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Gay In: Chiang Mai – An LGBT+ Travel Guide

Chiang Mai is one of the most liveable cities in Asia, but what is it like to be gay in Chiang Mai? We travelled to Chiang Mai to find out and found it to be one of the most gay-friendly cities in Thailand. With an abundant selection of gay and gay-friendly bars, nightclubs, hotels, cafes, and activities, gay Chiang Mai has a lot to offer LGBTQ+ travellers.

gay chiang mai

Don’t get me wrong, when you compare to Bangkok or Phuket, Chiang Mai’s gay scene is relatively tame. However, there is still plenty of fun to be had both during the day and at night. The gay scene aside, Chiang Mai is a cultural city, popular amongst backpackers, digital nomads and LGBTQ+ travellers alike.  

What we love most about Chiang Mai is that it has all the perks of being in a city, such as great food, temples, nightlife, markets, cafes, and shops. But in as little as an hour, you can immerse yourself in nature. Escape into the jungle for hiking adventures and elephant sanctuaries, or go ziplining or cliff jumping at a nearby canyon.

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Chiang Mai. And this guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to have an unforgettable time. I’ve listed all of the hottest gay bars and nightclubs; gay-friendly hotels and hostels; the best LGBT+ centred events; as well as all the top things to see and do.

So let’s get to it. Here’s our comprehensive guide to Gay Chiang Mai.

LGBTQ Flag

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Gay In Chiang Mai LGBTQ+ Travel Guide FAQs

If it’s your first time travelling or backpacking Thailand, I recommend checking out our Tips, Tricks & Advice for planning a trip to Thailand.  It’s jam-packed with useful information that will help you prepare for a fantastic, and safe, trip of a lifetime.

Before I jump into talking about the best queer and lesbian bars, clubs, events etc., in Chiang Mai, I thought it would be good to answer some of the frequently asked questions we get about our trips.

LGBTQ+ Rights in Thailand

Same-Sex $exual Activity: Legal since 1956.
Same-Sex Marriage: Same-Sex Unions Legalised July 2020
Rights to Change Legal Gender:  Not legally recognised.
Same-Sex Adoption: Currently under review.
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal since 2018.

If you are keen to learn more about LGBT Rights & Social Opinions in Thailand, check out our guide to Gay & Lesbian Thailand here.

Grand Canyon Water Park
Having a blast in the Grand Canyon Water Park Chiang Mai!

Is Chiang Mai Safe for LGBT+ Travellers?

In short, absolutely yes! Thailand, in general, is one of the most gay-friendly countries we’ve ever visited. Here’s a statement from the Go Thai Be Free website:

“In Thailand, we believe that diversity is amazing. As the most LGBTQ+ welcoming country in Asia, we’re proud that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community – and all people – no matter how they identify; and whom they love; feel free when travelling in Thailand on vacation or holiday.” 

 But more so than that, Thailand has some of the most progressive LGBT laws in all of Asia. Same-sex relations got decriminalised in 1956, which is even earlier than many countries in Europe. It’s also one of the only Asian countries to have implemented anti-discrimination laws for the lesbian and gay communities. And finally, in July 2020, Thailand became the first country in South East Asia to legalise same-sex unions.

On the other hand, while ladyboys and transgender play a significant role in society, the legal situation is complicated. $ex reassignment operations have taken place in Thailand since 1975, yet trans people still do not have the right to change one’s legal gender. Without legal support, the trans community still face discrimination in the workplace, healthcare, and other areas.

Nevertheless, legalities and social opinions aside, Thailand is incredibly safe for LGBTQ+ travellers. Especially in cities such as Chiang Mai, I can guarantee you’re unlikely to experience any discrimination or homophobia. That said, Thai people are generally quite conservative, and it’s important to respect their culture. It’s worth noting that public displays of affection are frowned upon, even if you’re a same-sex couple. 

Elephants in Chiang Mai
Photo by Craig McKay on Unsplash

The Best Time to Visit Gay Chiang Mai

Below is a brief idea of what conditions you can expect when visiting Chiang Mai throughout the year.  

  • Cool/High Season: November – February – Ideal weather for sightseeing but the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
  • Hot Season:  March-May – The build-up to monsoon can become extremely hot and unpleasant.
  • Monsoon Season:  June – October – The wettest months of the year, but often it only rains in short bursts. 

