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@z909 The room at Glitz was perfectly clean, safe and comfortable. It has a room safe and a fridge. The bathroom was modern and clean. Overall, there was some peeling paint here and there and no "extras", but they do provide free water daily. I stayed on the 4th floor, hence no road noise, but I had to walk up three flights of stairs. It's a perfectly sweet, no drama hotel. I think the people on TripAdvisor are straight, high-maintenance Americans who are used to staying at Courtyard by Marriotts. Don't believe the hype. FYI - The Le Siam is $60USD a night now when you book on their website. For me, I like being able to leave my room and be in the heart of the action within 90 seconds. I don't like being buffered by expansive elevator banks, and big lobbies, and layers of security. These two hotels suited my needs well. @vinapu I really like the setup at VCK Massage. You can have a drink at the bar and observe the guys for awhile before ever committing to a massage. (There are plenty of other guys there who are just socializing and have no intention of getting a massage.) I also love how they have so many "types", straight out of Central Casting - the nerd, the student, the football player, the fashionista, the bodybuilder, the gym rat, the aloof pretty boy, etc. You can cast your very own porno!

It was a topic here a few months ago. The trips were in the DR. Dominican prisons are no safer than Brazilian prisons, and are equally as corrupt and both are run by organized crime / gangs.

I’m one of those “high maintenance “ Americans. Courtyard is about as low as I’ll go . I’ve never stayed at any of the hotels that are talked about in these posts, other than the Tarntawan many years ago. For the last five years I’ve been staying in condos. In the end they are cheaper than even the low end hotels mentioned here. Much quieter, much cheaper and never any issues taking people home with you.

Hello all. This is my first time posting after discovering this amazing community about a year ago. I’ve enjoyed reading all the trip reports, informative articles and even the reviews on local hotspots. I’ve enjoyed them so much that I even booked my trip to Bangkok in September. I will be there the entire month. Although I’m saddened that I couldn’t enjoy the famous soi Twilight, I’m excited to see what this new soi has in store. This will be my first time visiting the land of smiles and I’m equally thrilled as I am nervous to explore Bangkok. With that being said, if anyone is in Bangkok around that time and would like to show this newbie around, it would be greatly appreciated :) I’ve particularly took interest in the ever so famous Babe at Moonlight and while I not so sure about my chances are of offing him, I’m sure a glimpse will do the trick. But who knows? I might give it shot. Other places that are on my agenda include: Jupiter, Hot Male, Tawan and many more. As far as introductions go, my name is Nick. I’m 24 and recently graduated college with a business marketing degree. This trip is to not only celebrate this major accomplishment but to explore a part of the world I’ve never seen before and maybe experience some new things. I enjoy reading all of the trip reports and am excited to write my own very soon. I’ve got about a month left and the anticipating is killing me. This is all so very exciting!

