Bangkok City Guide
|
When you first come to Bangkok, you’ll be struck by the simultaneous convergence of the sights, sounds and aromas that are unique to this “City of Angels.” There’s the traffic with its procession of autos, motorcycles and tuk-tuks; the spicy and delicious street food available on every corner and the parade of people, everywhere.
Bangkok, by far Thailand’s biggest and most populous city (about 12 million in Greater Bangkok), is a mix of frenzy and serenity. The Skytrain and MRT (subway) have made it much easier to get around, and taxis, tuk-tuks, buses and motorcycle taxis are plentiful. You can visit the many markets, glitzy malls, beautiful and famous temples and museums, as well as, the famous bars and shows that the city is famous for.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, a must for visitors to Bangkok, best reached by catching the Skytrain. Mor Chit bus terminal is located near the same stop, which is handy to know if you need to catch a bus heading north or northeast. Mah Boon Krong (MBK to locals -take Skytrain to National Stadium) is the largest shopping center in the district, and serves as a local transit hub and good orientation point. Young Thais and keen shoppers head for the area around Siam Square. There are several malls such as Siam Center and Siam Discovery Center, Centerpoint and the World Trade Center. A walk away from the latter stands Panthip Plaza, possibly the best place to get deals on computers in Southeast Asia.
The Sathorn/Silom area forms the core of Bangkok’s Central Business District and encompasses a number of embassies and hotels. Silom Road offers more shopping opportunities, including the Patpong Night Market. The Silom District is the most popular with English Speaking tourists and visitors and has the most popular venues catering to gay tourists.
Highly Recommended Attractions to Visit in Bangkok
• Jim Thompson’s Houses
• National Museum/Wang Na Palace with its excellent and comprehensive artifacts and exhibits for a slice of Thai history
• Wat Arun for breathtaking views of Bangkok and Chayo Phraya River
• Grand Palace/Wat Phra Kaew with its amazing Emerald Buddha, colorful mosaics and glittering spires
• Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest temple and home of the Reclining Buddha
• Wat Traimitr (Golden Buddha)
• Markets, such as Chatuchak Park Weekend Market, the most famous of Bangkok’s markets, where you can buy almost anything at amazing prices if you bargain; Lumpini Park to relax and take a break from the chaos of Bangkok and to view the weightlifters in the early morning
Chatuchak Weekend Market, a must for visitors to Bangkok, best reached by catching the Skytrain. Mor Chit bus terminal is located near the same stop, which is handy to know if you need to catch a bus heading north or northeast. Mah Boon Krong (MBK to locals -take Skytrain to National Stadium) is the largest shopping center in the district, and serves as a local transit hub and good orientation point. Young Thais and keen shoppers head for the area around Siam Square. There are several malls such as Siam Center and Siam Discovery Center, Centerpoint and the World Trade Center. A walk away from the latter stands Panthip Plaza, possibly the best place to get deals on computers in Southeast Asia.
The Sathorn/Silom area forms the core of Bangkok’s Central Business District and encompasses a number of embassies and hotels. Silom Road offers more shopping opportunities, including the Patpong Night Market. The Silom District is the most popular with English Speaking tourists and visitors and has the most popular venues catering to gay tourists.
Highly Recommended Attractions to Visit in Bangkok
• Jim Thompson’s Houses
• National Museum/Wang Na Palace with its excellent and comprehensive artifacts and exhibits for a slice of Thai history
• Wat Arun for breathtaking views of Bangkok and Chayo Phraya River
• Grand Palace/Wat Phra Kaew with its amazing Emerald Buddha, colorful mosaics and glittering spires
• Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest temple and home of the Reclining Buddha
• Wat Traimitr (Golden Buddha)
• Markets, such as Chatuchak Park Weekend Market, the most famous of Bangkok’s markets, where you can buy almost anything at amazing prices if you bargain; Lumpini Park to relax and take a break from the chaos of Bangkok and to view the weightlifters in the early morning
The Bangkok Gay Scene
Bangkok is the “Gay Capital of Asia” with a plethora of gay nightlife entertainment venues unrivalled in Asia. Most Foreigners go to Suriwongse, Silom, and along Sathorn road which offer the most gay venues and are the most popular. Everything is within easy walking distance. Silom is considered the main gay area. Silom’s Soi 2, Soi 2/1 and Soi 4 are close to the BTS Skytrain (Sala Daeng) and MRT Subway (Silom) stations.
The very popular Silom Soi 4 offers a more relaxed atmosphere with its mix of straight & gay clubs, restaurants and bars, which is great for an evening out or meeting new friends. Telephone Pub, The Balcony and Sphinx all serve food and some welcome the crowds with ‘happy hour’ and monthly promotions. People love to sit on the terraces and people watch.
A two-minute walk from Soi 4 is Silom Soi 2/1, where local expats and Thai guys congregate for dinner and drinks @Richard’s Pub & Restaurant and later at G.O.D. nightclub, a club boasting large space, sexy house beats, big crowds for after hours drinking & dancing.
A couple minutes further down the soi is Silom Soi 2, most popular late night and features Asia’s gay disco “DJ Station” , ‘the’ best known place to be for the hip crowd. An entertaining mini cabaret show launches the fun around 23:00. The first and second floors are usually dominated by sweaty men, while the third has a long comfy couch perfect for getting to know your new-found friend. Facing DJ Station, Expresso is a place to cool off and re-energize. Disco Disco is another place to let it all hang out, especially when DJ Station and Expresso is occupied.
