By Ultimate Guide to Songkran 2019
Affectionately dubbed the annual “gay migration”, Songkran, or Thailand’s celebration of the Buddhist New Year, is the time of the year where gay men the world over gather in one massive celebration of their sexuality.
But navigating Songkran for the gay man can be confusing, what with the huge smatterings of parties happening here and there. And for the unsuspecting first-timer, Songkran could very well become a stressfest instead of the waterfest it technically is.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide that will walk you through the Songkran conundrum, from things to look out for to recommended accommodations. With this guide on hand, we hope you’ll be able to plan a stress-free Songkran experience for you and your friends!
Main Songkran parties to attend
For the uninitiated, gCircuit is your main host for the annual Songkran gay circuit parties, with at least one planned for each day of the festivities. Parties happen both day and night, coming with different themes that are set to appeal to everyone.
You can buy advance tickets online, where you can get access to the Opening, Main, and Closing Parties, along with a Pool Party of your choosing from THB10,000 (~SGD429.06) onwards. Check out the advance ticket packages available here.
Below are the parties to log into your calendars, arranged in chronological order for your convenience:
1. Opening Party
Start off the festivities with a resounding bang through the Opening Party, which will come with a Heaven on Earth theme this year. Gogo dance performances will grace the occasion, alongside music pumped out by world-class DJs to get your body moving.
Image adapted from: gCircuit
Foremost in the DJ lineup are Mexican DJs Erick Ibiza and Isak Salazar, who have officially worked with big names in the music industry like Rihanna, U2, and Donna Summer. DJ Alex Acosta, renowned internationally for his upbeat remixes that have even hit the top of Billboard’s Magazine Dance Club category, will also be present to energise the dance floor.
Image adapted from: iFLYER, gCircuit
DJ Louis T, the most noticeable circuit DJ in Asia, will also be hitting the Opening Party with his blend of progressive, funky house, tribal, and handbag tunes. Accompanying him is DJ Taki, highly sought after in Asia for his energetic combination of tribal, house, and electronic grooves.
Date: 12 Apr 2019
Time: 7PM till late
Venue: GMM Live House & Zen Event Gallery
Door Prices: THB2,900 (~SGD124) (standard) | THB3,900 (~SGD166.76) (VIP)
2. Bear Pool Party
Image credit: gCircuit
Calling all bears and bear lovers out there: Grab your floats and cocktails, and get ready to chill at the Mega Wonder Pool with your buddies for this year’s Bear Pool Party! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a perfect, sculpted Men’s Health™ body to attend gCircuit parties.
While you’re here, rock out to the signature electronic flares of South Korean DJ Sun J, who has been the DJ for a number of circuit parties around the world, including Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Accompanying him is Shanghainese DJ Javy, who is well-known for his house, tribal, and trance beats.
Also set to spice up your pool experience are gogo dance performances by 6 bear gogo dancers. Returning crowd favourite Owen will enthrall you with his gyrating dance moves, and he’ll be accompanied by Kai, Shigeru, Mamoru, Shin Kuma, and Course K.
Date: 13 Apr 2019
Time: 1PM-7PM
Venue: Royal Orchid Sheraton
Door Price: THB2,900 (~SGD124)
3. Main Party
On to the star of the Songkran party repertoire, we have the Main Party, which comes pegged with a Clone World theme. Gogo dance performances will be the party’s main attraction, with the dancers decked out in the costumes you see in the teaser images above.
A total of 24 Boy gogo dancers and 6 Bear gogo dancers from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Thailand will take to the stage for the Main Party. Amongst these, hot favourite Guo Yang from Beijing stands out, having performed in several major circuit parties across Asia, spanning Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
Other returning favourites include South Korea’s Minky and Taiwan’s Leo, poised to set the catwalk and stage ablaze with their seductive dance moves. To keep yourself updated and keep your thirst amply quenched on the full list of gogo dancers, be sure to follow @gcircuit, where their identities are slowly revealed the closer Songkran approaches.
