Scenes from Bangkok Pride 2006: Click Here for pictures and a report from The 8th Annual Bangkok Pride Parade. For photos and report from Bangkok Pride 2005, please click here For photos and report from Bangkok Pride 2004, please click here For photos and report from Pride in the Park 2004, please click here For photos and report from Bangkok Pride 2003, please click here For photos and report from Pride in the Park 2003, please click here For photos and report from Bangkok Pride 2002, please click here For photos and report from Pride in the Park 2002, please click here For photos and report from Bangkok Gay Festival 2001, please click here For photos and report from Bangkok Gay Festival 2000, please click here

Krung Thep is what the Thai call their capitol, a much-shortened nickname for what is the longest city name in the world (ask a Thai to recite the whole thing for you). In typical Thai fashion, Bangkok’s epic poetic title has been simplified for everyday use to its practical essence: City of Angels.

Most tourists experience Bangkok in similarly boiled down little sweet or sour bits: disarming charm, dazzling smiles, exotic temples, bustling markets, choking traffic, 5-alarm peppers, pestering touts. But poke past the polished tourist veneer and Bangkok rewards the explorer with magic moments amidst its free-for-all collision of old and new, rich and poor, the sacred and the profane.

“Paradise” is a word that is often applied to describe the abundance of what Bangkok has to offer. It’s a genuine paradise for shoppers, from the bargains at Chatuchak, the world’s largest outdoor market, to the refined silks and jewels of this royal kingdom. It is also a paradise for foodies, from the singular specialties of its sidewalk hawkers, to the finest cuisine from around the world served up here at stupefying low prices. It is certainly a paradise of 5-star accommodation, service, and even world-class health care (get your nose, eyes or dental work done here and your holiday will pay for itself).

Many have also described Bangkok as a paradise for gay life. It certainly may seem that way to visitors, for its sheer abundance, high visibility, and “anything goes” reputation. In fact, GLBT life here is just as complex and contradictory as anywhere else in the world. And while Bangkok’s queer scene seems amazingly diverse, it’s just the tiny tip of an iceberg: most of the Thai gay world is invisible and inaccessible to tourists.

The key to enjoying your time in Bangkok is to relax, take it easy. When you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by culture shock, go sit in a quiet temple courtyard. When you’re wound up by the entire sensory overload, pamper yourself with an afternoon in a spa or sauna. When your emotional dam threatens to burst, go light some incense at a phallic shrine. Take a deep breath. What’s that smell?

Don’t go with touts who want to take you anywhere or taxi drivers that don’t turn on their meters, and use your common sense. Do look both ways when crossing the streets. No one will assault you here; just don’t tempt anybody to enjoy their “good luck” by leaving your valuables unattended. Relax and remain receptive for one of those unforgettable magic moments that Bangkok inevitably supplies when you least expect it.

The population of Bangkok is nearing 10 million people. That’s getting close to half a million Utopians.

• Bangkok Gay Scene Updates message board
• Lesbian listings
• Men in Bangkok message board
• Travel in Bangkok message board

The updated and expanded Utopia Guide to Thailand offers a comprehensive glimpse at the gay and lesbian scene in 23 cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, and Pattaya. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, accommodations, spas, restaurants, and more. A special section highlights venues that are especially welcoming for women. Enjoy savvy comments and recommendations from hundreds of local Utopians and gay travelers. Click here to order the collector's First Edition

Comments from Utopians:

"Bangkok is easy and welcoming for a single traveler. I have been 8 times and am still crazy about it. People are friendly, food is amazing, and there are lots of sights to see and things to do both day and night (temples, museums, all kinds of shopping venues from local markets to upscale shopping centers). Bangkok is full of distractions -- movies, boat rides, day trips to Ayuttaya or Kanchanaburi -- spa services (Thai massages are addictive_. You can always ask for a man to massage you -- no one will blink an eye. Bangkok is quite safe as long as you use common sense. The typical scams outlined on this site and in most guide books can be easily avoided (usually a very well-dressed man tells you the palace or some other tourist site which you are approaching is closed and offers you transportation or a tour -- or offers to give you directions or other help that you don't need and didn't ask for). Just smile and walk away and quietly check for yourself (usually it is open) -- don't engage if he acts offended. A smile and staying cool is essential and will go far in Thailand." -- fsnyc, Dec 3, 2006

