Prowd Issarasena Na Ayuddhaya

Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest of its kind in Thailand and a must-see for any first-time visitor to Bangkok. There is something for everyone in its vastness, including a multitude of affordable fashion booths, arts and craft stalls, furniture retailers and a huge garden supplies section (although we highly recommend skipping the exotic pet zone, which many would like to see closed on ethical grounds). Locals are also attracted to the market for its mouthwatering street food stalls and handful of laid-back bars, which make it the perfect spot to shop ‘til you need to drop in for a reviving drink. Whether you're exploring solo or recommending the market to visiting friends, Chatuchak is a true Thai experience. Operating from 6pm - midnight on Fri and 10am - 6pm on Sat-Sun, treasures here await. MRT Chatuchak underground and BTS Mo Chit Skytrain stops are the nearest stations to this gem, and you can cut through neighbouring Chatuchak Park for a shorter walk once you get off the train. Ready to dive in and taste the many flavours of Chatuchak Weekend Market? It can get hot and crowded in its bustling lanes, so check out our 10 recommendations for some retail relief, re-fuelling and relaxation.  

Named one of the coolest neighbourhoods among 40 by Time Out, this fascinating area of Bangkok sandwiched between the buzzing streets of Yaowarat and the mighty Chao Phraya River exudes a unique, chilled vibe that sets it apart from the wild energy of nearby Chinatown. Dating to the early 1900s, it was once a hub for trade but in more recent years it has undergone a low-key transformation to become a cool cultural hotspot blending history and creativity. Well worth a visit if you're looking for new gems in Bangkok, head on over and be guided by our list of the best things to do in this hip district.

Bangkok is the stuff of legend for LGBTQ+ parties and events, and thousands worldwide flock to the city annually to enjoy them. From parades and circuit parties to cultural celebrations, these gatherings showcase the city's enthusiasm for bolstering an amazing environment for friends within the community. But worry not if you haven't attended before - there’s time and opportunity yet. Here’s our heads-up on the best LGBTQ+ events in town this year to get you started.

The mighty Chao Phraya River winds gracefully through Krung Thep, offering a serene escape from the bustling streets. Whether you're drawn to the gentle lapping of water at sunrise or the golden reflection of riverside temples in the evening, Bangkok’s majestic waterway offers a front-row seat to the capital’s dynamic urban landscape. Known for its historical significance and scenic aspects, the river is a picturesque backdrop for a number of iconic hotels. To ease your search for the best, the Time Out team has compiled a list of top riverside properties guaranteed to give you an Instagram-worthy stay.

Bar-hopping and clubbing are among the top things to do in Bangkok. What if we told you that LGBTQ+ nightlife here takes it to the next level? The Thai capital is becoming a Mecca  for LGBTQ+ parties and boasts an array of venues that accommodate different preferences. Here are our picks of the brightest spots. Add them to your best things to-do list and remember to party responsibly, look out for your chums and keep the good vibes alive.

As you stroll the leafy byways and lanes around Sukhumvit Soi 55 you'll notice hip hang-out spots, spas, bars and upmarket eateries by the score. Whether you’re a foodie on a culinary adventure, a nightlife enthusiast ready to dance the night away, or simply looking to rejuvenate after the excesses of the holiday season, check out our round-up of the best things to do in this buzzing neighbourhood.  

The Charoen Krung story began in 1864 when it became the City of Angels’ first paved street. Winding through some of Bangkok's most culturally diverse neighbourhoods, the road offers up many blasts from the past. From its early days as a trade route lined with colonial-style shophouses to its present-day status as a hub teeming with art galleries, chic cafes, top restaurants and hotels, it has been a microcosm of the city itself. As Thailand’s go-to guide, Time Out offers up a list of fun stuff to explore and experience in this avenue of many faces.

We're not going to sugarcoat it. Getting around the megalopolis that is Krung Thep (to give the Thai capital its local name) can be hard work for long-term residents, let alone first-time arrivals. The city's vast public transport network can appear complex, with overlapping routes, opaque connections, and payment methods that often call for prior preparation. But those wanting to plan a tour and find their way to the best things to do in this perennially popular global destination can rest assured. We've pulled together a detailed transport guide that will ease those travel jitters and boost your confidence of staying on the right track.

If you need a friend to hang out and grab a drink with you, we recommend Simply Tomboy Bangkok. It's a host club in the Bang Rak area that promises androgynous female hosts to keep you company. To make the night even better, the venue offers a buzzing happy hour before midnight. Focused on inclusivity and fun, it's set to become a must-visit spot for those needing something a little different.

Also located in Silom Soi 4, this is your tropical cocktail paradise where the party never stops. This beachy haven is all about turning up the fun with thumping house and techno beats. A generous happy hour also helps to set the party vibe. Running from 10pm to midnight, it allows you to sip on heady drinks without breaking the bank. And just when you think the fun couldn’t get any more fabulous, themed nights and drag shows keep the energy soaring high - expect glam, glitter and queens who will leave you in awe.

