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It’s been a couple of months since Songkran 2025 in Bangkok, but the memories are still fresh—and honestly, unforgettable. Songkran isn’t just a water festival; it’s a full-blown, city-wide, soul-resetting experience that leaves you drenched in excitement, culture, and a bit of chaos (in the best way). If you’re curious what it’s like to experience Songkran solo while keeping things clean and classy, here’s a glimpse into my unforgettable trip to Thailand.
I just have to say, when it comes to events like Songkran, choosing the right group of people to hang out with makes all the difference. I can’t even imagine how the experience would’ve felt if my crew hadn’t been all-in—wading through muddy streets during water gun fights, or chasing late-night street food like it was part of the adventure. Those moments weren’t just fun—they were unforgettable. They gave my time in Bangkok a sense of realness, of authenticity. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of luxury—fancy restaurants, posh hotels—but to me, a real vacation means diving into the chaos, getting messy, and living like a local. That’s where the magic is. That’s legit immersion.
Pre-Flight Drama: The Airport Chronicles (3 April 2025)
The trip started right after work. I hopped on a bus straight to the airport, trying to get there early for my 1AM flight to Bangkok. Thankfully, the bus ride was smooth, but the departure queue was packed like a sardine can.
Now here comes the drama: an Arab couple in line near me got overly dramatic about personal space—even though we were obviously being jostled around in a packed line. The husband tells me, “Distance, my friend,” and I’m thinking, “Are you serious right now?” I kept my cool and distanced myself, but guess who was still stuck in line when I was already checking in? Yep, karma works fast.
Even the check-in counter gave me a mini heart attack. The staff insisted I hadn’t paid for check-in, even though I’d done it online. One calm smirk later—and a bit of digital double-checking—she found my name. Boarding pass in hand, I marched off, leaving all the nonsense behind.
Day 1: Touchdown Bangkok: Lost in Silom & Wifi Woes (4 April 2025)
Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, I immediately spotted the same annoying couple. No thanks—I slowed down and slipped away unnoticed. Immigration was smooth, and soon I was on the Airport Rail Link to Silom, one of Bangkok’s busiest and most vibrant districts.
Travel Tip: If you plan on using public transport often, grab a Bangkok Metro Day Pass—super cost-effective and convenient.
Finding my hostel was a mini adventure of its own. Google Maps kept spinning me in circles, and I was lugging heavy bags under the heat. Eventually, I found the hostel tucked in a hidden corner. The receptionist was kind enough to let me leave my bags, but check-in wasn’t until 2PM.
Since it was a working day for me, I needed WiFi—except the hostel’s Internet was down. Great. I dragged myself to a nearby café, ordered a berry shake for the WiFi password, only to realize I needed a socket adaptor for my laptop. Cue a dash to 7-Eleven.
Note to self: never leave your valuables in a café unattended, even if it’s for 10 minutes. I got lucky.
With the WiFi barely holding up and my coworkers checking in on me, I decided to stop stressing and just wait for check-in. I crashed hard in the dorm, which thankfully had a comfy bed and some privacy. That night, I stocked up on toiletries and bought a Thai SIM card (you’ll need to present your passport).
Exhausted but finally settled, I wandered out for street food dinner—questionable hygiene, amazing taste—and skipped out on an invite to GOD Bangkok, one of the city's most famous gay clubs. I had zero energy left. Tomorrow, though, was another story.
Day 2: First Taste of Bangkok Nightlife – Welcome to GOD (5 April 2025)
The next day started slow. Most shops in Bangkok open late, so breakfast was a reluctant McDonald's meal. I saw a few familiar faces from my hostel but wasn’t in a social mood.
Most of my day was spent organizing travel plans in an Excel sheet—several friends were arriving in the next few days and I wanted to sync our Songkran itinerary. But come nightfall, it was finally time to check out GOD (Guys on Display).
Initial thoughts? Meh. I got there around 9PM, and the place was empty. Entry was 500 baht and came with two drinks. I stayed on the ground floor with a vodka pineapple, until my friend R showed up with a group. They took me upstairs—and that’s when the party exploded.
