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Best Gay Bars in Bangkok

Stefan Arestis
Best Gay Bars in Bangkok

Our detailed gay guide to all the best gay bars in Bangkok to check out including those in Silom Soi 4 and more scattered around the city.

Take it from us, you'll have a fantastic time in the gay scene of Bangkok!

From Balcony to Stranger Bar, Hugs to Circus, the gay scene of Bangkok is next-level fierce!

We always look for an excuse to stop over in the Thai capital whenever we can. Every night the gay bars on Silom Soi 4 are alive and kicking full to the brim with gay guys from all over.

On our recent trip to Bangkok, we went beyond the Silom Soi 4 pink bubble to discover a plethora of gay bars dotted all around the city – there are many! For a deeper insight, check out our guide to the gay neighborhoods of Bangkok.

In this article, we've written about all the best gay bars we've come across in Bangkok from our many visits here. So slip into your best-sequined ensemble, grab your fiercest friends, and get ready to slay the night away…

Gay bars in Silom

For a small area, the gay neighborhood of Bangkok packs in a lot! There are many small bars, clubs, and restaurants, all within walking distance of each other here, most of which are located on the gay street of Silom Soi 4. Most gay travelers will head to Silom Soi 4 which makes it very international.

Seby and Stefan having drinks with new friends at Circus gay bar in Bangkok.
Circus gay bar always makes for an epic night out!

Circus

One of the largest gay bars in Bangkok. We love getting a front row seat at one of the tables in the terrace outside of Circus. Throughout the night it will have various drags shows performing inside and outside. It also makes for a handy meeting spot when meeting a group of friends.

The interior features red drapes on the walls that make it feel like you are actually inside a circus tent, with plenty of sparkling chandeliers and disco balls hanging from the ceiling. They also serve delicious food here (from Pride's kitchen) – try the Pad Thai – trust us 🙂

They usually play mainstream pop music, with some guilty pleasure tracks thrown in while the crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, some on holiday and others just relaxing after a long day at work.

Our tip – come early so you can get a front-row seat at one of the outside tables!

  • Address: 15 Silom Soi 4
  • Operating hours/days: Every day from 5pm until 11pm
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station, Silom Soi 4 is right next to the station

Balcony Pub

Directly across the street from the Pride Bar/Restaurant is the just-as-fabulous Balcony Pub. Which one you choose to hang out at really depends on where you can find a table available outside. Balcony also has a dining area inside and a karaoke bar upstairs.

Whilst Stranger Bar has the monopoly on drag shows in Silom Soi 4, Balcony has some excellent cabaret and GoGo dancer shows on most evenings from around 10.30 pm, plus there’s a pub quiz every Monday night where you can win vouchers to spend in the pub. Of course, I’m banned from this by Seby as nobody needs to see me get even more clumsy after a few drinks…

Another thing we love is how well Balcony does an event! Whether it’s a saucy romantic evening for Valentine’s Day or an epic party on the bar’s birthday, the staff always pull out all the stops and make it unforgettable.

If you happen to be in Bangkok for Christmas, you can even enjoy an epic feast of turkey and all the trimmings, plus they have regular themed nights with pasta dinners, Sunday roasts or cheese and wine tastings. Otherwise, we recommend the steamed sea bass in spicy lemon sauce!

  • Address: 84-88 Silom Soi 4
  • Operating hours/days: Every day from 5.30pm until 2am
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station, Silom Soi 4 is right next to the station

The Stranger Bar

Also known as “the house of drag queens” the Stranger Bar is one of our favorite spots to hang out in Bangkok. The drag shows here are second to none, with fierce queens in amazing costumes strutting their stuff every night of the week. Unlike most of the bars in Silom Soi 4, at Stranger Bar the shows happen inside rather than on the street. The queens are gorgeous and talented, plus they really engage with the audience (you might even be lucky enough to join them on stage) before sashaying outside along Silom Soi 4.

Stranger made its name in the drag scene largely because its fabulous owner, (simply called M) also does drag and has close ties with Drag Race Thailand. Previous contestants of the show regularly perform here and always draw a crowd. 

