Arrived at Khon Kaen airport and collected a hire car. Straightforward 15 minute drive into town. Stayed at the Sofitel, 50% reduction on rack rates. It’s right in the centre of town but then so are a couple of other good hotels. Club Gik in the basement of the Sofitel is pretty dead.

The best, and certainly gayest club, was Zolid, in the basement of the Charoen Thani Hotel(for that reason I would probably stay there next time). Live music and fun show alternates with techno music. It’s huge(the biggest in Isaan?) and a significant gay presence there.

When that closes you can go on to Party House which is an open air group of restaurants with music, good food and more to drink. A very social atmosphere, mixed ages, with table hopping the norm, and open until dawn.

A late night alternative, with a young crowd, is Say Hi, near Big C, which has karaoke and dancing, again until dawn.

Ko Tho, close to Sofitel, is a bit more upmarket and intimate than the other venues, but good atmosphere and excellent live bands, with very cute and friendly singers.

There is a plaza, 200 yards from the Sofitel, name forgotten, which is the Isaan version of Panthip Plaza, and possibly bigger.

The Beach Sauna was unimpressive, in presentation or clientele.

It was a fun trip, and great to see some new venues

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