I spent two long weekends in Bangkok this month and has a blast, per usual. I have received so much guidance from you gents over the years, and wanted to share some of my own experiences... HOTELS Le Siam Hotel https://www.lesiamhotel.com/ I love this little hotel. Great location - next to Silom Complex and just five minutes from the main action. Amazing food on the street outside the hotel. Clean, comfortable rooms. No issues with guests. Amazing breakfast. My new favorite! The Tarntawan Hotel Surawong Bangkok I needed to book a hotel quick and saw a forum headline about this hotel. Ugh. I should have read further. The hotel is very old and dingy -- and now it is being completely renovated inside and out, with constant noise and construction materials. I pre-booked two nights but left after one and got my money back. Glitz Hotel I needed something quick after moving out of Tarntawan and booked Glitz sight unseen. It's more like a hostel. Pros: Close to the action, right next door to Tawan. Cheap. No drama bringing guests back. So close to Prime Massage. Cons: No elevator. Sparse rooms. I would stay here again if others were sold out. It's fun being in the thick of things. MASSAGE The Prime Massage Based on the glowing review of @DivineMadman, I cannot get enough of this place. I go every single day I am in Bangkok. To me, it's the perfect combination of quality, luxury, professionalism, and price. I consistently have excellent massages. Sabaidee Spa This was a low point on my trip. When I arrived, the manager offered a selection of services. He said the body-to-body would include elements from all of their massages. I chose a guy named "Deeno/Deego/Diego?". Pre-set prices and tips were expensive. I arrived in the dingy, terrible room and showered in the filthy shower. The guy got undressed, lightly massaged my for five minutes, before rubbing his D in my A. Not being dramatic, it felt like assault. I asked him to stop but he kept going. I ended the massage early and left. Expensive, shoddy looking, and bad massage. Will not return. i quickly erased the bad memory with a massage at Prime. ;-) Magic Touch by The Tree https://www.travelgayasia.com/venue/magic-touch-by-the-tree-bangkok/ Although just a five minute walk from Glitz, this is a delightful off the beaten path, bohemian vibe-type shop. I had a wonderful, sensual massage with Mr. Diew. You can add the shop on Line and choose your masseuse from the photos you request. A fantastic experience. Would definitely return. SAUNAS Babylon I don’t care what people say, I love this place. Such a throwback to a simpler, hedonistic time. Guys from all over the world, all ages and sizes, converge for fun. I had always heard about the legendary Foam Parties, and I have to say, it did not disappoint. This was definitely the CRAZIEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE IN MY LIFE. (And I have done crazy things.) The courtyard is filled with foam, and guys converge to dance and play in the suds, under the stars. It was WILD! I highly encourage doing this at least once, just to experience it for yourself. It was the pinnacle moment from my trip. Chakran This is an upscale sauna that gets rave reviews, however I was VERY intimidated. The place is 99 percent hot Thai guys, and you have to be completely naked the whole time. I felt like an intruder — definitely out of my element and invading their territory. The “orgy” on the rooftop and being able to shower outside with a view of the city was incredible, but I have definitely aged out of this experience. I would choose Babylon instead. The highlight was the bar that overlooks the "corral" of massage boys on their phones, waiting to be chosen. Probably the hottest guys I have seen in the city. SPA Dahra Beauty & Spa - Silom https://www.dahra-spa.com/spa-services/facial-treatments/ I had spent two weeks at the beach and my face was busted. Based on Trip Advisor reviews, I took the ten minute walk from the main action and discovered this very luxurious spa. Reasonably priced massages and facials that were discounted 20% for low season. I had a one hour facial that was excellent for $30USD that would have been $200 in the states. I will definitely return. Overall, it was another wonderful long weekend in the city. I love the lazy feeling of Sunday afternoons in Patong -- just grabbing a coffee or lunch and watching people recover from the night before. I can't wait to go back!

I’m the type who when checking review sites looks for the really negative reviews. They can be revealing...sometimes, one person’s dislikes can be exactly what I’m looking for.

A CURE for the gay man’s, “LONELY BLUES” Ever get gravely bored, sit back and think to yourself, “damn is this what life is about?” if so, then it’s probably your fault and things will never change until you change. What I mean is, most of us don’t put ourselves out there or in situations to meet new people and have new, exciting experiences. I’m know I’m extremely blessed to have a wonderful husband I can travel, dine, eat with and do countless of other things, but before I met my husband I was very active in a lot of gay clubs and activities. When I say gay clubs I don’t mean the clubs you go to at night to hear loud, obnoxious house music all night long. Those kinds of clubs bored the shit out of me. believe it or not, when I would go to those clubs, even though I was surrounded by lots of people, I felt very alone. The type of clubs im speaking of are gay sports clubs. In Miami we have a ton of these clubs. These clubs reach far beyond Miami though and you probably have them in your city or state and just never heard of them. Ive been a long time member of the Miami gay tennis and softball clubs. They also have gay bowling, volleyball, kickball, flag football and gay swim leagues. Before I met my husband these clubs helped fill a void that I desperately needed to be filled. Ive made lasting friendships and close bonds with many of the guys in these leagues. Before you stop reading because you feel as though youre not athletically inclined to participate in these sports, give me a second and I will tell you why you don’t have to be athletically inclined to participate in any of these leagues. First of all, each league has different divisions. Lets say for instance, you are not the strongest or fastest in the aforementioned sports. It doesn’t matter because they can put you in a division that you would perfectly fit in and is more your pace. The A division is usually for the gay guys who could probably play the sport professionally. The D division is for novices and are played at a much slower pace. If youre body wont allow you to participate because of a bum knee, back or any other ailment, then you can volunteer for one of these leagues. They are always looking for board members and people to volunteer at LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS. I always play the sports so ive never volunteered, but if you ask me the volunteers have the most fun because they get to meet everyone at these local, national and international tournaments. These tournaments are lots of fun because during the tournaments the governing board have sanctioned events at gay night clubs, a members home or at a park. There is food, drinks and a shit load of comradery. These teams are usually sponsored by many of the local gay bars and they have fundraisers at these bars to raise money for team uniforms and travels. The fundraisers are a blast also. These events have afforded me the opportunity to meet a lot of nice people and forge friendships that I never would have had I not joined these leagues. A lot of times were lonely because we chose to build walls instead of bridges. In my humble opinion, the gay softball league is probably one of the better leagues to join. They have the most amazing tournaments. If you don’t believe me just google gay softball league in Miami, California or atlanta then you will see just how widespread these leagues are. Also google HURRICANE SHOWDOWN. This is an AMAZING TOURNAMENT played up in ft lauderdale each year during thanksgiving weekend. If you don’t put yourself out there to meet new people and start new friendships then you only have yourself to blame. These leagues were organized by gays in order for us to meet people just like us. I decided to write this piece because my husbands shift has changed at work and now he leaves at 3 p.m. and works until about 11 p.m. this leaves me home alone for 8 hours until he returns. when Im home alone I do get the lonely blues, but I have solace in knowing my hubby will be home by 11:30. What about the gay guy who doesn’t have a husband coming home to them at night? These clubs cant guarantee you will find the man of your dreams, (although I know many guys who have actually met their husbands in one of these leagues), but trust me on this one guys, THESE CLUBS WILL HELP CURE THE GAY MANS LONELY BLUES. Especially, if you go into the league with an open mind and a calm, humble spirit. LIFE IS LIKE A PLATE OF FOOD. IN ORDER TO SPICE IT UP, YOU HAVE TO ADD THE INGREDIENTS TO SPICE IT UP!!!!!! P.S. I also bought a Playstation 4 to help kill time when the hubby is away!! Lots of fun! Be well, fellas!!!!!

