Bangkok is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, and its gay and lesbian bars are no exception. These lively venues offer a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone. One of the most popular areas to explore is Silom, where you’ll find a bustling scene filled with energetic bars and nightclubs. This area is famous for its exciting drag shows and lively dance floors. Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll discover more spots known for their friendly crowds and relaxed vibes, making it a perfect place to start your night.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and intimate setting, the area around Sukhumvit has several cozy gay and lesbian bars worth visiting. This area features entertaining cabaret performances and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. For a unique experience, you’ll find spots known for their themed nights and inclusive environments. Whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away or enjoy a quiet drink with friends, Bangkok’s gay and lesbian bars offer a diverse and exciting nightlife experience.
Here are some of the best gay and lesbian bars in Bangkok:
Gay Bars
DJ Station
- Located on Silom Soi 2, known as “gay party street”
- Attracts a large international crowd and is one of the most popular gay clubs in Bangkok
The Stranger Bar (House of Drag Queens)
- Features drag shows and a stylish pub atmosphere
- Known for unique signature shots and sassy drag performances
Telephone Pub
- Opened in 1987, one of the oldest gay bars in Bangkok
- Offers indoor and outdoor seating, local and international food, cheap drinks, and entertainment
The Balcony
- Ideal for dinner, drinks, and socializing
- Has two outdoor terraces, indoor seating, and an upstairs karaoke bar
Silom Soi 4
- A side street off Silom Road with many gay bars, restaurants, and karaoke
- Great for pre-drinks and people watching, with happy hour from 5:30-6pm at most bars
Lesbian Bars and Events
Go Grrrls
- A popular monthly party for queer women expats and Thais
- Held at various venues, check their Facebook page for details
Vibe
- A monthly event that allows women to opt-out of Facebook photos
- Men are only allowed if accompanied by a woman
Lesla Party
- The biggest lesbian event in Bangkok, featuring house music, live Thai music, and games
- Attracts a mix of Thai and foreign lesbians, bisexual and queer women
Bangkok has a thriving and expanding LGBT nightlife scene, with something for everyone from cozy pubs to world-class clubs. The city is known as the “gay capital of Asia” and is very welcoming to LGBT travelers.
Which gay and lesbian bar has the best atmosphere for a night out?
For the best atmosphere for a night out, I recommend checking out DJ Station or The Stranger Bar (House of Drag Queens).
DJ Station is the premier gay club in Bangkok, located on the famous “gay party street” of Silom Soi 2. It attracts a large international crowd and is known for its packed dance floors, world-class sound system, and legendary parties that go late into the night. The club spans multiple floors, with a lounge area on the third floor for those wanting to relax.
The Stranger Bar (House of Drag Queens) offers a stylish pub atmosphere with a classy electric mix. It’s famous for its unique signature cocktails and sassy drag shows. The bar features a theater-like stage perfect for the lively entertainment. Both DJ Station and The Stranger Bar are located in the heart of Bangkok’s gay nightlife scene on Silom Soi 2 and Silom Soi 4.
For a more relaxed vibe, The Balcony is a great spot for dinner, drinks and socializing. It has two outdoor terraces for people watching, indoor seating for dining, and an upstairs karaoke bar. The Balcony is known for its cheap drinks and happy hour from 5:30-8pm.
Which gay bar is known for its best drag shows?
The Stranger Bar (House of Drag Queens) and House of HEALS are known for having some of the best drag shows in Bangkok.
The Stranger Bar is owned by M Stranger Fox, a contestant on Drag Race Thailand season 2, so they know how to put on great drag performances. Despite its compact space, the bar hosts big shows with famous Thai drag queens like Sriracha Hotsauce, Zymone, and Meannie Minaj. The Stranger Bar is located on Silom Soi 4 and is a lively spot for a night out.
House of HEALS, founded by Pangina Heals who is considered the drag mother of Thailand, features fierce shows by the country’s top drag acts. You can catch performances on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays featuring queens like Meannie Minaj, Dearisdoll, Annee Maywong, Gimhuay, and Pangina Heals herself. House of HEALS is located in the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel.
Other gay and lesbian bars known for their drag shows include Bipolar Silom, which does themed nights and drag performances, and Circus Soi 4, which promises three rounds of drag shows every night along with live DJs. Bangkok has a thriving drag scene, especially in the Silom neighborhood, making it a top destination to catch fierce and entertaining drag shows.
How safe is it to visit gay bars as a tourist?
It is generally very safe for tourists to visit the gay bars in Bangkok, especially in the popular Silom Soi 2 and Silom Soi 4 areas. Here are a few key points about safety:
- The Silom neighborhood, where many of the best gay bars are located, is considered one of the safest areas for tourists in Bangkok. The bars are well-established and popular with both locals and foreigners.
- Bangkok is known as one of the most gay-friendly cities in Asia. The Thai capital features an array of gay-friendly hotels, clubs, and famous gay bars that welcome tourists. The city has a thriving and expanding LGBT nightlife scene.
- Silom Soi 4 is a side street off the main Silom Road that is lined with gay bars, restaurants, and karaoke. It’s a very popular spot for pre-drinks and people watching, with a relaxed atmosphere. The bars on this street are considered safe for tourists.
- While it’s always wise to take normal precautions when going out at night, the gay bars in Bangkok, especially those clustered on Silom Soi 2 and Silom Soi 4, are considered safe places for tourists to visit and socialize. The areas are well-lit and busy at night.
So in summary, the gay bars in Bangkok, particularly in the Silom district, are very safe for tourists to visit. The areas are popular, well-established, and welcoming to foreign visitors. Just use common sense precautions when going out at night as you would anywhere.
Key safety tips for tourists visiting gay and lesbian bars in Bangkok
Here are some key safety tips for tourists visiting gay bars in Bangkok:
General Safety Tips
- Stick to the popular, well-established gay bars in areas like Silom Soi 2 and Silom Soi 4. These areas are considered very safe for tourists.
- Use common sense precautions when going out at night, just as you would anywhere. Avoid dark, desolate areas.
- Keep your hotel’s address handy in case you need to take a taxi back. Use reputable taxi services.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
- Dress conservatively, especially when going to or leaving the bars. Avoid wearing swimsuits or very revealing clothing outside of the beach.
Drugs and Alcohol
- Thailand has very strict drug laws. Avoid drugs completely as they can result in the death penalty.
- The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20. Avoid drinking in public places like parks, temples, or petrol stations.
- Don’t overindulge in alcohol. Stay aware of your surroundings and drink responsibly.
Meeting People
- Be cautious when meeting people at bars. Don’t leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
- Avoid going home with people you just met. If you do, take a taxi yourself rather than going with them.
- Be wary of people who may act like they are interested in you for more than money. Many tourists have had sad experiences with them.
As long as you use common sense precautions, the gay bars in Bangkok are generally very safe for tourists. Stick to the popular areas, be aware of your surroundings, and drink responsibly. With a bit of caution, you can have a fun, safe time exploring Bangkok’s vibrant gay nightlife scene.
