Back in Thailand for 20th time - Oct 2019 trip

[vinapu]

Day 8, almost last

We weren’t in rush to leave bed but finally at 9.30 stomachs alarmed that it’s past breakfast time so we rushed to Foodland where surprisingly A ordered exactly the same American  Breakfast I did. As it was past 9 it cost us whooping 81 baht a piece instead of 65 baht special offered between 5.30-9.

Today “other thing’  took me to Kao San area so I used an opportunity of being nearby to walk length of that world- famous backpacker street before I returned to  Silom civilization. Not sure it’s coincidence or bad luck but it was third time in row I was in that area in last few trips and it’s always during quite heavy rain. Even more surprising was to learn upon return that that rain stopped somewhere because Silom area was completely dry.

What surprised me at Kao San as I was looking for  a shelter and nice  internet café would do, there was none. 10-15 years ago there was probably one in every third unit but now thanks to smartphonery  even in such backpacker ghetto they were extinguished to oblivion.

Another thing I noticed was that tourists trinkets and souvenirs were in my opinion more varied and innovative than the same stuff at Patpong night market, no wonder  crowds at Patpong are mostly absent. Returned to hotel  by tourist boat for 60 baht   almost in time for A’s scheduled 3-5 visit so we could continue exploring world affairs and our bodies . Than another, last one  ‘ other things ‘ meeting and at 8 p.m.  return to Madrid Pizza for a dinner with Anddy and CTCI8F.  Again we shared our selection and  talked  till 10 or so , no doubt to delight of ladies there. One of advantages of Madrid is that place is quiet and discreet so no need to hush voice while combing through patrons .

Then at my suggestion we went to  Jupiter as it’s my last night and I was hopping Oud , transplant there from Tawan will be present so we can have our 12^th reunion.

As I stated before  while show is excellent and guys super handsome Jupiter is NOT my favorite bar . Dearth of smiles on boy’s faces, loud, talk-preventing music  and obnoxious practice of reserving the best seats and not factors I particularly like .

But there Oud  was pumping some iron so I walked to him right away and he did not waste time by asking ‘I go with you after show?”.  It’s always nice and efficient to deal with known quality. Invited  him for a drink of course.

In meantime guys were presenting themselves , always eye pleasing sight. It looks that my # 9 from Moonlight from day 5 found his way to Jupiter to become # 23 although I’m not 100% sure as he seem to overlook my presence .  Mekhin is still there looking great  although less muscly than before. As usual  ladies in attendance attracted most of guy’s attention , nothing new there but at least they behaved and it was fun to watch as they pretended to be shy when boys approached them up close.

But like at Dreamboys level of sound bordered on idiotic and I feel sorry for guys who  go through that night after night.

At one point we said good bye to CtCI8F who is leaving early tomorrow and at  midnight Anddy , Oud and I left bar as well , we say good bye to Anddy on Silom and then on Oud’s  motorcycle ( gift from  lady customer )  we traveled in style to Foodland to get some meal before continuing to Baan Silom to complete our reunion. 

Oud confided then at one point  in bar he was approached by the girl about an off but he decided to be loyal to his previous commitment of going with me.  I thanked him warmly but also told him that it was smart move as if he reneged on a deal   chances would be  I will never off him again. He is great guy , in Tawan was one of overlooked also-runs but move to Jupiter did him good and he stands out  as one of bigger guys there and feature of few shows every night.  In 12 meetings I never had any problems with performance or timing so when in the room he asked for a rise of my regular tip I gladly accepted such modest request. Great and very warm night , nice to be back thought I falling into his muscular embraces.

 

[10tazione]

19 hours ago, vinapu said:

Even more surprising was to learn upon return that that rain stopped somewhere because Silom area was completely dry.

It is always good to have an official reason why we stay in Silom: it's raining less.

[vinapu]

58 minutes ago, 10tazione said:

It is always good to have an official reason why we stay in Silom: it's raining less.

but only when I'm in Kao San area which is not too often

[vinapu]

Day 9 and final notes

In the morning we did not drag things as I had flight to catch at noon, another  in-style trip to Foodland in time for me to get that coveted 65 baht breakfast deal, rest of 450 bill were for  whatever Oud consumed to maintain his musculature. 50 baht change went to hand of lady who served me and my boys quite a few times this trip , I don’t even start to think  of what kind of reputation I have in her eyes but at least she must have noticed I like muscular specimens.

