Gay and Lesbian in Chiang Mai

Darling, Chiang Mai is a wonderful place for gay and lesbian people. Thailand is just so much fun for us because everyone lets you get on with being yourself; the Thais are so tolerant and accepting of gay people and many beautiful Thais are gay themselves.

Here in Chiang Mai there is an active gay scene and lots of gay foreigners have made this their home, feeling very comfortable in this environment. Many have found their special partner here while others prefer to simply have a bit of fun! The Chiang Mai gay culture is centred on bars, saunas and go-go clubs; but many also prefer a quieter life.

Chiang Mai's gay scene is small but active. There are a number of thriving bars in an area behind the Night Bazaar Centre, as well as other bars, clubs and saunas throughout the city. Additionally, there are many gay-friendly hotels and guesthouses. The lesbian scene is somewhat more subdued, with the first official lesbian bar opening up in January 2004.

Chiang Mai is a popular destination for many gay men, especially those aged 35 and older. Thai culture does not place a premium on youth in the way that Western societies do, and older men can still be quite desirable in Thailand. Chiang Mai is also a popular place to retire, for straights and gays.

Thai boys are gorgeous, with toned bodies, lovely features and a soft nature. It’s no wonder some have become ladyboys, they have a very feminine side to them and the ladyboys themselves can be great fun. Everyone is friendly here.

In the past, the most visible, public gay establishments in the country consisted of bars, go-go clubs, saunas and massage parlours. Although these still account for the majority of gay venues, tamer discos, bars and coffeehouses are sprouting up around Thailand.


GAY BARS, CLUBS, DISCOS AND CABARETS IN CHIANG MAI
Every night is ladies night at La Femme Fatale, open between 19:00 to 02:00 daily, in Chiang Mai Land, off Chang Klan Road south of the city.

A number of gay bars are clustered near the night market beside the Peak Climbing Wall and across the Soi down a small arcade lane - just look out for the rainbow flags.

Le Lang Matong: is situated on the east side of the Ping River, just south of town. The young, local crowd keeps this bar lively. Tel: 053-302-260.

Lotus Garden Bar: next to Lotus Hotel, is an open-air bamboo hut bar filled with friendly people. Located opposite Adam's Apple Bar.

Adams' Apple go-go bar: is a well-known and popular venue with some exciting shows. 132 Soi Viengbua, Chotana Rd. Tel: (053) 220-381-2.

Pornping Coffee Shop and Bubbles Disco: both in Pornping Hotel, are lively places for gays and straights, featuring live bands. Beneath Porn Ping Tower hotel near Night Bazaar.

Bacchus Bar: features a mixed crowd, with the many attractive waiters drawing in European ex-pats. On a Soi near new Dusit Thani Hotel, near Night Market.

Darling Wine Bar: is an upscale, open-air gay-owned and gay-friendly bar, perfect for social get-togethers with groups of gay and straight friends. Huay Kaew Road, opposite EF language centre.

Caesar Club and DiscothГЁque: is geared towards gays but is open to everyone. The late night disco plays tribal, house, trance, dance, pop, and disco music. Kaew Nawarat Rd, opposite Arcade Inn at the Arcade Bus Depot.

Simon Cabaret: is behind the Rimping Supermarket (next door to the Novotel). This tasteful extravaganza is a must see and appropriate for all. There are two shows nightly at 19:00 and 21:30.

Nice Illusion: is a night spot popular with gays, straights and freelancing bar girls. Opposite Sompet Market (across the moat) on Chaiyaphum Road.


OTHERS
DD Club: is a great place to meet ladyboys 161 Chang Phuek Rd. Soi 4.
Garden Bar: 2/25 Soi Vienbua Chotana Rd. Tel: (053) 215 376.
Chez Nous: Tapae Soi 1, near Night Bazaar.
Hot Boy Club: 161/5-6 Changpauk. Tel: (053) 226 099.
Circle Club: 161/7-8 Soi Erawan, Chotana Rd. Tel: (053) 214-996.
Doi Boy: 27/1-2 Soi 4 Chang Puek Rd. Tel: 053 410 241.
My Way: 3/5-6 Hatsadee Sewee Rd. Tel (01) 474-1913.


GAY MASSAGE AND SPAS
House of Male: is a sauna and gym, with swimming pool, bar and friendly single people.

Soi 3 of Sirimankalajarn Rd. Open day and night.

Sparoma Sauna and Fitness: has a pool, gym, sauna, restaurant, Jacuzzi, video theatre, karaoke and massage. It is located on Pa Daed Rd.

Barai Traditional Thai Massage: is located at 47/11 Sri Ping Muang Rd. Tel: (01) 961 2622.

Man Male Massage: is located at 45/7 Santitham Rd, Tel: (035) 357 346.

Sparoma: is at 9/4 moo 3 Padad Rd. Tel: (053) 812 900.