Cambodian mystery and Thai solution - first trip of 2023

[vinapu]

21 hours ago, GWMinUS said:

Reminds me of several Budget Hotels I stayed in in Manila. Just enough space to poop, shower and sleep...  🤪

nothing wrong with tiny hotel  rooms, in most cases we need them exactly for three tasks you described  but it would be good if price reflected that.

I guess some people are willing to pay for modernity , decor and  factory smelling newness  , it's why Ibis seemed so popular along with Quarter Silom of similar ambiance and quality.  I rather settle for space even if that involves worn  furniture and rickety elevator.  

[Tartegogo]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

then what one gives to next mugger? 

Do not think it happens all the time. Most visitors have never been robbed at all, and those who have been going to Brazil for 20 years report to have been robbed twice, or maybe thrice 🤷‍♂️

I shouldn’t have mentioned it again, it is not a subject about which one can reason, everyone has a reaction to unsafe countries that is either a “<shrug> I won’t let that limit my experiences on this world” or a visceral “No, there are other places to go”

[reader]

Your reports have given the forum a much-needed boost, Vinapu. They demonstrate that it's indeed still possible to have a great time in BKK and Pattaya despite the naysayers who see the glass as nearly empty compared to back in the day.

That you didn't--as Floridarob observed--sugar coat it made it even more entertaining. Your day-by-day quest to wring the maximum satisfaction out of your limited time will surely inspire others not to allow temporary setbacks to detract from all that Thailand has to offer in terms of sights, sounds and men.

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, reader said:

....... that it's indeed still possible to have a great time in BKK and Pattaya despite the naysayers who see the glass as nearly empty compared to back in the day.

That you didn't--as Floridarob observed--sugar coat it made it even more entertaining. Your day-by-day quest to wring the maximum satisfaction out of your limited time will surely inspire others not to allow temporary setbacks to detract from all that Thailand has to offer in terms of sights, sounds and men.

that was precisely my intention, to show that good time can be had if one wants to have that. And is very easy to find it.

Naysayers may be right that old times were better in terms of variety of options available and certainly more liberal but what I observe every trip , even if options are shrinking , they are still abundant. I was there 14 days , 12 of those in Thailand and only at Hot Male go-go I counted 10 guys I wanted to off . So one can go easily on monodiet.

As for liberal side, very graphic performances may be appealing to some  but appalling to others so not even sure that part is missed that much , I personally like bit of spice in bar shows but that's me. 

I was thinking about missing whole part of Cambodian Charming Prince fiasco as certainly I look stupid falling into that trap but decided it's better to be open, first because it may provide lesson , second because I still cherish memories of those pre-trip days when I was sooo excited such chance opened for me , third to show  that  disaster today may be replaced  by fun soon after and fourth , even if I don't believe what I'm saying , until i hear other side of story , there's vague possibility that that fiasco was not fiasco at all and I should be glad it happened avoiding bigger trouble and expense - again half  full part of glass theory.

 

[Boy69]

6 hours ago, vinapu said:

was thinking about missing whole part of Cambodian Charming Prince fiasco as certainly I look stupid falling into that trap but decided it's better to be open, first because it may provide lesson , second because I still cherish memories of those pre-trip days when I was sooo excited such chance opened for me , third to show  that  disaster today may be replaced  by fun soon after and fourth , even if I don't believe what I'm saying , until i hear other side of story , there's vague possibility that that fiasco was not fiasco at all and I should be glad it happened avoiding bigger trouble and expense - again half  full part of glass theory.

From your 'prince charming' affair some lessons can be learn :

1. Never raise expectations for a boy you didn't been with at least one night.

2. Never ever send  prepayments to a boy you don't know and trust .

3. strange in advance requests or demands from the boy should raise red flag.

4. Once meeting the boy things are not as we expected it's better to cut off the deal immediately avoiding bigger trouble and expense later.

 

[vinapu]

Day 14

 I set alarm because I did not want to be late at MahaNakhon at agreed 10 am and today is my hotel moving day so right after  breakfast at Ibis downstairs I need to pack. Released room leaving luggage for storage at reception and marched to Mahanakhon when I was surprised to see K already as agreement was he will pick up Radek from his hotel and they arrive on his motorbike. Clearly misunderstanding on K part

 Soon Radek showed up  and we went up . Ticket the same , 250 senior over 60 , 880 the rest.

