Bangkok has a reputation for being a chaotic – yet fun – place to visit, perhaps thanks to films like The Hangover 2. A night out in Bangkok is always unforgettable – or more likely unremembered – and in the (in)famous Silom district, you'll find plenty of gay bars, clubs, saunas, and spas to justify its reputation. This, along with the laidback attitude of the population, is why it is often called the gay capital of Asia.

Beyond the revelry, you'll find a city that is modern while still retaining its cultural depth. Ornate temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew sit under futuristic skyscrapers, and floating markets glide along the Chao Phraya River, oblivious to the urban throng around them. The streets themselves always hum with energy and are perpetually alive with the scent of sizzling street food. Bangkok is vibrant, raw, and unforgettable—a city that demands to be experienced, not just seen.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Bangkok
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Bangkok
5. Gay Tours in Bangkok
6. Restaurants and Cafes in Bangkok
7. Bangkok Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Bangkok Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Events in Bangkok
10. Day Trips from Bangkok

General Tips

Bangkok gets hot. Really hot. To avoid the humidity, the best time to visit the city is from November to February. However, this is also peak season for that very reason, so be prepared to encounter large numbers of fellow tourists. Monsoon season runs from May to September. Though Bangkok is a busy and hot destination year-round, your best chance to avoid crowds and high temperatures is during the shoulder seasons—April to June and September to October.

Bangkok is also delightfully affordable. A budget hotel costs less than $15 per night, and you can even stay in a luxurious 5-star hotel for under $200. Street food is ingrained in the city's culture—delicious, fresh, and costing under $3 for a full meal, including a local beer. Bangkok's gay scene thrives in the Silom district, and a night out there is every bit as unruly as you'd hope.

You can download the Gay Bangkok guide for free. Just provide your email address and we’ll email you a PDF.

Download the Guide

Transportation & Airport Transfer

Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is just 20 miles (30 km) from the city center, with several transfer options including train, taxi, and buses. The Airport Rail Link is by far the easiest and quickest choice. The Airport Rail Link is the fastest option, taking 30-40 minutes and costing just 40 THB ($1.30). Depending on your hotel’s location, you may need to transfer to the BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (subway) to reach your final destination.

If you’re staying near Khao San Road in central Bangkok, the airport bus is a cheap and convenient option. It costs around 60 THB ($2) and takes about an hour, depending on traffic. Public buses are slightly cheaper but slower, taking 1.5 hours or more depending on traffic, though they operate 24 hours. Taxis are the most comfortable and convenient option but also the most expensive, starting at 420 THB ($14). Travel time is about 40 minutes or longer. During peak hours, request to take the expressway, which can save up to an hour of travel time.

Once you’re in the city, there are numerous transportation options including BTS (Skytrain), MRT (subway), buses, taxis, motorbike taxis, tuk-tuks, songthaews, express boats, and khlong boats. To get around Bangkok, we recommend taking the Skytrain or subway as other modes of transport are prone to gridlock traffic. For a more scenic route, hop on a Chao Phraya River boat and enjoy the cruise.

Gay Hotels in Bangkok

Luxury

SO Sofitel Bangkok – Rest in luxury at this chic and trendy 5-star hotel. Enjoy spectacular views of Lumphini Park and the city from every room, each featuring a minibar, refrigerator, and private bathroom with bathrobes. After a day of sightseeing, unwind in the Turkish steam bath and jacuzzi.

Urbana Sathorn – This 5-star property in Silom offers modern apartments with stunning city views of Bangkok. Rejuvenate in the jacuzzi, sauna, and rooftop pool, or stay active with squash courts, a gym, and a basketball court.

Mid-Range

Trinity Silom – A convenient 10-minute walk from Patpong, Si Lom, and MahaNakhon, this modern and stylish hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a sauna.

Bandara Suites Silom – This 4-star hotel offers comfortable accommodations with minibars and flat-screen TVs in each room. Take a dip in the stunning outdoor pool, relax in the jacuzzi and sauna, or take advantage of the free shuttle service.

Haven’t Met Silom – Located by the Chong Nonsi BTS Skytrain Station, this hotel boasts stylish rooms with oversized beds and rain showers. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site café and drinks at the fabulous rooftop bar with stunning views.

Furama Silom – Just steps from Si Lom, this hotel offers spacious rooms with minibars and city views, creating a stylish space to relax. Amenities include a bar and restaurant, as well as an outdoor swimming pool with incredible skyline views.

Budget

S1 Hostel – Located near Lumphini MRT Subway and Lumphini Park, this hostel offers clean and comfortable private rooms and dorms perfect for short stays. Amenities include air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a community space, making it a great value.

Bed by City Hotel – A nice budget option on a quiet street, just a short distance from the action in Silom’s gay district. Comfortable rooms come with all the necessary amenities, including Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. A 24-hour reception is perfect for late-night excursions into Silom.

