Bangkok/Phnom Penh/Siem Reap Trip Report: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

[numazu]

This is my 11th 10th trip to LOS and the plan is me spending three nights in Bangkok, after spending three nights in Phnom Penh and three nights in Siem Reap. This is a (quick) late summer getaway for me, and its not as long as my previous trip report, shown here:

 

http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/10424-bangkokpattaya-june-july-2016-trip-report-to-butterfly-or-not-to-butterfly/

 

Background: I’m 35 34, Asian American, and have an 8-year relationship with a great guy (white, 33). Why do I go to Thailand? Well, I’m a horny bastard, and believe or not between my bf (sex life still there but has declined), occasional Grindr and Scruff hookups, and the random trick in West Hollywood gay bars (I live in SoCal), I need more. I am intoxicated by the sex industry in Thailand, and fascinated by their lives and try to make friends with the money boys and locals (copied and pasted from previous trip report  ).

 

But before I actually go ahead and go full throttle in writing this trip report, I wanted to see if there was actual interest in me writing this one. Having just finished the trip, it's very sad for me to say that, unlike other trip reports, this trip does not have a lot of sex in it. OK, there is some sex, but mostly with one, maybe two guys for the majority of the trip. Now I know everyone here is a horny bastard (maybe not true, but most of you for sure), so it might not be interesting if I write about mostly non-sex stuff (like maybe touring, eating, shopping) that might not be the main interest of the participants and lurkers of these boards. Maybe I am wrong?

 

So before I put some energy into writing my mundane experiences, I put up a poll for you guys. If I get enough positive replies, then I'll continue the report. If you tell me to get lost, no harm no foul, I shall just continue to lurk and enjoy other's posts, and maybe wait till my next sex trip to write about the sexy stuff. Please participate in the poll, and also maybe reply to the thread about how you feel about a trip report with mostly mundane boring stuff.

 

Pictured: somewhere in Angkor Wat

[vinapu]

I was waiting and waiting and finally you got a minute to write to us. 

 

Don't worry about sex although it spices things a bit and keep writing time and energy permitting.

 

Nothing boring or mundane about Cambodia , specially Angkor

[abidismaili]

I want more too. Please continue. I also plan to go to Cambodia in one of my upcoming trips. So how is it there and in Vietnam when it comes to sex opportunities with hot boys, when you compare it with Thailand?

[ggobkk]

As I've said before in this forum and mentioned to you in person last week when our paths crossed, your reports are among the most read features found here.  I believe because you have a sharp eye and a descriptive writing style.  And, most importantly (to me) is your empathy and insight into the native boys.  

[Guest 2guys]

Don't know how to answer the poll correctly after reading the beginning of your report.

Write your usual kind of reports, they are top to read.

I first thought you were planning to put less sex in as you thought maybe of writing too much about it, but that's not the reason it seems. Just write it as you always do, they are a big joy to read!

[firecat69]

All reports of travel seem to be gratefully received here by most , even when they don't have much sex.

 

The few who don't enjoy non thai reports , just need to not click on the post.  Really Simple!

[Guest 2guys]

I wonder how many choose the NO in the vote not reading your message first.

I did so myself as I thought you asked if you report had to contain less sex in it. But then later I realized that's not the entente on of the question and changed my vote.

So I'm sure many voting no made the same mistake!

Keep writing! :-P

[firecat69]

I think you are absolutely right since most of the 7 who voted no have never posted or their posts were complimentary of trip reports.

 

I think many of us visit places where Sex is not the #1 reason but may be complimentary to the trip.

 

I certainly admit after 15 years , the only reason I visit Thailand is for the Boys. I have been to all the Temples, Palaces etc .

 

However there are many places in the world worth a visit and you may even be able to find a cute boy for enjoyment.  I certainly have!

[Aux1010]

Hi Numazu,

 

I've really enjoyed all your previous reports / posts and appreciate the time you put into them. I'll be in Siem Reap for five days in November, so would really appreciate any info' / insights you can provide, sex-related or not. Cheers

[TotallyOz]

I wrote yes but I like the sex talk as well.

[Guest whall]

Please please post your report as I am planning the same trip next year. Cambodia and Thailand. Thanks!

