Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Thailand, is not only known for its rich history and stunning temples but also for its vibrant gay scene. With its welcoming atmosphere and inclusive community, Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for travellers from around the world. In this gay guide to Chiang Mai, we will explore must-visit attractions, recommend budget-friendly hostels, gay resort Club One Seven, and popular gay bars, as well as tips for your Visit.

If you find yourself in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a must-visit city. I would include it on any itinerary to Thailand, it’s only a bus or train journey from Bangkok and has a good airport which offers domestic flights if your budget can stretch that far! If you’re in Bangkok right now or planning a trip check out the Boys Away guide to Bangkok in 2024.

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What to do in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai offers a wide range of attractions that cater to most interests. The main attractions to the city centre are cultural such as the temples, but it’s also well tended for shopping as well as a great nightlife scene. As you step away from the City and into the surrounding area you will find a variety of activities including elephant sanctuaries, beautiful temples with stunning surroundings and more white-knuckle experiences such as white water rafting.

Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep is a must-visit attraction when in Chiang Mai. Located on Doi Suthep Hill overlooking the city, this stunning temple offers breathtaking views and a sense of tranquillity. To reach the temple, you can either hike up the 309 steps or take a cable car. The intricate details of the temple’s architecture and the peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect spot for reflection and meditation.

Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside. The golden spires of the temple glisten in the sunlight, creating a mesmerising sight. Inside the temple, you can admire the beautiful murals depicting Buddhist teachings and pay your respects to the sacred relics enshrined within.

For a truly immersive experience, consider visiting Doi Suthep during one of the temple’s annual festivals.

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Elephant Nature Park

For most animal lovers, visiting the Elephant Nature Park is a must. This sanctuary provides a haven for rescued elephants and promotes responsible tourism. Here, you can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, and learn about their stories. Supporting ethical tourism ensures the well-being and conservation of these incredible animals.

At the Elephant Nature Park, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with elephants rescued from the tourism and logging industries. The park’s guides will educate you about the challenges faced by these animals and the importance of their conservation. You’ll also learn about the park’s efforts to rehabilitate elephants and reintroduce them into the wild whenever possible.

There were many questions in my head about the ethics of visiting an Elephant park, I’m sure in 30 years we may look at places like this and think it unethical as attitudes change. This is the case with riding the elephants 20 years ago I’m sure all of the elephant sanctuaries offered rides on the elephants but now they don’t because attitudes have changed. The Elephant Nature Park is the most ethical sanctuary I could find while in Chiang Mai, so this would be my recommendation when wanting to see Elephants in Thailand.

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Sunday Night Walking Street Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Sunday Night Walking Street Market. This bustling market stretches along the streets of the Old City and offers a wide variety of local handicrafts, street food, and live performances. You’ll find unique souvenirs, delicious snacks, and traditional Thai performances as you explore the market. The market is also an excellent opportunity to interact with locals and experience the warmth of Chiang Mai’s community.

As you stroll through the market, you’ll be captivated by the colourful stalls selling handmade crafts, clothing, and accessories. From intricate wood carvings to delicate silk scarves, there’s something for everyone’s taste. The aroma of freshly cooked street food fills the air, tempting you to try local delicacies such as pad Thai, mango sticky rice (my favourite), and grilled satay.

Live performances, including traditional Thai dances and music, provide entertainment as you navigate the bustling crowd. The talented performers showcase their skills, transporting you to the heart of Thai culture. Don’t forget to haggle with the vendors to get the best prices and engage in friendly banter.

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Where to stay in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels which are popular among young gay travellers. I stayed at all 3 of the accommodations coming up. I recommend staying in the Hostels to explore the city and other attractions as they are well connected. Club One Seven however I would treat it as a resort, you may want to leave for day trips but where it’s out of the city you will be spending money on transport into the city. Make sure to check out the Male only hostels in Chiang Rai if you’re heading to Laos!

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Khunluang Hostel

Khunluang Hostel, located in the heart of the Old City, offers a cosy and friendly atmosphere, with its clean and comfortable dormitory rooms and HUGE beds. The hostel provides affordable accommodation options for budget-conscious travellers. The hostel also organises social events, making it easy to meet fellow travellers and make new friends.

For those looking to explore the city, Khunluang Hostel is conveniently located within walking distance of many popular attractions. The famous Wat Phra Singh temple, the Sunday Night Market, and the vibrant Nimmanhaemin Road are all just a short stroll away. The hostel also provides bike rentals, allowing guests to easily explore further afield and discover hidden gems in the surrounding area.

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Stamps Backpackers

Stamps Backpackers is another popular choice for budget travellers. Situated near the Night Bazaar, this hostel offers both dormitory and private rooms at affordable rates. The communal areas are inviting and vibrant, creating a social environment for guests to connect and share their travel experiences.

Stamps Backpackers recently won a Hoscar award (Oscars for Hostels) for the best social hostel in Asia, which doesn’t surprise me as the atmosphere was so welcoming and with all the facilities you could want, which is a great mix to have for a social hostel. The rooftop terrace provides breathtaking views of the city, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of exploring. The hostel also offers a communal kitchen, where guests can cook meals and save money on dining out.

One of the highlights of Stamps Backpackers is its friendly and knowledgeable staff. They are always ready to provide recommendations on the best local attractions, restaurants, and nightlife spots. Whether you’re looking for a hidden waterfall to hike to or the best street food in town, the staff at Stamps Backpackers will ensure you have an unforgettable experience in Chiang Mai.