By midnight, GOD was packed wall-to-wall. Naked torsos everywhere, strobe lights, sweaty dancing, and a full-on gay club fever dream. It was nostalgic—like Che’Lu and Bed in Malate from the old Manila scene, but on steroids.
And then, the fanboy moment: I bumped into a former Mister Gay World Philippines contestant. Naturally, I asked for a selfie. By the time Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” blasted through the speakers, I knew the night had peaked. I called it a night at 2AM.
Day 3: Onsen Vibes: A Chill Way to End the Weekend (6 April 2025)
After all the excitement, Sunday was about winding down. Around 7PM, I visited Kaikan Onsen, one of Bangkok’s newest gay men’s onsens. A 15-minute tuktuk ride took me to this clean, relaxing, and modern spot. It was the perfect way to detox—mentally and physically—from the chaos of the previous night.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by a nice man from the window. Shoes had to be taken off, and I had no clue what had to be done. Apparently you need to place the shoes inside the bags (they provide) and leave them at the counter. They also provide small towels - barely covering anything so you are really meant to be naked inside the onsen. From the entry, the lockers are the first thing you'll see. On the side is the lounge with the alcohol. And moving inside, the shower area and the powder area. There's a sliding door that goes to the pool - there are hot and not so hot pools. And by the corner are the sauna and steam. The pool was big and cozy for swimming laps. The sauna and steam are rather small - seems like it wasn't really meant to hold many people at a time.
There's a second floor where private rooms are located - and at 8pm they have some kind of show where lights are put out and everyone is free to grope around. The maze was lined up with mirrors and if you not careful, then it's so easy to bump into walls. There's a big hall surrounded by mirrors where people converge and have fun. It was fun to witness it all. But it was perhaps that open balcony that really caught my attention. Overlooking the open sky, and adorned with an artificial cherry blossom tree - I laid there naked in one of the lounge chairs. Slept for a few minutes and thought that it was all too quiet and restful. Something that I needed from the week's stress.
It was about 10pm, and people have started to leave the place. I decided to go back and dip into the pool - naked swimming like nothing to worry about. And when I got tired of swimming, I went back to the steam room. There were only the three of us - and obviously the other two guys were playing. They signaled for me to join but I told myself that I got to behave unless I get myself into unexpected STDs - I was not in my territory and I really don't know what I'm gonna get. So I was OK with just watching. They left eventually and I was alone in the sauna.
There are nights I think about what if I joined them - but when I imagine STDs and how inconvenient it is to get treated - I am just thankful that I behaved myself. After all, I have had fun enough already and just watching people do it is I can live with that. Not long after the two guys left, I left also and took shower. Overall, my experience in Kaikan had been wonderful and would definitely come back visit again.
Using the app BOLT, I hailed a tuktuk and got back to my hostel feeling happy and refreshed. I always enjoyed the feeling of riding tuktuk in Bangkok - although to be honest it is so dangerous. But that's what makes it pretty exciiting.
Day 4: 7 April 2025, Monday
Today has been about working remotely. I stayed in my room working on my laptop. I am supposed to be working until April 10th - so from today I still got three more days to labor. But frankly I am no longer in the mood to do anything. And all I can think of from this point is going out for parties - but you can't blame me. The whole mood in Silom has been so festive this week. So aside from the boring work I just kept myself filled with street food - Bangkok does not run out of street food and some of my favorites really are the noodles (with pork meat and blood), the fried rice and the mango with sweet salt.
Oh and to keep myself from getting stomach upset, I made sure to drink everyday the probiotic drink that 7-11 was selling. I forgot the name but that one is pretty effective because despite the dirty food I was having, I think it sure did it's job. One time I was eating at the open space kiosque and big rats started walking in front of my table. Funny thing was that nobody seemed bothered by it; and another time I saw the roof water drip into the stall food. Oh my lord, when I saw that I almost puked and had chills on my spine. That is the kind of dirty that'll give one Hepatitis if not gastroentoritis. But, it is what it is - welcome to Bangkok I guess. So cheers. Did I stop from eating, hell no. I think the parasites in my tummy are also having a fiesta inside.
I also started walking nights in Silom just to have a feel of the place. The celebrations are actually gonna happen in 3 days so life is still pretty normal. I get to see groups of good looking Chinese men every now and then but since it wasn't the peak yet - I wasn't surprised there are only a few.