Well known for her support for the LGBT community, The Voice Brazil Finalist Nikki Valentine will also be here as a guest performer, setting the party ablaze in a splendour of electronic music.
Image adapted from: gCircuit
Apart from Nikki Valentine, expect to find American DJ duo Rosabel spinning grooves for the party, famous for their official remixes of pop icons like Madonna, Cher, and Gloria Estefan. They will be accompanied by Brazilian DJ Alberto Ponzo, famous for his electronic work, alongside Taipei DJ Herric Pu, known for his combos of the tribal and house styles to create sexy dance floor anthems.
Date: 13 Apr 2019
Time: 7PM till late
Venue: GMM Live House & Zen Event Gallery
Door Prices: THB2,900 (~SGD124) (standard) | THB3,900 (~SGD166.76) (VIP)
4. Boy Pool Party
Image credit: gCircuit
Dive into the Wonder Pool for this year’s Boy Pool Party, which is, well, designed for the discerning boy in mind. Hot bods will be the name of this pool party’s game, beginning from the gogo dancer lineup that awaits you.
Image credit: @gcircuit
South Korean dancers Bagel and Baek from the Main Party will be performing for the Boy Party as well, and they’ll be joined by Hyuga, Cavell, Ryan, and Alex. They’ll be dancing to the grooves of Taiwanese DJ Mango and Thai DJ Preeda Tony, both of whom will be mixing up a combination of Progressive House, Tribal House, Tech House, Vocal House, Circuit, and Pop Mash beats for the party.
Drag superstar Pangina Heals has also been invited to join in the fun, where she’ll entertain you with her signature brand of insult comedy.
Date: 14 Apr 2019
Time: 1PM-7PM
Venue: Royal Orchid Sheraton
Door Price: THB2,900 (~SGD124)
5. Closing Party
What better way to end off the celebrations by getting literally soaked in the spirit of Songkran? Aquatica, this year’s Closing Party, promises to do just that with a water-centric bash to bring the Songkran weekend to a close with a wet blast!
Image adapted from: gCircuit
Brazilian DJ Enrry Senna, a headliner for most major clubs and parties in Brazil, will be here to galvanise the dance floor with his driving tribal beats and infectious energy. Accompanying him is fellow Brazilian DJ Mauro Mozart, renowned both in at home and internationally for his electronic music work, along with Japanese DJ Chu’s signature fusion of house and groove.
There’re also dry zones set up onsite where you can dry yourself off and/or cool down from the energy of the party.
Date: 14 Apr 2019
Time: 7PM till late
Venue: Centerpoint Studio
Door Prices: THB2,900 (~SGD124) (standard) | THB3,900 (~SGD166.76) (VIP)
Day activities
With much of the partying action happening at night, the day is pretty much free for you to roam the streets of Bangkok – especially if you’re not participating in the pool parties. Here’s our recommendations on day activities you can do while you wait for night to fall:
1. Water fights
No Songkran is complete without its signature water fights, where you get to arm yourself with water guns and super soakers to splash water on both friends and strangers alike in the name of fun.
While you can participate in these fights everywhere you go in Bangkok, we’ve narrowed down 2 locations you can check out for the most massive fights in town.
The first of these places is Silom, where the entire 5km length of this street is closed off for water fights. The main draw of this place is the firetrucks, which will randomly ambush intersections and spray the crowds down with their powerful fire hoses.
If you’re looking for a more intense, adrenaline-infused experience, make your way to Bangkok’s backpacking heart, Khao San Road. Featuring both water and booze, Khao San becomes wild and chaotic with revellers running around armed with weapons and alcohol.
2. Ascend to the top of King Power MahaNakhon SkyWalk
Clinching the title of tallest building in Thailand at a whopping 314m in height, King Power MahaNakhon comes with a SkyWalk, allowing you to ascend all 78 floors to the rooftop to enjoy panoramic views of the Bangkok cityscape.