The interior of Stranger Bar is also stunning, with a classy eclectic mix of S&M Victoriana and youthful Asian glitz. Not that you’re likely to be paying too much attention to the walls what with all the sexy performers and many admiring patrons crowding into the small bar. Like most of the gay bars in Silom, you want to get there early to score a good seat and have some drinks before the show starts! We recommend one of their signature cocktails, like the Only Fans or Havana Queen.

Make sure you also read our interview with M the owner of Stranger Bar on how it became one of the most popular gay bars in Bangkok.

  • Address: 114/14 Silom Soi 4
  • Operating hours/days: Daily from 5pm until 1am
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station, Silom Soi 4 is right next to the station
Stranger one of the best drag gay bars in Bangkok
Make sure you approach whoever you're eyeing, who knows what you might miss out on if you don't!

Bipolar at Silver Sand Silom

Silver Sand is one of the main buildings on the Silom Soi 4 gay street – it's the first one on the right as you enter. On the ground floor is a restaurant. Upstairs is Bipolar. On the top floor is the new Beef Bear party (see below).

Silver Sand is named after that infamous gay beach on Samet Island hence the tropical beach-like feel. The highlight is the drag shows upstairs at Bipolar. We saw some pretty spectacular jaw-dropping performances here. The energy in the room from some of those queens is electric…we found ourselves voguing and cheering with the crowd!

For the ultimate drag night out in Bangkok, we recommend starting at Stranger Bar down the road, then heading here where the party continues late into the night. Note Bipolar parties only happen at weekends from 9 pm onwards.

  • Address: 1 70-72, Silom Soi 4
  • Operating hours/days: Friday-Sunday from 9 pm till late
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station, Silom Soi 4 is right next to the station

Beef Bear Party at Silver Sand

There's always been a lack of parties for the bear crowd in Bangkok – HUGS is awesome, but it's small and mainly karaoke-focused. So Silver Sand stepped up and in late 2023 started the hottest new Bear party in town called Beef on their second floor.

We went to Beef on a Saturday night after a few drinks at Stranger Bar and had a BLAST! It was so much fun and always attracts a fun crowd with zero attitude. The music was a mix of pop – international and K-Pop – our kind of vibe. There is nothing more entertaining than watching the Bear Boys of Bangkok breaking out to some pretty fierce K-Pop dance moves…inspired us to YouTube it afterward to try out and learn some of the choreography.

Beef parties happen every day except Tuesdays. On weekends they go on until 3 am, and other days until 1 am. The entrance fee includes 2 free drinks.

  • Address: 1 70-72, Silom Soi 4
  • Operating hours/days: Daily (except Tuesdays) from 8 pm-1 am and Fri/Sat from 9 pm-3 am
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station, Silom Soi 4 is right next to the station
Gay guys partying at the Beef gay club in Bangkok
A gay night out at Beef is always a lot of fun!

PULSE: clinic and party!

We feel strongly the need to mention PULSE clinic. What started as a humble clinic offering HIV and STI testing has mushroomed into an institution in Asia. As well as offering an excellent testing service for 28 STIs (yes 28!), in late 2023 PULSE has expanded to offer a space for parties and exhibitions.

Located right in front of GOD Club, next to Sala Daeng BTS Station, PULSE clinic stands proud – a safe space for anyone who wants to get fully screened, top up their PrEP, learn about DoxoPEP, and more! As of 2023, they expanded into the building next to GOD to offer a space for techno parties and exhibitions such as live nude drawings called Pulse Club Back Door. Look out for their ad hoc techno parties that take place several times a month, usually on weekends, which will soon become a weekly staple in the gay scene of Bangkok.

Seby at the Pulse gay clinic in Bangkok.
Cover girl…put the PULSE in your walk…

HUGs

“Seby, how can you tell when a Grizzly bear is new in town?”

“I don’t know, Stefan. How?”

