DivineMadman

I know some people from Sukhothai who recently went down to pay their respects. They arrived at 3:30 am and got in at 5:00 pm

I think the idea of Siam Roads is great and I'm happy it's doing well. Having a gay guide for tourist activities and/or nightlife/scene is wonderful. It may well be that straight guys could do it just as well, but it's also nice to give the work to guys who self-identify as gay and some customers may just be happy knowing that their guide self-identifies as gay. Community. "Gay Owned and Operated" is a perfectly legit thing to say. When asked a question about a particular guide's role/preference, I think the answer should not be whether it was or is ever appropriate for Moses to ask, but rather to answer simply that it's not relevant. It's not an escort agency in disguise. Moses and the guides should be entitled operate in the way they want: as professional trained guides. Top/Bottom/Verse -- there's no need to go into that because the minute it becomes the topic then the idea of Siam Roads just seems to evaporate, and it becomes an escort marketing gimmick. So I say let Siam Roads exist in it's bubble where the guides are just guides. It's a nice bubble. It also seems irrelevant to me what a guide may have done in the past or may do in his spare time, whether for free or for pay or on the apps or as member of furry cosplay sex club -- or whatever. The deal they have and Moses has with them is that as far as Siam Roads is concerned, they are professional guides only. I'm a fan of what Moses and the guys are doing. It's a great gay positive idea and a great opportunity for the guides. We should respect that. #thisiswhywecan'thavegoodthings

The hotel i mentioned in Hanoi is the Art Boutique Hotel. http://www.hanoiartboutiquehotel.com For me it's a nice balance traffic-wise -- in Old Town just enough to make walking around easy but not so far in that you can't easily escape by taxi. But I think there are lots of nice boutique hotels around there at different price points.

Facebook says OutvBKK posted the most recent "delay" update just this September 10, and Facebook never lies ( ), so perhaps there's some hope...

I just read that it's been postponed until 2018 - date to be announced. https://www.facebook.com/events/1577498905886980 (See the "Update" immediately below the event.)

I think Hanoi is great. Plenty to see and eat. If you don't mind the chaos I recommend staying right in the Old Town part of the city. The place that I have stayed at has packages that include Halong Bay. Your hotel might as well. The potential advantage being you'll be going to the hotel before/after Halong Bay so they me be a bit more accountable for the quality of the cruise. I always have to give a plug for the Museum of National History. Loved it. The water puppet show is very touristy and kitschy but it's still good fun. I found flying from city-to-city very easy and more restful than trains or the bus. There's nothing wrong with your itinerary, but with the heat that time of year, the hill town Dalat might be a blessed relief for a visit and a very nice place to visit. Hoi An is a gem. Well worth spending the time there. The day trip out to My Son was interesting and well worth it.

I agree with the others that Prince & VCK as probably having the biggest selection for you, and Arena very close but only b/c not as many guys at Arena seem to be so obsessed with the fair skin. Of these, personally I prefer Prince. You might find your ideal guy at any number of places, but these will give you a good selection of good looking guys. You can take as long as you like to select, but admittedly with the manager at your shoulder you might feel rushed. Don't be. When you're meant to be making your selection the guys are usually at attention and flexing and, more often than not smiling, so don't expect them to do that for 10 minutes. Most of them wouldn't have the attention span to do so. But as you're making your selection take a look, tell the manager what kind of guy you want (who will do what). It takes time. At Prince and VCK you could order a drink first, relax and enjoy the eye candy for a while. I realize it's easier said than done, but don't think that the masseur's timing on when he moves on to the fun stuff has anything to do with your body. He's fine with your body. He's got clock and a routine. 5 minutes on this lower leg. 5 minutes on that lower leg, Etc. Some masseurs, if anything, try to move on to sex fairly quickly because they like to finish up on the early side. But as a general rule they have a very good idea when to gradually move the massage into the erotic phase so you, he and the allotted time for the massage finish at the right time. If it's not happening as soon as you want feel free to tell him - just don't think he's holding off on it because of anything to do with you.

True of so many great experiences, so don't deny yourself -- or your potential companion -- of the opportunity. As long as you're being honest with yourself (and your companion), everything will be ok and you'll always have the good memories, even if tinged by a hint of "tristesse." If you believe in the value of experiences, then the line about travel is true: Travel is the only expense that makes you richer.

PeterRS is correct.