• Anjaree lesbian group
• Bangkok Pride Coalition
  Email. Gay businesses and community supporters who organize the annual Bangkok pride week and parade.
• Bangkok Rainbow
  Email. A support group that tries to bring comfort to gays, their parents and friends. They seek to produce educational materials with positive stories of gay lives and unbiased information. They welcome members who would like to volunteer their time.
• Long Yang Club
  Email. The purpose of this Thai chapter of the international group is to provide a social group offering friendship and support to men from East and West. It has monthly activities including Club Nights (Silom Road, Bangkok) and "Dinner with Friends" at different restaurants. There are other events such as beach trips, movie nights, karaoke contests, parties, and dinner river cruises.
• Pride Festival Organization
  159 The Beach Residence Bld, Ratchadapisek Rd, Dindaeng, Bangkok 10310, Thailand, 02-691-5769, 02-691-5770, ext. 2901-2, Email. Non-profit organizer of Bangkok's annual Bangkok Pride festival, a volunteer-based organization that produces entertainment, education and informational events to promote a positive image of the gay, lesbian and transgender community in Thailand, and raises money for needy Thai charities.
• Rainbow Sky Association
  5/F Panjaphat Bld, 1 Patpong Rd, Suriyawong, Bangrak, Bangkok, 02-632-6957, 02-632-6958, English language assistance: 081-341-4591, FAX 02-632-6956, email. Thailand's first officially registered gay association, a private non-profit organization working for a better quality of life for, and the sexual health issues of, Thailand's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
• Sexualities, Genders, and Rights in Asia: an International Conference of Asian Queer Studies
  2005 Queer Studies Conference organized in Bangkok by The Office of Human Rights Studies and Social Development, Mahidol University, Bangkok and The AsiaPacifiQueer Network.

• All In Travel
  3/F 849 Vorawat Bld Unit 305, Silom Rd, 02-635-3604, 02-635-3608, email. Gay-friendly travel agent offering air tickets, hotels, tours, and visa information.
• Gay Guide in Thailand
  085-936-9409, email. Personal gay-friendly tour guides offering introductions to quality Thai culture, traditions, tourist sights and non-tourist places; all with a professional attitude and great service.
• Image Golf
  406/20 Jomtien Plaza Condotel, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 038-756-658, FAX 038-251-521, email. Image Golf offers inclusive packages with transfers, hotel and golf on Thailand's East Coast at 20+ beautiful courses. Utopia Member Discount
• Image Limousine
  406/20 Jomtien Plaza Condotel, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 038-756-658, FAX 038-251-521, email. Image Limousine offers transfers to/from Bangkok Airport to hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin in luxury limos with CD player and English-speaking drivers. Utopia Member Discount

  Purple Dragon 119/5-10 Surawong Rd, Bangkok, (662) 238-3227, FAX (662) 634-0292, email. Asia's oldest and largest gay tour company offers hundreds of options using local English-speaking guides throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), India, China, Singapore and Bhutan. Specializes in programs focusing on culture, cuisine, adventure and aesthetic improvement programs. Utopia Member Discount

Click here for Bangkok hotels and accommodations.

Click here for Bangkok bars and clubs.

Megabooks 2/F Nana Square (BTS Nana), email. Gay-friendly magazine and book retailer offering reasonable prices on reading materials to both foreigners in Thailand as well as the growing number of Thais who buy English-language magazines and books. Utopia Member Discount

Click here for Bangkok cabaret.

Click here for Bangkok discos.

• Pathumwan Princess Hotel gym
  At Maboonkrong Shopping Center, 02-216-3700. Serious gym popular with Asian gay visitors, especially Singaporeans. Not gay, be discreet.

Click here for Bangkok karaoke.

Click here for Bangkok massage for men.

• Lumpini Park
  Especially from dusk until closing and also the first two hours before sunrise when the park opens for early exercise. Lots of business men out for a jog and then a stroll through the darker areas of the park perimeter.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Lumpini Park is not fun anymore. They put more lights everywhere, especially in the cruising places. Not so many guys like before." -- anan, Dec 20, 2006

• Shopping Centers:
  • Discovery Center, upper floors (Siam Square Sky Train Station)
  • Emporium (Sukhumvit 24, Phrom Pong Sky Train Station)
  • Robinson Silom
  • Silom Complex
  • Sogo (next to the Erawan Hotel)
  • Thaniya Plaza (Soi Thaniya, Saladaeng Sky Train Station)
  • Tesco Lotus Onnut branch, first floor facilities near Swensen's.

