The Best LGBT Bars, Clubs & Pubs in Bangkok
Celebrated globally for its LGBT-friendliness, Thailand’s capital city has a thriving and continually expanding gay scene catering to both locals and foreigners alike. Referred to as the “gay capital of Asia,” Bangkok offers everything on the nightlife spectrum – from gay pubs and cafes to world-renowned clubs open well into the early morning.
DJ Station
Cocktail Bar, Nightclub, Thai, Pub Grub
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGpqZ6BMQQ5/?taken-by=djstationbangkok
DJ Station is THE premier gay club in Bangkok, headlining the LGBT circuit for years. Located on “gay party street” Silom Soi 2, packed to the brim with pre-game drink spots, DJ Station is the illuminated oasis attracting a robustly international crowd, from regional weekenders to gay tourists. While the interior shows a bit of wear from its years at the helm of the gay party scene, its momentum for drawing a packed venue every weekend has yet to abate.
GO GRRRLS
Bar, Contemporary
https://www.instagram.com/p/7niF62xpAS/?tagged=gogrrrls
The once noticeable gap in the Bangkok lesbian scene is quickly closing. Recently, the local LGBT community launched this monthly 24-hour party featuring several Bangkok resident DJs, playing a combination of indie-rock-electro music. Each party comes with a different theme, and costume-dress is highly encouraged. While hotly followed by the growing lesbian community, all are welcome.
The Balcony
Bar, Pub, Gay Bar, Thai, Pub Grub
An iconic staple of Soi 4, this popular gay haunt is named for its two balconies and an upstairs bar offering an aerial view of the street outside. Inside the lounge, visitors are transported to 1950’s Hollywood, complete with hugely popular cabaret nights. Happy hours are on from 5:30-8PM, with crowds accumulating by about 9:30. While advertised as a gay bar, the draw of the views, the cabaret, karaoke lounge, and game machines mean that a wide assortment of people fill the bar on any given night.
The Stranger Bar
Gay Bar, Bar, Restaurant, LGBTQ Bar, Thai, Pub Grub
Voted the Best Gay Bar Bangkok 2016 and 2017, this New York-themed bar attracts a true international mix. Famous for its drag shows– every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights – and gay bar classic drinks like the “sperm shot” and “golden shower,” while serving up a vast menu of standard Thai and Western bar food. Stop by early for happy hour before 9:00PM.
LESLA Party
Bar, Thai
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXafk_jA1Sf/?tagged=leslaparty
This monthly party has been coined the “mother of all Thai lesbian parties.” Assembling a medley of Thai and foreigner lesbian, bi-sexual, and queer women, the party carries on late into the night amid house music, games, and Thai live music. The venue is ever-changing among different clubs and bars in Bangkok, and so this hotly-followed party is always bringing a dynamic atmosphere and great times. Check their Facebook page for details on this month’s pop-up party.
Fork & Cork
Bar, Restaurant, Contemporary, Thai
Formerly known as Sphinx, Fork & Cork is a popular gay-owned restaurant and bar on the party-hub Silom Soi 4. Known for its generous selection of whiskeys, bourbons, and its coveted signature cocktails, it offers a chill-out vibe with its mix of live and jazz music. The restaurant serves up top-quality, authentic Thai and Western food to fill you up before entering the madness that is Soi 4 after dark.
Telephone Pub and Restaurant
Pub, Restaurant, Gay Bar, Bar, LGBTQ Bar, Pub Grub
Another famous bar on Silom Soi 4, 30-year old Telephone Pub and Restaurant is a popular stop for gay party-goers before heading to DJ Station. Situated at street level, the bar is an excellent spot for people-watching over cheap pub food and drinks. It attracts a huge variety of gay men from all over the world.
FakeClub
Bar, Nightclub, Thai
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be-il4hApgJ/?taken-by=fake_club_the_next_gen
This lavish, glittery venue boasts world-class audio systems and trippy light shows. Male models dance on stage as locally-famous live bands cover pop music from Thai hits to K-Pop and everything in between. The club expands the gay scene outside of Silom, and draws an eclectic crowd of Thais and foreigners alike.
Dick’s Café
Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Thai, Contemporary
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXssu9-lwez/?taken-at=509634262400969
One of the only Soi 4 establishments open during the day, Dick’s offers up Thai and Western food from 11 AM for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is open until 2 AM to grab some late night snacks as well. It’s popular for its quiet ambiance, where patrons are able to have conversations while still being smack in the heart of everything.
Connections Bar
Bar, Gay Bar, Thai, Pub Grub
Telephone Pub and Restaurant’s more low-key neighbor, Connections is a great spot for cheap drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. The bar’s owners are a staple that keep visitors returning and the vibe down-to-Earth. There is no restaurant, but the staff will bring food over from nearby restaurants to snack on while you down cheap beer after cheap beer and watch the chaos of Soi 4 unfold.