Five Queer-friendly Bars in Bangkok to Visit This Pride Month and Beyond

In a world that isn't entirely accepting yet of the LGBTQ+ community, having safe spaces where members and allies can come together and feel heard, understood, loved, and valued is essential.

The Buddhist-majority Thailand is among the Southeast Asian countries regarded as a relatively progressive nation in terms of its acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. In Bangkok, for example, many entertainment establishments, such as gay bars and clubs that have been around for years, are known for openly catering to members and allies of the community and serving as a harbour where anyone can be safe from discrimination.

This Pride Month and in any month of the year, drop by these queer-friendly bars in Bangkok with your loved ones to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and the values and legacy of Pride: inclusion, love, diversity, solidarity, and justice.

Happy Pride!

The Stranger Bar

The Stranger Bar, regarded as the first full drag venue in Thailand, should be top of your list of LGBTQ+-friendly bars to visit this Pride month and beyond! It is the brainchild of Irish drinkologist Sean and Thai drag queen M Stranger Fox. The establishment prides itself as an all-inclusive community and safe space not just for the LGBTQ+ but for people from all walks of life. When you visit, make sure you try some of its naughty signature shots and marvel at its drag shows. To know which drag queens have upcoming performances, check out The Stranger Bar's social media pages!

Location: The Stranger Bar, 114/14 Silom, 4 Suriyawong

Calypso Cabaret

Calypso is one of the institutions of Thailand's cabaret scene, having been around since 1988. Calypso Cabaret is known for its Thai transgender artists, who capture the audience with their individual talents and exclusive choreography in lip-syncing fun and memorable performances. Calypso champions inclusivity and acceptance, especially this Pride month, as its artists stage vibrant performances to diverse audiences in their glamorous, fashionable costumes. You can book tickets here.

Location: Calypso Cabaret, 2194 Asiatique The Riverfront, Warehouse No.3, Charoenkrung 72-74 Road

The Balcony 

This pub and restaurant is the largest of its kind along Silom Soi 4. Locals and tourists alike love the electrifying ambience of The Balcony, which is one of the most popular gay bars in the country. In fact, it was voted as Favourite Gay Hangout by BK Magazine's Readers' Choice Awards in 2007. The Balcony's two terraces are perfect for soaking up the night breeze while sipping cocktails, while those who prefer air-conditioned comfort can stay inside. Its regular cabaret nights and monthly quizzes are a favourite of the crowd.

Location: The Balcony, Silom Soi 4

Banana Room Club

For more cabaret shows, as well as dance shows and karaoke, head on over to Banana Room Club, another gay bar on Silom Soi 4 that offers itself as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Enjoy a heady, thrilling night with your friends at Banana Room Club this Pride month and witness with awe the passion, artistry, and talents of its performers.

Location: Banana Room Club, Silom Soi 4

Fake Club Bangkok

Fake Club Bangkok pulled out all the stops in its celebration of Pride month! The gay-friendly hotspot is known for its table services, laser beams, live music, dances, and DJ sets, although it brought these up a notch this June with its themed activities and performances for the LGBTQ+ community, including pole dancing, pageants, parties, model shows, and more. Follow Fake Club Bangkok's social media pages for updates on its upcoming events for the rest of June!

Location: Fake Club Bangkok, 60/1 Soi, 4 Ratchadaphisek Road