Back to hotel, fact packing, last peek at the forum  and off to Swampy  by regular  BTS / Airlink train way.

I budgeted very well this trip without a need for last minute ATM withdrawals and found only  11 baht leftover change in my pocket. With no cleaner in sight I just placed it in tip box in one of  food stands at the airport. Window seat to Taipei with very good view over Thailand , Laos and Vietnam and then over Taiwan.

Connection time was short , just enough to check e-mails and forum and return flight was without any doubt my best long-haul flight ever ! Economy class  was quite empty so I had whole row of seats in the middle section for myself enabling me to sleep in almost  normal position . Out of my grand plans to read 4 numbers of THE ECONOMIST and 300 pages book only  1  ½ of magazine was  utilized, rest I spent sleeping just like bourgeoisie in the business class.

On arrival upon learning I’m coming from Thailand I was directed to go to regular channel for further interrogation  but other officer  was more sensible and  just waved me away. 24 hours short of  5 minutes from time I closed door at Baan Silom  I entered home , returning from Thailand for 20th time.

Final reflections

This was second  time I went all the way just for 1 week, last year I had my doubts about sensibility of such short trip  but it worked well.  This time   only confirmed what I knew already , yes it makes sense even with such long flight. GGOBKK once commented that on short trip we are more focused and I agree.  GoldMember in another thread responded to 18past19’s query  that ‘ short trip is better than no trip “ and I agree even more.

With every day being different and being entertained by different guys and meeting so many members for the first time  and few meeting again after some absence   it actually feels I was there much longer than I did. So chances are in future I may repeat  such a treat  again and again.

Going back in 27 days  from  return from previous trip  was less a treat. Sometimes I had feeling  that wow! and novelty buzz factor was bit diminished.  Couple months gap would be better  but nothing I could do, I learned about that opportunity  only few days after  I booked my end of Aug trip.  So I could say yes or no but I only look stupid so yes was only option and I’d do the same tomorrow. If I knew earlier  I’d probably just stay longer after end of this trip as coming earlier was not an option.

Strong baht stings a bit and BKK prices are becoming serious, specially tips for long time . On another hand and it may be just coincidence at the moment , guys seem to drop time  watching. It was almost universally me who was chasing them out of bed in the morning. With exception of Moonlight #9 I engaged only known quality and it worked. Pocket felt it but performances were worth expense. I had feeling that those  guys really appreciate repeat custom  and not because  shortage of customers.

It was first time ever  then guy came to the room to apologize in person that he is not able to keep his side of agreed deal, usually they were no-show or decided in the room to announce change their mind.

What I noticed also was that with one exception and even that was in the morning after we waked up anyways , none of the guys I was hosting turned on TV

There’s some of sour grapes too. I universally ask my long time off if they are hungry before we go to hotel  and also treat them if they wish with breakfast. I noticed some signs of abuse ie. they picked up most expensive dishes , usually seafood. It’s not fair when say 75% of 800 baht restaurant bill is spent    on treating one’s guest. I did not mind so far  but when it become too blatant and  visible I resolved to watch that and veto if  dish is too expensive or state up front that I have only 500 or whatever on me so watch what you order .

Meeting with members is always pleasure and highlight of every trip , this time stars  aligned even more and I managed to see for  the first time Drim Voiz, CTCI8F,18past 19,  Gold Member and reader after exchanging messages and reading reports for years. I’m happy  Anddy become  part of my adventure quite a few times this trip and that I managed to see Paulsf again as he arrived few days after I departed in Sept   and kept seat warm for my return  just 2 days before his departure.

My apologies to Pattaya based members- williewillie , aussie_ and biguyby that I did not  report my arrival  but nature of this trip was such that I was not even sure I will be able to come to Pattaya  at all until day before.

Now back to great unknown:  when will be next trip?    I do my best next year as always but  2020 will not be my usual year  and there are some fundamental things I need to take care of before I venture to LOS, But I will, that’s sure. 

[Boy69]

2 hours ago, vinapu said:

There’s some of sour grapes too. I universally ask my long time off if they are hungry before we go to hotel  and also treat them if they wish with breakfast. I noticed some signs of abuse ie. they picked up most expensive dishes , usually seafood. It’s not fair when say 75% of 800 baht restaurant bill is spent    on treating one’s guest. I did not mind so far  but when it become too blatant and  visible I resolved to watch that and veto if  dish is too expensive or state up front that I have only 500 or whatever on me so watch what you order .

