Thailand’s capital is known as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world. During Pride Month, Bangkok becomes even more vibrant and full of charm — drawing not only LGBTQ+ individuals but also allies and anyone interested in rainbow culture and celebrating diversity. Here are some reasons and recommended activities to check out in Bangkok this year.
Pride Month celebration in Bangkok. (© Shutterstock)
Join the Bangkok Pride Parade “Born This Way”
A highlight of Pride Month you simply can’t miss, Bangkok Pride is where self-expression meets solidarity. It’s a celebration of identity, a call for awareness, and a bold stride toward equality. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the largest Pride Parade in Southeast Asia returns — this time with even more reason to rejoice as Thailand officially enacts its landmark marriage equality law.Held on the first day of Pride Month, the vibrant parade kicks off at the National Stadium and culminates at Ratchaprasong Intersection, transforming the heart of Bangkok into a carnival of color, creativity, and community. Under this year’s theme, Born This Way, expect dazzling performances, awe-inspiring floats, and powerful moments that champion love, freedom, and individuality.
The parade unfolds in themed segments: the March of Love celebrates the right to love without limits; the March of Identity empowers everyone to embrace their true selves with pride; the March of Creativity unites artists, performers, and cultural figures in support of diversity; the March of Peace promotes harmony and inclusion; and the March of Wellness highlights physical, mental, and environmental wellbeing. From start to finish, it’s a joyful, electric, and moving celebration of pride, resilience, and progress.
Enjoy a glamorous performance at DJ Station. (© DJ Station)
Bar-Hopping Through Silom Soi 2, Bangkok’s LGBTQ+ Heartbeat
Welcome to Silom Soi 2, a buzzing epicentre of Bangkok’s LGBTQ+ culture where diversity thrives and everyone is free to be themselves. This pocket of the city radiates warmth, openness, and pure joy. From old-school watering holes to sleek modern clubs, the nightlife here caters to every vibe. Expect dazzling drag shows, pulsing dance floors, and plenty of new friends by the end of the night.Don’t miss DJ Station, a legendary club that remains a mainstay in the scene, or Beef BKK, a cheeky bar with sauna-inspired interiors and plenty of character. For a wilder night out, head to G.O.D — a club known for high-energy shows and non-stop dancing till dawn.
Bangkok, an international shopping paradise. (© Shutterstock)
Shop Till You Drop in Bangkok
Bangkok remains a paradise for shopaholics, a vibrant metropolis brimming with retail treasures. If you're on the hunt for standout pieces by top Thai designers—creations that rival the world’s best in style and flair—head to Siam. This buzzing neighbourhood is home to major malls and indie boutiques that reflect the creative pulse, diversity, and youthful spirit of the city. For a more eclectic experience, don’t miss Chatuchak Weekend Market. Sprawling and spirited, it’s one of the largest markets in the world, offering everything from fashion and homeware to vintage finds and local crafts—perfect for browsing, discovering, and, of course, shopping to your heart’s content.
The lush Benjakitti Forest Park. (© Shutterstock)
Unwind in the Urban Oasis of Benjakitti Forest Park
A breath of fresh air in the heart of Bangkok, Benjakitti Forest Park spans over 320 rai of lush greenery and is celebrated for its beautifully designed landscape. Often dubbed the city's “green lung,” this expansive public park is home to native flora, a large outdoor amphitheatre, elevated walkways, jogging and cycling trails, and wetland boardwalks that circle its natural ponds. The site also features restored tobacco warehouses, now transformed into a contemporary museum and indoor sports complex. Whether you're out for a stroll, breaking a sweat, or simply pausing to breathe deeply, this tranquil haven offers a glimpse into how Bangkokians find balance and serenity amid the urban buzz.
Museum Pier, an open-air museum in Phra Nakhon district. (© Museum Pier)
Explore Bangkok’s Thriving Art and Culture Scene
From grand temples to cutting-edge galleries, Bangkok is a city steeped in rich cultural layers. Beyond its iconic heritage sites, the capital pulses with contemporary creativity — especially in its many art spaces. Right in the heart of the city at Pathumwan Intersection is the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), a dynamic hub showcasing rotating exhibitions by Thai and international artists. The city also boasts a number of independent art venues, including Galerie Oasis and Cinema Oasis in Sukhumvit, where indie films meet contemporary art in a vibrant, alternative setting. Another standout is Museum Pier, a new open-air museum located in the historic Phra Nakhon district, just a stone’s throw from the Grand Palace. Set along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this cultural gem brings fresh energy to Rattanakosin Island, offering an inspiring mix of exhibitions in a storied setting.
