farangyai

When you are big and very tall, business class is a must, not a choice when flying 23 hours to get to Bangkok. It has nothing to do with choice or lack of frugality.

Because buying the tickets in Thailand yield a third to half (or better) off normal pricing. The travel agent is also more aware of special offers such as low mileage upgrades to first class and other offers not easily identified via online searches..

My strategy is to buy my businees or first class ticket in Bangkok from an experienced travel agent there. This required me to initially buy a one-way ticket from USA to BKK, then each time I buy a round trip ticket starting with departure from BKK and have my return ticket for my next trip.

My advice to first timers is to stay at hotel in immediate Silom area, such as Tarntawan. Given you are a newbie and only in BKK for a few days (assuming Bejing is a typo), I would focus on easy access and minimize travel time. If you arrive late evening, visit Screwboys for intro to the scene. Then get a map of gay bars and try the most talked about ones here on your first full evening. During the first full day have breakfast at hotel, then take BTS to CentralWorld and nearby SiamParagon. Both also have great movie theaters which are a good place to hang out during the heat of the day and have lunch. If they are too upscale, head to MBK and check out the night market for shopping later near your hotel in Patpong. Afternoon is good time for a massage. Try out one of the massage places nearby such as Senso in Saladaeng or ones near Tawan or on Silom. All should be within walking distance of your hotel. Late afternoon is a good time to walk at Lumpini. Early evening is a good time to have dinner near the bars on Soi Twilight and relax to watch the guys come to work or have dinner in one of the places on Soi 4. Go to the bars as they open and choose your preference(s) for a visit back at hotel. I would bring your own meds. When out, smile and be friendly, stay cool and relaxed, be upfront and candid about what you want and what you will pay and tip is possible if you are happy. Have fun and enjoy the ride

Thanks for posting pictures of current offerings.

Thanks for posting such a detailed report. It is always enjoyable to read another's report while hoping to go again someday.

Good luck finding your gay Lay. There are many of them in Thailand.

Thanks for a very readable fact-filled report.

I recall several years back when the deaths of 6+ tourists at a Chiang Mai hotel was eventually attributed to a bed bug pesticide used. So be careful what you ask for. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1385518/Bed-bug-pesticide-poisoning-caused-death-California-woman-tourists-Thailand.html

I hope you feel better soon. We all know what a bummer it is to get sick outside your home country but it happens frequently when you are exposed to very different surroundings, temperatures, foods, etc. I found after a few visits I adjusted and seldom got sick. As for us Americans flying 20+ hours for fun in Thailand, I feel it is certainly worth it and I doubt I could ever find someone in my country who shows little concern over age differences or acts and looks like the Thai guys.

Thank you for the report. I always stopped in Screwboys while in Bangkok because you never knew what you would find. I met some very nice guys from there over the years. The one mamasan could be a pain trying for tips but I just gave her the smallest bill I had. I always thought the boys there tried a bit harder than the other places nearby.

Please remember that bars in Thailand are not anything like what you think of as gay bars. I am not into the gay scene and do not go into gay bars in the U.S. either. Trust me, when you go alone into the places in Soi Twilight, you will not be uncomfortable or shy. Think of it as a shopping trip where all the sexy Thai guys are on display in their shorts and want you to choose them. If you go early you may be one of only a few customers. You will be shown to a seat facing the stage (all seats do) and the fun begins. No one else will even be looking at you. It may seem overwhelming and sensory overload (in a good way) at first, but you will immediately catch on and feel like you are in heaven! Feel free to PM me with any questions as I have been going to Thailand for a long time and felt the same as you on my first trip.

I would stay as close to Soi Twilight as you can so you are within a short walking distance of MANY establishments. Then I would go EARLY to one of the more popular bars(get a map beforehand- and consider Hot Male and Dream Boy) and talk to the "mammasan" and tell them EXACTLY what your preference is showing them 100-200 baht tip and ask them to recommend someone. Imply you plan to return as your hotel is nearby. Pick your guy and confirm with the help of the "mammasan" that he will do what you wish. Off you go. If you are happy with him, then negotiate with him to stay longer, If not 100% happy, return to same bar and try again. I recommend the above approach because 1) you save time and taxi, 2) "mammasans" at better bars CAN sometimes be helpful if you are polite, tip and tell them you want their help, 3) it is more economical to have a barboy back to the room than from most massage shops, 4) if your primary goal is sex over massage I think the bar route is a better use of time, because you will have time to go back to the bar and repeat, and 5) you have a wide selection of bars all next to one another. Smile and be very polite when you go to the bars. Let us know how it works out.

I have not visited recently but I do recall Copa was the only place I ever had an issue with them accepting the visitor's ID. They had more specific requirements. I found the other two fairly equal in most respects and was always treated well at both Ambiance and Café Royal. Sorry to hear about Boat Bakery as that was a great breakfast value.

I totally enjoy your posts and makes me miss being there to enjoy the same things you do. Thanks for posting.