Day 5: 8 April 2025, Tuesday
I still haven't purchased my GCircuit passes and to be honest I wasn't very keen on going because my budget is really low. What I have is only enough for the whole week and I was not so sure where on earth I'll be getting the funds to buy me the expensive passes. So I crunched the numbers, called a few friends - and in the end I managed to get just enough to attend two events - the Opening and Pool Party. More than that and I'm cooked. I didn't really want to push my luck knowing that two events would be enough. After all, I just wanted to know first hand what happens in GCircuit parties.
All the while musing about the GCircuit, I had to fix the calendar and make sure that all the people joining us will be on board (or at least on some events). So I kept an excel sheet to track where they will be and which events we can all be together.
You know in retrospect, I don't know how I managed to keep this people all together in an event knowing that everyone will have their own interests. Actually there are days when I just wanted to be by myself and some days I wanted company. I guess that's how the others also felt. And so there I was intently keeping the schedules so we don't miss important events. Songkran was a totally new jungle for me and I had to navigate slowly - with the help of more experienced people. But it was really a miracle how I managed to pull this all through. Imagine having limited budget juggling several events in different nights - I wonder how I paid for all that? I guess the Universe does provide. Trust is the key.
Okay, back to reality - aside from planning what has to be done in the coming days, nothing much has happened really. I just spent most of the time in my room - sleeping and playing scatter which was really a big mistake ( note to self - never gamble online, you never gonna win anyway ).
Day 6: 9 April 2025, Wednesday
Today I went out in the afternoon to change some money. I knew from walking some days ago that there was a nearby money changer in the area so I went there. I was already at the counter giving my cash and passport when the cashier told me if I had a valid passport. I was puzzled because I gave her my passport. So she gave it back to me - and to my shock it was indeed my old passport ( I even thought she punched two holes on it but I realized it was indeed the old one ). My mind and heart were racing - where was my valid passport. I rushed back to my hostel and searched my bag - I was so sure that I had just misplaced it because I used it when I checked in. I could not find it anywhere ( I was already in panic because if I lost my passport that will mean I need to go to the embassy and get a new one - but will be too late because I have a flight to catch on the 16th ). I rushed down to the reception and ask if she perhaps kept my passport. Negative, there was no passport the drawers or anywhere. She said if it was there, it would have been given back immediately to me. Made sense. I had to think quickly, where else will my passport be. And after a while, it hit me - 7-11 - that's it. I bought the SIM card and I probably left my passport there. So I quickly dashed to 7-11 and talked to the counter. My heart was able to breathe - it was there! My pass. You have no idea how relieved I was - no more going to the embassy, no more missing flight. My day was saved. I learned my lesson to be a little more careful with my things. All the while, I was thinking what if I did not discover it early? What if I only knew that my passport was missing on the day of my flight? That will be an absolute disaster - so I am very thankful that this happened on a good timing.
Day 7: 10 April 2025, Thursday
Today two of the Filipino joiners are arriving and we scheduled to visit Chakran - the famous bath house in Bangkok. I decided to pick up one of them from his hotel ( I actually wanted to see how the hotel looked liked because during the booking period - we had trouble modifying the room arrangement of the hotel simply because the travel agent of the other joiner declined to assist us ). Turned out the hotel was pretty old - but it was spacious.
Anyway, it was late afternoon and arrived on time at Chakran. One of the joiners V was staying in Chakran. Apparently Chakran has an accommodation - and if you stay there, you already get free pass in the bath house. It's actually enticing, the only thing is - you sure won't get a good night sleep because people do crazy stuff at night. So it was me, K and we were supposed to meet V and R inside.
It was my first time in Chakran. Once you reach the reception, you just pay the fee and you get the locker key and towels. The entry comes with two beers or one cocktail. The place was big and looked clean. The shower area is common but small. There is a stair that leads to the several floors.
First floor is where the gym is located. The second floor are private rooms with kinky themed rooms. Finally the rooftop where you'll find the pool and shower area and sauna and steam. The open area is kind of busy. There was bar that serves alcohol in the rooftop. On the other side are the straw huts where people can kind of get cozy and do their thing.