Guided tours of the SkyWalk begin from THB850 (SGD35.78), where you’ll first be brought to the observation deck on the 74th floor before going up to the rooftop. A bar is in operation on the rooftop, allowing you to kick back and chill with your friends with drinks on hand.
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy after the SkyWalk, head back downstairs and hit the duty-free shops that are available on the lower levels.
Address: 114 Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand
Opening hours: 10AM-12AM daily (last admission at 11PM)
3. Snuggle up to huskies in True Love Cafe
Huskies are the name of True Love Cafe’s game, with a pack of these adorable dogs ready to shower you with affection when you swing by the place. Each ticket to the cafe costs THB500 (~SGD21.34), and in exchange, you’ll get to play with the huskies in one of two sessions: The first from 12PM to 2PM, and the second from 3PM to 5PM.
Address: 153 Soi Ari Samphan 2, Phahon Yothin Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand 10400
Opening hours: 12PM-2PM; 3PM-5PM daily. Closed on Sundays.
4. Go-Kart around an abandoned Disneyland-esque castle at Motor Sports Land
Once part of a now-defunct amusement park, the castle you see in the image above is now part of the landscape of Motor Sports Land’s Go-Kart tracks. Rates begin from THB500/min (~SGD21.04), and you can choose to from 1 of 5 zones, with areas ranging from 2,580 to 11,594m2.
Address: 1096, 1 Phahonyothin Rd, Khwaeng Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Opening Hours: 1PM-9PM (Mon-Fri) | 10AM-9PM (Sat-Sun)
Shopping
The streets may be closed off for the most part, but the good ol’ shopping malls in town aren’t!
If you find yourself drained from the crowds and the festivities, escape the throng and chill out at one of Bangkok’s malls, which are thankfully still open for business during Songkran.
1. ICONSIAM
For starters, check out ICONSIAM, a retail shopping haven that was opened to the public at the end of last year. Boasting a huge arsenal of retail stores selling both luxury goods and popular apparel brands, ICONSIAM is easily accessible via shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS station on the Silom line.
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Soi 5, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, Bangkok, Thailand 10600
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM daily
2. MBK Center
MBK Center is also a solid mall to check out, well known amongst both locals and travellers alike for its array of retail stores offering cheap deals for everything, from clothes and accessories to bags and even mobile phones. Accessing the mall is pretty easy too, with the National Stadium and Siam BTS stations located close by.
Address: 444 Phaya Thai Rd, Bangkok, Thailand, 10330
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM daily
3. Siam Paragon
Conveniently located within the same vicinity as Gcircuit’s parties and accessible via Siam BTS station, Siam Paragon is the mall to go to for world-class retail shopping that spans fashion, lifestyle, living, technology, and luxury. The mall also boasts a cinema complex that comes outfitted with an IMAX theatre on the top floor, where you can catch some flicks while waiting for the parties to begin.
Address: 991 Rama 1 Rd, Bangkok, Thailand, 10330
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Food places
Forget about the Thai food you can find back at home, as Bangkok is where you can get the real deal. Songkran may be the main reason for your visit, but you might as well treat your tastebuds to some of the best Thai food you can find in Bangkok while you’re holidaying in the land of smiles.
1. Pad Thai
Think of Thai cuisine and Pad Thai inevitably emerges as one of the most iconic dishes. And where better to get this wok-fried noodle dish than at Pad Thai Thip Samai, which comes highly recommended by even the locals themselves?
Cooked over a traditional charcoal fire, the Pad Thai here is served in generous portion sizes. Prices start from just THB60 (~SGD2.57), going up to THB200 (~SGD8.57) if you add a big shrimp.
Address: 313 Thanon Mahachai, Phra Nakorn
Opening hours: 5PM-3AM daily
2. Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is another signature Thai dish, and Pee Aor Restaurant is the place to go to for some of the best you can find in Bangkok. From THB100 (~SGD4.29), you can get yourself a bowl of Tom Yum Goong with noodles, which comes packed with a rich, creamy broth and two jumbo-sized prawns.
