Pantherz

I just came across this interesting gay guide to India which seems to have some updated bar recommendations in some of the main cities. In case anyone finds this useful: https://nomadicboys.com/gay-india/

I’m planning my New Year’s Eve trip and, after reading Floridarob’s recent thread about his experience in Kolkata, I thought, “Why not India?” I’d love suggestions for a destination in India where I can enjoy the festivities as a solo traveler and connect with fun, easy-going young locals who are friendly and open to hanging out. I’m looking for a place with nice hotels and a lively but relaxed vibe—ideally, somewhere with a great bar or rooftop where I can celebrate, enjoy the evening, and maybe watch fireworks, without it being a hardcore, all-night clubbing scene. Any ideas or recommendations from the group?

How’s the gay scene in Goa? Has anyone been? Would it be a good place to spend New Year’s Eve?

Very interesting thread! Any other tips on where to go in India for a fun gay scene? Any specific bar recommendations would be really appreciated. Always fun meeting guys the old way having a few drinks at a bar vs meeting anonymous guys on apps.

I’d love to see a new thread authored by you about the kind of surprises you’ve enjoyed as a result of this (both medical and nutritional). It would add to your collection of very interesting posts.

Tragic news https://loyaltylobby.com/2024/08/22/bangkok-airport-removes-fast-track-immigration-on-arrival-for-first-business-class-travelers/

Do any of the beach towns in Vietnam have a good gay scene?

Have you had much luck with that in Thailand?

Mystery surrounds deaths at Grand Hyatt hotel in Bangkok Anyone there on the ground in Bangkok hearing more information than what is being reported in the media?

Olddaddy, I just wanted to say how much I love your posts and the creative ideas you share. Whenever I see a new thread started by you, it’s always the first one I click on. Keep up the great work and let us know how you go with this new endeavor.

Buy an Amazon Firestick to bring with you. You can hook it up to the TV’s HDMI port and stream Netflix and use other streaming apps as well.

Another vote for Le Meridien and W! Good people watching too. I like breakfast at The Standard as well - à la carte, but good options!

Thanks for your review. There are a lot of very nice hotels in Delhi at competitive rates. Based on your review, it doesn’t sound like it really provides a particularly gay or special experience.

All good options. In most cases, as long as you stay in the country for less than 180 or 183 days per year, you avoid being classified as a tax resident. You could also consider some time in Bali and Taipei?

Be careful in the Philippines (as you should everywhere else). New HIV diagnoses among young people continue to rise at an alarming rate, and many do not commence treatment until they start to experience AIDS related symptoms, so you can’t rely on treatment as prevention as a risk mitigator. Cases of other STIs like Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis B & C, and HPV are also very much on the rise with very little routine STI testing being done because it isn’t free. Here is a recent article that might be of interest: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1941639/hiv-cases-among-filipinos-continue-to-rise-says-doh/amp

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2805305/new-overseas-income-rules-proposed If this policy is implemented, living in Thailand could become very unattractive for expats. They are now considering taxing not only income brought into Thailand from abroad but also income earned abroad that is not brought into Thailand. In practical terms, this may be difficult to enforce. However, it is not a positive development, in my opinion.

Foreign tourism is booming in Siargao. You should have a look there.

Any suggestions for fun beach towns in Brazil that have a good gay scene, cute guys, good restaurants/bars? Wasn’t a fan of Rio and don’t understand how it gets the reputation that it has.

Just wondering if anyone has any updates on Venezuela - travel experiences, gay scene, etc. Based on my research it is apparently safer than it was a decade ago, despite being a high risk country to visit. Based on the TripAdvisor forums, it sounds like people travel there safely and have a good time as long as they are street smart and do not take unnecessary risks (for example, walking around at night).

That’s interesting. Thanks for sharing. I was told that in the Philippines, in certain cities in Metro Manila, the social hygiene clinics (government sexual health clinics) provide health cards to sex workers who are required to go in for testing on a regular basis. Without updated health cards they are not supposed to be allowed to work. If they test positive for an STI, they are not reprimanded, they are treated and then they can return to work once cured. I don’t know what happens though if they become infected with something that can’t be cured, like HIV or Hepatitis B. I’m sure that implementation is far from perfect, but it’s good to know that such programs exist. I’m surprised that the NGOs and the government haven’t come together in Thailand to do something similar. It seems like given the prevalence of the sex trade, it would be a great program to have.

Are there any bars or massage parlors in Thailand that are known for routinely and systematically testing their staff for STIs? Or is it all left up to the workers to do?

I’m glad you used the service and that it was beneficial to you! Not cheap but worth it.

I also wanted to mention that the consent forms that I needed to sign prior to testing had some interesting statistics: 33% of gay men in Bangkok (Thai and non-Thai) are HIV positive. Only 68% of these individuals are undergoing treatment for HIV. 20% of gay men in Bangkok (Thai and non-Thai) are positive for Syphilis.

Hey friends, I recently availed the PCR28 testing service at Pulse Clinic in Silom, and I have to say, it was a remarkable experience. They're offering a 50% discount on their comprehensive STI testing, which now costs 6,700 baht. This test covers 28 different infections, with results delivered in 7 days. If you're in a hurry, you can opt for a faster turnaround with an extra fee. The clinic is easily accessible, located near the BTS Sala Daeng station. I found their service to be excellent—fast, efficient, and professionally handled. It's a great opportunity, especially since such extensive STI testing isn't readily available everywhere. Highly recommend checking it out! For more info, check out their website: https://pulse-clinic.com/pcr-dna-test-for-28-infections You can also purchase PrEP, PEP, and they can do other general blood work for you. They also have IV infusions to help you get over jet lag or give you a boost if you drank too much the night before. I have no affiliation with this clinic but as a happy customer I wanted to share my experience and I hope that it would encourage others to get tested more frequently.

Thanks for sharing your insights Chucky. Does Goa have a good gay scene by the beach? I have heard many people say that the Indians are generally better looking in the north than in the south. Any thoughts?