Is Thailand's Gay Nightlife Overpriced?

[bucknaway]

It's been some years since I have been to Thailand thanks to the Covid lockdowns, but even before then I found myself guarding my wallet while visiting the bars in Bangkok.  The prices of 400 per drink was a bit expensive in my opinion.  When people here in the USA ask me about the nightlife in Thailand I don't hide the price for the mandatory drink.  Sure, a limited number reduce the price for the 2nd drink but I can only remember once place doing that in Bangkok.

I show them the webpages of guys and the bar shenanigans captured by hidden camera and posted on the porn sites. 

When I am asked about Brazil, I can't help but gush on how attractive the common citizen is there.  Even the homeless guys look like they could be representatives for Calvin Klein.   The gay bars have cheap drink prices but they charge an entrance fee.  The saunas are wild and I have been to some in Sao Paulo and Rio that put what you see on porn sites to shame.

Thailand has Walking Street.  Rio has Lapa.  If I had to choose a street to party on, it would be the Lapa area.  Lapa is a Gay/Straight party zone with bars and saunas peppered all around.  If you are shopping.  Thailand has it all over Rio in my opinion.  Sure Rio has markets similar to JJ Market, but Bangkok beats Rio in shopping period.

Transportation?  Thailand...  Bangkok has the Sky Train and Rio has the Subway.  Thailand has motorcycle taxi's, Tuktuks, Taxi's and Uber type apps.  Brazil has Taxi's, Motor cycle taxis in limited areas and Uber type apps.  I have to give the win to Brazil for Transport of tourist if only for the no-haggle cheap taxi rides you get using the apps like 99 and Uber.  I hear Thailand has a new app that make hiring any type taxi a cheap and painless process but I have not been there to experience that yet.

The guys.  Depends on what you like.  If you like masculine guys with big dicks and plump asses wearing flipflops, you will love Brazil.  If you like lean guys, with slight size bodies, sculped legs and solid asses standing on flipflops, you will love Thailand.

Cost of guys?  Brazil wins.... (My opinion).

Food?  Thailand wins!  I have never heard anyone say they go to Brazil for the food...  Thailand wins.

AirB&B Rentals...  Thailand wins.  I've stayed in places in Thailand for $30 a night that can't be beat!  I am not complaining about the AirB&B's in Brazil but they can't hold a candle to Thailand accommodations.

As I write this I am packing my bags to return to Brazil.  Brazil is a non-stop hump fest of beautiful guy after handsome guy, but Thailand has that certain allure that can't be duplicated in a Latin country.  And often when I leave Brazil, I am often spent and ready to relax every part of my body by going home.  When I am leaving Thailand, I often don't want to go.  It's hard to say goodbye to an easy breakfast morning under the umbrellas on the beach.  The waves whispering its lazy arrival to the sands of the beach.  The toned guys in speedos hoping for your attention.  The cute touts offering trinkets while your eyes buy every curve and bulge of their flesh.  It's hard to say goodbye to the freshly made street food, the smiles of guys you have not had a chance to get to, or one of the many bars you never visited but promised you would.  The musical singsong of love promises even when they forget your name..  Thailand is hard to say goodbye to for me.

Brazil...  Lets just say on my last day in Brazil I often throw away my leftover condoms as if I never need to have sex again.

Is gay nightlife too expensive in Thailand?  Yes.  But that is not a good reason to stay away.

[sydneyboy1]

A thoughtful analysis. I have been to both Thailand and Brazil. One thing. Thailand is infinitely safer. Brazil has a crime problem.

[paulsf]

If your basing a trip to Thailand on the price of a drink,  now is the time to go…. The US Dollar exchange rate is so good, everything will be much cheaper for you and you’ll feel like your drinking for free. 
 

[Londoner]

Brazil has a racist and homophobic PM, backed by deranged US-style- evangelicals. I've always wanted to go, ever since I saw Black Orpheus fifty years ago.... but I'll stick toThailand.

[kjun12]

I very much enjoyed Bucknaway's comparison of the two countries.  However, I have never felt unsafe in Thailand.  Never been to Brazil and I would like to enjoy all the hot men whose pictures I've seen.  Unfortunately, Brazil seems to be unsafe and I'll just pass on it.

[Boy69]

I love Thailand so much but on my last trips I avoided offing boys from bars (except one occas at Screw Boys the Vietnamese Boys was too beautiful too resist) including drinks ,off fee and ST tip about 4000 Bht a session is too much ,  Grindr was a good option for me I found what I wanted and avoided the bars overpriced costs. My first travel on November since the Covid strike will be to Colombia I decided to give a break to Thailand after 20 years of repeated trips there.