“He asks for directions so he can get his bearings!”…

[Large deep groan from Seby]…“this is why we limit your alcohol intake Stefan…”

But any bear who’s new in town to Bangkok should definitely head to HUGs Bar, whether they’re still getting their bearings or not! This men’s-only karaoke bar is also the main bear bar in Bangkok, generally attracting sexy chubby or older men in their 30s, 40s and 50s, plus those who love them. Make sure you try their signature cocktail, the aptly named Bear Hug!

Everyone is super friendly and happy to dance along with whoever is on the mic belting out those classic diva numbers. They also host many many dance parties throughout the year, from Songkran to Halloween, and everything in between.

In the past, they’ve even held some more unique events such as the Oso Oro bear sketching night, in case you ever need a break from all the partying.

I guess it’s true that bears are good at paw-traits!

  • Address: 82 Silom Soi 4
  • Operating hours/days: Wednesday – Sunday from 7/8pm to 1/2am
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station, Silom Soi 4 is right next to the station
HUGs gay bar in Bangkok is perfect for those who love to sing and those who love bears!
Getting our bearings at HUGs…

Connections Bar

Directly next door to Circus is the blue-colored Connections Bar, a much smaller bar than some of the others in Silom Soi 4, but that just makes it more intimate and romantic.

We love their cocktails. They have an impressive cocktail list, from classic martinis that pack a punch to fruity concoctions that will make you feel like you're sipping on a tropical paradise. If you're feeling a bit daring, ask the bartender for one of their signature creations. Trust me, these mixologists know how to shake, stir, and serve up a drink that will leave you gagging for more.

While you can sit out on the street like many of the bars on Silom Soi 4, Connections also has a cute balcony room inside, where you can sit and look down over the rest of the bar interior. The lighting is perfectly dimmed to set the mood, and the seating is oh-so-plush!

It's like stepping into a glamorous fantasy where every detail is meticulously designed as we connect with others – get it?!

  • Address: 114, 15 Silom 4
  • Operating hours/days: Daily from 4:30pm until 1am
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station, Silom Soi 4 is right next to the station

Unicorn Bar & Karaoke

Unicorn Bar & Karaoke is the sparkliest haven in town where dreams come true and divas are born! This place is all about embracing your inner unicorn and unleashing your fabulous vocal prowess. Get ready to shine, sparkle, and slay!

Inside we felt like we were transported into a magical wonderland. Think shimmering disco balls and unicorns, like stepping into a fairy tale where every corner is adorned with glitter and enchantment. This place is a visual feast for the eyes.

Unicorn Bar & Karaoke is where you can become the star you were always meant to be. Grab that microphone, step onto the stage, and let your voice soar as you belt out your favorite tunes. From power ballads that will give you goosebumps to dance anthems that will have you twirling in delight, their extensive song selection has something for every fierce performer.

Now, onto the drinks, darling! Unicorn Bar & Karaoke knows how to keep the party going with its fabulous drink menu. Sip on rainbow-themed cocktails that are as delicious as they are Instagrammable. From unicorn martinis that will make you feel like you're sipping on pure magic to colorful shots that will have you screaming “Yas, queen!” with every sip.

  • Address: 76 Silom Soi 4
  • Operating hours/days: Daily from 5pm until 1am
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station, Silom Soi 4 is right next to the station
Seby with drag queen in the Silom gay area of Bangkok.
Who knows where the night might take you or who you might meet on a night out in Bangkok…

BAS Living Room

Let me paint you a picture of the serene and intimate oasis known as BAS Living Room. This sophisticated gay lounge bar is the perfect haven for a quiet night or a delightful first date that will make sparks fly and hearts flutter. Get ready for a night of refined charm, exceptional libations, and meaningful connections.

BAS Living Room provides a cozy and intimate setting that enveloped us in a warm embrace. The subdued lighting sets a relaxed mood, creating an ambience that whispers tranquillity. It's the kind of place where we can engage in meaningful conversations without the distractions of a bustling crowd.

