We’re almost in to November, the magnificent cool season weather is with us and party time starts next week with the Loy Kratong festival which proclaims the start of the high season for tourists. First time gay visitors to Chiang Mai are often not quite sure what to expect. Their pre-conceptions of the gay scene in Thailand will likely have been set by previous visits to the decadent go-go bar scenes of Soi Twilight or Bozytown, or places like Silom’s DJ station and Babylon. Yet everything else they read about Chiang Mai informs them of an ancient city of culture, temples, and a laid back, peaceful lifestyle. So what can they expect?
This article is the first in a short series providing an introduction to gay sex in Chiang Mai; how and where to find it and what to expect. This first part will cover the non-commercial scene. Part two will cover the commercial scene host bars, Karoke and massage and part three will cover freelance hustlers.
Non Commercial sex scene
Wandering around Chiang Mai you’ll soon get the impression there are more than the average percentage of gays in the local population, especially students attending the many local colleges and universities. They’re everywhere: in the big shopping malls, coffee shops, night markets and other student hang outs all over town. What you won’t find, is the big gay scene with gay discos and clubs that are common place in the western world. Here gay people are accepted and haven’t grown up with much homophobia and prejudice. Gays go out to bars and clubs with friends, of all sexual persuasions without issue, for Thais there is little demand for gay specific venues.
Inevitably, some places are more popular with young gay Thais; top of the list is “Mandalay Bar”, a huge Thai style club with live music in the old city nicknamed Mandagay. Another is “Warm Up” on the trendy Nimandahemin Road frequented by more affluent students, there are plenty of other fun bars in this area too. Whilst crowded with local gays, for the visitor, unless from the younger generation and going with friends, your fun in these places maybe limited to watching others enjoy themselves!
These two articles Guide to night clubs in Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai Nightlife have information on some of Chiang Mai’s other nightclubs/discos though we don’t entirely agree with some of their assessments. Fabrique is not attractive for gay people, Spicy which has moved to a new location used to be popular with the late night gay crowd but recent reports say it’s becoming quite homophobic. Infinity is cool and it’s right round the corner from the fun Tawan Deang and the chic Chalerm Krung. Bubble re-opens officially tonight, this was another popular place with gays with a mixture of people having fun and hustlers, but died a death. Time will tell if the gay crowd returns. Hot Shots (upstairs from Bubble) has always remained open and retained a small gay following. Check out our Chiang Mai Gay Map to find these and other venues.
If you want to go to these, and many similar places, make some Thai friends elsewhere and get them to take you. Visiting one of the non-commercial scene gay bars such as Soho Bar, or Yokkadok and chatting with the friendly staff is one way of getting introductions.
Another great way to meet gay guys is GayRomeo.com It’s extremely popular with Thai guys in Chiang Mai so it shouldn’t take you long to hook up! If you don’t have a lap-top or internet gadget there are plenty of internet cafés all over Chiang Mai. Two notes of caution, firstly follow the Saftey Guidelines and secondly, you might avoid taking your new friend to known gay places. A lot of guys you meet online are well known around town and you could save you or him some embarrassment 
.
Yokka Dok Bar - the only gay bar inside the old city
A good afternoon or evening’s relaxation and some fun can be found at Chiang Mai’s two gay saunas, both accommodated in quaint old Lanna Style Teak Houses. “Club One Seven”, which is also a Guest House, enjoys a picturesque setting on the river south of the city centre. Whereas, Chiang Mai institution “House of Male” can be found behind the “Kad Suan Kaew” shopping mall. Tuesday’s “Buddy Night” at House of Male, where two get in for the price of one, is particularly popular with students.
The pool at Club One Seven
In the next part of this series we will look at the Commercial Gay venues in Chiang Mai. Meanwhile, enjoy Chiang Mai and don’t forget to play safe. Remember the rate of HIV infection is relatively high among gay people here, some suggest especially among those who frequent Saunas, to avoid unwanted holiday souvenirs be sure to use a condom and practice safe sex!
), and old sea dogs won’t feel they have to reminisce about their times going round Cape Horn.
still waiting for part2