In case some posters here, after reading some recent posts about Latin American prison sex trips, might be thinking, “gee, maybe someone can set up a visit to a Brazilian prison so I can get a good romp!” You might want to rethink that idea! (Note: it’s really not a good idea in any LATAM jail / prison, anyway — in case you don’t get sarcasm). https://www.cbsnews.com/news/brazil-prison-riot-dozens-dead-and-16-decapitated-alatmira-prison-para-state-2019-07-30/?ftag=CNM-00-10aag7e

Have you watched the movie Bohemian Rhapsody? It is about the rock group Queen and primarily about the life of Freddy Mercury, the lead singer. While I enjoyed Queen's music I was not into them as much as some other rock groups. I should have given them more attention. This afternoon I watched this movie and I encourage you to do so. I really enjoyed it. Call me a pussy but I cried toward the end. Give it a spin.

From the Los Angeles Times BANGKOK, Thailand — In a boxing ring under a highway bridge, 14-year-old Pheeranut Saleephol bounced between the ropes, his lean frame glazed with sweat. The sound of punches and kicks slamming into sinewy flesh mingled with the noises of the Bangkok street. Thwap. A car honked. Thwap. A bus belched. Thwap. Pheeranut absorbed the blows of a sparring partner who had two years and about 10 pounds on him. “Keep your left hand up,” Tapanat Thaisamran, the man who raised him, shouted from outside the ring. “Protect your chin.” “Face him squarely.” Three weeks ahead of his next bout, on a prime stage that could propel him further into the ranks of Thailand’s top young fighters, Pheeranut was even more focused than usual. Suddenly, he whipped his right leg forward and delivered a kick to the bigger boy’s jaw, sending him tumbling to the mat. Tapanat smiled. A trim 65-year-old with a gray buzzcut, he had been a teenage boxer himself, back in the 1960s, with a brawler’s style that suited his compact physique. “I won more than I lost,” is how he summed up his career in Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, known as the “art of eight limbs” because fighters strike with their fists, elbows, knees and feet. It has become a global fitness craze and a lucrative TV sport, but Muay Thai remains steeped in tradition, a font of dreams for hundreds of thousands of child fighters — many of whom enter professional rings well before they reach puberty. Pheeranut was 11 when he first arrived at the Pathum Wan Sports Club on the back of Tapanat’s motorcycle, wearing a too-big helmet that made him look a bit like a lollipop. The coaches looked askance at the skinny, asthmatic boy who spoke little and smiled less. “He’s small,” Tapanat told them, “but he has a big heart.” Continues at https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-thailand-muay-thai-child-boxer-2019-story.html

You are young at your age you'll have plenty opportunities for free sex through apps and clubs I doubt you ever off someone from the bars.