    Comments from Utopians:

    "Big C supermarket (opposite Central World Shopping Mall and next to Arnoma hotel): all facilities are always busy from 11am till 11pm (close time)." -- anan, Dec 20, 2006

  Warnings from Utopians:

  "I want to warn anyone who likes to go to Rommaneenart Park, close to the Royal Palace, at night. If you walk around, there might be men posing as police and demanding a bribe. I had this experience with my BF while we walked around the palace. There was one guy who came to us and asked, 'What are you doing here?' I said we were walking and he said, 'But it's late, not time to walk." I said, 'It's my business to walk anywhere, any time...what's the problem?' Then he asked if I came to buy a prostitute. I said, 'No, I came with my boyfreind.' Then he said that I was a moneyboy and my BF was my customer and asked for my ID and my BF's passport. We asked him for his ID to prove he was a policeman (he wasn't wearing a uniform, but he had walkie-talkie). He wouldn't, so i felt something was strange. Then, luckily, there was a taxi coming, so we took it. So just be careful." -- anan, Dec 9, 2006

• Bug & Bee
  18 Silom Rd, 02-233-8118. A café popular with gays and just a hop, skip and jump from DJ Station and the Sky Train.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Bug & Bee have expanded their menu. Great food, reasonable prices, friendly low key environment and open 24 hours. Great for chilling out, checking email with their free Wi-fi (if you have your own device) and people watching with a cup of coffee." -- fsnyc, Feb 19, 2008

• Café Ease
  Silom hangout near the gay night spots.
• Coffee Society (coffee and snacks)
  12 Silom Rd, 02-235-9784, (near Silom Soi 2, between UOB Bank and Burger King), email. New location for this very popular gay-owned and patronized hang-out. Convenient location in the heart of Silom's popular nightlife and shopping.

  Eat Me Art Restaurant (world fusion) Soi Pipat 2 (off Soi Convent), map and directions, reservations: 02-238-0931, 02-233-1767, email. Romantic, modern interior complimented by fine art exhibitions. Inventive, superb cuisine, plus friendly service from owner Darren and staff. Menu changes monthly, with daily specials and choice deserts and cocktails. Handsome waiters and patrons (lots of stars and trendsetters). Rich music selection and occasional live jazz performances. Utopia Member Discount

• FabCuisine (tapas and wine bar)
  69/5 Saladaeng Rd, Silom, Bangrak, 02-636-3220, email. Equal distance from the Lumphini Subway Station and Saladaeng Skytrain Station, in the sub-soi of Saladaeng that dead-ends directly into the MK Gold Restaurant. They are 2/3 of the way down on the right. An intimate, gallery-like setting. Delectable cuisine, created from the finest local and imported ingredients and world-class wines gathered from a dozen countries. Utopia Member Discount
• Full Moon (Thai)
  144/12 Silom Soi 10, 02-634-0766. Gay-owned, modern decor, and delicious food at moderate prices. Next door to the funky Oi Perfect karaoke/cafe.
• Kalong Home Kitchen (seafood and Thai food)
  Take Sri Ayuttaya Rd all the way to the river. Inexpensive and homey, with attentive service by matronly ladyboys. Popular with gays. Don't miss some of the best examples of Thai specialties served here including yam huablee (banana flower salad), kai pahd medmamuang (fried chicken with dried peppers and cashew nuts), yam tuaploo (crunchy wing bean salad), yam pladookfoo (crispy catfish with sour green mango), and fresh shrimps and fish prepared in a variety of tasty ways. Metro Magazine High Fives Award for their seafood.
• Khingklao (Northern Thai cuisine)
  61/1 Sukhumvit 22, 02-259-5623. This Lanna style restaurant is a cool oasis in the bustling city -- filled with charming Thai crafts, handsome staff, and an award-winning menu with such hard-to-find specialties as tom yum huablee (banana flower soup), nor oo-a (stuffed bamboo shoot), and khao soy (soft and crispy noodles in a coconut cream broth).
• Le Cafe Siam (Thai and French)
  4 Soi Akson, Chua Ploeng, 02-671-0030. A gorgeous, turn-of-the-century Thai mansion and garden, restored and filled with antiques. A Chinese period theme carries over to the waiters' charming uniforms. The food is superb, especially the Thai selections. Dine downstairs or upstairs in cozy over-stuffed sofas.
• Lumba Lumba (Hong Kong style seafood)
  31 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Rd, Lumpini, 02-652-1973. Large (350 seat) restaurant with Balinese style decor. Lunch specials. Located on Langsuan Rd, right behind Lumpini Park. Utopia Member Discount
• Mali Restaurant (Thai and international)
  43 Sathorn Soi 1, 02-679-8693, 02-286-7311. A cozy, gay-owned restaurant between Babylon and The Malaysia Hotel.
• Mango Tree (Thai)
  37 Soi Tantawan (turn left off Surawong Rd, just past Tarntawan Place Hotel), 02-236-2820. Tasty urban Thai cuisine in a beautiful, old house. Close to Patpong and a great place for first-time visitors.
• O..Ho...Restaurant (Thai and western)
  2/8 Soi Sri Bumphen, 02-286-5292, email. Located just around the corner from the Malaysia Hotel, 25m down Soi Sri Bumphen. Gay owned and operated, fully licensed restaurant with a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Air conditioned. Soft background music with mood lighting. Prices are very reasonable with most dishes B$40-220. Open daily 9am until midnight. Utopia Member Discount
• Sala Rim Naam (Royal Thai cuisine)
  Oriental Hotel (take the shuttle boat from their private pier inside the hotel. You must be well-dressed). Reservations: 02-437-6211, 02-437-3080. Superb river-side experience at the world's top hotel. The lunch buffet is cheaper than the evening dinner show and you'll be able to sit by the windows for a gorgeous view of the river.
• Shoku Sai (Japanese and Thai)
  12/21-22 Soi Deang Udom, Sukhumvit 33 Rd, North Klongtan, Wattana, 02-662-3454. Gay-owned and welcomes gays. Bar on second floor.