Search Apartments on misterb&b

Sightseeing & Activities in Bangkok

Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) – A must-see for first-time visitors, Wat Pho is just a 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace and located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Part of one of the largest temple complexes in the city, the highlight is the impressive gold Reclining Buddha, standing 15 meters (50 feet) tall and stretching 46 meters (150 feet) long. Book tour →

Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) – One of the most stunning sights in Bangkok, Wat Arun features a striking 70-meter (230-foot) spire. Situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the temple boasts a design unique among Thai temples. Visit at sunset to witness it bathed in golden light, or come in the quiet of the morning before the crowds. Book tour →

Chatuchak Market – Dive into Bangkok’s vibrant street market culture at Chatuchak Market, a massive indoor and outdoor marketplace that’s a must-visit for tourists. With over 10,000 shops and stalls, you can spend hours exploring its offerings, which include Thai handicrafts, handmade goods, clothing, accessories, pets, and much more. Book tour →

Grand Palace – The most famous landmark in Bangkok, the Grand Palace, was built in 1782 and served as the home of the Thai King, the Royal Court, and the government’s administrative seat for 150 years. Admire the intricate architecture, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the Thai people. Within the same complex, visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Be sure to dress appropriately to enter this sacred space. Book tour →

Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) – Located in Bangkok's Chinatown, this ornate temple houses a 5.5-ton golden statue of a seated Buddha dating back to the 13th century. Don’t miss the museum and exhibits on the second and third floors. Book tour →

Chao Phraya River – Known as “The River of Kings,” this is Bangkok’s main waterway. Daily, 50,000 people avoid traffic gridlock by taking ferries to navigate the bustling city. Enjoy a riverboat cruise or travel like a local using this vital transit route. Book tour →

Gay Tours in Bangkok

Gay Private Explorer: An Insight Tour to Gay Nightlife – Explore Bangkok’s vibrant gay scene with a private guide tailored to your party’s preferences. Visit bars, clubs, and shows, with one drink included at two stops. Book tour →

Golden Dome Cabaret Show – Sit back and enjoy a dazzling performance by talented transgender artists in a show that’s captivated audiences for over 20 years. Expect world-class costumes, choreography, and a whole host of extravagant surprises besides.  Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes in Bangkok

Eat Me Restaurant – With an Australian owner and an American head chef, this outstanding upscale restaurant serves a fusion of international flavors. Dishes are created with sustainability in mind, making it a great spot for special occasions.

Ruen Urai – Tucked away in its own quiet corner of the city, this restaurant offers excellent, authentic Thai cuisine in a restored century-old traditional Thai house. It’s a romantic dining experience, showcasing Thai culinary art and elegant ambiance, surrounded by gardens and a pool.

FORK & CORK – A gay-owned restaurant and bar (formerly Sphinx), located near the gay bars at the end of Silom Soi 4 alley. It has a cool, quirky atmosphere with jazz and live music, and offers a mix of Thai and Western plates and cocktails, all at good value.

Pride Bar and Restaurant – A cute bar and restaurant located in Silom Soi 4, serving an Italian-Thai menu. It doubles as a Pride community center and features hot waiters, live singers, drag performances, and even an open mic night for those eager to showcase their vocal talents.

Blue Sky Restaurant – Bangkok's skyline is breathtaking from up high, especially at night. This restaurant maximizes the view with a romantic, blue-lit rooftop terrace. Serving French bistro cuisine and offering an extensive drinks menu, it’s a pricier option, but well worth it for the location and quality.

Bangkok Gay Bars and Clubs

Silom Soi 4 – (the main gay nightlife hub) – The heart of gay nightlife in Bangkok, this side street off Silom Road is where partygoers gather for pre-drinks between 9 PM and 12 AM before heading to Silom Soi 2 to dance the night away.

The Stranger Bar – Here be drag queens! Next to Telephone Pub, this smaller venue is tons of fun with no cover charge and lots of drag shows. Arrive early as it gets crowded. Enjoy daily happy hour and see talented queens like the beloved Pangina Heals.

White Rabbit – In the heart of the gay scene, this gay lounge and bar offers a relaxed vibe with free Wi-Fi. It serves both Thai and Western food, making it a perfect spot to order a meal, sip cocktails, and enjoy entertaining shows.

The Balcony – A popular gay bar on Silom Soi 4 with indoor and outdoor seating and reasonably priced food and drinks. While it gets busy, it’s worth a visit for happy hour, live DJs, drag shows, and karaoke upstairs.

Connections – A fun, friendly bar at the heart of Silom Soi 4. Intimate and relaxed, it’s a great spot to enjoy a cocktail and people-watch before diving into the nightlife. The staff are famously welcoming and conversational.

DJ Station – Situated on Silom Soi 2, this gay institution is Bangkok’s largest and most popular gay nightclub. Watch the drag show, then dance across three floors to live DJ sets. It’s packed every night, with weekends being the busiest.