In our opinion, the months of March and October are the best time to visit Chiang Mai. You can avoid the high season, but at the same time, enjoy decent weather. 

Getting Around in Chiang Mai

By Motorcycle – The cheapest and easiest way to navigate Chiang Mai is to rent a scooter or motorbike. That said, if you’ve never driven a motorcycle before, I don’t suggest trying it out for the first time in Chiang Mai. The roads are in good condition, but the lack of road rules can be intimidating for even the most experienced of riders. You’ll find rental shops all over the city with daily rates averaging THB 60-80 ($2-3).  If you’re ever pulled over by the police, they will ask for your International driver’s license. If you don’t have it, it usually results in a fine.

Public Transport – If a motorbike is out of the question, you’ll have to rely on the local bus routes or ride in a songthaew.
By Tuk-Tuk – Riding in a tuk-tuk is a quintessential Thailand experience; however, they can get expensive, so I don’t recommend using them too often.  
By Taxi – Taxis are readily available throughout the city but make sure your driver puts the meter on. In regards to taxi apps, Uber has exited the Southeast Asian market, but Grab still works in Chiang Mai and is often cheaper than local taxis.  

Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a hotspot for Digital Nomads!

Gay-Friendly & Gay Hotels in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is an extremely liberal city, and it would be unheard of for any hotel or hostel to turn you away because of your sexuality. That said, we completely understand the desire to feel accepted and be treated equally.

While there aren’t many exclusively gay hotels in Chiang Mai, I’ve made some recommendations below based on the best-rated hotels amongst LGBT+ travellers.

Hostel $ – Purple Monkey Hostel
Budget $ – Lotus Hotel
Budget $ – Club One Seven Gay Men Hotel Chiang Mai
Mid-Range $$ – Yaang Come Village Hotel
Luxury $$$ – Le Meridien 

You can also check out many other accommodation options in Chiang Mai here. Or use the Map below to see all your options:

Booking.com

Chiang Mai Gay Area

Similar to gay Bangkok, you’ll find Chiang Mai’s gay scene centred around two main areas. The first is the Night Bazaar area, in particular, Charoenprathet Alley 6, Charoenprathet Road, and the Kalare shopping plaza. In this Chiang Mai gay area, you’ll find a series of popular gay bars such as Ram Bar and Pandee Bar. If you’re looking for a somewhat more seedy gay area in Chiang Mai, Changphuak/Santitham is home to several go-go bars.

In the next section, I will be documenting the best gay bars and clubs in Chiang Mai as well as other gay-friendly venues. As I said, Chiang Mai is an LGBT-friendly city, so you shouldn’t feel like you have to stick to strictly gay places. For example, it’s not uncommon to see straight people in gay bars and vice versa. 

LGBTQ Flag

Meeting Other LGBT+ people in Chiang Mai

With the thriving gay scene in Chiang Mai, it’s not too challenging to meet other members of the LGBT+ community. That said, we understand that it isn’t always easy to stroll into a gay bar and attempt to make friends.

That is why the internet is such an excellent tool for connecting with like-minded individuals. We suggest using social media to locate other LGBT+ travellers or locals in Chiang Mai. You can use Facebook, for example, to yield dedicated LGBT groups in the area. Similarly, navigating specific hashtags on Instagram, such as #gaythailand or #gaychiangmai, can help you locate all things LGBT in the area.

Some other great platforms for connecting with people are:

  • Local Dating Apps such as Grindr & Tinder
  • Couchsurfing
  • Purple Roofs (for finding LGBT+ friendly accommodation)

You don’t need to use dating apps in any sort of romantic way either. Some are great for connecting with LGBT+ locals and travellers as friends. If you’re lucky, you may find yourself connecting with a local who can show you all the best spots in the area.  

We always suggest using a secure VPN such as Surfshark when surfing the web internationally. 

PinkCupid dating app for queer women

PinkCupid is a safe and inclusive space where you can connect with thousands of lesbian singles to find their match from all over the world.
You can create your profile for free and join a community of like-minded women seeking friendship, love, and more.