Another place where is plainly visible that tourism picked up, gone are days when in the morning there were just few people. After admiring views, quite foggy day today unfortunately and taking obligatory picture on the glass to make family and friend jealous we went to Amazon near Chong Nonsi BTS for a coffee and sandwich and from  there I went straight to  Jey Spa for my 1 pm massage with Maii arranged yesterday.

While first session about week ago was very good  , today was nothing short of excellent. Benefit of us being familiar with each other. Great consolation after last night fiasco, part massage , part romantic, exactly how things should be . Worth every penny of 1250 massage fee and 1800 min. tip enhanced by me by 400 as I was truly happy with experience and fact that  finally pain I was feeling in my left leg ever since my long 16 hours flight was gone.

 I walked few steps along the soi when Maii stopped on his motorsai and gave me lift to the  BTS station  as a bonus I guess.

I returned to Ibis , liberated my suitcase and rolled her to Convent to my next digs, Le Siam ( formerly Swiss hotel ).  I got room on 7^th floor with a view. Room sizable, well furnished, spacious walk / roll in shower. I’m sure if price will be right  I will stay there again . It’s only very short walk from Silom so location is excellent and as we will learn later no problem with visitors. I said visitors , not visitor, understand ?

 Yesterday I reported about guy I sped in Thai Relax in soi 6 so I went there and on approach my heart beat increased as he was seating at front. Bingo ! NOP. He said he is booked and suggested I take his friend sitting nearby. Disappointed but not wanting to create lose of face I agreed. Massage was good , not that freshly massaged by Maii at Jey I need one and guy quite pleasant but  hunk or axe murderer he was not.

Only when I returned home I learned from other member who hired him few times that I missed plenty indeed as hunk turned excellent in both body and skills. At least I know where I got first next time in BKK.

 It was late afternoon and I was till running on that coffee and sandwich  but We were supposed to have dinner with Radek at Foodland but he went too far and Lined me is sitting already at G’Bangkok in soi 4      so we treated ourselves  with meal and conversation there. Then seeing restaurant is busy we released table and moved across the soi to Banana club outside for a beer and more talk.

 day 14 to be continued

[vinapu]

day 14 part 2

Our choice of bar for tonight was Jupiter but when we went there it was only singer and few customers inside , too early for boys so we switched to Moonlight greeted warmly by  barkers outside.

 

A , the hunk happened to enter stage exactly at the moment when we got our drinks so I did not waste a time  and called him over right away and secured him for off later tonight. It worked for both of us as I wanted to see the show and he had short meeting with some client who invited him just for a meal. Fact confirmed bit later by mamas an who wanted to be sure I understand why A need to disappear for hour or so.

 One of boys on stage was  guy  whom I recognized  as former New twilight dancer and when commented to A that I like his look quite a lot he suggested I  take him as well vouching he is great guy. It’s not first time A plays mentor role and tries to promote his bar friends so we can’t say he is selfish.

  Shortly A finished his drink and went for his meal meeting, promising to be in hotel in hour or two.   Radek who arrived only yesterday evening started to feel jet lag  so we shook hands for good bye and left too. All of the sudden I was lonely in the full bar so I called buy in question from the stage , bought him a drink ., learned that he is Lao so which endeared him to me bit more as I have almost universal good time with Lao guys, must be something in their water.

Asked him  about going with me and A and it turned  A already primed him about such an option because he confirmed  right away he is ready. So I decided to skip what was left of show and we went to hotel.

Not as hunky as A or Moonlight models but still very well built and commanding quite good English he turned  as great guy as I hoped for.

 Long ago , independently , American, Soviet and Burkinabe (from Burkina Faso, Africa ) scientists noticed that very often we  find our best boys on last or second last night of our trips. That  New Twilight transplant seems to be another proof supporting  such discovery.

 Hour  later I went downstairs to escort  A to the room , guy on reception did not even blink an eye.

It 2^nd time in row I have A in the room on my last night and great conclusion to such short but rich in turns of action trip .

 

[Tartegogo]

23 minutes ago, vinapu said:

scientists noticed that very often we  find our best boys on last or second last night of our trips.

I got my best night and found the best boy on my last night too. Those scientists don’t lie. 

[vinapu]

Few pics of Room in Le Siam hotel

[vinapu]

6 hours ago, Boy69 said:

From your 'prince charming' affair some lessons can be learn :

1. Never raise expectations for a boy you didn't been with at least one night.

2. Never ever send  prepayments to a boy you don't know and trust .

3. strange in advance requests or demands from the boy should raise red flag.

