Let’s get steamy – the ultimate guide to gay saunas in Bangkok
Who doesn’t love a sauna, right? There’s just something about entering a space specifically made for people to come together and relax that’s incredibly appealing. And the Thai capital of Bangkok has no shortage of specially gay saunas, where travelling queers from all over meet locals for a good old sweating session!
No matter what part of town you stay in or what time of the day suits you best, the city’s hottest gay saunas are easy to get to, offer great value and a truly inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. Read on for our favourite venues to get chatty and sweaty…
Chakran Sauna
This stylish venue in Phaya Thai is a perfect haven of everything relaxation for those looking for a retreat from the bustling capital’s streets. The atmosphere here is on the more upscale side of things, with a wide variety of amenities on offer: from jacuzzis, to a swimming pool and a Japanese-style men-only onsen.
If you’re a social saunist, head here after a regular Bangkok work day finishes, between 5 and 6pm, and you can look forward to regular events ranging from foam parties to DJ gigs and more. Chakran really offers the full gay sauna experience, from detox to retox!
Sauna Mania
If you were going to go on a night out in Silom, home to Bangkok’s most famous gay bars and clubs, you’d want to rock up looking all nice and clean, wouldn’t you? Sauna Mania, located in the heart of Silom, is the perfect place to relax before you hit the scene!
Spread across a whopping five floors (including a rooftop terrace), the popular venue is a true Bangkok institution, running a different theme each night: turn up for underwear night on Mondays and Saturdays, skin nights on Thursdays and Sundays or sumo night each Wednesday – the choice is all yours…
Babylon Sauna
Not far from Sauna Mania, Babylon is a well-known classic. Some would say if you can only visit one gay sauna in Bangkok, make it this one. Not only is Babylon seriously big and features a resort-like outdoor pool, the venue also offers a ton more:
There’s a fully equipped gym, several steam rooms, communal whirlpools, a lively bar and restaurant, a maze, private cabins, as well as a souvenir shop (no, really!). An award-winning venue, Babylon gets particularly busy during Thai festivities and it’s advised arriving early – but don’t sweat it, you’ll always get in eventually!
Faros Sauna
If you’ve done done Chakran, enjoyed Mania and are a regular at Babylon, and you’re looking for something a little more out of the way – or if you just want a more authentically Thai experience, where the clientele consists mostly of locals – why not try Faros Sauna?
The friendly outlet surrounded by a leafy garden is a little further from the city centre, but visitors are rewarded with plenty of space (it’s a massive sauna!), dedicated spaces for individuals just to calm down and relax and, oh well, regular karaoke nights that are no less fun than those at the capital’s hottest gay bars. Meet us by the reception!
Bangkok gay saunas