More than a decade ago, I set foot in Bangkok for the very first time. It was my first solo backpacking trip, but as it turned out, the Thai capital would be bombarding me with a series of firsts. A friend, who had been living in Bangkok at the time showed me around and decided it was time for me to have a proper immersion. He led me into my first gay club and dragged me to my first drag show. For the first time since I could remember, I felt completely and unapologetically myself in a foreign land. Bangkok wrapped me in a kind of warmth that I didn’t know I was missing — a mix of loud celebration and quiet acceptance.
That’s why it’ll always have a special place in my heart. It’s not just because of the parties, the food, or the culture (though, yes to all of that). To me, Bangkok isn’t just another stop on my travel map. It is my safe space.
If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and planning a trip to Thailand, here are my top tips to help you experience Bangkok the way it was meant to be: safe, fabulous, and full of pride.
1. Visit during #BangkokPride for peak LGBT energy.
June is Pride Month. Last year, I attended Bangkok Pride for the first time. But it wasn’t just my first Pride in Thailand — it was my first Pride, ever. Before that trip, I had never marched, never waved a rainbow flag in public, never stood shoulder to shoulder with thousands of people shouting for love and equality. But something about Bangkok made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be. I didn’t just feel tolerated or accepted. I felt celebrated.
During Pride Month, Bangkok transforms. The streets come alive with rainbow flags, music, and people from all walks of life showing up in full color. The atmosphere is joyful, inclusive, and deeply emotional. Thailand is already one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Asia, but Pride turns that friendliness into full-on solidarity. Locals, expats, and travelers all come together in one big, beautiful parade. Even corporate allies step up with Pride-themed events and support.
Bangkok’s celebrations keep getting bigger every time. This year, Bangkok Pride Parade 2025 promises to be one of the largest and most inclusive Pride parades in Southeast Asia, as the city celebrates diversity, freedom, and gender equality. Here are the details including the route.
- Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM onwards
- Route: From National Stadium BTS to Ratchaprasong
- Organizers: Bangkok Pride in collaboration with human rights groups, LGBTQIA+ communities, local businesses, and allies
- Highlights: Parade floats, drag shows, mini-concerts and live performances from local and international artists. There will also be awareness zones, education booths, and safe spaces for discussions. And of course, expect fab fashion and artistic expression all over!
And that’s not all – Pride celebrations are happening all month long across Thailand, with events like Pattaya Pride, Samui Pride Nation, and Chiang Mai Pride lighting up the country with love, diversity, and joy.
2. Stay in or near the Silom area.
Although the Silom district is a business center by day, it transforms into a party central when the sun goes down, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. Located right in the center of the city and served by both BTS and MRT, Silom is where skyscrapers meet sass, and the corporate crowd gives way to drag queens, go-go dancers, and queer travelers just looking for a good time.
Silom is home to Bangkok’s most iconic gay bars and clubs. Just off Silom Soi 2 and Soi 4, you’ll find some of the city’s most legendary queer venues. Soi 2 is the wild one, lined with high-energy nightclubs like DJ Station and G.O.D., where the beats are loud, the boys are sweaty, and the drag shows hit like a shot of tequila to the soul.
Soi 4 is where you pregame. It’s lined with gay bars like The Balcony Pub and The Stranger Bar aka House of Drag Queens.
Bangkok in general is friendly toward LGBTQ+ travelers, but Silom feels like a queer sanctuary. People are used to seeing all sorts of expressions here. No one bats an eye at same-sex couples, flamboyant outfits, or spontaneous dance-offs in the street. Whether you’re solo, partnered, or with a whole group of friends, this area has your back. It’s also got great food, local markets, and lush green spaces like Lumphini Park just a short walk away. There are also a few LGBTQ+-friendly spas and saunas nearby if you’re looking to unwind (or explore, no judgment).
3. Catch a drag show.
Way before RuPaul’s Drag Race made drag mainstream, this art form and creative expression has always been fierce, sickening, and iconic in Bangkok. You’ll find everything from classic pageant queens to boundary-breaking performers.
Earlier, I mentioned Stranger Bar in Silom, so let’s talk about it more. It’s a rather cozy bar and so unassuming, you’d miss it if you’re not paying attention. But once you go inside, you’ll be greeted by stellar performances that can be – depending on your timing – campy, comedic, charismatic or captivatingly chaotic. It has shows every night in regular intervals, so if you arrive and there seems to be nothing happening on stage, just wait a few more minutes.
But of course, we can’t talk about Bangkok’s drag scene without mentioning the phenomenal Pangina Heals, host of Drag Race Thailand, who also took the world by storm when she was controversially eliminated on Rupaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World. And here in Bangkok, Pangina and her drag family’s standard of over-the-top excellence is in full display at House of Heals.
4. Support queer-owned or allied businesses.
From cute cafés to queer-run hostels, Bangkok’s LGBT+ entrepreneurs are creating beautiful, inclusive spaces. Seek them out. You’ll feel good supporting the community — and probably get better coffee, cocktails, or conversations than at the big chains.
The city is also full of allies, which is most evident during Bangkok Pride Month when the biggest malls and other establishments splash their exteriors and interiors with various rainbow-themed decors and offer fabulous discounts or free activities.
Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise to begin with, but with all these deals, chances are you won’t be leaving without some serious retail therapy. So make sure you pack light and leave a big space in your luggage for worth-it finds!
5. Be proud, but read the room.
In general, Thailand is famously on the right side of history when it comes to LGBTQIA+ issues. Bangkok’s queer scene is warm, vibrant, and generally very open.
But here’s the tea: you still have to stay aware and respectful of your surroundings. Know that public displays of affection (PDA) aren’t super common. Holding hands? Totally fine. Tongue-wrestling in the BTS Skytrain? Maybe save that for the club after dark or get a room. If you’re on the BTS or walking through a temple even when on your way to Pride, maybe don’t blast RuPaul at full volume. It’s not about dimming your shine. It’s about knowing when and where to turn it up.
While Thailand is accepting, it remains a religious country. Respect has always been among its cultural cornerstones. Blend pride with cultural sensitivity. You can be confident and still be considerate. You can slay and stay respectful.
Bangkok is one of those places where being LGBTQ+ doesn’t make you stand out, it just makes you part of the fun. Whether you’re here to party, explore temples, indulge in Thai food, or all the above, you’ll find a safe space, a craving for equality, and a whole lot of love. So pack your best crop top, stay hydrated, and don’t forget: in Bangkok, the only thing hotter than the weather is diversity. And you. I’m sure you’ll be fierce, too!