I've done it many times, each time was great. Of course, past results are no guarantee of future success. Agree 100% that all the money arrangements need to be discussed up front. I don't take guys shopping and I make that clear. But what I do is give the guys some pocket money on the first day so if they want to buy something, get food, pick up the dinner tab, whatever, they can. To my surprise the unspent money is almost always returned to me. (!) If traveling out of Thailand and his home country, of course I always get him a SIM card on arrival when I get mine. Once I travelled for a couple of weeks in Vietnam with someone I had only met once, but that is the exception - it's usually someone I've been with several times and done some sort of tourist activity in BKK (or environs). Agree 100% that you cannot/should not expect sex on demand all the time. I also make sure there is some alone time every day. That's probably more for my benefit than his, but I do think it is a good idea. As far as a plan of what happens if things go "south" (bad) - I've never discussed it ahead of time, I guess it seems a little threatening to me, but I would have no problem putting somone on the next flight home if necessary. Common problem situations I've faced- -- I like to go out and about in the daytime. For some of the guys two days in the sun will turn them deeply dark and, as they see it, hurt their livelihood. So I try to be reasonably accommodating. I let them know I'm aware of it. I bring and share my extra-strong sunscreen lotion. On one trip we bought an umbrella. I learned always to find a shaded side of the street to walk on. -- I like to go to sleep at night. Often the guys are on sleep during the day schedule, so getting them onto my schedule means they're jet lagged. -- Sometimes the travel situation can be intimidating for the guys. Last year I did a trip to Bali with someone who had never left Thailand, and another trip to Malaysia with a Cambodian guy who I don't think had even been on a plane before. Something to be aware of. Sometimes this means explaining ahead of time the rule about liquids on carry-on luggage, and little things like that, but other times it just means being mindful that they may be excited and having a great time, but also stressed. -- Food. OMG food. I have never seen anyone so happy as when I found a Thai restaurant in Ubud for my Thai companion. I know some Laos guys who are true foodies and adventurous eaters, but a lot of the guys are not and food, comfort food, family food, food like they grew up with, is very important to them. Something I try to be aware of and help with. Also, taking someone to a restaurant with a menu in english doesn't really help those guys. Let them pick the restaurants. Put up with sitting on those little plastic chairs. Find restaurants with pictures on the menu. I know several guys who are veteran travelers with customers and know the drill and how to make it work out. (And because they have probably had their fair share of bad experiences, they will be particularly appreciative of good treatment.) I hate to say this, but a mamasan might help make an introduction to guys he knows are good at traveling with customers. Overall, It's always worked out great for me. Part of the fun for me, however, is taking the trip with someone who is also having fun and an adventure so by making that part of my mindset I think it helps and so far everyone's had a good time. The hardest part of the trip is when it's over.

Personally, I think the Times probably has it right. Given that the underlying structure is steel, it doesn't seem likely that the entire structure will go up in flames. All through November there will be exhibitions at Sanam Luang where, according to the official website, "people will be able to learn more about the ceremony. The exhibition will feature arts and culture regarding the Royal Crematorium and related structures." Should be very interesting.

As I recall the "lockers" aren't gym lockers that would accept a padlock. They are have a key on wrist band that you take with you. I believe the thought was that some unscrupulous person working there had access to duplicate keys or the master keys. There are so many great places to get massages in Bangkok, it's easy to give this place a pass.

i just avoid places where there have been repeated reports of theft...

+1

Yes it will work in Thailand. When some family visited me in BKK earlier this year they used that very AT&T plan. They liked the ease and felt more comfortable having their U.S. phone number active with them at all times (w/o having to bother with a second phone or switching in/out SIM cards). Passport is required to get SIM Note that in the past the airport authority have cracked down on Uber picking up at the airport. Just an FYI. Personally I never have a problem with getting a taxi at the airport and just pleasantly but confidently remind the driver to use the meter. (If I can't see the meter clearly when I'm in the taxi I will also confirm the meter is on as we are pulling out.)

Same building as Arena you could check out "Thai Best Massage" -- that's the name, not my assessment -- on the ground floor on the right. It's pretty basic. The guys are all lean/wiry fresh from up country. The guys at Spa Sathorn (aka Sathorn Spa) are also have more of the country look. It's just far enough off Sathorn that it really, really helps if you speak some Thai. https://goo.gl/maps/mLCWSwi4HTn

Baan Tewa has head cut outs (https://goo.gl/maps/jjzTDXgbckE2) I think Arena has at least some tables with cut outs. Not 100% sure. Prime is mostly set up for Thai massages, so most rooms are just floor mats. If being on a table with a head cut out is important then you have to specify oil massage (and you might as well make sure to ask for the right kind off table as well). Nowadays I prefer the pillow-under-the-upper chest method as the most comfortable - for me.

I agree but note: -- Someone reported here that he had some money taken from his wallet at Banana Club - I believe he thought that the masseur ducked out for a bathroom break and took that opportunity to get the master key to the lockers. Someone emailed the owner/manager but I don't think there was any resolution. -- The stated tip on the menu at Arena is for shower/massage/hand job only. Any more has to be agreed to. At times in the past this has led to some confusion for some. (At Prince & VCK and some of the others the minimum tip is higher than Arena but is full service, so no need for the added negotiation.) I forget the tip set up at Banana Club.

thank you for taking the time to do so. I had never seen it presented so succinctly before.

