Bangkok Gay Guide / LGBT Guide
With a population of over eight million, Bangkok is significantly larger than any other city in Thailand and consequently has a huge influence on the country’s politics, economics, education system and media. Bangkok is a city which is very attractive to tourists due to its mixture of cultural landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and Buddhist temples, and for the fact that the city has a distinctive LGBT subculture, which wouldn’t be possible in other areas of South East Asia because of strict laws on homosexuality. Thus, alongside the more traditional side of Bangkok, there are red-light districts and a thriving nightlife, which are also a popular draw. Consequently, your time in Bangkok is hardly likely to be dull!
If you’re interested in exploring traditional Bangkok, the place to be is Rattanakosin, which is often referred to as the ‘Old City.’ There are hundreds of temples, with the most visited including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. There are numerous other temples worth paying a visit to, though, including the Golden Mount, Wat Suthat and Wat Ratchanaddaram. You can also take a trip to the many museums and galleries in the area, such as the National Museum; the Museum of Siam; the King Prajadhipok Museum; the National Gallery; the Queen's Gallery; and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
There are a number of notable festivals that take place in Bangkok, such as the Chinese New Year Festival; the Songkran Festival; the Royal Ploughing Ceremony; Loi Krathong (the Festival of Lights); and the Trooping of the Colours. The city is also home to Bangkok Together, which is the annual gay pride event that brings together members of the LGBT community. The city has an active gay nightlife scene with gay go-go bars, strip bars, drinking bars and saunas largely concentrated in Silom's Soi 2, Soi 4. Thus, you have the perfect opportunity to learn about Bangkok’s history and culture, as well as have fun and socialise in the many welcoming clubs and bars in the city.
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