Gay Chiang Mai Update – August 2014
It’s that time of year again in Chiang Mai, rainy season! After an above average rainfall in July we’re now in August, usually one of the wettest months. Time then for a quick update on life in gay Chiang Mai, and where to go on a rainy night.
After the coup, June and July were not good months for tourism in Chiang Mai, with western tourists particularly lacking, though there have still been a number of Asian tourists, particularly Chinese around. A week into August, there are signs of improvement with seemingly more people around.
Gay Bars – where’s happening now
The gay bars popular with foreigners for drinking and socialising, all seem busier. The liveliest places in town recently have been RAM Bar, Secrets Bar, Soho Bar and Orion Bar. The new, much smarter location of Secrets and CU Bar seems to be working well and has created a better atmosphere.
Chang Puek – Gay Go-Go Land
Life in Chang Puek, Chiang Mai’s gay go-go land continues unabated with Adam’s Apple Club remaining the most popular with foreign customers. Adam’s also has possibly the best selection of performers and a good show with lots of twinks and cute boys. New My Way and Circle Pub are more orientated towards a Thai audience with an emphasis on muscle. Free Guy is fun and remains a ladyboy free zone; the place to go if you like a bit of rough.
Going Metrosexual
Some good news, downstairs from Adam’s Apple Club, Metro bar has just re-opened under new management. A very sweet Thai guy has taken it over, with some attractive assistance. From next week, they plan to be open all day and offer food as well. They are aiming at a Thai clientele so the prices are quite cheap, but westerners are very welcome. They have air-con too. If you are planning to visit Adam’s be sure to go early and pop in to visit the Metro boys first.
Eating and Drinking
Meanwhile, up the road the Spirit House was closed in April and didn’t make the scheduled May 1 re-opening. Rumour has it Steve is opting for the quiet country life and be won’t be back anytime soon. Down on the river “The Edge” restaurant is closed during August for renovations, the second re-invention for this fickle establishment in the last year.
However, its good news in Santitham where Sabaii Dee Santitham and Radchada Garden Café are both upholding the gay culinary mantle with Thai and western food respectively. The students are back in town now after a re-arrangement of term dates for ASEAN and Santitham’s many local student bars have come back to life
Gay Clubbing Scene
The highlights of gay Chiang Mai continue to be the big gay clubs G-Star Vintage and See Man Pub. They suffered badly with the curfew after the coup, but have bounced back, although sometimes their opening hours are curtailed. Both are packed at weekends with friendly gay Thai guys. They both have stage shows, though G-Star only has Coyote boys, whereas See Man does ladyboy cabaret as well.
Gay Massage in Chiang Mai
Not doing so well are the rub and tug businesses. Last year several new gay massage shops opened in an already saturated market. Some have now given up fighting for business, with some not so happy endings. The Wall has gone to the wall, the whores have stopped moaning at Hormone, Victory has been defeated and the Purley Gates have shut at New Heaven.
Assessing massage shops has always been subjective, with customer satisfaction being affected by the choice of masseur as well as shop, so we can only go on feedback from other customers. Recently, good things have been heard about Marn Mai, Blues Club, 69 Club, Mar Spa and 2 Brothers. Check our guide to gay massage shops in Chiang Mai
Gay Sauna Scene
If the humid weather is not enough for you, Chiang Mai’s two big Saunas are always hot and steamy. House of Male has buddy nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays where two get in for the price of one. Club one Seven, celebrated their 4th birthday with a packed party on 17 July and have special naked party nights on 7, 17 and 27 of each month.
Cruising plus has changed its name to Out Sauna, and seems to be mainly attracting a Thai clientèle after G-Star.
Regular Events
Some regular weekly events for your gay diary: Monday’s is Pizza Night at Radchada Garden Café (30% off all Pizza), Tuesdays is Buddy Night at House of Male, Wednesdays is BOGOF wine and free Cheese at Soho Bar and Thursdays is also Buddy Night at House of Male. Saturdays has live music at Sabaidee Santitham and On Sunday’s there’s always a good early evening gay crowd in The Pub for the roast dinner. For other events see our full gay Chiang Mai events calendar
Bargain time in Chiang Mai
This time of year there are plenty of travel and accommodation bargains to be found and the rainy season is not as bad as it sounds and we also benefit from cooler temperatures. All in all, a good time to visit gay Chiang Mai. For information on where to stay be sure to check out our guide to gay accommodation in Chiang Mai.
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