Restaurants: I also like La Table de Tee. Food is very good and the staff is endearing. I heartily recommend Somtum Der on Sala Daeng for good Isaan food. It's a chance to get a little adventurous without the worries you may have about street food. I am a huge fan of Steve Cafe and Cusine. http://www.stevecafeandcuisine.com/index.html Really really good food and charming staff. The branch by the river gives a lovely chance to sit by the river in a quiet spot and relax (NB: does not have a/c - it's on a covered porch deck). The other branch is in the Ari neighborhood, just a short walk from the Ari BTS station. If you go to the one by the river note that the tourist boat does not stop at the Thewet pier, so you should take the regular express water boat (which is cheaper anyway). Despite the name it is a Thai-owned Thai resto. Calypso: Meh. It's really not that great, but if it's your only chance to see a big ladyboy show, I suppose it's ok. The two ladyboy shows in Pattaya - Tiffany and Alcazar - are, I believe, generally thought to be far superior. Calypso was the first show I went to and really wasn't impressed. But if you're in the neighborhood it's of course not a waste of time. There's a fun more low-key/comedy type drag show at Stranger Bar on Soi 4 Thursday nights. Of course it's nothing like the big show numbers at Calypso or the others, but it might get you your fix of drag. The Sky Bar at State Tower/Lebua is iconic (Hangover 2 I think). It's big has a dramatic layout. Drinks are crazy expensive but the service is really good there. Moon Bar/Vertigo at Banyan I personally like a bit better because it's got a nicer view of Lumpini, but the service is not very fast - and the drinks are also expensive. Both have dress codes which require long pants on men - which I find oppressive in this heat. A nice roof top deck without the tedious dress code is Heaven/Zense on 17th floor of Central World. There are lots of sky bars - you can always explore with friends and find the right one for you. Sunday nights is gay night at Maggie Choo's if you're looking for a break from Soi 4 or Soi 2. Personally not a huge fan of water markets. I am a fan of a couple of the train markets (Talad Rot Fai). The one in Ratchada is easy to get to by MRT (Thailand Cultural Center) behind the Esplanade shopping center. I think it's open wednesday (or thursday??) through sunday at night, but google to check that before you go. https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+New+Rot+Fai+Market+Ratchada/@13.7659909,100.5701301,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2c30ba0b8d64f91d!8m2!3d13.7667568!4d100.5685637 There was rumored to be a gay bar there, but I never made the effort to find it. For temples - there's a lot to be found getting lost and wandering around the Wat Arun area. Another place might be Golden Mount (Wat Saket). It's a good excuse to take the canal boat which is a fun way to get around town and drops you off right near the base, and it's a invigorating tiny climb to the top. Right near Golden Mount is the street where there are still a lot of wood workers you can see carving those ornate door panels. Also not to far is Ban Bat alley community where for a very long time the local families made alms bowls ("Begging Bowls") for monks. There are people still making the bowls today whom you can watch, and they make nice bowls for tourists to buy as well. It's an interesting little bit of living history if you're bored and interested a exploring a little. I had reason to go to the Klong Toey slum a couple of years ago and I thought it was absolutely fascinating. I was with someone local. Not sure I would recommend just heading in there on my (or your) own. But if you can find a kind or intrepid local - it's very interesting. Lately there have been some award-winning community recreation projects in the slum that take advantage of tiny postage-stamp-sized oddly-shaped lots.

But you do see all sorts of people celebrating Songkran and the Thai people enthusiastically welcome them. So surely they (the Thai people) are the best judge as to whether foreigners are welcome to celebrate their Songkran festival.

I agree that it's always a good idea to keep the water play just among those playing. I think the people of Thailand and the region, and most certainly the Thai government, are proud of Songkran and very, very welcoming for visitors to join in.

A while back I asked Spa Bangkok the difference between "sensual massage" and "body sensual massage" and the answer was that "sensual massage" is basically sensual aroma oil massage and "body sensual massage" is body-to-body and the masseur takes off his clothes (or at least his shirt, that was the gist of the pantomime). I've had the tantric at Spa Bangkok and the Organ massage at Dr. Bear near Fortune Town. At Spa Bangkok the tantric part will not be taken to release, which is traditional. It's usually a part of a massage package so there's another sensual massage of one sort or another after the tantric so there's a happy ending to the story. Dr. Bear one time no happy ending, which makes me think the guy thought he was doing a traditional tantric, and another time the masseur made damn sure there was a happy ending, even though I - assuming it was to be traditional - was trying not to. Go figure. At both shops different masseurs gave remarkably different actual tantric/organ massages.

I don't think people should get too worried. The rules were the same last year. The Thai version I saw last night just says no high-powered water guns. Technically these were also prohibited last year. Some people still had them. (Mostly zealous farangs). Regular water pistols ok. The bans on powder, sexy dress, ice cold water, etc. all the same -- and all ignored to differing degrees.

+1