BAS is also an ideal place to meet up with a Grindr date. It's not as busy as the other bars and its intimate atmosphere sets the stage for meaningful connections to be made – you know what we mean…

  • Address: 114/5 Silom Soi 4
  • Operating hours/days: Daily from 6pm until midnight
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station, Silom Soi 4 is right next to the station and BAS is right at the end of the alley

Saladrunk Cafe

Let me spill the tea about the hidden gem known as Saladrank Cafe, the unassuming gay bar that's a stone's throw away from the vibrant Silom Soi 4. This little speakeasy-style haven is the perfect spot for the after-party, where the night continues to sparkle in a cozy and intimate setting. Get ready for a late-night adventure filled with mystery, fabulous libations, and unforgettable moments.

When it comes to Saladrank Cafe, don't judge a book by its cover. This small and unassuming gay bar hides a world of excitement within its doors. Step inside, and you'll be transported to a bygone era, with its speakeasy-style charm and vintage-inspired decor. It's a place where the intimate atmosphere sets the stage for clandestine conversations and hidden desires. The atmosphere is electric, the music is pumping, and the energy is contagious. It's where the true night owls gather to revel in the afterglow of a fabulous evening and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Saladrank Cafe doesn't disappoint in the drinks department either. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cocktail or a unique creation, the bartenders at Saladrank Cafe will work their magic to satisfy your every desire, for a very low price point too!

White Rabbit Lounge Bar

My dear curious souls, let me take you down the rabbit hole into the whimsical wonderland known as the White Rabbit Lounge Bar. This enchanting establishment is a haven of fantastical delights, where Alice in Wonderland comes to life and every sip of your drink feels like a magical potion. Get ready for an adventure that will leave you grinning like the Cheshire Cat!

This whimsical gay Café Bar is spread across three floors, nestled in the beating heart of Bangkok's vibrant gay nightlife area. This haven of delight is not only a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a lounge bar all rolled into one, but it's also the perfect spot for relaxation, connecting with friends, and forging new friendships. One of those new friendships might even be with the adorable resident pooch, who’s all white and fittingly named Alice.

We love the music – a mix of 90s Britney-style pop with rock ’n’ roll. The decor is quirky, with a brocade wallpaper that would look fitting in the ‘real’ White Rabbit’s burrow and framed photos of iconic figures from Shakespeare to Bowie.

If you're seeking a relaxing and enchanting haven in the heart of Bangkok's gay nightlife area, the White Rabbit Lounge Bar is the place to be!

  • Address: 12/3 Thanon Si Lom Suriyaw
  • Operating hours/days: Daily from 4pm until 2am
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station and White Rabbit is right on Silom Road in between this station and the nearby Si Lom subway station
Seby and Stefan sitting at a table at night with a group of friends from Bangkok.
Don't forget your Blue Steel when posing for photos on a night out in Bangkok…

Krua Chern Sab

This place is an absolute riot, let me tell you. It all started as a humble northeastern Thai restaurant, but it has transformed into so much more. Now it's one of the hottest drag venues for after-parties and, wait for it, the ultimate destination for the fabulous stoners out there!

When you step foot into Krua Chern Sap, you better buckle up, darling. This joint knows how to serve up a good time. Not only do they offer a killer selection of alcohol, but they also cater to all the Mary Jane enthusiasts out there. That's right, they've got the green stuff, and yes, marijuana is now legal in Thailand.

But here's where it gets even juicier. Krua Chern Sap has a whole floor dedicated solely to weed smokers. Can you believe it? It's like entering a whole new dimension, individually or with your crew of squirrel friends.

Krua Chern Sap is the place where food, drinks, and Mary Jane come together to create a damn good time. It's a little slice of heaven for drag lovers and stoners alike. Grab your buds, both the human and the herbal kind, and prepare for a wild adventure that'll leave you on cloud nine, baby!

  • Address: 16/1 Silom Road
  • Operating hours/days: Daily from 11am until 2am
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Sala Daeng BTS Station and it’s right on Silom Road in between this station and the nearby Si Lom subway station

House of Heals

House of Heals is the ultimate drag show bar in Bangkok. We're talking about the iconic Pangina Heals, a queen who's taken the drag world by storm. You might know her as the judge from Drag Race Thailand and RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs the World in 2022.

