10 Things You Must Do in Bangkok For Gay Travelers

1. Sample a variety of street food – Bangkok is known for having some of the best street food in the world. It’s a great way to try new foods without committing to a full-blown meal, but you can easily make a meal of it if you’d like! Follow the crowds to find the best vendors since locals know what’s good, and the food there will be the freshest. Make sure to bring small bills, too. Street food is very inexpensive, and vendors may not have enough change for large bills.

2. Treat yourself to a fancy restaurant – Explore the other end of the culinary spectrum by booking a dinner at a fine dining establishment. As one of the culinary capitals of the world, Bangkok is home to 35 Michelin-starred restaurants, most of which offer a more elevated dining experience.

3. Take in the temples - Thailand is only second to China for the largest Buddhist population in the world, and that’s hard to miss considering all of the temples and shrines throughout the country. No trip to Thailand is complete without visiting at least a temple or two to learn about Buddhism and its influence among Thai people and culture. Be mindful that temples are sacred spaces, so visit them with respect by dressing appropriately. In other words, avoid tank tops and short shorts, or be prepared to cover up with a sarong.

4. Explore the Grand Palace - What was once the official residence of Thailand’s kings is now one of the most popular attractions in Bangkok and a must-visit. Be prepared to be awestruck with its intricate details and stunning design.

5. Experience the best of Thai hospitality – Upon arrival to Thailand, you’ll quickly experience the warmth and welcoming hospitality of Thai people. This is felt in all parts of daily living, and as a traveler, you’ll also experience this at some of the best hotels in the world. Bangkok has a wide selection of hotels to suit every type of traveler. For LGBTQ+ travelers, two of the best neighborhoods to stay in are Silom and Siam. If you happen to be overwhelmed with all the options, your Fora travel advisor can help you find the perfect place for you.

6. Explore night markets - Bangkok’s night markets are a great place to find unique gifts and momentos made by local artisans and small business owners. As an added bonus, you can feel good knowing that you’re supporting the local economy instead of sending money to large corporations. Be prepared to do some bargaining as it’s usually expected, but keep in mind that what may seem like a small difference for you can be a big difference to the seller, so be respectful. You’ll also come across a variety of street food vendors to keep you fueled and your taste buds happy.

7. Watch a drag show - There’s a reason why Drag Race Thailand was the first international franchise of the popular RuPaul’s Drag Race TV series, and because of that, LGBTQ+ travelers (and fellow allies and fans) will find plenty of options to see a drag performance.

8. Party in Silom - Thai people love a good party, and they know how to party well. Bangkok offers a vibrant gay nightlife scene, with most venues concentrated in the gay district of Silom, particularly in Silom Soi 4 (for bars) and Silom Soi 2 (for clubs). The scene typically starts getting busy around 8PM at the bars, with clubbing picking up around midnight. Expect packed crowds during the weekends, especially during holidays.

9. Ring in the New Year - Thailand celebrates not one but two new years. There’s the regular calendar New Year that we all celebrate around the world, and then there’s the Thai New Year, also known as Songkran. Huge numbers of primarily gay travelers fly in from around the world during these two celebrations. Leading up to New Years, there’s White Party Bangkok, a multi-day festival that culminates in its namesake party. Expect an out-of-this-world production that gets bigger and better every year, enough to bring people be back again and again. Songkran is the most significant Thai festival of the year. While there are many traditions that occur in observance of the holiday, the hallmark feature are the water fights that take place all over in public, a symbol of cleansing one’s misfortunes from the past year. This is a bucket list item for many travelers and an activity you won’t want to miss. For gay travelers in the know, find a spot in front of the Burger King in Silom. You’ll understand why once you get there. Similar to White Party, there’s the Songkran Festival, a multi-day party festival that attracts many gay travelers and runs parallel with the traditional celebrations.

10. Indulge in a Thai massage - After all the sightseeing, eating and partying, make sure you carve out some time for rest and relaxation. A Thai massage incorporates various stretches to really loosen those muscles while sending you into a blissful state. Massages are available at all price points. They can be so affordable that some travelers may opt for a massage every day! Almost all places accept walk-ins, but it’s best to make a reservation. Bring cash for tipping.

A trip to Bangkok is the perfect introduction to Southeast Asia, and queer travelers can feel at ease knowing how welcoming and friendly it is to travelers alike. This list barely scratches the surface of all that Bangkok and Thailand as a whole has to offer, so be sure to add a couple other gay-friendly destinations like Phuket, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai to your itinerary!

Whether it’s for your first time or for a repeat visit, reach out to your Fora Advisor to help you plan your trip and hook you up with VIP perks.