Funny because I was using the toilet and guess who I see at the gym - it was a friend from the Philippines whom I often bump into clubs and bars quite often. I guess birds of the same feather huh, and I was introduced to his partners. Yes, he was in a throuple and I was kind of taken aback. I mean this wasn't new to me but I thought he was single - well it has been years anyway. I was happy to see him, happy with his partners.
By 8pm, there was a show where local Thais were performing in a glass walled room ( by the pool ). To be honest, it wasn't so new to me being in the group fun circle that I am - this kind of show wasn't really shocking. If anything, it was kind of timid. It didn't take long before they ushered everyone to the straw huts on the other side. So people flocked and crowded - I had fun watching ( as usual ). Gay people are really easy to please - it only takes so little to make our night. I was in the business of watching and touching - nothing more than that because again I had to restrain my urges. So I kept on and on - until I felt sleepy. I think it was because of the juice which I am sure was mixed with a bit of alcohol. Or am I just too tired? Not really sure - or maybe I had too much sauna and steam. Or maybe I was still recovering from the passport scare from the previous night. Or maybe a mix of all.
I decided to go down and find a room to sleep. Yes, I slept in Chakran. The bed is still sticky with all the gays' ooze but I didn't mind. My eyes were closing and after a while I dozed off. It was until I heard somebody trying to open the door that I woke up. Funny how I always sleep in bath houses in Bangkok - I really think about paying too much to sleep in bath houses, funny but that's how I roll.
By midnight, we all decided to move to BEEF. It was so out of the plan considering that everyone is probably already tired but who would want to miss out the Friday vibes at Beef. It's the go to place for bears in Silom. From Chakran, we all walked towards the Ari Metro station. Funny because even when we got there, we still didn't make up our minds about going to Beef. I mean sure it was a welcome idea but people seemed to be really exhausted - but what can we do? This only happens once and we cannot let go of the chance. Besides, I really want to explore how it looked and feel. I am clueless about this bar so I just followed wherever they were going.
After we reached the Silom station, we walked the ramp towards the mall and indeed nobody would have guessed that the club was at the rooftop of the mall. At least I didn't/ And from the outside, the queue has started to stretch. Judging from the guests, the tribe indeed is for the chunky and bears. But no issues, everyone was welcome. I was just concerned about how much it'll all cost because I am running low on funds at this point. The few remaining in my bank account won't really make it to the end of this very compulsive trip. But did it get me running back out - of course not. There I was swiping my card and hoping the future will be kind on me ( really stupid of me to do this ).
Inside was absolute chaos. It was packed to the brim and the bar seemed like a wrestling match just to get your drinks. The entry ticket gets you two drinks by the way, and I wanted to take things slowly - you know, chill and have fun. But because of the stressful scenario in the bar - I decided to get all the drinks all at once and be seated on the side. And finally when I did, I got to breathe. My spot on the corner near the exit door was not so full and I could watch the entire club unfold before my very eyes. All sorts of gays from everywhere - in different forms and sizes. But you know what's nice - nobody actually cared about how you looked. People are legit just there to chill and not be in competition with each other. At least that's how I felt. I didn't have to tiptoe and be careful of my bearing. I was just sitting and drinking. My friends, well they must be on the other side but I didn't feel the need to find them. I was just glad on my spot. But when my drinks were finished, I walked around and tried to look for them. Finally found them sitting outside and talking to some other people.
Guess the alcohol was already in my system, I felt more comfortable to socialize and talk without really thinking about anything else. Just the kind of talk that don't mean anything. I met the guys from Malaysia, asked for IG accounts and just danced KPOP dances on the floor. Everyone was just busy with dancing and nobody gave a damn about anything, and that was probably one of the best nights I had in Silom ( second to the drinks Beef served which was delightfully strong ). At 2am, we decided to go down and eat some noodles by the street stalls. While eating, guess who we see - it was one of those bikini people in the Philippines with the eagle tattoo on his chest. We approached him and talked to him - he was speaking in English ( I was surprised ). Said he was with some friends inside DJ Station. And we left him - one of my friends still wanted to party and insisted to pass by GOD of which I refused because my feet are killing me and all I wanted to do at that point is to go back to the hostel and sleep.