Yes I agree with you but I am not sure that the boys are doing it deliberately to abuse you it's more like they are trying to compensate themselves for expensive food that they cannot afford to order,This is why when I am eating with a boy that is with me on ST period it's a street food or simple restaurant.

 

[Jasper]

Once I took a gogo boy to Laem Charoen Seafood restaurant in Central World.

It was my choice of restaurant but the bill came to 4000 baht for two without alcohol drinks. lol

I think generally Thais order dishes way too many than they can consume.

[Jasper]

On 10/19/2019 at 2:44 PM, vinapu said:

As I stated before  while show is excellent and guys super handsome Jupiter is NOT my favorite bar . Dearth of smiles on boy’s faces, loud, talk-preventing music  and obnoxious practice of reserving the best seats and not factors I particularly like .

When I visited Moonlight last month I noticed they also have started reserving seats for not only the front row but the comfy front back seats back to the wall.

In Jupiter, it’s best to avoid right side seats facing the stage as there are some speakers there.

 

 

[macaroni21]

For someone whose main reason for being in Thailand this trip was "other activities" I am nothing short of amazed how much breakfasting, late nights and all sorts of bedwork you managed to put in.

Most of my trips to Bangkok are likewise for "other activities", but on average I can only manage to squeeze in some fun time every alternate day. I really envy you.

One small question: were you checked into two hotels in parallel? One for "other activities" and the other in the Silom area for "joy activities"? The reason I ask is this: My "other activities" would typically put me in nice bourgeouis hotels often in the Sukhumvit or Chao Phraya areas complete with over-attentive security. Taking someone from a bar would pose logistical problems. I've explored short-time rooms in the Surawong area but they are so tawdry, I just can't bring myself to use them.

(Oh, by the way, I can confirm that BBB Inn is now history. Walked past the stretch recently and I think a barbershop may have taken over its lot.)

I've sometimes considered a parallel booking in a 2-star or 3-star hotel in the Silom/Surawong area, with the plan being to check in and leave a backpack there with the essentials for entertaining paramours and washing up. Depending on the circumstances of each night, I could sleep in the bourgeois room or at the temporary pied-a-terre. Of course, if I slept at the latter, I'd have to wake up early and taxi back to "proper" locale if an early meeting had been fixed.

Vinapu, was that what you were doing? Do others think this idea of maintaining a parallel hotel booking is a crazy idea or a practical one? Has anyone tried something like this? One part of me suspects that such a plan could easily devolve into madcap confusion and running around.

[gerefan]

I have often thought of booking the Serene Hotel in Boyztown as a knocking shop when I’m out and about in BT. If you’re planning several offs or a threesome then it saves hassle getting back to my accommodation. Only about 800 a night worth it in my opinion. 
if I was planning an all nighter then it would be back to my place.

[vinapu]

9 hours ago, Boy69 said:

Yes I agree with you but I am not sure that the boys are doing it deliberately to abuse you it's more like they are trying to compensate themselves for expensive food that they cannot afford to order,This is why when I am eating with a boy that is with me on ST period it's a street food or simple restaurant.

 

I did not mean by ordering expensive dishes they abused me but rather abused situation. I invited them and don't mind paying but  still find it odd when bill is say , 800 baht and out of that 200 is for what I consumed and 600 is for what my guest did so warned readers to watch for  what is ordered. Certainly I will be watching 

6 hours ago, Jasper said:

It was my choice of restaurant but the bill came to 4000 baht for two without alcohol drinks. lol

I think generally Thais order dishes way too many than they can consume.

 my beef is not  as much size of the bill as discrepancy between how much was my and how much was guy's part.

I noticed this excessive ordering as well and I'm pretty sure it's cultural thing - boy is expecting that what he orders will be shared between us, way Thais are eating. I, on another hand order what I want to eat and don't need to supplement it from 'communal' dish. Usually I just say clearly 'order what you want to eat , I will have chicken with cashew nuts or whatever" 

[vinapu]

6 hours ago, Jasper said:

When I visited Moonlight last month I noticed they also have started reserving seats for not only the front row but the comfy front back seats back to the wall.

