Ok, let me set a scene.

I’m in Bangkok, a city in Southeast Asia that never sleeps and where skyscrapers tower over its ancient temples, the smell of pad Thai and tom yum fills the air, and the nightlife is as vibrant as the Philippines’ night street parade during festivals or the Pride parade in New York.

Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect from Bangkok’s gay scene. I mean, I’d heard the rumors: the Silom Soi 2 parties, the gay spas, the energy. But I wasn’t prepared for just how… next-level it all was.

It all started when a friend recommended I try a gay massage spa in Bangkok. “It’ll be unforgettable,” they said. And oh, it was unforgettable—just not in the way I expected.

My first masseur? Let’s call him Mr. Looks-But-Doesn’t-Deliver. Actually, I got to choose from the group of guys and this guy had the face of a Thai lakorn star and the body of a Hollywood hunk. So I asked for him and I thought, Jackpot! But oh, how wrong I was. Fifteen minutes into what was supposed to be a relaxing massage, he decided to switch gears. And by switch gears, I mean he went from “professional masseur” to “overenthusiastic theater actor” in 0.2 seconds. Lol!

I’m trying to keep it cool, subtle, and classy, but this guy is loud. Like, “neighbors-calling-the-front-desk” loud. My mood went from “this could be fun” to “can I just disappear into the massage table now?” faster than you can say “awkward.”

By the end of it, I was lying there, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I should’ve just stayed in my hotel room binge-watching Drag Race Thailand or RuPaul’s Drag Race.

But then, Bangkok said, “Hold my Singha beer.”

The next day, I decided to give it one more shot but I don’t want to go into the spa anymore. I reached out to a guy my friend actually recommended (note to self: always listen to your friend the first time).

Let’s call him Mr. Honeymoon.

Y’all. This man walked in, and I swear the hotel lobby was at 20 deg Celcius that time but for me it got hotter. He looked like he’d just stepped out of a Thai BL series—all smoldering eyes, chiseled jawline, and biceps that could probably solve world peace if given the chance. Here’s the kicker, he wasn’t just a pretty face. I tell you, this man was a performer.

For two glorious hours, it was like we were in our own little rom-com movie. He had the charm, the skills, and the kind of energy that made me forget I was in a normal hotel room and not on some tropical honeymoon. I mean, I half-expected rose petals to start falling from the ceiling. It was that good.

By the end of it, I was floating. Like, literally floating. I don’t know if it was the massage, the vibes, or the fact that Mr. Honeymoon had me questioning my life choices up to that point, but I showered out of that scene feeling like a new man.

And that’s when it hit me. Bangkok’s gay scene isn’t just about the parties, the spas, or the eye candy. It’s about freedom. It’s about finding a space where you can be yourself, explore, and feel alive—no judgment, no shame, just pure, unfiltered joy.

Now, don’t get me wrong. As much as I’d love to pack my bags and move to Bangkok tomorrow (seriously, I’m already planning my next trip), I know it’s not all rainbows and rose petals. The world still has its stigmas, especially when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community and health. And let’s be real, we’ve got to be smart, safe, and responsible, no matter how magical the moment feels.

Bangkok taught me that it’s possible to have both adventure and safety, freedom and responsibility. It’s a city that embraces you for who you are, while also reminding you to take care of yourself.

So, if you’re that guy hiding in the closet (or even if you’re out and proud), let this be your sign to take a chance. Life’s too short for bad massages and half-hearted experiences. Sometimes, you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone to find something or someone who makes you feel alive.

And if you ever find yourself in Bangkok? Skip the pretty faces and go straight for the ones who know how to deliver. Trust me, your gay senses (and your sanity) will thank you.

Just remember: stay safe, stay fabulous, and keep exploring. Because the world is full of surprises—and sometimes, they’re waiting for you… in Bangkok.