Gay Nightlife in Chiang Mai

Gay Bars in Chiang Mai

Ram Bar – Arguably the most famous gay-bar in Chiang Mai, Ram Bar is a friendly, fun-loving venue, attracting a mixed clientele of both straight and gay patrons. Boasting a delicious, albeit expensive drinks menu, fabulous drag shows, singing, dancing, and all that jazz, you’re guaranteed a night to remember.  Open daily from 6 pm, 1 am, you’ll find Ram Bar at 48 Chareon Phrathet.

Secrets Bar – Located next door to Ram Bar, Secrets Bar is a large venue. However, sadly, it doesn’t pull in the crowds quite like it’s neighbour. But if you fancy a quiet drink and a game of pool to start your night in Gay Chiang Mai, this is the place.  Located on gay soi 6 near the Night Bazaar, Secrets Bar is open from 6 pm until late.

Pandee Bar – One of our favourite gay bars in Chiang Mai, Pandee Bar is a small and intimate venue with a cute owner and friendly atmosphere. Don’t expect a wild all-night party here, but it’s the ideal spot for a quiet drink or 2.   Located on gay soi 6 near the Night Bazaar, Pandee Bar is open from 6 pm until late.

Adam’s Apple Club – If go-go bars are what you’re looking for Adam’s Apple Club has the best reputation of them all. Expect expensive cocktails, fabulously outrageous drag shows, provocative go-go dancers, and lots of cute boys waiting on a date.  Open daily from 9 pm until late, you’ll find Adam’s Apple Club at 1/21-22 Wiengbua Rd, Changphuak. 

Chiang Mai Gay Bars
The Gorgeous Ladyboys @ Ram Bar – 50firststeps.com

Gay-Friendly Bars in Chiang Mai

The North Gate Jazz Co-op – By far one of the best bars in all of Chiang Mai, The North Gate Jazz Co-op, is a must-visit. As the name suggests, this quirky venue presents a regular lineup of live jazz artists and is always a crowd-pleaser. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll find the party spilling out onto the streets.  Located on 91 1-2 Sri Poom Rd, The North Gate Jazz Co-op is open from 7 pm until late.

Boy Blues Bar – If you enjoy live music, you will have to check out Boy Blues Bar when you are in Chiang Mai. A regular haunt amongst locals and tourists alike, they host regular band nights spanning over a variety of genres. Or if you fancy yourself as a musician, they host open mic night every Monday.   Located in Kalare Night Bazaar, Boy-Blue Bar is open from 8 pm until late.

THC Rooftop Bar – One of the busiest rooftop bars in Chiang Mai, THC is a firm backpacker favourite. Both the name and psychedelic decor suggest there’s more than alcohol on offer, but when we were there, it didn’t seem to be the case. Rumour has it that they host the odd drum & bass night, but in our experience, it’s usually reggae music and a chilled vibe.  Located at 19 Mun Mueang Rd THC Rooftop Bar is open from 6 pm until late. 

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Photo Credit – Josadaik Alcântara Marques on Flickr

Gay-Friendly Clubs in Chiang Mai

Cher Club – The sole remaining gay club in Chiang Mai, Cher Club is relatively new to the cities nightlife scene. Opening its doors in April 2019, the Thai-style club hosts regular party nights, featuring Coyote Boys, handsome models, and pumping tunes.  Located at 84/2 Super Highway Road Cher Club is open from 9 pm until 2 am.

Warm-Up Cafe – Located just a short walk from Cher Club, Warm-Up Cafe is one of gay Chiang Mai’s most famous nightclubs. While it isn’t a gay club per se, it is positively gay-friendly and welcomes a mixed clientele seven days a week. One of the cities few late-night venues, expect a wild night alongside thumping house beats.   Located at 40 Nimmanhaemin Road Warm-Up Cafe is open from 7 pm until 1 am. 

Zoe in Yellow – Another favourite amongst the backpacker & ex-pat communities of Chiang Mai, Zoe in Yellow is an institution amid the city’s nightlife scene. If you’re looking to party, this is the place to come, where the fun-loving crowd often spills out onto the streets. Again, it’s not a specific LGBT+ venue; however, you can always expect a mixed clientele.   Located at Ratvithi Rd Warm-Up Cafe is open from 5 pm until midnight. 

Gay Events in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Pride (February) – Following a volatile history and clashes with homophobic protestors, Chiang Mai Pride has made a remarkable come back in the past couple of years. The celebrations include a fabulous parade and local parties which are widely supported by locals and tourists alike. If you can tie in your visit to Chiang Mai with this event, you’re in for a real treat.  