[emiel1981]

16 minutes ago, Boy69 said:

I love Thailand so much but on my last trips I avoided offing boys from bars (except one occas at Screw Boys the Vietnamese Boys was too beautiful too resist) including drinks ,off fee and ST tip about 4000 Bht a session is too much ,  Grindr was a good option for me I found what I wanted and avoided the bars overpriced costs. 

I agree with you. As I actually just wrote in my trip report. Didn't even mention the higher cost of getting a boy from a bar instead of Grindr in my report. But you're absolutely right about that. For me reason was also that I was getting tired of the same acts in the shows over and over again... Haha. 

24 minutes ago, emiel1981 said:

Plus I must say that during this trip in Thailand, I've had the nicest experiences and best sex with guys I've found on Grindr. They were better than the boys I took home from a bar. With the beste example being Ukrainian guy I have written about. 

 

[reader]

Although the bars need to be aware that they're pushing the envelope at 400 baht per drink, the bottom line will always be supply: are customers willing to pay. If they're still coming through the doors it's an easy equation to resolve.

Dreamboys should make for a good case study. Management must be persuaded that the potential represented by the return of Chinese and other north Asian tourists warrants the investment in moving next door to the old Lucky Boys venue. (Personally, I don't know why they'd be eager to alter the seating arrangement because I always considered it to be one of the better ones in town. But that's just me).

The big unknown factor is the effects of inflation on whether those tourists will actually arrive in BKK. If they don't materialize in numbers anticipated, Dreamboys will be facing huge overhead. And to profitably operate a bar of that proportion, the number of guys required to fill the stage could easily put pressure on supply. Will they draw boys away from other bars? If not, they'll have to rely on an influx from the provinces and their Thai neighbors.

Although Dreamboys is not on my short list of favorite stops, I wish them well because it could become the anchor location for gay Patpong. At the moment, Fresh Boys probably has a manageable overhead. Could it be tempted to relocate across the way to the vacated Dreamboys venue? I kind of doubt it unless they, too, are banking on the great influx of new tourists.

[fedssocr]

Bangkok's public transport network has been expanding very quickly. Whether it is of more use to the average tourist could be debated, I suppose. But it's quite extensive now and there are MRT stops in the Chinatown and Grand Palace areas that are useful for tourists. And of course there are the river boats and canal boats to help you get around as well. I haven't been to Rio, so I can't compare them.

[Mavica]

1 hour ago, fedssocr said:

Bangkok's public transport network has been expanding very quickly. Whether it is of more use to the average tourist could be debated, I suppose. But it's quite extensive now and there are MRT stops in the Chinatown and Grand Palace areas that are useful for tourists. And of course there are the river boats and canal boats to help you get around as well. I haven't been to Rio, so I can't compare them.

Yes, in Rio as an example ... street crime is a concern for all - which doesn't seem to be an issue in BKK.  Using today's exchange rate, 4,000 Bht = US$106.  $106 strikes me as being higher than what it costs to collectively enter Club 117 in Rio (or another Rio sauna with GP), make a selection from many very goodlooking guys, pay for a room and have a drink or two.  Which destination is "better" than the other (BKK vs. Rio) is, obviously, determined subjectively.  Which is easier / less expensive to get to?  Which offers more of the body/personality types of guys we find interesting? Etc.  Let's keep in mind that most / many of us confine our visits to touristy sections of the destinations where everything costs more ... particularly if we are not conversant in the local language.

[floridarob]

18 hours ago, bucknaway said:

Brazil...  Lets just say on my last day in Brazil I often throw away my leftover condoms as if I never need to have sex again.

Is gay nightlife too expensive in Thailand?  Yes.  But that is not a good reason to stay away.

I've been making just about the same comparisons/conclusions on this site for a number of years....NOT going to Brasil because you think it's too dangerous, well you don't know what you are missing. 

I've had problems in Brasil that were self inflicted, did things or went to places I shouldn't have. How many boards members have gone there for YEARS, without any issues. As long as you travel smart, this goes for any country you are in.

I can count on one hand how many mediocre sex hookups I've had in Brasil....Thailand, I'm surprised when it's good sex.....but I'm probably a little more work than most posters here 😝 

[Shonen]

I’ll take Thailand over Brazil just for the slender boys. I feel extremely safe in Thailand also. I would enjoy the shorter trip to Brazil though.

[vinapu]

10 hours ago, Mavica said:

..... Or another Rio sauna with GP

We know that you are in the know but what GP means, not General Practitioner I suppose

[vinapu]

I, d be interested to know if race and age plays any role in comparison. 

As we know in Thailand even octogenarian is welcomed with opened hands or at least pretended to, in bars. Is that a case with Brazilian saunas ? 

What about guests in the hotels? 

I, m now in another Latin country, staying in supposedly gay friendly hotel bordering quite active gay area and my hotels requires fee and registration of all guests. I found it obstacle and surprisingly also did at least two guys I tried to engage with. 

