Looking for the best Bangkok Gay Bars for your next trip to Thailand? You’ve come to the right place!
Our Gay Bangkok Bars Guide features the Thai capital’s most popular cabaret shows, dazzling drag shows, friendly pubs, chic cocktail bars and late-night dance clubs.
If you’re booking your first LGBT holiday in Bangkok we’ve also included a list of the top attractions and tours perfect for those looking to explore the history, culture and mouth-watering food scene in Thailand’s electrifying capital.
Are Bangkok Gay Bars Safe?
Did you know that Thailand is ranked as the most gay-friendly country in Asia?
Homosexuality has been legal in Thailand since 1956. The military accepts citizens regardless of sexual orientation, and in a recent poll, 88.7% of Thais were shown to be accepting of the LGBT community. In 2022, a Partnership Registration Bill for LGBT couples was approved that allows same-sex couples to be recognized as life partners and provides them with the same rights and privileges as straight couples including the option to adopt children.
Bangkok hosted the Thailand Pride Parade in 2022 as the first formal Pride in the city’s history. The capital also hosts the popular Songkran Gay Circuit Party and Asia Circuit Festival.
I’ve traveled to Thailand six times and am always amazed at how friendly and welcoming locals are to the LGBT community. I think Thailand’s famous Drag Cabaret culture is indicative of why the country is considered one of the most trans-friendly destinations on earth.
If you’re looking to explore more of Thailand once you’re finished planning a fun gay Bangkok getaway explore other regions like Koh Samui, Krabi, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
You May Also Enjoy These Thai Travel Stories…
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- Best Bangkok Drag Show & Trans Cabaret Theatre
- Best Romantic Phuket Honeymoon Resorts & Hotels
- Air Canada Flight From Canada To Thailand
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- 10 Must Try Tastes in Thailand
Where Are The Gay Bars in Bangkok?
The hub of Bangkok Gay Bars can be found in the Silom neighbourhood. Silom is located just south of Lumphini Park and accessible via Si Lom Subway Station or Silom MRT Station.
There are two key streets where most of the gay nightlife takes place. Silom Soi 4, Bangkok’s lively gay bar street, and Silom Soi 2 known as the city’s LGBT clubbing headquarters, notably home to the iconic DJ Station.
Silom Soi 4 is the typical first stop for gay travellers looking to visit gay bars in Bangkok. On your first night out in the Thai capital we suggest bar hopping along the street, popping into drag shows, indulging in a craft cocktail or enjoying a cheap beer on an outdoor patio as it’s really the perfect perch to people watch.
While weekends are the busiest nights of the week to go out in Bangkok, since the city has so many tourists, cocktail bars, drag shows and cabaret performances can get packed even on a Monday or Tuesday during tourist high season from November to March.
The neighbourhood is filled with dangling rainbow flags, bustling outdoor patios and drag queens who lip-syncing for their life. Silom Soi 4 is at its best from 9pm to 12am so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pre-drink. After midnight most locals walk across the road to the gay party street of Silom Soi 2 to dance into the wee hours at DJ Station.
Bangkok Gay Bars Guide
Bangkok’s legendary gay nightlife is touted as the best in Southeast Asia for a good reason. The city has some of the best gay bars, clubs, saunas, and eye-popping go-go boy shows catering to LGBT crowds.
Bangkok’s position as the epicentre of commerce and travel in Southeast Asia means its gay scene is so lively you can easily party 7 nights a week thanks to the throngs of travelers who visit Thailand each year.
We spent 6 weeks hotel hopping in Bangkok, visiting over 20 luxury hotels, from the Four Seasons perched over the Chao Phraya River to chic Sofitel in Sukhumvit and the perfectly positioned Le Meridien in the heart of the city’s Silom gay village.
Living in Bangkok for several weeks meant we had the opportunity to revisit popular gay bars, drag shows and monthly LGBT dance parties to get a real sense of what venues are trendy.
Here is a list of our favourite Bangkok Gay Bars, perfect for a night out on your next visit to the Thai capital!
House of Heals
Renaissance Bangkok is one of the most popular hotel’s in the city for LGBT travelers as it’s located close to the Silom neighbourhood. The chic hotel is home to one of Bangkok’s most popular Drag Bars, House of Heals.
Thailand’s renowned drag celebrity Pangina Heals, known as the co-host of Drag Race Thailand and as a contestant in the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs. The World, oversees Bangkok’s most renowned drag club.
Located on the luxurious 33rd floor of the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, the popular Bangkok Gay Bar warmly invites enthusiastic guests seeking a vibrant night of dance alongside exceptional drag performers.
Drinks range from classic cocktails like mojitos to signatures like Pangina’s Kiss, premium wines like Moet Imperial Rose, ice-cold beer like La Trappe Witte and Asahi.
House of Heals runs fun queer programming throughout the week but Friday and Saturday nights are your best bet for a late night drag extravaganza. Before visiting review the House of Heals calendar and you’ll find fun theme nights like Rap Battle, Bingo Night, Diva Night, Country Queens and Mother Has Arrived.
If you’re traveling with a crowd book your night out at House of Heals in advance to enjoy bottle service at standing tables (1-5 people) or sofa seating (5-8 people).
