I'd been to Bangkok already many times before. But as I stepped out of the airport after 15 hours of travel, hit with the muggy air and that nighttime heat, there was that sudden excitement of being somewhere new all over again. A quick cab ride to my hotel with Miley Cyrus on the radio and a welcome drink from reception as I walked in was more than enough to remind me why I love this city. They don't call it the Land of Smiles for no reason.

Visiting Thailand on a press trip with OUT Adventures – a gay tour company famous for their small groups and adventurous activities – I arrived a night early. I couldn't resist the chance for a proper night out on my own in Bangkok. It's one of my favorite cities in Asia and, perhaps surprisingly, perhaps not, has some incredible gay nightlife.

My big gay night out in Bangkok started with a quick shower to remove that airplane stink and a hurried cab to meet some friends at a nearby restaurant. I walked into Issaya Siamese Club – a trendy Thai restaurant with contemporary twists on authentic Thai cuisine. Handed a cocktail and glancing at the menu, I ordered just about one of everything. Dinner with old friends and a few new ones, a night of eating and drinking – this is what summer nights in Bangkok are made of.

After finishing up the meal, and with hardly any sleep the night/day before (who really knew what time it was?! And who really cared??), we made our way to Sukhumvit Soi 3 – Bangkok's gayborhood. The streets are crowded most nights, so this being the beginning of the weekend, we were lucky to have more than enough eye candy in front of us – almost too much. Bangkok's gay scene in Sukhumvit is practically legendary. It's a mix of expats, tourists, locals and all the party promoters you could ask for. A nice mix of trashy and classy, there's always plenty to do and to see. But any gay night out in Bangkok will inevitably lead you to the alleyway of Soi 2 and the small entranceway into DJ Station.

DJ Station is like any other gay club, but somehow feels special. With three floors in a maze-like building full of pulsating music, it's easy to meet and make friends here. With a drink in hand (yet again), I’m dancing on the second floor in between broken conversations with a pair of Canadian expats. Eventually the jetlag sets in, and I realize it's two days later than when I left Berlin. I'm drunk and on holiday. Before I let a night out at DJ Station get too messy, I make my way for the exit, heading home to my hotel alone. But not before a street food snack. Because in Bangkok, while the parties are fun, I'm here for the food.

Where to Stay

• Sofitel So Hotel – Designed by French fashion designer, Christian Lacroix, the Sofitel So is a design hotel with more than just a pretty interior. The rooftop pool is also home to regular gay party nights. More photos: A Design Hotel With A Story

What to Do

• Issaya Siamese Club – With local celebrity chef Ian Kittichai at the helm, the trendy restaurant serves up authentic Thai cuisine on beautifully arranged plates with a modern flair. Make a reservation for weekends when the restaurant is busier.
   
• Silom, Soi 2 and Soi 4 – The streets around Silom BTS Station, specifically Soi 2 and Soi 4, mark the gay territory of central Bangkok. You'll find bars with go-go dancers and drink specials on both sides of the street, so just take a wander and step into the place that offers the best deal (or the best view). Street food vendors set up and are out all night (24/7), so it's a great place for late-night street food after stumbling out of the clubs.
   
• DJ Station – Bangkok's most famous gay club with Friday night drag shows and late-night DJs. You'll bump into plenty of other tourists and backpackers, but local Thais still hit it up for nights out too.

Adam is a travel writer and blogger. He covers the world's coolest cities, writing about festivals, nightlife and gay travel on his personal travel blog. When he’s not out exploring the coolest bars and clubs, he’s usually eating whatever local foods he can find. You’ll find him most often on Twitter at @travelsofadam — don't hesitate to say hi!