In Jupiter, it’s best to avoid right side seats facing the stage as there are some speakers there.

 

 

I did not notice reservations  in Moonlight so far and better they don't start that nonsense but truth to be told neither in Aug nor on  last trip I did not go to those comfy seats in the back , I like those in second row from the sage close to the shower stall.

You are right about that Jupiter right side , this is where we were on day 8, on another hand on day 3 with Gold and Anddy we were seating at front of the stage it it was too loud as well.

[vinapu]

6 hours ago, macaroni21 said:

For someone whose main reason for being in Thailand this trip was "other activities" I am nothing short of amazed how much breakfasting, late nights and all sorts of bedwork you managed to put in.

Most of my trips to Bangkok are likewise for "other activities", but on average I can only manage to squeeze in some fun time every alternate day. I really envy you.

One small question: were you checked into two hotels in parallel? One for "other activities" and the other in the Silom area for "joy activities"? The reason I ask is this: My "other activities" would typically put me in nice bourgeouis hotels often in the Sukhumvit or Chao Phraya areas complete with over-attentive security. Taking someone from a bar would pose logistical problems. I've explored short-time rooms in the Surawong area but they are so tawdry, I just can't bring myself to use them.

(Oh, by the way, I can confirm that BBB Inn is now history. Walked past the stretch recently and I think a barbershop may have taken over its lot.)

I've sometimes considered a parallel booking in a 2-star or 3-star hotel in the Silom/Surawong area, with the plan being to check in and leave a backpack there with the essentials for entertaining paramours and washing up. Depending on the circumstances of each night, I could sleep in the bourgeois room or at the temporary pied-a-terre. Of course, if I slept at the latter, I'd have to wake up early and taxi back to "proper" locale if an early meeting had been fixed.

Vinapu, was that what you were doing? Do others think this idea of maintaining a parallel hotel booking is a crazy idea or a practical one? Has anyone tried something like this? One part of me suspects that such a plan could easily devolve into madcap confusion and running around.

to be honest , when I was typing my report I was actually surprised to realize  how much fun I managed to squeeze in. I generally sleep very little like late Margaret Thatcher and in Thailand even less. "Other activities" were generally restricted to business hours and with two exceptions there were no early meetings.

When looking in the mirror - I even envy myself thinking about that trip .

No , luckily for me I did not need to use parallel hotels. Only case of parallel  was day 5 when I paid for Baan Suoy but finished up at VSpace but it has nothing  to do with 'other stuff ".

I , for one,  if conditions will be requiring it would consider parallel booking wise and workable idea. It's better than constantly looking behind my back . Specially in Thailand where both hotel and taxi  prices  are very user friendly.

Check also PM

[vinapu]

2 hours ago, gerefan said:

I have often thought of booking the Serene Hotel in Boyztown as a knocking shop when I’m out and about in BT. If you’re planning several offs or a threesome then it saves hassle getting back to my accommodation. Only about 800 a night worth it in my opinion. 
if I was planning an all nighter then it would be back to my place.

I did it last year as reported -  I messed up and booked both Zing and Ambiance for the same 2 nights, as both were non refundable but also cheapest  rooms I kept both and actually , since my offs were from Boyztown I used Ambiance for entertaining them at night

[MunichCut]

Thx a Lot vinapu for your Report, Can`t wai`t for my Trip to Thailand and the Phillipines in January.

[vinapu]

4 hours ago, MunichCut said:

Thx a Lot vinapu for your Report, Can`t wai`t for my Trip to Thailand and the Phillipines in January.

you are waiting for your trip and we are waiting for your report , LOL

I don't know about Philippines but you should have very pleasant weather in Thailand in January

[macaroni21]

MunichCut - I hope you're not expecting the Philippines to be anything like Thailand. I've had short visits to Manila and everything, everything, is a mess including the "gay" scene. Outside the capital, it can be nice, but no scene at all.

[macaroni21]

14 hours ago, vinapu said:

I , for one,  if conditions will be requiring it would consider parallel booking wise and workable idea. It's better than constantly looking behind my back .

My only experiment with a parallel booking was on one occasion when the "other activities" visit allowed me to stay all the way to Sunday, with no meetings scheduled for Saturday. So I booked a room in La Residence for 2 nights (Friday and Saturday), allowing me to have nightly visitors, especially since my fancy official hotel was on the other side of the river.