[Alexx]

I'm all for posting your report, numazu, loads of sex or not. I'm sure it will be a great read again.

 

I think you are absolutely right since most of the 7 who voted no have never posted or their posts were complimentary of trip reports.

And how, pray tell, do you know WHO voted no in the poll? What am I missing?

[Guest]

The question could be interpreted as:

1 Should I do a trip report even though it will not have much sex? Answer yes.

OR:

2 Should I reduce the sex content of my trip report? Answer: No,not unless you want to.

 

Write what you prefer to.

[firecat69]

I'm all for posting your report, numazu, loads of sex or not. I'm sure it will be a great read again.

 

 

And how, pray tell, do you know WHO voted no in the poll? What am I missing?

I guess you better learn what you are doing. Just click on the no's and they all come up. Really pretty simple.

 

By the way you voted yes. Since the post by 2guys the vote has moved overwhelmingly in favor of YES.

[Guest]

I guess you better learn what you are doing. Just click on the no's and they all come up. Really pretty simple.

 

By the way you voted yes. Since the post by 2guys the vote has moved overwhelmingly in favor of YES.

The number of posts by each of the 7 people who voted no is (at the time of my post):

2,0, 1,  0,  65,  7,  7.

So one of them into double figures & a total of 82 posts

 

I'm not going to count up the number of posts by people voting yes, but it must be way over 15000.

[Guest Jason105]

 Your observations, insights and commentary make your posts more than worthwhile reading.

The sex is a terrific bonus and adds a big, bright bow on top.

Your obviious joy of life comes through and your basic decency as well.

Looking forward to traveling to Cambodia and Laos in the near future so your travel tips are greatly appreciated.

 

Whether you decide to post or not, thanks for all the work you've done in the past that so many of us have enjoyed.

 

All the best

[vinapu]

As I've said before in this forum and mentioned to you in person last week when our paths crossed, your reports are among the most read features found here.  I believe because you have a sharp eye and a descriptive writing style.  And, most importantly (to me) is your empathy and insight into the native boys.  

I agree with what you said about numazu but I'm curious why you votes against him posting  new report  ?

 

Reading all the above my guess is votes NO weren't  agianst posting report but against reducing sex contain in the report.

 

Perhaps explanation is simple -numazu led more chaste live in Cambodia than normally he does  in Thailand.

[Jasper]

I am interested in Cambodian food.

Hope to see the photos.

[numazu]

I wonder how many choose the NO in the vote not reading your message first.

 

I think you are absolutely right since most of the 7 who voted no have never posted or their posts were complimentary of trip reports.

 

Apologies for the #pollfail guys. As pointed by numerous above, the poll was worded poorly. Never mind though, as mostly voted "YES", and some "NOs" may or may not have meant to tell me to not write. I was hoping for a "Get Lost" vote but no one seemed to want me to leave haha. Maybe when people see what I write about they'll tell me to Get Lost.

 

Nothing boring or mundane about Cambodia , specially Angkor

 

 

I am interested in Cambodian food.

Hope to see the photos.

 

There is certainly a lot to write about Cambodia, non-sex wise.  I am definitely going to post about food, because I had a lot of it, and it's very cheap and good in Cambodia. It can be very cheap and good in Thailand too, relative to what we westerners are used to paying.

 

So how is it there and in Vietnam when it comes to sex opportunities with hot boys, when you compare it with Thailand?

 

 

I wrote yes but I like the sex talk as well.

 

Perhaps explanation is simple -numazu led more chaste live in Cambodia than normally he does  in Thailand.

 

 

There are certainly a lot of sex opportunities in Cambodia. Maybe just different from Bangkok, and certainly on a smaller scale, perhaps due to the relative size of the country. And no vinapu, I wasn't more chaste in Cambodia. I was the same old horny bastard as I always am. There will be sex talk, just not the usual kind.

 

As I've said before in this forum and mentioned to you in person last week when our paths crossed, your reports are among the most read features found here.  I believe because you have a sharp eye and a descriptive writing style.  And, most importantly (to me) is your empathy and insight into the native boys.  

 

 

Thanks ggobkk. I'm glad our paths crossed last week, and I had the chance to meet you, as well as other posters, albeit for short time. I wish i had more time to talk to you guys, but circumstances and present company would not allow . It's always nice to talk to posters who contribute to these boards. Thanks for the kind words.