Situated in Silom Soi 4, this bar was once known as Telephone Pub. It promises three over-the-top drag shows every night. In fact, live DJ sets, male dancers and a bouncing atmosphere make it a one-stop destination for entertainment. With its drag shows and outdoor seating to soak in the buzz, it exudes an inclusive vibe that screams ‘everyone is welcomed’.

If you're a fan of Drag Race Thailand, you'll love this place. Owned by Thai drag icon Pagina Heals, or Pan Pan, this bar offers creative cocktails and lively events at the 33rd level of the Renaissance Hotel. It's celebrated for its world-class interactive drag performances, DJs and artists, making it a premier spot for LGBTQ+ gatherings. It's a rule that you've got to dress to kill here, otherwise you might spoil the ambience.

Women only please. Les Hi Bar is located in a quiet neighbourhood in Din Daeng. Designed to mimic a rooftop bar setting, a magical starlit ceiling brings the night sky indoors. This is a creative spot for guests looking for a vibrant ambience. To get the patrons grooving, there are resident DJs and live band performances on specific dates. Friday and Saturday nights are particularly lively.

This bar became one of the hottest additions to Silom’s buzzing gay nightlife scene last year. Located next to G Bangkok (G.O.D), Rush Bar makes it easy to dive from one wild scene to another without missing a beat. What sets it apart from the rest is that it occupies multiple stories of euphoria. If you're looking for a more curated experience, it hosts special nights for male performances to bring the party to the next level.

In October last year BEEF. BKK relocated to a new home at Silom Edge. It primarily caters to the bear crowd (hunky gay men), but don't worry, you don't have to be one to enjoy a night out here. You'll be welcomed with open arms and there won't be any pressure to dance shirtless. This is yet another well-known spot in which to boogie the night away. The club’s mix of house, pop and disco beats ensure there is something for all. We highly recommend you to arrive early because the queues build up quickly thanks to the venue’s growing popularity.

Owned by a former contestant in Drag Race Thailand, The Stranger Bar is a playground for drag performances and all things fabulous. Tucked away at the back of Silom Soi 4, you'll find this iconic nightlife spot celebrating self-expression, glitter and jaw-dropping talents. An A-list line-up of drag queens slay the stage and crowd on a nightly basis. From lip-sync battles and comedy acts to dance shows, expect a spectacle you won't forget in a hurry. Whether you're a first-timer or a regular, it's an inclusive space where all can unleash their inner diva.

Located in Silom Soi 2, this is one of the city’s most famous gay nightclubs. You'll hear a lot about it even before you arrive in Bangkok. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it's known for thumping DJ performances. Come and show the crowd what you've got at their K-Pop dancefloor, where they turn up the latest Korean pop hits. It's super packed at the weekends, especially during the Songkran season. But don't fret, it packs three stories of fun and plenty of space to dance the night away.

This club in Silom soi 4 is spread over three stories and hosts theme parties and DJ gigs. It cranks up the party to full throttle with rave vibes and electronic beats that'll have you dancing like nobody's watching. If you haven't been to gay circuit parties like GCircuit Songkran or White Party, take this as an entry point to the scene. Like DJ Station, it draws international crowds and residents and is usually packed on Sat-Sun.

Found on Ratchadapisek Soi 4, this spacious venue is equipped with a massive catwalk, state-of-the-art lighting and booming sound systems. It attracts a predominantly young, fashionable Thai and Asian crowd. The entertainment lineup typically includes live bands performing Thai and international pop hits, followed by banging DJ sets that keep the dance floor lively until closing. If you’re lucky, you may get to witness a trendjacking night. Think male models dressed up in Squid Game guard costumes.

A hidden bar in the Lat Phrao area exclusively for women, this spot safeguards privacy and exclusivity for its visitors. Ladies, if you want a night filled with energy and flair, you have to book your place in advance. Access is by reservation only and via a secret password that ensures only pre-booked attendees can get in.      

Thailand is taking a monumental step forward by legalising same-sex marriage, becoming only the third country in Asia - after Taiwan and Nepal – to do so. It joins a list of 40 nations worldwide with the bold move, one that solidifies the kingdom's reputation for openness and acceptance of gender fluidity. There’s much more to it than a simple ‘I do’ though. With the bill set to take effect on January 23, here’s why Time Out believes this historic milestone makes the country a leader in human rights. A host for bigger and better LGBTQ+ eventsFrom unofficial rainbow parades to EDM-fuelled spectacles like White Party Bangkok attracting over 40,000 revellers each year, Thailand has shown it can draw visitors from the LGBTQ+ sector. The official launch of Pride parades in 2022 cemented the city’s place as a rainbow-friendly hub. These events embody Thailand’s progressive spirit, positioning it as a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusivity in Southeast Asia. In 2023 the country ranked fourth globally in LGBTQ+ tourism revenue. Building on this, it is set to host even bigger celebrations, with ‘World Pride 2030’ leading the way. Time Out reached out to Ken Kreangsak Leing, owner of gay party organiser G Spot Entertainment, who says the change in law is set to attract even more gay couples who love to spend money and enjoy themselves. Thailand's wedding venues take centre stageWith the much-anticipated new law making headlines, countless LGBTQ+ couples have gone viral for throwing weddings that