[alvnv]

9 minutes ago, vinapu said:

I, m now in another Latin country

How is it? Do you wish you were in Thailand?

[floridarob]

26 minutes ago, vinapu said:

We know that you are in the know but what GP means, not General Practitioner I suppose

Garoto de programa= escort

you'll never have your prostate checked as good as they do 

[floridarob]

20 minutes ago, vinapu said:

I, d be interested to know if race and age plays any role in comparison. 

As we know in Thailand even octogenarian is welcomed with opened hands or at least pretended to, in bars. Is that a case with Brazilian saunas ? 

What about guests in the hotels? 

I, m now in another Latin country, staying in supposedly gay friendly hotel bordering quite active gay area and my hotels requires fee and registration of all guests. I found it obstacle and surprisingly also did at least two guys I tried to engage with. 

same, same.....stay in a hotel known for no problem with guests.

[vinapu]

30 minutes ago, alvnv said:

How is it? Do you wish you were in Thailand?

As usual I will report when return home. 

Answer to second question is yes but we are not fair as I know my way around Thais scene and I, m new here and being new cost money and missed opportunities. 

[vinapu]

24 minutes ago, floridarob said:

Garoto de programa= escort

you'll never have your prostate checked as good as they do 

I knew bur asked in the name of new readers, alter all in 2022 we can, t expect all to know what USSR or GDR stood for

[vinapu]

25 minutes ago, floridarob said:

same, same.....stay in a hotel known for no problem with guests.

Difference is all hotels in my price range in Thailand are guest friendly so one less substantial problem. 

[Mavica]

58 minutes ago, vinapu said:

We know that you are in the know but what GP means, not General Practitioner I suppose

LOL!

Sorry for not spelling out "GP".  Garotos de Programa is what I was referring to.  However, one might consider such talented individuals as General Practitioners ... though I prefer to consider each a specific practitioner of his talents!

[Mavica]

5 hours ago, floridarob said:

I've been making just about the same comparisons/conclusions on this site for a number of years....NOT going to Brasil because you think it's too dangerous, well you don't know what you are missing. 

I've had problems in Brasil that were self inflicted, did things or went to places I shouldn't have. How many boards members have gone there for YEARS, without any issues. As long as you travel smart, this goes for any country you are in.

I can count on one hand how many mediocre sex hookups I've had in Brasil....Thailand, I'm surprised when it's good sex.....but I'm probably a little more work than most posters here 😝 

In the 1970s a favored travel destination of mine was San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Wonderful memories, great sex.  Awesome.  It was a time of civil unrest in Puerto Rico and I'd stay at the Fiesta Americana Hotel where, on the beach, national guard or other military-style police patrolled on horseback holding automatic rifles as we lay on the beach; it was a bit daunting.  It didn't stop me from enjoying myself, though.  Cautious at times, yes.

During one of my trips to Rio when I was relaxing on the beach in Ipanema ... I heard a roar growing in intensity.  Young men from a Favela where running in the area attacking many people with baseball-type bats/clubs and stealing day packs, etc.  A young man renting the chairs and doing beer and food runs for the section grabbed me from behind as I sat in my chair and dragged me back towards Ave. Vieira Souto.  Many people were hurt on the beach that day, but not me; thankfully.

Another time, when standing at a bus stop on Av. Nossa Sra. de Copacabana with a much older then me friend and a Brazilian man we didn't know - 4 young men showed up and beat the shit out of the Brazilian ... leaving us alone.  The bus arrived as this was happening and when the attack was underway.  The bus driver told me and my friend to sit in the seats behind him ... as the guys who beat the Brazilian also got on the bus and moved to the rear.

During another visit, I intended to visit Santa Teresa via the tram when I learned that tourists waiting for the tram were being beaten/robbed.  I chose to visit someplace else. 

So, yes ... there are risks.  In Rio, in Mexico City ... in Chicago.  Crimes of opportunity.  But I do a risk assessment when traveling, and try to prepare myself for what I may encounter.

All of this having been said, in addition to frequenting saunas in Rio ... I'm an explorer.  I've walked/explored many neighborhoods there, solo, without valuables (just enough to 'give it up' if robbed).  I've trusted my 'street smarts' and 'gut feeling'.  I've traveled on foot, on the subway, on city busses, the ferry to and around Niteroi.  I've visited one of the Favelas.  Yes, I've been lucky - but also cautious.  When I lived in Mexico City, I was the victim of street crimes a half dozen times.  One of my apartments was broken into and robbed, twice.  Full disclosure:  I was never victimized in BKK.  😀

 

[sydneyboy1]

1 hour ago, Mavica said:

In the 1970s a favored travel destination of mine was San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Wonderful memories, great sex.  Awesome.  It was a time of civil unrest in Puerto Rico and I'd stay at the Fiesta Americana Hotel where, on the beach, national guard or other military-style police patrolled on horseback holding automatic rifles as we lay on the beach; it was a bit daunting.  It didn't stop me from enjoying myself, though.  Cautious at times, yes.