Pangina Heals is a force to be reckoned with. She's not just any drag performer—she's an absolute superstar, serving looks and talent like nobody's business. They call her the RuPaul of Thailand, and she lives up to that title and then some.

House of Heals is Pangina's home bar, and it's the place where all the magic happens. She decided it was time to showcase the absolute best performers she's encountered throughout her fabulous journey. We're talking impersonators, artists, comedians, DJs, and singers who will snatch your wig and leave you gagging for more.

When you step foot into House of Heals, you're entering a world of pure enchantment. The energy is electric, the performances are next level, and the atmosphere is dripping with style and glamour. Pangina and her incredible lineup of talented performers know how to serve you a night of entertainment that will leave you absolutely shook.

  • Address: 518, 8 Phloen Chit Road, inside the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
  • Operating hours/days: Open every day except Tuesday from 8pm until 2am
  • How to Get There: House of Heals is located on the northern end of Silom. Take the MRT to Chit Lom BTS Station and walk down the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel road (it’s almost directly opposite the station). House of Heals is located inside the hotel.
Gay guys having drinks in Bangkok gay scene in Silom Soi 4
One thing about gay bars in Bangkok – you will always make lots of new friends!

Gay bars in Chatuchak/Lad Phrao

The Chatuchak/Lad Phrao area is mostly known to be a quiet neighbourhood, apart from the lively Chatuchak Market on weekends.

Many people from the northeast of Thailand moved here to live and work so this part of Bangkok is very local. It is mostly popular with Asian tourists.

Viva 8

Viva 8 is a must-visit bar nestled in the vibrant Chatuchak Market of Bangkok. This little gem is the perfect spot to take a breather from your shopping extravaganza, groove to live DJs and indulge in some seriously delicious paella.

This bar is the ultimate pitstop for weary shoppers, for when you've been conquering the labyrinthine stalls of Chatuchak Market, shopping 'til you drop, and your fabulous feet are begging for a break. As you step into this trendy bar, the vibrant atmosphere envelopes you and the beats of live DJs fill the air. It's the perfect soundtrack to your well-deserved moment of respite.

Now, let's talk about the real star of the show—Viva 8's excellent paella! Their chefs know how to whip up this delectable dish (in a giant paella pan) that will transport you straight to the streets of Spain. With flavors that dance on your palate and leave you craving more, this paella is an absolute culinary delight. Treat yourself and pair it with your favorite drink to truly elevate your experience.

  • Address: Chatuchak Market, Section 8, Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road
  • Operating hours/days: On weekends from 8am until 10pm
  • How to Get There: Take the MRT to Mo Chit BTS Station

Ninetails Bar & Booster

When you're looking for a night out with some delicious Thai food and the smooth beats of Thai songs, oh honey, this is the place you need to be.

There are beautiful red fans on the ceiling, adding that touch of Asian allure – also the inspiration for Seby's next outfit…

But let's talk about the real showstoppers: the staff. They're like your fierce gay fairy godmothers, guiding you through the night and making sure you have the time of your life. Friendly and helpful, they're always ready to make you feel like the belle of the ball.

Don't even get me started on Friday and Saturday nights – it's like a gay carnival, with the party-goers strutting their stuff and turning the place into a glitzy paradise. It's like the ultimate fantasy date night spot, with all the glam and pizzazz you could ever dream of.

We recommend the interestingly named “Dark Swamp” cocktail – it tastes much better than it sounds with sweet notes and a slight coffee aroma.

  • Address: Lat Phrao Soi 4
  • Operating hours/days: Open daily from 6pm until 1am
  • How to Get There: Take the metro to Phahon Yothin subway station and then walk down Lat Phrao Road. Ninetails is on the corner of Lat Phrao Road and Lat Phrao 4 Alley

Gay bars in Ratchada

Situated in the heart of the city, Ratchada is a very similar neighborhood to Chatuchak.

