Bangkok’s nightlife has attracted gay tourists from around the world in search of bars and clubs with the right crowd and the atmosphere. And where can you find these bars and clubs? Where else but in Bangkok’s red light district called Patpong.

Patpong is most well known for go go bars and sex clubs for straight men. But what most people don’t know is that there are many small and large gay establishments as well for gay visitors. There are 3 main areas within Patpong where gays can find all male go go bars, restaurants and even upscale bars and clubs. All of these areas are within easy walking distance to each other.

The first place to find gay go go bars and venues is in Duangthawee Plaza located on Surawongse road just off Patpong 2. It’s often called Soi Twilight because many of the establishments here are able to close later than the official 1am -2am closing time imposed by the government. Here you’ll find the most gay go go bars and a few noteworthy restaurants to lounge around and have a meal and drink in such as Dick’s Cafe.

The second strip for gay nightlife is found on Silom Soi 4. There are no go go bars here so Silom 4 has a much more laid back and relaxed atmosphere. There are many popular restaurants and bars lining the street with open terraces for people watching and the seats are filled especially on weekends. And ever so often a group of gay restaurant and bar owners will get together and put on fashion and entertainment shows with live music and dancers. One of the most popular bars on Silom Soi 4 is the pub style Telephone, where there are telephones on tables which you can use to call for a chat with fellow customers.

The last area is the smallest and it is on Silom Soi 2, just a few minutes walk from Silom Soi 4. This area has the least bars and clubs, however it has 2 of the best clubs popular with the young gay crowd called DJ Station and Freeman with its famous drag show starting every night at midnight. Make sure to get a seat near the balcony for the best view of the show below which takes place on a large central dance floor.

Finally there are many hotels in Bangkok but it’s best to stay around Patpong since that’s where you can find the most gay friendly hotels. There are only a few within walking distance to Patpong’s gay nightlife venues such as the Montien Hotel and Bally’s Suites Silom.

Bangkok is the perfect place for gay travelers to explore a strange city in Southeast Asia. Thailand itself has a large gay population and the people accept travelers as who they are regardless of sexual orientation.

Bangkok’s culture dates back to many centuries that it is said that archeological excavations in the area north of Nakorn Ratchasima indicate that there were people living here over 4000 years ago

The Bangkokians are a bunch of warm and friendly people, usually too polite to show offense. Yet, as with any nation, there are borders of behavior that should and should not be crossed. They take great pride in their monarchy. Visitors are well-advised to respect the reverence in which devoted Bangkokians hold their royal family. The Buddhist religion is considered sacred by Bangkokians. Monks, temples, and Buddha images are everywhere and most of the people treat them with great respect. It is expected that appropriate clothing be worn in temples, and shoes removed when entering certain areas in the temples.

For Bangkokians, the maintenance of surface calm and harmony is crucial. Loss of temper, arguing, or direct criticism are best avoided among them, because they feel it serves little purpose in any case. The famous wai is a used as a gesture for both greeting and respect. Wai requires the person to use both of his hands as if praying in front of his face. In general, it is considered to be a mark of respect to try to keep the head at a lower level than that of a senior or older person when talking to or passing them. On entering a private chamber or house, it is customary to remove your shoes. The polite form of address when talking to or about people of similar or older age are to use the title “Khun” and the person’s first name.

Many Bangkokians will be too polite to comment on behaviour that is disrespectful of a fellow Bangkokian, but you should be aware that it is still offensive. Looks and appearances are important to Bangkokians. When meeting them, dressing smartly, or at least appropriately, reflects the degree of respect you hold for them.