DJ Station
DJ Station is legendary, by far the most famous of Bangkok’s gay nightclubs. It’s a must-see on any Bangkok Gay Bar Itinerary.
Located at the far end of Silom Soi 2, this massive 3-storey gay club kicks off each night with a series of lip-syncing divas before things get taken up a notch with shirtless go go dancers taking the stage.
With 3 different floors of fun, the club is busy every night of the week and becomes packed to bursting point at weekends. Things start to kick-off and the venue fills up around 11:30 pm.
The first 2 floors are for people looking to dance their socks off, while the 3rd floor is exclusive for those who want to spend quiet and intimate moment with friends or take a quick break from the energy downstairs.
It’s best to visit between 11-11:30pm if you want to catch the drag show. You’ll enjoy 30 minutes of classic drag ballads with Whitney and Celine making regular appearances as well as some Thai and international pop. Once the show is over around midnight the dancing begins.
DJ Station is known for playing remixes of the top mainstream international pop, think Kylie Minogue and Madonna.
Being Thailand’s most popular international gay club the crowd is a mix of local Thais, Asian and Western tourists.
The entry fee includes two drink vouchers and after that all drinks are 200 Baht (approximately 5 USD).
G Bangkok
G Bangkok, previously called GOD (Guys On Display) is the place to be after DJ Station closes (after 2 am). It’s the go-to after hours gay bar in Bangkok.
The popular dance venue features multiple floors and is open from 11pm until 3am. A drag show starts at midnight, which is a good option if you don’t want get squished and sweaty by the crowds at nearby DJ Station.
Usually crowds burst through the doors around 5am when the first floor gets tight. It’s the best place to take your top off and dance until the sun comes up. G Bangkok is home to some of Thailand’s most talented gay DJs spinning thumping circuit beats.
Like many bars in Bangkok, hours of operation can vary based on how busy things get. G Bangkok may close early when quieter than usual. The entry fee of 500 Baht and typically includes two drinks.
The Stranger Bar (House Of Drag Queens)
The Stranger Bar, aka House of Drag Queens, is located on Silom Soi 4, Bangkok’s bustling gay street.
The New York-styled bar serves cheap cocktails and beer at the main bar but we suggest heading up to the mezzanine for a bird-eye view of the drag queens.
Open every night of the week, The Stranger Bar in Bangkok is the only gay bar in the city that hosts drag shows Monday to Sunday, which typically start at 10pm.
Entry is free and drinks are very reasonably priced. The Stranger Bar Bangkok offers a daily 100 THB cocktail promotion plus a daily Happy Hour until 9 pm.
Tawan Bar
First opened in 1987, Tawan is a veteran amongst the historic gay bars in Bangkok.
Tawan Bar is the longest-running go-go gay bar in Silom, specializing in muscular Asian men go-go shows, the perfect spot for bear enthusiasts.
It offers one show per night from 10:30pm onwards with themed nights including a Leather Show and Pharaoh’s Show.
Drink prices are steep (400 THB) but worth it considering there’s no admission fee.
Jupiter2018 Bangkok
Jupiter2018 (previously Jupiter2002) is frequented by tourists who fancy experiencing a go-go bar show without too much pressure for anything more than a drink.
It’s one of the best-known gay go-go bars in Bangkok with male dancers and live shows that lean more towards the exotic and erotic end of the spectrum.
Jupiter2018 Bangkok offers sexy shows, male models, and sassy drag queens. It’s open daily from 8:30 pm to 1am with the main show starting at 10:30pm.
The entry fee is 500 THB and comes with 1 drink.
The Balcony Pub
The Balcony Pub is one of the largest bars on Silom Soi 4, which offers great monthly drink deals and several happy hours throughout the day.
The relaxing and friendly neighbourhood pub puts on fun nightly entertainment like karaoke, drag shows, open mic and trivia nights. It boasts ample indoor seating as well as a spacious terrace.
The Balcony Pub is the perfect spot in Bangkok’s Gay Bar hub to grab a cheap drink if you’re feeling peckish as they have an onsite restaurant. Highlights from the East meets West menu include Chicken Wings, Quesadillas, Pasta, Burgers, Schnitzel, Steak & Kidney Pie and long list of local Thai specialities.
Mainstream international pop music is played in the main bar but skip upstairs and you’ll find a second bar with a number of karaoke rooms.
Entry is free and drinks are very reasonably priced. A local beer costs 60 Baht ($2 USD). House drinks such as gin & tonic or vodka & coke cost 75 Baht ($3 USD).
Circus Soi 4
Circus Soi 4 (formerly Telephone Bar) offers a blend of drag performances and a prime outdoor seating area, practically on the runway of Bangkok’s vibrant gay neighbourhood.
The famous venue underwent a fierce transformation after running as the popular Telephone Pub for over 35 years. Skip inside and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a magical circus tent.
Circus Soi 4 is now one of the best Bangkok Gay bars to enjoy killer lip-sync drag shows. Offering a stage to some of the city’s most beloved local queens, Circus Soi 4 also hosts Djs that spin disco, techno, hip hop and house.