Since it’s closer to the city center and has a lot of condos/offices, the office gays love hanging out here once work finishes for the day. There’s only one main gay bar/restaurant but it’s worth checking out if you’re in the area.

Sit 2 Sis Restaurant & Ent Club

Ok, honey, let me spill the tea for all my fabulous Lord of the Rings nerds out there. Now, hold on to your elven cloaks because, unfortunately, the Sit 2 Sis Restaurant & Ent Club ain't no cozy hobbit haven with tree-herder ents from Tolkien's lore.

The local gay crowd knows Sit 2 Sis as the go-to spot for a fierce night out. My memory of it: a stage so huge it wraps around like Legolas doing a cartwheel, every seat in the house is prime real estate for a front-row view of the show.

And the performers? They're as diverse as the Fellowship of the Ring! We were gagged by the drag queens who slay like Smaug guarding his treasure.

So, there you have it, my precious LOTR enthusiasts! Sit 2 Sis Restaurant and Ent Club may not have real ents, but it's got everything you need for a fabulous, fierce, and downright fun time. Get ready to paint the town rainbow and party like Bilbo on his eleventy-first birthday!

P.S. – I am aware that Ent is probably just short for entertainment in the club name, but that’s nowhere near as fun as talking about ents from Lord of the Rings, is it?

  • Address: 135 Ratchadaphisek 7, Khwaeng Din Daeng
  • Operating hours/days: Open daily from 9pm until 2am
  • How to Get There: Take the metro to Thailand Cultural metro station and then walk down Ratchadaphisek Road. Sit 2 Sis is on the other side of the Street Ratchada shopping mall, about a ten-minute walk down the road.
Bangkok is very safe for gay travellers and very fun as well!
What can we say but a big thumbs up to the gay scene of Bangkok!

Gay bars in Ramkhamhaeng

Ramkhamhaeng is a district in the east of Bangkok that lies along Ramkhamhaeng Road. The heart and soul of the neighborhood is Ramkhamhaeng University, so naturally, it's where all those fierce university gays gather to strut their stuff.

And guess what? Some of them have just stepped out of their closets and are living their best gay lives. You better believe it's a lively hotspot, serving up a mixed crowd that's as diverse as Seby's wig collection…

Loft to Bar

Loft To Bar is the ultimate spot to slay your chill vibes in the most casual and cozy atmosphere. The highlight is that right smack in the middle of the indoor seating, there's a pretty little pool with bubble jets and floating pool toys.

On some nights, Thailand's top artists take the stage. Previous performers include Pujan Long Mic, 25Hours, Getsunova, and Polycat.

The food is equally delicious, with classic Thai dishes that are so good they'll have you doing the cha-cha just thinking about them. From deep-fried sea bass with fish sauce to spicy fish cakes, your taste buds are in for a fab treat. And for drinks, it's a whole menu of choices, from beers to cocktails that are either regular or frozen.

Weekend nights are the best time to visit when the place is packed with cute university students letting their hair down.

  • Address: 146 111 Lat Phrao 122 Alley, Phlabphla, Wang Thonglang
  • Operating hours/days: Open every day frpm 5pm until 1.30am
  • How to Get There: Catch the monorail to Mahat Thai station and from there it’s about a ten-minute walk down Lat Phrao 122 Alley.

Winkbar90's

Hold onto your scrunchies because Winkbar 90s is serving up a delicious dose of nostalgia with a side of good vibes. We're talking about a food and beverage oasis that's dishing out more than just eats.

The atmosphere is so on point, we felt like we were transported straight back to the the 90s. Think neon lights, flannel shirts, and all the iconic vibes that made that decade oh-so-fabulous. And guess what? There's a rooftop where you can perch your fabulous self and chill like the glamorous diva you are, all while diving into the tantalizing food menu you've ordered.

Winkbar90s gave us full-on retro vibes. It's like they've taken all the best bits of the 90s and sprinkled them into the atmosphere. And yes, that includes all the groovy décor that'll have you snapping your fingers in appreciation.