In between Silom and Sathorn Road, there are several massage salons. Soi Duangthawee (“Soi Twilight”), between Suriwong and Rama IV Roads, is where the most Male go-go bars with “special shows” are located. Stop in at Dick’s Café or Maxis Restaurant on Soi Duangthawee for some great Thai or western food before hitting the bars or to lounge and view the “street action.”
Another popular Gay Attraction in Bangkok is the world famous Babylon Sauna on Soi Nantha (off Sathorn Soi 1). In Babylon you lose all track of time with sauna and steam room, a darkened area to play hide and seek and share, bars and restaurants, swimming pool and workout area, hair salon, reading lounge, Internet room and private rooms in this very well-designed and trendy venue. Babylon is extremely popular among Thais, expats and visitors, so expect some congestion on weekends.
The College-aged Thai men and business professionals go to Ramkhamhaeng (Lamsalee) and Kamphaeng Pet Road. These popular gay Thai areas are mainly Thai-for-Thai culture with different rules than what you will find in Silom. They are not money boys nor looking for a foreigner to date. It is worth a trip here if you just like to watch or have a date already.
The most popular and busiest gay area in Thailand is located out on Ramkhamhaeng Road, Soi 89/2 and best to go by taxi. Soi 89/2 draws thousands of university students, working professionals, and those that just like a good time. The most popular places are Club 9 Café, ICK Pub, See Men, Crazy Dance Club, and Lamsalee Dance Pub. Although it is probably 98% Thai, the foreigners are welcome as long as they remain polite. Here the Thai gays can be themselves without having to worry about the “stigma” of being seen as a “money boy” if seen with a foreign tourist. It is an insult to proposition a patron with money.
The next Thai gay scene is on Kamphaeng Pet Road (Oa Tor Kor). Again, very popular with the university students and working Thais, it is located very close to Chatachuk (Weekend Market).
So, wherever you end up, you’re sure to have a great time.
Bangkok is the “Gay Capital of Asia” with a plethora of gay nightlife entertainment venues unrivalled in Asia. Most Foreigners go to Suriwongse, Silom, and along Sathorn road which offer the most gay venues and are the most popular. Everything is within easy walking distance. Silom is considered the main gay area. Silom’s Soi 2, Soi 2/1 and Soi 4 are close to the BTS Skytrain (Sala Daeng) and MRT Subway (Silom) stations.
The very popular Silom Soi 4 offers a more relaxed atmosphere with its mix of straight & gay clubs, restaurants and bars, which is great for an evening out or meeting new friends. Telephone Pub, The Balcony and Sphinx all serve food and some welcome the crowds with ‘happy hour’ and monthly promotions. People love to sit on the terraces and people watch.
A two-minute walk from Soi 4 is Silom Soi 2/1, where local expats and Thai guys congregate for dinner and drinks @Richard’s Pub & Restaurant and later at G.O.D. nightclub, a club boasting large space, sexy house beats, big crowds for after hours drinking & dancing.
A couple minutes further down the soi is Silom Soi 2, most popular late night and features Asia’s gay disco “DJ Station” , ‘the’ best known place to be for the hip crowd. An entertaining mini cabaret show launches the fun around 23:00. The first and second floors are usually dominated by sweaty men, while the third has a long comfy couch perfect for getting to know your new-found friend. Facing DJ Station, Expresso is a place to cool off and re-energize. Disco Disco is another place to let it all hang out, especially when DJ Station and Expresso is occupied.
In between Silom and Sathorn Road, there are several massage salons. Soi Duangthawee (“Soi Twilight”), between Suriwong and Rama IV Roads, is where the most Male go-go bars with “special shows” are located. Stop in at Dick’s Café or Maxis Restaurant on Soi Duangthawee for some great Thai or western food before hitting the bars or to lounge and view the “street action.”
Another popular Gay Attraction in Bangkok is the world famous Babylon Sauna on Soi Nantha (off Sathorn Soi 1). In Babylon you lose all track of time with sauna and steam room, a darkened area to play hide and seek and share, bars and restaurants, swimming pool and workout area, hair salon, reading lounge, Internet room and private rooms in this very well-designed and trendy venue. Babylon is extremely popular among Thais, expats and visitors, so expect some congestion on weekends.
The College-aged Thai men and business professionals go to Ramkhamhaeng (Lamsalee) and Kamphaeng Pet Road. These popular gay Thai areas are mainly Thai-for-Thai culture with different rules than what you will find in Silom. They are not money boys nor looking for a foreigner to date. It is worth a trip here if you just like to watch or have a date already.
The most popular and busiest gay area in Thailand is located out on Ramkhamhaeng Road, Soi 89/2 and best to go by taxi. Soi 89/2 draws thousands of university students, working professionals, and those that just like a good time. The most popular places are Club 9 Café, ICK Pub, See Men, Crazy Dance Club, and Lamsalee Dance Pub. Although it is probably 98% Thai, the foreigners are welcome as long as they remain polite. Here the Thai gays can be themselves without having to worry about the “stigma” of being seen as a “money boy” if seen with a foreign tourist. It is an insult to proposition a patron with money.
The next Thai gay scene is on Kamphaeng Pet Road (Oa Tor Kor). Again, very popular with the university students and working Thais, it is located very close to Chatachuk (Weekend Market).
So, wherever you end up, you’re sure to have a great time.