  Sphinx Silom Soi 4, 02-234-7249, email. Bangkok’s friendliest Thai restaurant has been offering the very best in Thai hospitality for over ten years, winning awards and rave reviews in both local and international publications. Their menu ranges from regional specialties to Royal Thai cuisine. Romantic decor, expansive menu, fine china, excellent service from their charming and well-trained staff. Utopia Member Discount

• Starbucks (coffee and snacks)
  Surawong Rd, near Soi Duangtawee. Cruisy day and night.
• Sukhothai Hotel (Sunday brunch buffet)
  Fabulous, expensive and frequented by higher class gays. Aside from their Sunday brunch, don’t miss one of their afternoon teatime chocolate buffets! Reservations: 02-287-0222.
• Vega (mixed)
  Sukhumvit 39, 02-258-8273, 02-662-6471. A new place owned by a group of dees and toms. It's a kind of casual, trendy pub and restaurant. There are usually several tables of lesbians in groups. At night they have live bands and late at night people just get up and dance. Upstairs they have a karaoke room, also.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Bangkok is full of amazing food in every price range. If you are a single traveler or just dining alone at some point, you may want to try some of the food courts in the top floors of almost any big shopping mall. Siam Paragon has an upscale one called Orangery where you can sample some of Bangkok's best restaurants. Emporium has a well kept secret one that is quite affordable (full of Thai people at lunch) and MBK has a good one if you are on a budget. The best surprise I had was wandering into Lee Café in Siam Center (next to Siam Paragon) which has great Chinese fusion food at inexpensive prices. I was seated next to the window which runs along one entire wall and looks out over the Skytrain platforms, Siam Paragon and the plaza in between Siam Center and Siam Paragon and the city. It's an astounding view especially afer dark when the city lights up." -- fsnyc, Feb 19, 2008

Click here for Bangkok saunas for men.

• Art at Play
  114/5 Silom Soi 4 (Across from Sphinx), 02-632-8767, email. Featuring original abstract art from contemporary Thai artists. The gallery anticipates holding ongoing exhibitions featuring a variety of cutting-edge art forms and media from both local and international artists. Within easy walking distance of Saladaeng BTS Sky Train Station. Opening nightly until midnight.
• Body Style
  Silom Soi 4. Hot designs for hot bods.
• Byzantium
  Soi Phipat 2 (ground floor of Eat Me! restaurant). Unique craft gifts.
• Cutey and Beauty
  3/F Thaniya Plaza (Silom), 02-231-2315, email. Bangkok's premier gay salon, conveniently located on the 3rd floor of Thaniya Plaza, on Soi Thaniya, just a minute walk from the Saladaeng Sky Train Station. Charming, well-trained staff specialize in treatments ranging from cut and color to foot and facial masseurs who are ready to help you recuperate from jet lag, or get you looking your best for your night on the town. They even have henna tattooing! Utopia Member Discount
• Domon
  3/F Siam Center. Undergear.
• Eros
  3/F Thaniya Plaza, Soi Thaniya (Silom area), 02-231-2015. Erotic crafts of Thailand including carvings, paintings and ceramics. Quite a lot of same-sex depictions sprinkled amidst the imaginative and often humorous couplings of humans and creatures.
• Gai Pied Club
  Siam Center 3/F, 02-656-1315. Sexy swim wear and gay apparel.
• The Legend
  3/F Amarin Plaza (Sogo Erewan) and 3/F Thaniya Plaza, Soi Thaniya (Silom area). Superior Thai crafts.