 

Based on the replies and votes (even with the confusing wording), I guess that means I'm going ahead and writing this report. Thanks for the feedback. Keep them coming as I write about my experiences. It makes me want to write more if you guys participate and join along the experiences with me .

[numazu]

Day -57 to -7: A goal without a plan is just a wish

 

This report really starts the day after I get back from my previous trip to Thailand last June and July. That trip was a lot of fun and emotional in so many ways, that I just had the urge to come back as soon as possible. I had the opportunity to take a week off in September, and there was no question where I would be spending my time in. So I booked my BKK roundtrip airfare for $650, which is cheap, and indicative of the low season.

 

In the past I like to alternate my trips, with one trip being all about sex, and another trip being all about exploring. Touring during a sex trip is fine, but is not the main focus, and vice versa. There is so much richness in Thailand that focusing on just one thing does it a huge disservice, at least for me. So my 2016 has been as follows: December-January: Touring, February: Sex, April: Touring, June/July: Sex.

 

I left the last trip nursing a huge infatuation with Cambodia Boy (CB), and I am eager to see him again this September. We’ve been talking to each other almost everyday about my next trip. One thing is clear: he wants me to go to Cambodia. This serves multiple purposes. For one, I’ve never been before, and I am eager to visit this burgeoning destination for people like me, who tour for both the sites and the boys. And another, September is in the middle of the low season so for CB, its the perfect time to go back to Cambodia, since there are not a lot of customers getting his services in Thailand, so staying in Thailand during the low season is probably getting too expensive for him. Plus it is a chance for him to see family and friends. CB has been telling me that during low season, Jomtien Complex is usually a ghost town during the week.

 

CB has been Line-ing me almost every day about the September trip. He wants to keep the flame alive and knows that he has something good going with me. He’s been telling me that the low season has been tough on the boys. Most his Khmer friends have gone home to wait it out, since living back in their country would be cheaper, even if they weren’t working, especially since they weren’t getting any customers back in Thailand anyway. CB shares a room with 4 other Khmer money boys, and sometimes in the weekends, after a night of clubbing in the USA where I live, I will get a video call from him in his room when he wakes up around noon or early afternoon. Oftentimes I would see his roommates still sleeping, in various states of undress, not bothered by him chatting away with me on speaker phone. I've asked him a few times if they mind the noise. CB tells me that they usually can sleep through anything. I guess that’s a good trait for a Money Boy to have, since one of the occupational hazards is sleeping in different beds with different partners and different circumstances almost every time. So being heavy sleepers is an advantage.

 

Most of our conversations early on are about our own work. I tell him about what I do and my current challenges and frustrations I have with my 9-5 job. Sometimes I video chat with him in the office, or in the car while driving, and he is always interested in seeing how I live. He tells me about his own struggles, generally at first. But it soon devolves into bitching about his current customers. While a lot of his offs have been only short times, he does have a good number of customers who get him long time, often multiple days. Knowing how charming and accommodating he is, I know he can convince anyone to get him long time offs. So at some point during a long time off, he develops certain dislikes with his customer, and he tells me all about it. Some of his complaints: bad smells down there, cheap with food, tries to kiss him in public, wants sex three times a day. Being privy to this information was both interesting and perverse. I like getting a peak into his daily tribulations as a sex worker, but sometimes worry about his well-being when I hear about the bad stuff.

 

As the weeks grew closer to September, I start asking him about what we can do in Cambodia. He tells me about Phnom Penh and how dissimilar it is from Bangkok, about paltry the gay options are in the city, about the lack of gogo boys and bars, and how small it is. He tells me about Siem Reap and the must-sees, about the numerous times he has been with family, friends, starting when he was little, and again how small the city is compared to Bangkok. He knows I like Bangkok, and try to temper my expectations about his home country. I assure him that I will be open to whatever and wherever he takes me, and assure him that I am just glad that I am spending time with him.