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Gay Accommodation in Chiang Mai

Club One Seven was my first ever experience going to a male-only gay space and yes that’s a phallic-shaped pool I’m swimming in and it’s well worth it. From the moment you step foot into the resort, you are greeted with warm smiles and a sense of belonging. The staff at Club One Seven go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels comfortable and accepted. I would recommend arriving at the resort before the sauna/play area opens at around 4 pm to day visitors because it was always a bit hectic past 4 pm.

The resort is intimate and you will get to know the staff well during your stay, as far as I’m aware they are all gay and one of them even offered me a free massage which I took up gratefully. Guests who stay at the resort are a mix of nationalities both Asian and Western, I shared my dorm with an American, Dutchman, Chinese and another Brit.

The Phallic Pool

One of the highlights of Club One Seven is its stunningly “Large” swimming pool, which overlooks the picturesque Ping River. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the pool area is an oasis of serenity. My only criticism of the pool area is the lack of sun, where the gardens are so well developed the sun struggles to break through.

As mentioned before the resort is open to day visitors later in the afternoon. The facilities are all included if you are staying at the resort or you can pay to use the facilities in the evening if you’re not staying on site. You will find amenities that you would find in most gay saunas; gym, steam room, locker room, pool, dark maze and private rooms.

When it comes to dining, Club One Seven offers a small range of dishes, nothing special but you will be able to satisfy yourself, if not there are restaurants nearby and a cheeky 7/11 around the corner so you can grab a cheese and ham toastie any time of the day.

There are 2 Room Types in the resort, dormitories and double private rooms. I only stayed in the dormitory but I did visit one of the private rooms to have a nice chat with someone in their bed. If you are travelling solo book the dormitory, it gets you speaking to other guys and you get to be naked with other men 24 hours a day, what’s not to like? If you are a couple then maybe look into the private room as the beds are big and you get a few extra amenities.

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Gay Bars and Clubs in Chiang Mai

Overall, Chiang Mai’s gay scene offers a range of options for those seeking a fun and inclusive night out. Whether you’re looking for energetic performances, a cosy atmosphere, or a community-centred experience, these bars provide a space where gays and their allies can come together, celebrate, and feel accepted. Think of Chiang Mai’s scene as Bangkok’s little brother, not as big nor as handsome.

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Ram Bar

Ram Bar in Chiang Mai is where the gay boys are, it provides an unforgettable experience for its visitors, featuring captivating drag and cabaret shows, and a vibrant atmosphere. Upon entering Ram Bar, you’ll be greeted by fantastic music and a warm ambience. The drag queens deliver outstanding performances, each showcasing their unique personality and style on stage. The shows are a delightful blend of beauty, humour, and charm, promising an unforgettable evening in Chiang Mai.

While drinks may be priced on the higher end, the performances make every penny worth it. Ram Bar typically opens most nights, although it’s advisable to check their schedule for showtimes and special events. With no cover charge, you can indulge in the remarkable performances by simply purchasing drinks and tipping the talented performers.

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Orion Bar

Orion Bar in Chiang Mai is a small bar but offers a much more chilled vibe compared to Ram Bar. The seating area spills onto the street so definitely have a look at the forecast especially if you’re visiting in the wet season. The drinks on offer are cheap and the cocktails are ok but nothing to shout about. The crowd is a mix and I had a few encounters with some nice guys here.

Don’t come here thinking of shows or any production value, think of it as more of a place to host your pre-drinks before you move on to other bars and clubs close by.

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Zoe in Yellow

Ok, so this isn’t a gay bar or club but it’s worth a look. If you are a young solo traveller and don’t Visit Zoe in Yellow you are missing out. In terms of what type of club it is, I can describe it as a sort of outside version of DJ Station in Bangkok, the two huge differences being that it’s mostly outside and it’s not gay.

The young travellers in Chaing Mai gravitate to this venue at night so get some people together from your hostel and hit the town hard. Drinks in here are nothing special and are reasonably priced for the size of the venue. It’s open most days of the week to cater for the traveller community but comes alive at the weekend drawing a huge local crown as well as travellers.

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Getting Around Chiang Mai

Getting around Chiang Mai is relatively easy, thanks to its well-connected transportation system. Here are some tips to help you navigate the city:

Tuk-Tuks and Songthaews

Tuk-tuks and songthaews (red trucks) are popular modes of transportation in Chiang Mai. Negotiate the fare before getting in, as they often don’t have meters. Songthaews follow fixed routes and can be flagged down along the main roads, while tuk-tuks are more flexible and can take you directly to your destination.

Grab

Grab, Southeast Asia’s equivalent of Uber, operates in Chiang Mai. Download the app and easily book a car or motorcycle taxi to take you to your desired location. Grab offers fixed fares, ensuring transparency and convenience for travellers.

Rent a Moped

Renting a motorbike is a popular option for exploring Chiang Mai at your own pace, ask the staff at your hostel first for recommendations on renting a moped. However, make sure you have a valid international driver’s license and wear a helmet at all times. Familiarise yourself with the local traffic rules and be cautious while on the road.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chiang Mai is a city that not only boasts a well-connected transportation system but also embraces diversity and offers a warm welcome to LGBTQ+ travellers. With its attractions, budget-friendly accommodations, vibrant gay nightlife, and convenient transportation options, Chiang Mai has become a top destination for the gay community. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, relaxation, or a lively party scene, Chiang Mai has it all. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this amazing city.

Heading Northwest to Pai, check out our guide before you start planning.