If you’re in the mood to splurge, you can also try the restaurant’s Tom Yum served with a giant rock lobster and assorted seafood including squid, mussels, fish, and prawns. Priced at a cool THB1,200 (SGD51.42), this dish also comes with enough rice noodles to feed up to four to six people.
Address: 68/51 Soi Phetchaburi 5, Khwaeng Thung Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Opening hours: 10AM-9PM (Tue to Sun) | Closed on Mon
3. Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice, or mango served with glutinous rice and coconut paste, is not to be missed when you’re in Bangkok – especially if you have a sweet tooth!
Mae Varee Fruit Shop & Mango Sticky Rice is a place to check out for this dessert, well known for only using ingredients of the best quality, from the mango right down to the glutinous rice and coconut milk. Each box of mango sticky rice goes for THB130 (~SGD5.57), and you can even choose the flavour of your glutinous rice. Some of these flavours include Butterfly Pea, Turmeric, Pandan, and Green Tea.
Address: 1 Soi Thong Lor Road, Sukhumvit Soi 55, Klongtunnua Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Opening hours: 6AM-11PM
Accommodation
We now come to what is arguably the most important part of your Songkran planning: accommodation. Luckily for you, there are a good number of host hotels located in the vicinity of the party venues, each one offering special rates for gCircuit party ticket-holders. Here are our recommendations:
1. Royal Orchid Sheraton
If you intend on attending one or both pool parties, Royal Orchid Sheraton is the most convenient location for you to take up lodgings – after all, it’s also the venue for both parties.
Located by the Chao Phraya River, Royal Orchid Sheraton comes outfitted with a variety of amenities, including two resort-style swimming pools, a spa, tennis court, meditative gardens, and four restaurants.
For gCircuit ticket-holders, the hotel is offering a special rate from THB3,499/night (~SGD150.09) for its Deluxe River View Rooms, which come with complimentary breakfast for 2. Simply present your online ticket to redeem the promotion upon arrival at the hotel.
Address: 2, Soi Charoen Krung 30, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
Rate: From THB3,499/night (~SGD150.09)
Book here
2. Modena By Fraser Bangkok
For an option that is more wallet-friendly, check out Modena by Fraser Bangkok, which offers its sleek, modern rooms from just THB2,100/night (~SGD89.98). This rate comes inclusive of complimentary international buffet breakfast for 2, alongside one-for-one drinks from 4PM-11PM at the hotel’s in-house Coffee & Cider Bar.
To enjoy this rate, simply use the promo code “SK2019” when making the reservation.
Address: 2527 FYI Center, Rama IV Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Rate: From THB2,100/night (~SGD89.98)
Book here
3. Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok
If hotels aren’t really your thing, there are service apartments available for you to choose from. Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok is one of these, offering you full apartments from THB2,900/night (~SGD124.26). Simply use the promo code “THGC10” when making the reservation.
Address: No. 39 Soi Suanplu, South Sathorn Road, Thungmahemek, Sathorn, Bangkok, 10120 Thailand
Rate: From THB2,900/night (~SGD124.26)
Book here
What first-timers should take note of
- As the gCircuit SK parties are extremely popular, you’re advised to buy tickets in advance. This is especially the case for the pool parties.
- Book hotels and flights ahead of time.
- If you’re also here for the gay bars, clubs, and saunas, note that they will be very busy. You’re advised to arrive early or expect to wait it out in a long queue.
- Water fights will break out all over the streets of Bangkok. If you plan to venture out during the day, make sure you don’t wear or carry anything that is easily damaged by water.
- For valuables like your phone and wallet, store them in a waterproof pouch. These pouches can be bought on almost every street corner in Thailand.
- Water guns can be purchased from street vendors. Make sure these are working properly before buying them.
- Keep plenty of small change (THB10 coins) handy to buy water refills.
Plan a fun Songkran break with your friends
Armed with this guide, you should have an easier time planning the perfect Songkran getaway. And with the logistical nightmare of planning out of the way, all that’s left for you to do is pack your bags and get ready to “migrate” to Bangkok for the festivities!
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE
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