4. Once meeting the boy things are not as we expected it's better to cut off the deal immediately avoiding bigger trouble and expense later.

 

You are 125% right but  lesson for me , despite of all troubles described above  is : if you really like boy, go for it, watch your back and don't miss  troubling signs but go for it.

If I follow point 4  in case of HC , birthday boy, who on previous trip dumped me over trivial issue of phone overuse I'd miss one of most rewarding offs of my all trips to Thailand.

"Prince charming"  case was adventure in nature of trade, goal was missed , money spent wastefully but for me it was worth trying. I'm glad I did.

If I was smarter I should cut if off right after strange request to change flights. But knowing myself for many years, after all they don't call me KFC man for nothing, I know if I did I would live with feeling I missed boat. I rather  live with knowing I missed boat. Small difference  but I feel better because being sure is better then being in doubt.

[bkkmfj2648]

Wow Vinapu, the "special" suitcase is featured in 2 of the 6 photos (1/3) that you posted above.

[vinapu]

8 minutes ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

Wow Vinapu, the "special" suitcase is featured in 2 of the 6 photos (1/3) that you posted above.

coincidence, as I left her in the middle and  was taking pics from every corner.

not much really special , it's 50$ suitcase , not 350 $. Only tittle of fame is that she was intended for CCP but he dropped the deal and did not  get suitcase. Also it's was first time in perhaps 10 trips when I had full size luggage with me  as this time ticket included both luggage and seat selection.

[floridarob]

So you had luggage AND  a seat....showoff

[vinapu]

Day 15 and summary

 A left earlier. We met many times before and I’m pretty sure he noticed  I like our new companion so much so he decided to give us hour or two more, just two of us and when he suggested he will go , true to form I said Ok. Sometime later  mu guy  said it’s time for him to go and for me to do the same. Shower together , agreed tip plus 500 , he went his way , I packed my goodies and when it started dawning I was on the street catching taxi which conveniently just appeared on horizon. No drama this time , 257 baht  on the meter to Swampy. He was very happy when I gave him 300 and asked to keep the change. Two or so hours later I was  in the air , taking off from Thailand for 27^th time.

Time to summarize .
I call this trip short  but only because last three were almost month long but before 2 weeks was kind of standard, twice I flew just for 1 week and was surprised it worked well.

It was first time I was in LOS in January and February and weather was very pleasant but last few days in beginning of February it could be sensed temperature and humidity is climbing up.

 I’m glad I returned to butterflying  meeting only V , N in Pattaya and Maii at Jey Spa more than once. Some boys were probably disappointed , I get it , but it seemed to work for me as previously I noticed in few cases bit of complacency. I don’t like to be taken for granted even if I’m.

This is not what it was supposed to be , it was supposed solid 8 days spent with CCP in Phnom Penh and Bangkok but regretfully it did not happen. I was leaving home with very high hopes, expecting great time with him but also aware that we don’t know each other really and his antics with flight change and money requests were warning signals.

 Few of my friends  who were privy to affair from beginning , all were right – chances are that it will not work they warned me unanimously and early on  . So stupid  guy at least has smart friends, no?

 I feel disappointed but not bitter. I tried but it did not work . Will I pursue him again ? Most likely no. Will I try once more if he will pursue me ? Most likely yes, much smarter from  that experience. No money in advance , no commitment to anything more initially than night stand and only then if satisfied  I may look for repeat. Will he try to contact me in the future ? I very much doubt as he may suspect I’m mad as hell.

 Other than that most guys I met were very good to excellent. Even Tawan boys with exception of one but their sin was with being too greedy so chances are I will put them on diet in future. Best bar this trip for me was , surprisingly to even myself , Hot Male. At one point I counted 10 boys on the stage I could off one by one.

It looks I firmly start liking Jupiter, second off in row better than just satisfactory. And I don’t even count HC taken from there, He was bit of sore point of my trip in October but it looks he turned out changed man to my extreme delight. Him, N in Pattaya and guy who visited me in Phnom Penh were as close to boyfriend experience as I could wish followed by several others , not far behind.

 But if you ask me which of guys I met would be my choice if I had only 1 night in Bangkok it would be my last guy  from Moonlight. Somehow I’m intrigued by him, I don’t know why but it must be personality

 I was also intrigued by no less than 3 guys at Banana, all twinks but sold themselves on their smiles. Next time I may be busy there to Lucy’s delight. I don’t even mention one of their barkers, very easy on eyes indeed and guy I offed from there, another sweet treat.