Songkran Water Festival (April) – A significant festival in the Thai calendar is the extraordinary Songkran Festival. Held across three days every April, the event symbolises Thai New Year. The ritual of the ceremony involves water gun fights and throwing buckets of water over people. It’s not specifically an LGBT+ event, but everybody is welcome, and Chiang Mai is one of the best cities in the country to celebrate.

Yi Peng Lantern Festival (October/November):  Again, not an LGBT+ event, but certainly deserves a spot on everybody’s Chiang Mai bucket list. Known as the ‘festival of lights‘ Yi Peng Lantern Festival bears huge significance in Thai culture. Each year in the cultural city of Chiang Mai, thousands of tourists and locals alike, gather to release Chinese paper lanterns into the sky. This magical event symbolises letting go of misfortunes from the previous year. 

gay chiang mai
Photo Credits – John Shedrick on Flickr

Things to do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s gay scene aside, there are many exciting things to see and do in and around the city. There’s enough to keep you entertained for days or weeks on end, from majestic temples in the centre and adventurous activities in the jungle to ethical elephant sanctuaries out in the countryside. Here I will list what I consider to be the ten best things to do in Gay Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

The infamous night bazaar is the epicentre of entertainment in Chiang Mai and an unmissable experience when visiting the city. The market itself is on every evening from 18:00 to 22:30 and boasts a realm of stalls selling a multitude of products. Grab yourself some elephant pants and a Chang vest, and you’ll fit right in amongst the other backpackers on the banana pancake trail.

Besides the market, however, much of Chiang Mai’s gay scene is centred around the night bazaar as I mentioned earlier. So an ideal night starts with some tasty and affordable street food, a stroll through the market ice-cold beer in hand, before hitting the gay bars for some debaucherous fun. 

gay chiang mai
Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai

Elephant Nature Park

Seeing an elephant is one of the top things on most people’s Thailand bucket list. I can’t blame you either. They are one of the most majestic creatures on the planet. But I’m sure I don’t need to educate you about the horrors behind most animal tourism… Do I?  

Northern Thailand is home to a multitude of elephant sanctuaries and companies offering elephant encounters. Yet, despite what the brochures and tour operators might tell you, the majority of them treat the animals poorly.  

We learnt this the hard way after paying for a 2-day experience at a local sanctuary that we believed to be ethical. When we got there, not only were the elephants on chains, but the cahoots were encouraging us to ride them. And even worse than that, trying to convince us that it wasn’t harmful to the animals.

We felt sick that we’d paid good money to support such an organisation. But, we like many newbies visiting Thailand were naive. While no animal tourism will be entirely perfect – perfect would be leaving animals out in the wild – there are a few ethical sanctuaries out there. In Northern Thailand, Elephant Nature Park has the best reputation.

Doi Suthep Mountain Temple
Doi Suthep Mountain Temple

Doi Suthep Mountain Temple

Arguably the most impressive temple in Chiang Mai is the striking Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Located in the mountains 15-minutes drive from the centre, this temple is considered one of the holiest Buddhist temples in Thailand. It is, therefore, a popular pilgrimage destination and offers meditation courses at its international Buddhist centre.

With its sparkling gold facade and towering spire, the temple is a sight to behold. Not only that, but its mountain top position also provides jaw-dropping views over all of Chiang Mai. One of the best ways to get up to the temple is to hike. That way, you can discover the hidden waterfalls (see next section) and other temples along the way.

Tip – When we book tours, we always use Get Your Guide – Book a trekking tour of Doi Suthep National Park here.

Save Time and Book a Tour

For a more local experience, we recommend checking out the guided tours on Get Your Guide:

Chase Waterfalls

Which leads me to my next thing to do in gay Chiang Mai. There are ten or so waterfalls dotted nearby the city, and a couple of them are in the Doi Suthep National Park. The most famous being Bua Thong Waterfalls, otherwise known as, Sticky Waterfall.  

Bua Thong Waterfall is famous for its sticky rock formation as a result of the minerals in the water that cascades it. The stickiness allows you to climb up and down the waterfall without slipping and makes for a fun activity.

