a boxing ring for your Muay Thai fantasies) and water features (there’s a heated whirlpool on the rooftop), this multi-story sauna boasts co-working spaces, convenient for rubbing elbows (and other appendages) between sending emails. There are even game nights. The mostly undressed guys on their Instagram account suggest other activities entirely.
1/0 Sauna (1113/11 Surawong Rd., Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok). The priciest sauna on this list provides better quality towels, lockers and other amenities. It’s a large space too, with pods of shared showers and a maze of glory holes, cages and dual-level walkways. Though social media isn’t everything, 1/0 has an especially high Instagram follower count, suggesting that there’s something about this sauna that keeps guys coming back.
R3 Sauna (502/373-374 Ratchada Soi 3, Asoke-Dindeang Rd., Bangkok). Farther from Bangkok’s more business-oriented core, R3 attracts a diverse crowd of locals: younger, less affluent. Some of its unique features also speak to a younger clientele—a soft drink bar, “fantasy” rooms, a movie theatre.
Where to shop
FORFUN Store (508 Sammie Alley, Bang Bumru, Bang Phlat, Bangkok). Bangkok is a city where you can buy jockstraps from vendors on the street and find fetish wear at the mall. For something more specialized and of a higher quality, this queer-friendly shop has an array of leather and latex outfits, and lots of accessories for pet play.
Chatuchak Weekend Market (Near Kamphaeng Phet metro station, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd., Chatuchak, Bangkok). Boasting that it’s “the world’s largest weekend market,” the Chatuchak Market has 15,000 stalls and is definitely Thailand’s largest outdoor marketplace. It combines street haggling with the large array of options you might see at a mega-mall. Since the Chatuchak Market is accessible by the Skytrain, you can access it without wasting hours stuck in congestion.
ICONSIAM (299 Charoen Nakhon Rd., Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok). Your jaw will drop when you step into this humongous mall—mine did. Sitting right on the Chao Phraya River, ICONSIAM has more than 500 retail stores and 100 eateries. But it’s more than the scale that marks it as a must-visit. It’s the beauty of the space, which is fitted with impressive indoor waterfalls, rivers, trees and light fixtures. Just scaling the escalators is a sight. With affordable food courts, performance spaces and high-calibre rooftop patios, you could also easily enjoy an entire day and several meals at ICONSIAM.
The Platinum Fashion Mall (11th floor, 222 Phetchaburi Rd., Bangkok). As the name suggests, this is the destination for style-conscious and trend-savvy travellers. It’s like an indoor, clothing-oriented version of the Chatuchak Weekend Market, with more than 2,000 stalls of outfits, shoes, accessories and makeup. Though it’s called a “mall,” it’s really more of a marketplace. Be prepared to bargain, and don’t expect change rooms or shop aides. Know your measurements and move quickly.
Floating Markets. Shopping in a foreign land isn’t only about what you can uniquely buy there but also how you can buy it. Thailand is popular for its floating markets—occasions to drift down one of its many intersecting waterways and purchase produce, trinkets and other assorted goods all without leaving the boat. There are a dozen floating markets within Bangkok’s city limits, but the region’s most famous ones are Damnoen Saduak (Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi, Thailand) and Amphawa (Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram, Thailand). Both require driving over an hour and a half, but the trip is worth it for those seeking a truly original shopping experience.
