Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [139]
Ratchada Soi 8 (Map; 0892 310 996; www.ratchadasoi8.com; 76/4 Soi 8, Th Ratchadaphisek; 8pm-1am; Phra Ram 9 exit 3) The place is packed. The upper age limit here seems to be 25, and everyone knows the moves to the K-Pop (Korean pop) soundtrack – and sometimes the words. There’s the usual show with ‘coyote boys’ (skinny young guys in Speedos and boots). Enjoy.
G-Star (Map; 0 2643 8792; www.g-starpub.com; Soi 8, Th Ratchadaphisek; 8pm-1am; Phra Ram 9 exit 3) G-Star appears fairly similar to Ratchada Soi 8, but the fact that it doesn’t have a sign and sits behind an empty lot suggests it has something to hide. Inside, you’ll find not one but three rather large men’s rooms. All the urinals are in cubicles with locking doors and one of the men’s rooms has particularly bad lighting. We’ll let you figure out what goes on in there.
Or Tor Kor
The famed ICQ has gone but Or Tor Kor, by Chatuchak Weekend Market, remains a popular destination for young gays.
Fake Club (Map; 0894 739 262; Th Kamphaeng Phet, Greater Bangkok; 8pm-1am; Kamphaeng Phet exit 1) This place has found a niche somewhere between Ratchada and Silom. You’ll still find students here, but the crowd is a tad older and more sophisticated, as is the decor and music.
Ramkhamhaeng
Ramkhamhaeng is Bangkok’s largest university: that’s a lot of young gay guys. Dozens of gay pubs, karaoke bars and saunas have opened in the area near the Lamsalee intersection.
ICK (Map; 0891 130 747; Soi 89/2, Th Ramkhamhaeng, Greater Bangkok; 8pm-1am; Phra Ram 9 exit 3 & taxi) ICK’s scrawny coyote boys and cabaret shows are a cultural experience unto themselves. Off-stage, the makeup and body mass index doesn’t change that much.
Saunas
In Bangkok, there’s a fine line – often no line at all – between male massage and prostitution. Saunas, on the other hand, don’t involve any transaction past the entrance fee. They range from dingy shophouses to beautiful five-star-hotel spa-like compounds. Here are the three most notorious:
Babylon (Map; 0 2679 7984; www.babylonbangkok.com; 34 Soi Nandha, off Soi 1, Th Sathon; admission 260B; 10.30am-10.30pm; Lumphini exit 2) Bangkok’s first luxury sauna remains extremely popular with visitors, many from neighbouring Singapore and Hong Kong.
Chakran (Map; 0 2279 1359; 32 Soi 4, Soi Ari, Th Phaholyothin, Greater Bangkok; admission 250B; noon-11.30pm; Ari exit 3) Chakran is nearly as clean and as elegant as Babylon but, due to its suburban location, sees mostly Thais frequent its 1001 Nights–like decor.
Farose II (Map; 0 2319 4054; www.farosesaunabkk.com; Soi 21, Th Ramkhamhaeng, Greater Bangkok; admission 250B; 5pm-6am; Phra Ram 9 exit 3 & taxi) If you want to mingle with a really Thai crowd, trek out to Ramkhamhaeng. At this gritty, labyrinthine villa, you can get drunk on cheap Sang Som in the basement, wet in the large pool or propositioned in the dark upper floors.
Grégoire Glachant is the managing editor of BK Magazine.
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BROWN SUGAR
Map Pub
0 2250 1825; 231/20 Th Sarasin, Lumphini; 6pm-1.30am; Ratchadamri exit 2
If you’re hankering for some typical New Orleans–style informality, head for Brown Sugar – but mind your step upon entering, lest you trip over the bass player. Both Friday and Saturday nights see this perpetually packed pub’s house band belting out inspired performances that blend soul, jazz, rock and just about anything else you can think of.
GAZEBO
Map Pub
0 2629 0705; www.gazebobkk.com; 3rd fl, 44 Th Chakrapong, Banglamphu; 7pm-late; admission 300B after 11pm Sun-Wed & after midnight Thu-Sat; air-con 3 & 16, ordinary 3, 15 & 16; klorng boat to Tha Phra Athit (Banglamphu, N13)
Like an oasis above Th Khao San, this vaguely Middle Eastern–themed pub draws backpackers and locals alike with fun cover bands, a disco and fez-topped sheesha attendants. Its elevated location also appears to lend it some leniency with the city’s strict closing times.
LIVING ROOM
Map Lounge Bar
0 2649 8888; www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com;