Whether you're craving some wickedly good food, signature drinks that'll make you say “yasss,” or just a fierce spot to be your most authentic self, Winkbar 90s' got your back.

  • Address: On the corner of Ramkhamhaeng Road 24 Intersection 20 and Seri Alley 3 Street
  • Operating hours/days: Open daily from 6pm until 3am
  • How to Get There: The easiest way would be to get the train to Ramkhamhaeng Station and from there get an Uber or taxi/tuk-tuk. There are buses that stop near Winkbar but unless you’re with some locals they’re going to be difficult to figure out!

19:47 Bar

When it comes to the 19:47 Bar, it's like someone took a pinch of magic and sprinkled it all over the Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Soi Soonvijai. Prepare to be swept off your feet by an outdoor bar that's not just a place to chill, but a whole vibe, a mood, a fantasy!

The atmosphere is like a warm hug from your fabulously fashionable aunt who knows all the secrets to living your best life. We felt like we were transported to a realm where taste buds and tunes collide in a symphony of sensory euphoria. 19:47 Bar is most known for their delicious pizzas and tasty cocktails, with regular 2-for-1 deals.

And honey, let's not forget about the music. From 5:30-10:00pm, get ready to groove, shake, and shimmy to the beats that'll make your heart race. And guurl, if you're lucky, some nights you're in for a live music spectacle that'll have you voguing till the stars come out!

  • Address: 19 Soi Phetchaburi 47, Bangkapi Huai Khwang
  • Operating hours/days: Every day from 5.30pm until 10pm
  • How to Get There: 19:47 Bar is about a 15-minute walk from the Khlong Tan train station, although it might be simpler to get an Uber or taxi/tuk-tuk from wherever you are staying.
You can join a gay tour of Bangkok's nightlife that will take you to the hottest drag clubs where you can party like a local with the fiercest queens
Meeting fierce and fabulous drag queens is a highlight of any night in Bangkok

Gay bars in Ari

Ari is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Bangkok, filled with trendy cafés and inspiring art galleries.

It has gained popularity among the young crowd and expats who live in the area with plenty of new bars.

Perfect Strangers

Perfect Strangers is not just a cafe and bar, it's a whole experience that's serving up chic vibes and delicious concoctions. It's like they took the art of mingling and turned it into a masterpiece!

It's a harmonious fusion of café charm during the day and cocktail glam by night. The entire space is split into two, with a high-tech coffee bar on one side and a cocktail bar on the other.

The food is a mix of Thai, Japanese and Italian cuisine. The drinks include a range of sublime mocktails (we were nursing a hangover, ok?). The Artful was our favorite: a refreshing mixture of passion fruit, orange, vanilla and a shot of espresso topped with a foam made from pasteurized egg white.

Khun Nam, the owner, has transformed this place into a space where strangers become friends and kindred spirits connect over their shared interests. It's like Cheers, but sassier!

  • Address: 196 Pradiphat Road
  • Operating hours/days: Open daily from 10am until midnight
  • How to Get There: Get the subway to the Saphan Khwai BTS Station. From there, it’s about a ten minute walk down Phahonyothin Road and into Pradiphat Road.

Tell a Story

At Tell a Story we were transported to a world where industrial meets fabulous loft-style chic. With trees and a cute little water fountain, this place is serving up vibes that are chiller than Elsa in her ice palace. 

Tell A Story isn't just about the ambiance though, it's also about creating memories that'll have you telling stories for days. It's the place where every date turns into a fairy tale, every sip is a chapter, and every bite is a plot twist you never saw coming. The food is impeccable, with a delicious seafood buffet and any kind of beer, wine or cocktail you might desire.

So, whether you're single and ready to mingle or snuggling up for a romantic evening, Tell A Story is where you need to be. Get ready to have your taste buds and your heartstrings serenaded all night long.

It's a story you won't want to keep to yourself!

  • Address: 436/8 Phahon Yothin 12 Alley, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai
  • Operating hours/days: Open daily from 6pm until around midnight
  • How to Get There: Catch the subway to the Ari station and then walk up Phahonyothin Road to Phahon Yothin 12 Alley. It’s about a 15-minute walk so you could also hail a tuk-tuk if you want to get there faster!