Other waterfalls are a little further afield, but some of the most impressive include Wachirathan Waterfall, Mork Fa Waterfall, and Mae Sa Pok Waterfall.

Grand Canyon Water Park
Smiles all round at the Grand Canyon Water Park

Grand Canyon Water Park

The Grand Canyon in Chiang Mai is an outdoor waterpark built inside a huge quarry. Boasting giant inflatables, obstacle courses, daring cliff jumps, and other water activities, it’s a guaranteed fun day out for all of the family.  

Have you ever seen the show’ Total Wipeout’? Well, it’s a bit like that. We felt like big kids tackling the different obstacles, climbing and sliding and jumping and screaming. At 450 Baht ($15), it’s not the cheapest activity in Chiang Mai, but it’s worth every penny if you ask me. You can book your tickets in advance here.

On the other hand, adrenaline-seeking travellers come to the canyon to take part in some gut-wrenching cliff jumps. While it is somewhat regulated, that hasn’t stopped there being some fatalities over the years. If I were you, I’d enjoy the water park and give the cliff jumps a miss! 

Chiang Mai Jungle Trekking
Chiang Mai Jungle Trekking

Jungle Trekking

One of our favourite experiences on our gay in Chiang Mai guide is jungle trekking. Unfortunately, it was part of the Elephant Sanctuary package that we paid for, but we enjoyed this part of the experience nonetheless. Many companies specialise only in jungle trekking, so you might want to check that before you book. Alternatively, you can book your jungle experience online here.

We spent an entire day trekking through the jungle, climbing high up into the hills, discovering hidden waterfalls, and learning all about the local eco-system. The trek was followed by an unforgettable night in a jungle hut, where we lay petrified for our life from all the creepy crawlies. Don’t think we slept a wink that night, so if you have any phobias, probably best not to book an overnight experience.

Chiang Mai Temple
Temple hopping in Chiang Mai

Temple Hopping

While the Doi Suthep mountaintop temple is the pinnacle of all temples in Chiang Mai, there are several others worth checking out. Each is unique and beautiful in their own right. I found this great article which provides a breakdown of the best temples in Chiang Mai. Or you can avoid the stress of planning altogether, and opt for this best-selling temple tour. After a heavy night in the gay bars of Chiang Mai, an organised tour might just be a blessing! 

Mae Hong Son Loop

Any motorcycle enthusiast is sure to of heard about the Mae Hong Son Loop in Northern Thailand. This route, beginning and ending in Chiang Mai, is famous for its 1,864 twists and turns amidst stunning mountain landscapes. The loop leads you to the highest point in Thailand as well as into some quaint mountain villages, providing endless breathtaking views along the way. 

We haven’t done it ourselves, but if it’s anything like the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, you’re in for a real treat. You can rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai, leave your luggage at your hostel or hotel, and set off on your 4-day escapade. But again, if you haven’t got much experience on a motorbike, this probably isn’t for you.

Muay Thai Fight
Watch a Muay Thai Fight

Watch a Muay Thai Fight

Muay Thai to Thailand is what football is to England. It’s not just a sport; it’s an institution. While you can watch Muay Thai all over the country, it’s especially prevalent in Chiang Mai. Not only are there dozens of stadiums to watch Muay Thai, but there are numerous gyms where you can learn the sport as well. 

Be warned; Muay Thai can be brutal. The rules are that there aren’t any rules. Well, that’s at least how it seems. The fighters use their fists, elbows, shins and knees to strike their opponent, and are mind-blowingly fast on their feet. Nevertheless, it’s an entertaining evening and a chance to mix with locals and tourists alike. 

Take a Day Trip To Chiang Rai

If you find yourself with more than a few days in Chiang Mai, I suggest making the day trip to Chiang Rai. While there are some stunning attractions in Chiang Rai, including the iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), it doesn’t warrant an overnight stay. Therefore, this one day tour with Get Your Guide is perfect and great value for money.  

Did you enjoy our Guide to Gay Chiang Mai?

Let us know! That concludes our LGBT+ travel guide to Gay in Chiang Mai.  We hope you enjoy your time in this exciting and gay-friendly city. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below.

Don’t forget though, safety is paramount when visiting a foreign destination. Be sure to check out our safety tips for LGBTQ travellers and don’t underestimate the importance of travel insurance.

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