G Bangkok (G.O.D.) – After DJ Station closes, head to this late-night club to dance with shirtless revelers until dawn. The venue spans three floors with a small stage, dance floor, DJ booth, and bar. A drag show takes place at midnight for early arrivals.

Fake Club The Next Gen – An alternative to DJ Station, this club features a large stage and dance floor, attracting a young, trendy, and mostly Asian crowd. It’s busiest on weekends. For a more relaxed atmosphere, visit Fake Café next door.

G-Spot Theme Party – (monthly) – Held on the first Saturday of every month at Vertigo TOO, Banyan Tree, this is Bangkok’s hottest gay Saturday night. Expect drag shows, games, costume contests, and prizes.

Bangkok Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Chakran Sauna -Located in Phaya Tai near the BTS Ari Skytrain Station, this upscale gay sauna features an impressive sun terrace with a skyscraper view. It also offers small saunas, various steam rooms, a jacuzzi, swimming pool, private cabins, a gym, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Recently, they added a BDSM room and the “Chinko Room,” a “secret room” where different “eccentric” activities are hosted weekly, according to their website. Peak times are weekday evenings and weekends from 3 PM.

Heaven Sauna – This sauna is a hidden gem on the fourth floor of the Bis Building, tucked behind a furniture shop. It's worth seeking out for its laidback vibe, which is popular among bears and admirers. Facilities include wet and dry saunas, a maze, private cabins, a sun terrace with a jacuzzi, a gym, a bar, and even a restaurant.

R3 Sauna – Known as a luxury gay sauna welcoming all members of the gay community, R3 Sauna is located in Ratchada Soi 3, a bustling business district popular with expats. It’s especially busy on weekends and hosts special on-site events for both locals and foreign visitors. R3 also operates several other saunas in Bangkok, such as Sauna Mania, which has a grittier vibe and is located in Silom.

Gay Events in Bangkok

Bangkok Pride – Typically celebrated in October or November, Bangkok Pride is organized by the Bangkok-based LGBT advocacy group OUT BKK. The event spans a week and features workshops, film festivals, art exhibitions, and a variety of parties at different venues. Many local businesses decorate and offer special Pride-themed promotions.

White Party Bangkok – One of the world’s largest gay dance festivals, this New Year’s circuit party includes five indoor and outdoor events over four days. Join party-goers from across Asia and beyond to enjoy world-class DJs and performers.

gCircuit – Held over three days in April to celebrate Thai New Year, this is the biggest annual gay circuit party in Asia. Thousands of men from around the globe gather who know how to party!

Day Trips from Bangkok

Pattaya – Just 91 miles (147 km) southeast of Bangkok, you can reach this seaside resort by bus, minivan, car, or plane. The bus is the most economical and popular option, taking about two hours. Pattaya is located on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast and is known for its beaches. Over the last 50 years, it has transformed from a small fishing village into a resort town with golf courses, nightclubs, and the Wat Phra Yai Temple, featuring a 60-foot (18-meter) tall golden Buddha. Book tour →

Khao Yai National Park – About a three-hour drive from Bangkok (112 miles/180 km), you can travel by taxi, minivan, or bus. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 1,200 square miles (2,000 square kilometers) of lush central Thailand forest and grasslands, with mountainous waterfalls and valleys offering hiking and biking trails. You’ll also find diverse wildlife, Wild West-themed parks, vineyards, and many waterfalls, including Haew Narok (500 feet/150 meters tall) and Haew Suwat (65 feet/20 meters tall). Book tour →

Kanchanaburi – A town in western Thailand that is a WWII historic site and riverside area. Popular tourist spots include the Death Railway, Kwai River Bridge, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, and the JEATH War Museum, which honors POWs who died building the bridge. There’s also the Thailand-Burma Railway Center, which focuses more on the railroad post-construction. The best time to visit is from November to February, as it gets very hot during the peak of summer (April). Book tour →

Phra Nahon Si Ayutthaya – Located 80 km (50 miles) north of Bangkok, this hidden archaeological gem was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Ayutthaya Historical Park features the ruins of the old city, destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Visitors can explore remains of the palace, Buddhist temples, monasteries, and statues at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most famous site is Wat Chaiwatthanaram,, a Buddhist temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. For a change of pace, consider a boat cruise from Ayutthaya to Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River. Book tour →

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market -This iconic floating market is located 100 km (60 miles) southwest of Bangkok. It’s a popular tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors, where the river fills with wooden boats brimming with fruits, vegetables, and goods sold to buyers onshore.. Book tour →

Image credits: Tourism Authority of Thailand. Featured image credit: The Gay Passport

Note: Some of these links are affiliates which means using them won’t cost you any extra but we do receive a small commission for each referral. You're not obligated to use them but we appreciate it if you do. Thanks in advance for supporting this site if you choose to use our link!