Waking up with boy in arms on Saturday morning, phone was without juice. Then "shit, phone is here but charger is there!". Sleepy boy had to be rushed through breakfast so that I could taxi over there to retrieve said charger. Got back to La Residence by midday to charge up the phone, and as soon as it had a bit of juice, mailbox was updated and one email in particular said, "Please open attachment".... which was the kind of attachment that I couldn't open on the phone. So rushed back to the other side of Chao Phraya again to turn on the laptop to read said email and open said attachment.

And that was a day when I had no appointments to worry myself about.

I've been wary of parallel bookings ever since, as you can imagine.

[DrimVoiz]

1 hour ago, macaroni21 said:

MunichCut - I hope you're not expecting the Philippines to be anything like Thailand. I've had short visits to Manila and everything, everything, is a mess including the "gay" scene. Outside the capital, it can be nice, but no scene at all.

Govt is already strict on this...go go bars and massage places are always being raided by the police, so the best option is really Thailand, particularly BKK.

[DrimVoiz]

3 hours ago, vinapu said:

you are waiting for your trip and we are waiting for your report , LOL

I don't know about Philippines but you should have very pleasant weather in Thailand in January

Weather in the Philippines in January is cold, also pleasant I can say...

[DrimVoiz]

8 hours ago, MunichCut said:

Thx a Lot vinapu for your Report, Can`t wai`t for my Trip to Thailand and the Phillipines in January.

Wow Philippines, that's good 2 hear!!!

[MunichCut]

A Trip Report with my poor English Knowledge?? It's not a Pleasure.I know the Phillipines are not like Thailand.But maybe there are some Tourists for some Fun.

 

[vinapu]

13 minutes ago, MunichCut said:

A Trip Report with my poor English Knowledge??

don't look for excuses, look for ways of doing it, LOL

For plenty of us here English is not a first nor even second language so don't worry

[GWMinUS]

I am a BIG FAN of the Philippines!! So many beautiful places to visit. And the Guys there are wonderful!!

However, it is correct that the Bars and Massage Places are nothing like Thailand. Use PlanetRomeo and Whatsup to meet guys. I avoid Manila. It is too big and too congested. Takes 2 hours just to get across the City from Malate to Makita. Instead go to Cebu City. It is in the south and more relaxed. And it is a good hopping off place for Adventures; like hiking to the waterfalls, swimming with the whale sharks, mountaineering in the canyons, or just lying on the beach.

I will not turn you trip report into a Travel Ad for the Philippines. Just send me a PM if you want to ask any questions. GWMinUS

[MunichCut]

I am in Manila only for 3 Days.Then i go to Boracay,Cebu,El Nido,Coron. But first some Days in Bangkok and Pattaya.

[anddy]

6 hours ago, MunichCut said:

I am in Manila only for 3 Days.Then i go to Boracay,Cebu,El Nido,Coron. But first some Days in Bangkok and Pattaya.

is this your first time in either country? Just asking... For Thailand you get lots of info here, for PH let me just make a few comments:

- Manila is an ugly mess, as has been said before

- Boracay is gorgeous, though on my last visit in Jan 2018 it was so incredibly overcrowded, it wasn't funny. One may think of their president what one wants, but on the issue of Boracay and his drastic measure to close the entire island for 6 months, I fully support that. Now, after the reopening, it should be back to it's beautiful former self. TIP: the more quiet, and more gay area on White Beach is in the southern section, aka "station 3". Sepcial TIP: go even further to the south, past the rocks, and you will find several small, beautiful sandy coves with usually no people at all. It was like that even in Jan 2018 when otherwise everything was overflowing. It is (or used to be) somewhat of a secret gay spot, too. 

- El Nido is (or was?) incredibly beautiful and was rather quiet when I was there in 2012. Not sure how it is now, so would be interested in uour update. What is the mode of transport there these days? Back then, the only "official" way was by 8 or 10 hour jeepney trip from Puerto Princessa, which compounded it's remoteness and thus it's quietness. But then there was also a somewhat secret, private small plane service directly from Manila, which I took. Things may have changed....

 

Seems your PH trip is indeed hi-jacking this trip report thread, maybe open a new one for the purpose? But then the report is finished already, so not too much damage done