Whenever I return I will pursue  both  “ axe murderers “  I spot in ThaiRelax soi 6 and in Jomtien. Only hope they will be there.

I mentioned this year is big question mark for me when comes to travel everywhere. This may mean that I may show up at Thai illustrious shores at very short notice if I will see that’s only option.

 As for hotels I found  Okay Boutique in Phnom Penh extremely good value for money and can recommend it with clear conscience. I continue to consider Furama Sathorn Xclusive as my top find in Silom area ,  while still loyal to Baan Silom. Rose and particularly Le Siam were nice discoveries while shiny Ibis Styles , while impressive , I found bit overpriced for what I got . I like some space in my rooms. But I’m glad I tried them.

Jet lags continue to ruin me , each time it seems to be worse and worse. Only cure are longer trips and less hectic schedule in the first week. Or staying home , obviously not an option.

 Even with stress and disappointment this trip belongs definitely to better half of my trips so far.

 

 

[Tartegogo]

On 2/16/2023 at 8:35 PM, vinapu said:

few pics from Rose hotel as it's rarely mentioned in the forum

 

 

 

Now that your trip report is finished, I wonder if you like this place or is it just really cheap? I find it very austere compared to your other hotel pictures. Also what is up with this courtyard with what looks like coloured mattresses on the floor?

[vinapu]

Austere is a good word but I find rooms at Rose had all I need- desk, safety deposit box and working quiet AC. There was no kettle but I'm always prepared for such eventuality. Washbasin in the toilet was too low but that's small nuissance.

Room a was much more spacious than claustrophobic one at Ibis Styles or Quarter Silom so I opt for Rose at half of their price any time. Empty courtyard felt strange but again , how much time we would spent admiring it, grand total 3 minutes per day ?

so to answer question above , I like the Rose and it was relatively cheap ( ~40 $), few dollars more then Baan Silom , few dollars less than  my favorite Furama Sathorn

[GWMinUS]

Vinapu, we will definitely miss your reports and adventures. You must make it back to Thailand soon!! CHEERS!!

[Boy69]

On 2/24/2023 at 3:37 AM, vinapu said:

few pictures of Ibis Styles room and hotel's lobby

 

The rooms at the Ibis Styles seems smallish and the Peepshow shower room isn't great either.

[Boy69]

5 hours ago, vinapu said:

feel disappointed but not bitter. I tried but it did not work . Will I pursue him again ? Most likely no. Will I try once more if he will pursue me ? Most likely yes, much smarter from  that experience. No money in advance , no commitment to anything more initially than night stand and only then if satisfied  I may look for repeat. Will he try to contact me in the future ? I very much doubt as he may suspect I’m mad as hell.

There is no harm for short time with him if he will contact you again just to fulfill your fantasy beening with this guy, I would no go further then that due the horrible experience you had with him. I doubt that he will try to contact you again not because he suspect you may be mad at him ( believe me he doesn't care about your feelings at all because if he did he would never behaved as he did) but because his plans to squeeze walking falang ATM didn't went well for him with you as he planned so there is really no point for him to try it again it's a waste of time for him.

[jason1975]

I wonder if Vinapu's Jupiter guys could be one of these...

[reader]

7 hours ago, Boy69 said:

...and the Peepshow shower room isn't great either.

 I thought that was one of the room's assets.🙂

[vinapu]

20 hours ago, GWMinUS said:

Vinapu, we will definitely miss your reports and adventures. You must make it back to Thailand soon!! CHEERS!!

thank you ! 

This year coming back may not be that easy but I'm working on it

[vinapu]

19 hours ago, Boy69 said:

The rooms at the Ibis Styles seems smallish and the Peepshow shower room isn't great either.

but at least toilet is in separate , completely enclosed room

[vinapu]

18 hours ago, Boy69 said:

There is no harm for short time with him if he will contact you again just to fulfill your fantasy beeing with this guy, I would no go further then that ...

At this time it's academic and whole issue becomes distant memory. You right that if he cared about me would behave differently. All I want to say is that thank God whole experience did not leave me bitter or discouraged. Disappointed , yes  but that and expense to treasury I just  chalked to an experience and moved on smiling

[vinapu]

Jason

no while I recognize few faces none of them is of my recent catches.

I like to see all those smiles on their faces though