Drop by Eat Me for delicious bites and savory cocktails. (© Eat Me)
Savor bold flavors and creative cocktails
Tucked away in a quiet lane off Convent Road since 1998, Eat Me is a Silom institution that captures the spirit of Bangkok’s “Pride Area” with flair. A favourite of international Thai drag icon Pangina Heals, this beloved venue is more than just a restaurant — it’s a celebration of culinary individuality and LGBTQ+ culture. Chef Tim Butler crafts globally inspired dishes with a distinctly Thai soul, like his standout clam soup uplifted with Naem (fermented pork), coriander, and lime — a dish our inspector highly recommends. Start your evening at the bar, where award-winning mixologist Pop Direkrittikul — shakes up inventive Thai-inspired cocktails that set the tone for a night of indulgence.
Why not join the celebration of diversity in style? (© Pride Cruise & Bangkok Island)
Sail, Slay, and Celebrate on the Pride Cruise
Set sail with the fiercest crowd in town as Pride Cruise Bangkok brings together LGBTQ+ icons, top-tier artists, and your favourite influencers aboard the legendary Bangkok Island. This is not your average boat ride — it’s a floating celebration of pride, freedom, and fabulousness. For hours, the Chao Phraya becomes your runway and dancefloor, with drag performances, live DJs, karaoke, and non-stop dancing. Expect big energy, bold looks, and the best skyline views Bangkok has to offer. Don’t miss the boat — literally.
The charm of Bangkok's Old Town. (© Shutterstock)
Café-Hopping, Street Food Feasting & Restaurant Revelry in Bangkok’s Old Town
If you're looking for a Bangkok neighbourhood that’s buzzing with energy, brimming with character, and full of lifestyle treasures to explore—where you can sip on an artisanal coffee, nibble on pastries, slurp down legendary street noodles, or settle in for a MICHELIN-Star dinner—look no further than Talad Noi and Song Wat.These adjoining districts form one of the city’s most exciting creative districts, where street art and heritage buildings coexist effortlessly. Whether you're after a charming café or some of the best street food Bangkok has to offer, the options are seemingly endless.
A must-visit? Urai Braised Goose, a time-honored eatery awarded a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025. Their signature braised goose is impossibly tender and deeply aromatic, thanks to a closely guarded family spice blend perfected over six decades.
And when evening falls, make your way to Potong, the Thai-Chinese fine dining destination housed in a beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese building. Helmed by none other than Chef Pichaya "Pam" Soontornyanakij, one of Thailand’s most formidable culinary talents, this is where heritage and haute cuisine collide in the most delicious way.
So/Bangkok, a one MICHELIN Key-awarded hotel. (© SO/ Bangkok)
Stay in Style: MICHELIN Key Hotels for Pride Month Getaways
Looking for the perfect place to stay during Pride? These MICHELIN Key-awarded hotels are not only conveniently located near Pride venues and LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods, but they also embrace inclusive, LGBT-friendly policies across the board.For chic, design-led stays, check into One MICHELIN Key hotels like SO/ Bangkok, The Standard Bangkok, or Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. If you’re after luxurious service and elevated comforts, Two MICHELIN Key properties such as Park Hyatt Bangkok, Rosewood Bangkok, and The Okura Prestige Bangkok offer a plush retreat right in the heart of the city.
Explore the full list of 2024 MICHELIN Key hotels here.
Stop by Ayutthaya or Chon Buri nearby Bangkok for beautiful attractions. (© Shutterstock)
If you’re planning a trip to experience the vibrant colours of Pride Month in Bangkok and have a little extra time to spare, why not tack on a quick getaway beyond the capital? You could take a day trip to the historic city of Ayutthaya, once the ancient capital, where temple-hopping and heritage exploration await. Or head east to coastal gems like Rayong, Chon Buri, or Pattaya for a dip in the sea and an overnight escape to the islands of Ko Samet or Ko Chang.
Both routes are dotted with charming cafés and community-run shops worth a visit, not to mention a generous serving of local flavour—quite literally—with plenty of delicious regional eateries. Many of them have earned a spot in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025 (see the MICHELIN-listed restaurants in Ayutthaya here or Chon Buri here.
For updates on travel destinations, contact the TAT Call Center 1672 or the Facebook TAT Contact Center.
CONTINUE READING: Chon Buri City Guide: Uncover Bangkok’s Nearest Seaside City
Illustration image: © Shutterstock
Illustration image: © Shutterstock
This post is brought to you in partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand
