Bangkok has a small gay scene but a varied one here are three bar and restaurant suggestions for the gay tourist to enjoy in gay and vibrant Silom Soi 4.
It is unfortunate that Thailand’s capital city Bangkok has a reputation of being a hot spot for sex tourists. While both men and women who seek sex on holiday exist there are many gay tourists who visit Bangkok and Thailand for the unique experience the city and country offers.
Not all of Bangkok’s venues catering to gay men are sleazy, dark go go bars where young men strut their stuff to entice the so-called sex tourist. Just as in any other city there are a number of bars, pubs and discos that cater to the mass of conventional gay tourists.
As in most cities Bangkok has a defined gay area the most well known is in Bang Rak bounded by the Silom and Surriwongse roads.
On Silom Road sois 2, 2/1 and 4 have gay bars the greatest number of venues being in Silom Soi 4.
Silom Soi 4 bars and pubs
The Balcony Pub
The Balcony Pub is a lively open-fronted bar that is British in its concept. The bar itself is an
"island" around which the regulars tend to sit. Heterosexual and gay tourists sit outside on one of The Balcony’s two verandas.
There is a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from famous international brands of spirits like Bombay gin, Smirnoff vodka, Barcadi rum and local spirits also perhaps the most popular of which is a Thai "whisky" called San Som. Beers range from local brews like Singha and Chang to Heineken and Tiger.
Both Western and Thai food is available it is delicious and cheap. If you want traditional pub grub like chicken and chips in a basket or exotic Thai dishes like the sea food-based Ho Mok Talay or hot and spicy Tom Yum Goong then this British pub will have it.
Karaoke and Internet are available on the first floor.
Open from 6 pm to 2 am daily.
Address: Silom Soi 4, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500
Tel: +66 (0) 2235 5891
The Telephone Pub
The Telephone Pub is Bangkok’s oldest gay bar and boasts a unique feature for at every table is a telephone if you wish to speak to a friend across the bar or at the first floor restaurant simply pick up the phone dial the prominently displayed number and hey presto your connected. It also has free wi-fi.
The Telephone has a full restaurant that serves international and Thai food at good prices. The western food is slanted towards North American fare. The Thai offerings are equally tasty.
A similar range of alcoholic beverages are available here as in other Soi 4 gay venues.
The Telephone Pub also has a large veranda where al fresco dining and drinking is possible while people watching the Balcony just across the road or watching the steady stream of visitors to other gay venues on Silom Soi 4
There is a karaoke room on the second floor.
Open from 6 pm to 2 am daily.
Address: Silom Soi 4 Bang Rak, Bangkok, 10500
Tel: +66 (0) 2 234 3279
The Sphinx
The Sphinx is Bangkok’s oldest gay restaurant the food although a little pricy has an excellent reputation, the music is cool and chilled out and the staff are friendly and efficient. A dining experience you won’t forget in this North African themed restaurant.
The Sphinx has a stylish first floor Karaoke room called Pharoes.
Open from 6 pm to 1 am daily.
Address: Silom Soi 4, Bank Rak, Bangkok, 10500
Tel: +66 (0) 2234 – 7249
Email: sales@sphinxthai.com
Also try Café 4 and Bar Bar.
