Gay Guide to Chiang Mai
Thailand's marriage equality law took effect on 23 January 2025, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex marriage. Chiang Mai's own path was rockier: protesters blocked the city's Pride parade in 2009, and the march did not return until 2019. It now runs each May, from Putthasathan Chiang Mai to Tha Phae Gate.
The scene is small and easygoing, with its core near the Night Bazaar. Ram Bar on Charoen Prathet Soi 6 runs drag shows every night, and 6ixcret, on the second floor of the Night Bazaar Building, puts on a polished drag cabaret from Wednesday to Sunday.
North of the Old Town near Santitham, Adam's Apple Club is one of Thailand's longest-running male go-go clubs, with a show every night at 10pm. In the student-heavy Nimman area, BLOW CNX is a small local bar with drag on Thursdays and Saturdays, and Sound Up on Moon Muang Road packs in a Thai crowd for techno and EDM on Saturday nights.
Sapphic Riot, in the northwest of the Old City, is Chiang Mai's only dedicated lesbian and queer space. The cool, dry months from November to February are the busiest time to visit.