The oddity can be explained by the use of "yield management" (aka: yield control), a practice that has been in universal use in the hotel and airline industries for decades. The objective is to fill all seats on an a flight and all rooms in a hotel by attracting buyers at different price points.The discretionary buyer (most of us) can purchase tickets or reserve rooms well in advance so we get a good price. It solves the seller's need for cash flow and our need for a what we perceive as a bargain. But hotels in particular need to reach the widest audience and they are willing to pay third-party brokers (i.e., Agoda, Expedia) to list their availability. The brokers realize a commission (up to 20%) for finding buyers and handling the transaction. The price for the room or the airline ticket will fluctuate daily, even hourly as the management software attempts to keep attracting buyers. In addition, hotels grant certain categories of buyers (i.e., seniors, auto club members, locals) discounts off the rack rate. In addition to these practices, both hotels and airlines use consolidators who sell more deeply discounted rooms and seats without disclosing the name of the hotel or airline until the purchase is made. This article from Wikipedia sums it up fairly well: Yield management is a variable pricing strategy, based on understanding, anticipating and influencing consumer behavior in order to maximize revenue or profits from a fixed, time-limited resource (such as airline seats or hotel room reservations or advertising inventory). As a specific, inventory-focused branch of revenue management, yield management involves strategic control of inventory to sell the right product to the right customer at the right time for the right price. This process can result in price discrimination, in which customers consuming identical goods or services are charged different prices. Yield management is a large revenue generator for several major industries; Robert Crandall, former Chairman and CEO of American Airlines, gave yield management its name and has called it "the single most important technical development in transportation management since we entered deregulation.

And avoid those parked outside hotels and tourist spots. I remember being told that Tarntawan to Babylon was 200 bht. The metred cost is about 70 bht And when there's a row of them, prepare for a cartel.

The Agoda prices for Tarntawan are very low- about 60% of what they were when I was there in May. Or they were when I booked a few weeks back. I can't see them going much lower for Thai nationals. Perhaps it's an introductory offer owing to the change of management. An odd thing about Agoda (and perhaps other agencies) in Thailand. Sometimes, the prices undercut rack-prices by a huge amount; in other cases, the hotel offers better prices for direct booking. Jomtien's (excellent) Agate is in this second category.

Taxi in BKK is still very cheap in comparison to the west, never take taxi drivers whom waiting near the bars they will rip you off better to stop one at the road .

make sure you don't pay more than 1200 for the privilege although I have no personal experience with taxi to Pattaya, I prefer bus from Ekkamai or Swampy. I rather spend money on boys than taxis as stated before

Not now believed to be an actual Bach piece, but still charming.

You may be confusing this event with my as-reported encounter with Louis Edmonds at the 1993 Dark Shadows fan con.

It was the greatest social infraction in Cantabrigia to make any note of an interlocutor’s public prominence, or inquire directly into any specific aspect of his work. As we were all almost to a T the world expert in whatever our professional thing was. And the last thing we wanted when out & about socially was to be dragged back to the office. Instead, at the 2 or 3 of these dinner parties where he & I chatted (in the home of our host, herself most fascinating: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Zinberg ), I would raise topics I thought might be of mutual interest, like why does Mark Russell https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Russell put out on TV specials — of his OWN scheduling — such crappy unprofessional versions of his own political satire lyrics that could, with just a little more polishing, be very good? Lehrer replied that this was exactly Russell’s fault — he went on air and performed first drafts. We then went on to some interesting back-&-forth speculations on what makes a good revision/sharpening process. That was greatly valuable, & how I used this access to genius to learn.

I live in Florida. Florida residents get discounts at many of the states tourist attractions that non residents don’t get. So I don’t see an issue with Thais getting discounts over us.

Loved him then, loved him now. One of my favorite songs on that album is My Home Town. Though I've heard minor variations of the fifth verse. In the clip above, it's That fellow was no fool Who taught our Sunday School And neither was our kindly Parson Brown (We're recording tonight so I'll have to leave this line out) In my home town But, on the album, the fourth line changes: That fellow was no fool Who taught our Sunday School And neither was our kindly Parson Brown (I guess I better leave this line out just to be on the safe side) In my home town I guess it's possible that Lehrer never wrote a fourth line and left it up to the listener to imagine the kindly Parson's particular perversion. But I've always wondered if he had described some distinct depravity in his original lyrics. If I recall, AdamSmith, you yourself once hobnobbed with Lehrer and stood inches away while he sang. Do you happen to know if there is indeed a fourth line, and recall what it is? A long shot, I know, though it can't hurt to ask.

Great review. I agree that being in the thick of action / Glitz / is more important that distant luxuries but it's me, others may have different priorities. Based on your review I made firm resolve to finally utilize Glitz , Prime and Magic Touch and return to VCK / Chakran massage / whenever I'm in BKK next time , thank you. That 'probably hottest guys I've seen in the city ' statement says it all.

that's rude, I'm not saying undeserved but still rude. BKK taxi drivers are definitely not worse that everywhere else and yes , sometimes they try to skin clients alive but they still are very good value considering rest of the world and size of city they are serving

wow great would totally do that too... guess I'll have to start frequenting Starbucks Surawong, as reader suggests!

Ummm.... as opposed to predicting the past?

Not without pain!

Hi all! I am visiting Rio for three days in late October. Anyone hot I can find from the internet to keep me company in the city?

It was far, far easier for me to get my CPF in the USA at my local Brazilian Consulate.