Take A Train Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

Okay, buckle up because I'm about to spill the sake-infused tea on the sensational Take A Train Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. We're talking about a rooftop that's slathered in Japanese industrial decor like a drag queen's makeup – fierce and unforgettable.

And hold onto your wig because getting there is as easy as catching a BTS sky train to the Sapankwai station. It's like the universe is saying, “Slay, don't delay!”

The menu is more unique than a unicorn at a Pride parade. It's Isankaya-style, and honey, that's like a flavor fusion extravaganza.

They're mixing Japanese izakaya pub grubs with the fiery flair of Northeastern Thai (Isan) cuisine. It's like sushi doing the cha-cha with som tam, and let me tell you, the taste is hotter than the gossip at a drag brunch.

There are lots of mouthwatering set menus or a buffet to choose from, like the omakase set where you can have a Japanese izakaya-style grilled menu. And don't even get me started on the cocktails! They're as fabulous as a runway walk, and guess what? They're named after different Bangkok stations. It's like a tour through the city without ever leaving your seat.

It's like the magic carpet ride you never knew you needed!

  • Address: 300 Saliratthawiphak Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai
  • Operating hours/days: Tuesday – Sunday from 5pm until 11pm
  • How to Get There: Catch the sky train to Saphan Khwai BTS Station. From there it’s just a quick 5-minute walk to Take a Train.
Seby and Stefan posing with silly faces with a group of ladies in Bangkok.
Get ready for a crazy night out at Bangkok's gay bars!

Feeling Bar Ari

How are you feeling today? That’s the catchphrase written on the wall at Feeling Bar Ari in neon lights. It's also the theme behind the cocktails – an ironic Feeling Sad for me and Feeling Amaze for Seby, please!

Feeling Bar knows how to keep the party going with drinking games that are sassier than a drag queen's comeback. Jenga, Pinball, darts, Penguin Pile-up, and Crocodile Dentist.

The whole place is like stepping into a neon-pink wonderland that'll have you feel like a disco ball at Studio 54. The sleek all-white color scheme makes those neon lights pop like confetti at a pride parade. Once you step inside, it's like a chic art gallery meets a stylish sanctuary. Sculptures, bare bricks, and quirky tableware set the stage for a night of pure elegance.

We agreed the Feeling Amaze cocktail was the best: Sangsom, bale syrup, pomegranate and soda. Had to google that lot? Just trust us and try it!

  • Address: 18 Ari 4 Fang Nua Alley, Phaya Thai
  • Operating hours/days: Daily from 6pm until 1am
  • How to Get There: Catch the BTS sky train to Ari station and walk down Phahon Yothin 7 then down Ari 4 Fang Nua Alley. It’s about a ten-minute walk.

For more inspiration:

Stefan Arestis

Hey everyone, I'm Stefan, the curly-haired Greek flavor behind the gay travel blog Nomadic Boys. Together with my other half, I have explored more than 90 countries across 5 continents. What I love most about traveling is discovering the local gay scene, making new friends, learning new cultures. I've written about LGBTQ travel in numerous online publications such as Gaycation Magazine, Gaycities, Gay Times and Pink News as well as for other non-gay-specific publications including Lonely Planet, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Huffington Post. Check my full bio here.

Dan Smith

Tuesday 12th of March 2024

What is the dress code like at these bars?

Stefan Arestis

Tuesday 12th of March 2024

Casual

Pothead

Monday 27th of November 2023

Hi. I couldn’t find more info on the internet about Krua Chern Sap. Not facebook, not google maps, not IG or anything. And the address and directions you stated seems incomplete. Could you help a stoner out please? Thanks Stefan!

Stefan Arestis

Monday 27th of November 2023

I think they've just taken their FB page down. Their Insta page is still live - we've added the link in the article. Checked Google Maps and it works ok for us. It's basically a block down from DJ Station on the main Silom road. Just follow the smell :)