11 April 2025, Friday
Today I checked again the GCircuit website and was shocked to see that the tickets are no longer being sold. I thought that was it - I am no longer watching GCircuit.
You know in restrospect, I really thought that GCircuit was some kind of show where you can watch performances - similar to Obar, and I really lived by that fantasy. Just to be kind of disappointed when I actually attended the event. Oh well, charge to experience I suppose.
But then I read from somewhere that tickets can be availed at the door albeit more pricey. So I said I will try to buy the tickets tomorrow and if I could not, then that's totally fine. I'll just save my money.
Anyway today is scheduled for Krubb. Me and some of the gang decided to try it ( it will be my second time actually ). To my mind, I still get confused between Krubb and Chakran - but if I'm being honest I think Krubb is better than Chakran. In fact, I am to rank the bath houses in Bangkok, it will be:
1. Krubb
2. Chakran
3. Sauna Mania
4. Ratsada
5. Underground
There is a new bath house called 1/0 but I was not able to visit it, so maybe I'll come go there when I visit again in December ( during White Party Bangkok ).
Anyway back to Krubb. I got there and found that there was already a queue. The lockers apparently are full. But it didn't take much time when I got my locker key which is number 1. I went up the stairs and saw many naked guys - some leaving and some just arrived. It didn't take long before I found some of my friends inside. I felt at home in Krubb - people are chill and don't really care about anything else. There's a pool at the rooftop and they serve alcohol - I swear, my stay in Bangkok I have been intoxicated the whole time. I was really worried about about my liver. So I decided to just dowse myself with cold water. Also at the rooftop are the steam and sauna, but I avoided the steam room because the floor was flooded and god knows what bacteria or even warts I can get there - so I decided to stay in the sauna.
Inside the sauna, was a mix of races. Mostly asians and some middle eastern men. People don't talk until a group of Filipinos started chatting like they are the only people inside (just annoying, really). It turns out one of them was a content creator in the Philippines and was invited to Bangkok to perform. I don't really stick my nose where it's not supposed to be, but because they were really loud, I felt like I already knew about them since the beginning time. This guy talking was sitting in front of me, and I could not really get out without brushing him aside and so I did. Yes I did. I held on to his shoulders and jumped forward. He released a small "ouch" and I never looked back.
I went down to where the food was. There wasn't much really, just some pretzels and some occasional nuts. Around 8pm, the show started. I recognized the dancer was the same buff guy who danced last time I was here - but this time he was joined by another big built cute looking guy. The second guy had a killer smile and more charming in my opinion. But both had amazing physique and throughout their pool dance performance, they kept showing their bums. And went around distributing bottle shots of vodka to everyone who wanted it. That show was entertaining I must admit, but after the show it kind of went down. People dispersed and went on to their business.
The problem with Krubb is that they have fewer rooms, and more play areas. People tended to stand and wait in corners, and in some common instances the group fun happen in common areas. Crowds groping crowds one body after another. I sometimes think about how people don't really mind the possibility of STDs in situations like this. I wasn't really judging, I was just concerend. It went on for a few more hours. I was just observing, and just waiting for my friends to go. But some of them already left - and the last friend I saw had someone with him so they probably will just hang out together. My problem was my phone battery died, so I had to ask my friend to book me a tuktuk so I can go back to hostel.
While on my ride, I could not help but feel some sort of emptiness. It was fun, but I just felt that I cannot be doing this over and over again. I'm not in for the sex, and I am also not looking for someone in a place like that. I just wanted some peace of mind.
12 April 2025, Saturday
The opening show of GCircuit happens later this evening. So the plan is to go and buy the tickets for the opening show, and if I feel like it - the pool boy party ( but honestly my funds is running really low, I have no idea how I will be able to survive this ).
Final Thoughts: Is Songkran in Bangkok Worth It?
100% YES—even without the wild water fights (yet to come). Just a few days in and I’d already had the full Bangkok experience: airport drama, street food adventures, WiFi struggles, crazy nightlife, celebrity sightings, and even a caling onsen visit.
Would I go again? In a heartbeat.
If you’re planning to attend Songkran in Bangkok, prepare for unpredictable moments—but know that every second will be worth it. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and most of all—have the time of your life.
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