During one of my trips to Rio when I was relaxing on the beach in Ipanema ... I heard a roar growing in intensity.  Young men from a Favela where running in the area attacking many people with baseball-type bats/clubs and stealing day packs, etc.  A young man renting the chairs and doing beer and food runs for the section grabbed me from behind as I sat in my chair and dragged me back towards Ave. Vieira Souto.  Many people were hurt on the beach that day, but not me; thankfully.

Another time, when standing at a bus stop on Av. Nossa Sra. de Copacabana with a much older then me friend and a Brazilian man we didn't know - 4 young men showed up and beat the shit out of the Brazilian ... leaving us alone.  The bus arrived as this was happening and when the attack was underway.  The bus driver told me and my friend to sit in the seats behind him ... as the guys who beat the Brazilian also got on the bus and moved to the rear.

During another visit, I intended to visit Santa Teresa via the tram when I learned that tourists waiting for the tram were being beaten/robbed.  I chose to visit someplace else. 

So, yes ... there are risks.  In Rio, in Mexico City ... in Chicago.  Crimes of opportunity.  But I do a risk assessment when traveling, and try to prepare myself for what I may encounter.

All of this having been said, in addition to frequenting saunas in Rio ... I'm an explorer.  I've walked/explored many neighborhoods there, solo, without valuables (just enough to 'give it up' if robbed).  I've trusted my 'street smarts' and 'gut feeling'.  I've traveled on foot, on the subway, on city busses, the ferry to and around Niteroi.  I've visited one of the Favelas.  Yes, I've been lucky - but also cautious.  When I lived in Mexico City, I was the victim of street crimes a half dozen times.  One of my apartments was broken into and robbed, twice.  Full disclosure:  I was never victimized in BKK.  😀

 

I was mugged by 3 thugs almost in front of the Copacabana Palace when it was barely dark in full view of a number of on lookers who just stood like statues watching and did nothing to come to my aid after the assailants had fled. Believe me crime is a reality in Brazil.

[KYTOP]

It has been well over ten years but I had great times, including great sex 😁 in both countries . Always felt safe and I would walk about BKK and Pattaya with never a fear for my safety, day or night. Except for the time I almost got run over by an elephant on a street in Pattaya lol. I never had any problems getting around and going places, doing what ever, even though I still can't speak a bit of the Thai language. It truly was the Land of Smiles for me.

On every trip to Brazil, Sao Paulo and Rio, I always hired a young guide I was introduced to by  a major poster here. The guide was from Sao Paulo and not an escort and no sex was involved with him. I paid him $100USD per day and he stayed with me throughout my trip and stayed with me in my hotel room. He was a great tour guide of tourist sites and the Saunas, Gay life, beaches and restaurants. We became good friends. Always had my back, many times when walking he would say "lets cross the street" or change directions if he was suspicious of someone following us, and always made sure no one put anything in my drinks. Stood guard at ATMs and Currency exchange and was very guarded. He of course spoke the language and English, was fantastic when dealing with the guys at the saunas. We did have an incident with the police. The taxi, he, a sauna guy, and myself were riding in was stopped by a police officer. The Cop asked Driver, my guide and the sauna guy to step out of the Taxi and show ID's but not me. The cop then talked to the driver for a bit. After the driver got back in and we pulled away my guide said I needed to give the driver an extra amount to money to cover the bribe he gave to the cop. Cop said someone didn't have a seat belt on or something or other. On one trip we saw a couple get robbed right outside the street café we were eating at. I don't think I would feel comfortable visiting Rio by myself. But I absolutely love Brazil. 

I also traveled to Colombia a few times, but to see a specific guy I met on F4F. It seemed safer than Rio but crime was still an issue. Back then they had Security cops in military fatigues at the ATM machines with AK 47s.  Cars were checked, including mirror looks under the car, when entering the Mall car park. And Cops in military fatigues with AK 47 type weapons' walked patrolling the malls. 2 of them stood on each side of me once to have our pictures taken, they got a big laugh out of it. Once, My friend and his friends rapidly escorted me from a public restaurant/ park area when a fight broke out. But I would walk to a mall close to my hotel and McDonalds and never had a problem. Colombia is a beautiful country with many beautiful men.

When I was visiting Brazil, Thailand, and Colombia they all 3 seemed to be bargains to me then, especially compared to Europe. I am sure inflation has hit them some since my last trips.

Honestly I do not think I would feel safe Visiting Boystown or other parts of Chicago, Portland and some other US cities right now either.

[reader]

Used to love visiting Portland--20 years ago. No longer tempted.