Attending Bangkok’s Calypso Ladyboy Cabaret

It’s not something originally on my itinerary for the Australasian Adventure, but when I found out my friend was having her bachelorette party (hen’s night) in Bangkok, I knew the night would end up in an interesting way. After what felt like a 20 course Thai dinner with sunset views of Wat Arun, we hopped in three overpriced taxis so that we wouldn’t be late for Calypso Cabaret, our second stop of the evening that would have me stumbling back at dawn.

It was my first run in with some of Thailand’s most famous residents, the ladyboys. Calypso Cabaret is the most well-known cabaret in Bangkok, run for over 25 years, and is certainly touristy, but is good harmless fun in a city where you can get yourself into plenty of trouble.

Located at Asiatique on the river, Calypso is a great introduction to the chaos of Bangkok. They’ll perform both cultural acts and lip sync some of your favorite show tunes (“Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”) with stunning costumes. And not every performer is a ladyboy, but most are. In case you’re thinking otherwise, all the ladies are part boy.

Here are my tips if you find yourself at the ladyboy cabaret:

1. Get there early for good seats. Because of our difficulties in finding a cab, we were almost late for the show and they may not have let us in. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your seat and order a drink. Just be warned that if you’re a farang male, you may get taunted or flirted with if you’re sitting in the front row!

2. Order your included drink and dessert. While I was entirely too stuffed for any dessert of mango sticky rice, I was happy to accept my complimentary beverage, which I chose as a gin and tonic with a woman as a swizzle stick, naturally.

3. Stay for photos. After the show, the performers will come out in their costumes and pose for photos with guests. They’re more than happy to do so.

4. Check out the rest of the Asiatique complex. The sprawling shopping center where Calypso is located reminded me of many I’d seen back home, as you can find a European style pub and thousands of vendors selling souvenirs and other products.

Calypso Cabaret is located at 2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Rd., Prayakrai, Bangkorlaem, Bangkok on the Asiatique Riverfront. You can get there by taxi or tuk tuk, or take the free ferry from the Sathorn Pier at Saphan Taksin BTS Station. If you have a car, parking is free. Showtimes are at 8:15 and 9:45 pm nightly. Ticket costs for the show only, without the dinner buffet, start at 900 baht ($27 USD) for adults.