 

I try to lay out expectations for the trip with him. I ask him if it is OK to see other boys while he was with me. He says yes, but wants me to have an actual separate bed for him in case I need private time with the boy. He does not want a repeat of last time where he had to sleep out in the couch that time I had Dream Boy Thai Guy (DTG) over for the night. As narrated here:

 

http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/10424-bangkokpattaya-june-july-2016-trip-report-to-butterfly-or-not-to-butterfly/?p=94143

 

I tell CB I can only stay 9 nights this trip, so planning is crucial. I decide to spend three nights in Phnom Penh, three nights in Siem Reap, and then a final three nights in Bangkok. I wanted him to be with me all 9 nights. He agrees and said that he wants to me a good time in Cambodia.

So I plan the trip like this:

 

U.S.A. to Bangkok - I booked a round trip from the USA to BKK the day after I got back from my July trip for cheap. I did not know then that I will want to go to Cambodia. Bangkok seems to be a good base to travel the rest of the Indochinese peninsula anyway, and the airport will have flights almost to anywhere in the region.

 

Bangkok to Phnom Penh - I then book a flight for both of us from BKK to Phnom Penh. The flight gives me a 7 hour layover from my previous flight from the U.S.A. Bangkok Airways had a good rate for 2500 baht per person. Since I will be jet-lagged, I book a day rate stay at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel so I can use my 7 hour layover to sleep and shower before Cambodia. I tell CB that I want him to stay with me at the Novotel so we can “rest” together. The room is a pricey 4200 baht, with access to the 24-hour buffet, but it is walkable from the airport and I figure getting some decent shut-eye to sleep off the jet-lag, and some personal time with CB will make it worth it. Once in Phnom Penh, I book an AirBNB property in the center of the city for $50 a night for a 2 bedroom with 3 beds, perfect for a third (or more) staying the night .

 

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - I book a Cambodia Angkor Air flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap for $70 per person. Reviews online look good to mixed, and the flight schedule is pretty good, so I am content with the purchase. I get the Rambutan Hotel Resort for Siem Reap, the Suite with one queen bed and a single bed, again for extra boys, for $60 a night. Possibly overpriced for its class, but it is gay friendly, in the middle of the city, and is well-known and well recommended in the Thai boards so I figure why not give it a shot.

 

Siem Reap to Bangkok – To get back to Thailand to finish off my stay, I book two AirAsia tickets from Siem Reap to Bangkok for $109 each (Flex fare with baggage allowance and a meal). Lastly I get a 2-bedroom, 2 bathroom condo rental from AirBNB along Surawong Rd, close to the Tawana Hotel, for $60 a night. 2 bedrooms and 2 beds means 2+ boys. I had great experience with the two condos I got from AirBNB last time I was in Thailand, so this was a no-brainer.

 

So all my two+ bed accommodations reserved, all four flights booked, and the company of a sexy and handsome boy, who is way excited about me taking him to Cambodia by air, secured, everything seems to be all set. I am good at planning at my job, and I think am even better with planning my vacations.

 

Little did I know that things will not go as planned, AT ALL, this trip. More next post…

[Brummbaer]

Now you've done it again...  Eagerly waiting for your next post.

[numazu]

Finally! I got my first "Get Lost" vote. Thanks FossilGay! I knew I could count on you LOL!

[vinapu]

 

Little did I know that things will not go as planned, AT ALL, this trip. More next post…

Master of Suspense is back !

[Marrump]

numazo your posts have facinated me and encouraged me to move from a lurker to a member. excellent style and inciteful content.

 

Ihave booked my second trip to thailand for 30 days in october (670$) round trip on ANA//united out of a regional airport google flights graph ahead function is amazing!). My first trip was business and pleasure and was documented on gaybutton.

 

I will admit I prefer finding your threads after they are done. I don't like when someone else edges me. you are a Master Tease.

 

thank you.

[Jasper]

But it soon devolves into bitching about his current customers. he develops certain dislikes with his customer, and he tells me all about it.

I noticed from your previous trip report that CB likes gossiping.

Listening to a bar boys story about other customers are often entertaining but I, for one, don't like it. Even he tells me good things, how generous, how handsome or how young the customer is. I have seen photos of a customer, been told where he works - a very well known company etc. I feel uncomfortable because I know he is going to tell other customers about me!

Am I being paranoid? Perhaps so. By the way my name is not Keith Vaz.