Known to locals as a gay theatre restaurant, enjoy an unforgettable meal while being entertained by drag queens in the colourful dining room or outside on the breezy patio.
Drag Queens perform 2 shows every night at 9pm and 10pm.
Banana Room Club
Banana Room Club offers a small outdoor terrace and indoor seating that wraps around a central stage where cabaret shows and go go dancers entertain until the wee hours.
One of the main attractions at the Banana Room Club are the Thai dancing shows. If you’re feeling brave, head over to the karaoke zone and show off your pop singer skills. Late at night strippers (and the onstage shower) make things a bit more racy.
Entrance costs 400 baht and includes 1 drink.
Bipolar Silom
Bipolar Silom is one of the newest gay bars in Bangkok’s Silom Soi 4.
Ready to entertain you with a fancy Drag Queen show in the early evening, then stay for the dancing DJ beats until late.
Drag show starts at 10pm. Bipolar Silom is only open on Friday and Saturday nights so it’s a must-see on weekends.
The popular Bangkok Gay Bar has a chic outdoor patio with stool and comfy couch seating. Late at night drag queens can be found dancing on the street so be sure to bring extra cash to tip them for their hard work, they’re literally pounding the pavement!
Fake Club
Fake Club Bangkok is located on Ratchadaphisek 4 Soi 1 near the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. The area has rapidly become a hip gay area of Bangkok, for local students and professionals to hang out.
Next door to Fake Club Bangkok is Fake Cafe, the original club before it expanded sideways. Fake Cafe offers a more relaxed, quieter bar and restaurant environment.
DJs at Fake Club play all the freshest divas from Lady Gaga to Beyonce as well as many Thai and K-Pop bands. Between 11pm and midnight, the bar hosts live music.
The popular Bangkok gay club is packed on weekends with a young, highly fashionable crowd of local Bangkokers. They dress in K-pop-inspired outfits and perform fun choreographed routines to “slut drop” the night away.
At the bar drink prices are reasonable with beers starting at 120 THB ($4 USD) and cocktails at 130 THB ($4 USD).
Fun Things To Do On A Gay Holiday In Bangkok
While it’s easy to relax in the lap of luxury at your Gay Bangkok Hotel pool or spa we suggest booking fun tours to experience all the Thai capital has to offer!
No trip to Bangkok is complete until you’ve visited the Grand Palace and many of the city’s golden glimmering temples. Many local guides offer fun tours for those who want to experience the city by tuk tuk, bicycle, riverboat or on foot.
Book one of these private or group tours to enjoy an authentic Thai experience that is sure to make your Gay Bangkok Getaway unforgettable.
- Private Bangkok Airport Transfer: arrive to Bangkok with ease by booking a private airport transfer in advance.
- Private 8 Hour “Best Of Bangkok In A Day”: first time visitors to Bangkok will love this full day private city tour featuring all of the city’s top attractions.
- Bangkok Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: enjoy sightseeing in the Thai capital at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus pass good on the Elephant GoGo Double Decker Bus. With 15 stops, you can explore many of the city’s top attractions.
- Calypso Cabaret Show: enjoy a night of dazzling entertainment at one of Bangkok’s most famous Drag Cabaret shows.
- Bangkok At Night: Temples, Markets and Food By Tuk-Tuk: on this 4 hour tour enjoy the magical of Bangkok at night via tuk tuk. Stops include temples, flower market, street food snacks and dinner at a local restaurant.
- Bangkok Walking Food Tour: join a fun small group walking tour to explore Bangkok’s famous street food scene. Sample dishes like pork with sticky rice and papaya salad.
- Manohra Luxury Dinner River Cruise: hop on a classy dinner cruise on a restored antique rice barge. Admire views of Bangkok’s twinkling skyline while enjoying a 4-course meal.
- Bangkok Jungle Bike Tour: fitness fans will love this 4 hour bike tour exploring Bangkok’s most beautiful natural spaces. Includes a delicious Thai lunch.
- Half Day Tour Royal Grand Palace & Bangkok Temples: this 5 hour private tour visits Bangkok’s most famous attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Traimit
- Food Market Tour + Thai Cooking Class: master the basics of Thai cuisine on this tasty tour, featuring a guided market visit followed by a cooking class with a professional chef in Bangkok.
- Muay Thai Show at Rajadamnern Stadium: sports enthusiasts shouldn’t leave Thailand without watching a Muay Thai Thai Kickboxing match.
- Railway Market, Floating Market & Salt Farm Tour: this popular 7 hour tour takes out outside of Bangkok to visit the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Railway Market. Includes a boat ride.
- Full Day Ayutthaya Historical Park Small Group Tour: this 9 hour day group tour visits the UNESCO Ayutthaya Historical Park located north of Bangkok.
- Pattaya and Coral Island Tour: this 13 hour group tour visits Pattaya and nearby Coral Island where you can swim and snorkel.
- River Kwai Full Day Tour: this 11 hour group tour includes a visit to the infamous bridge on the River Kwai, built by Allied prisoners of war (POW) during World War II. It includes a visit to a war cemetery, Japanese POW camp and buffet lunch.
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