Trip report (July 2023)

[ichigo]

Hi guys,

Semi-recently returned from a short trip to Bangkok and would like to share a few things from what was my 7th trip to Thailand now. Rather than write a day-to-day account of my trip, I will just include an assortment of things I got up to.

 

Arrival

Flew into Bangkok on Thailand's flagship airline (Thai Airways) and when I started hearing the familiar sounds of the Thai language, it put me in a good mood as I knew I would be arriving to my happy place soon. I was fed so much food during the flight, however when we arrived into Suvarnabhumi, we had to disembark into a bus to take us to the terminal. Wasn't expecting this from a full service carrier and also considering how big Suvarnabhumi is, but I digress. Immigration didn't take too long and I didn't have checked baggage so I headed straight down to the basement floor to take the airport rail link to Makasan, where I then changed to the MRT Petchaburi to Silom. I managed to successfully use my credit card to go through the gates at the MRT (although I tapped my card on the wrong area at first, until the attendant showed me where to tap, which was very clearly marked and I was very clearly blind.

 

Hotel

My hotel of choice for this trip was the Crowne Plaza, not particularly cheap (for me) at nearly 4000 baht per night, but I decided to treat myself. It was a very short walk from Silom MRT, the room itself was quite large, with a decent view and a toilet with an electronic bidet. As I booked direct through IHG, I even received a small toy elephant as a thank you. Breakfast was included, and even though I don't usually eat breakfast, I decided that I would on this trip. The breakfast buffet was quite good quality actually, with many options that catered to all tastes.

I felt as though the hotel was not particularly full during my stay as I didn't really see a lot of people around. The hotel was also very guest friendly, and there were absolutely no issues with taking guests back to your room. You do need to go up the elevator to the 23rd floor, to where to reception is and then change to another elevator to get to your room. They are also quite generous with towels - I tipped housekeeping each day, and left a note to ask for an extra towel, and they gave me 4 extra towels (in addition to the regular 2) as well as 6 bottles of water. I remember when I asked for extra towels at the Tarntawan, they were a little apprehensive to give me just one!

 

Bars

I only managed to go to one bar this trip - Dreamboys. I usually see my favourite boy at least once per trip, but I never tell him that I'm coming so then it's always a surprise. This time was no exception. And it was quite coincidental this time actually because he had just finished his set in the show, and as he was coming off the stage, I had just come in. So I gave him a quick wave and smile, he did a double take and then joined me in my preferred seating (up the back) a few moments later. We had a drink and went back to the hotel where we had some fun times. He knows what I like, I know what he likes so it's pretty comfortable.

The bar wasn't particularly busy the few times I went with probably the exception of a Saturday. My guy even helped me pick some other guys that I wanted to take back, by advising me who was good and who wasn't. I did off another 2 guys from here - one of which was quite attractive, very chatty (very good grasp of the English language), and very decent in bed, although when I paid him his (generous) tip, he was a bit cheeky and ask for and extra 200 baht taxi money, so I just gave him 100. He definitely knows the business and what he is doing, and I will most likely repeat.

The other was absolutely beautiful (face and body), didn't speak a lot of English and although he tried his best, just seemed like he didn't have much experience and was at times a bit awkward. Never mind, you win some, you lose some. He was nice though but probably would not repeat. On my final night, I offed my favourite boy one more time and he wanted to sleep over but I said no because I was flying out early the next morning. I'm not really a long-time sort of person, short-time being more preferable. Next time, I have some catching up to do as I want to revisit hotmale, screwboys, possibly moonlight, freshboys, and tawan, and I also want to visit banana as I haven't been there yet.

 

Massage

Apart going to Prime for my 1 hour foot/1 hour Thai or 1 hour Thai/1 hour oil (even went to a new building which I hadn't been to before), I visited Kman and Apollo. 

Kman first. This was the first time I ventured outside the Silom/Sathorn area for a massage. Getting there was pretty straight forward - caught the BTS to Saphan Kwai but somehow I went down the wrong exit onto the wrong side of the road and I only realised when I saw a sign for Gbeat massage (which I knew was on the other side of the road), that I back tracked and went up and back down the correct exit, and found the shop shortly after. I don't usually book anyone when I go for a massage, rather I see who is available at the time. The manager came over with his iPad and showed me who was available, and I chose this guy who was T&B, and then got to choose which oil I would like (not that it really made a difference). I also decided to use the VIP room which was only 100 baht more than the regular room and it has a shower. It was 700 for 90 minutes, with a minimum tip of 900.

After following my chosen guy up endless stairs (as is usual in places like these), got to the room and had a quick shower before the massage started. There is an art to a sensual/sexual massage and this guy definitely knows what he is doing. He was naked from the start, there was a lot of body contact, mutual touching, and I was on edge the whole time. I had chosen him as he was T&B as I didn't feel like bottoming that day, but when he asked to fuck me I couldn't resist so I said that I will fuck him first, then he can fuck me to which he happily agreed. It was actually a really nice experience and I would definitely repeat. I ended up tipping him 2000 as he deserved it, and did a hell of a lot more than some guys I've paid 2000+ for.

Apollo - this experience was a little less exciting. After making the trip all the way to Bearing BTS, the shop was really easy to find - you can see the sign as you are walking down the stairs. When I walked in, I was met with confusion as to why I was there, but then the manager (or similar) came over and asked me 'boy massage?' to which I answered yes, and all was understood. This place also does legit massages as there are foot massage chairs on the ground floor, as well as Thai massage beds on the next floor (separated by curtains). The oil massage rooms are up another floor. As I didn't book ahead, the manager told me there was only one guy available, but there were a few more that he could call and they can come in about 10 minutes.

He asked me if I was a top/bottom and usually I am pretty versatile but today I wanted to be a top, so I narrowed my selection and chose a quite attractive guy, the managed called him and he wanted 2000 baht tip to which I agreed. I was shown where the room was and then to the shower (which is in a little bit of a public area), and then waited for him in the room. Since the aircon was shared with the room next door, I could hear what the people in the next room were up to. Anyway, he arrived and we got started. A lot of the time was spent with dry pressing, where I was wondering if anything was going to happen. Eventually it did, but it wasn't super exciting, and there wasn't much of a build-up, and not especially worth the tip I paid. Would I repeat? With him, probably not, but they do have a line account where they send pictures every day so I guess it all depends who you choose. Plus it is quite far away! And as I mentioned before, you win some, you lose some. I know that every experience is not going to be magical, but it's good to try!

 

Other things

Food - some notable places that I ate included Sunrise Tacos (the carne asada fries are quite nice, as is the waiter with the face tattoos), Silom night market (pad krapow moo or gai for 80 baht, cooked right in front of you, and also mango sticky rice yummm), 7-11 (toasted sandwiches and banana cupcakes are great at any time of the day and night), and Coffee Grinder (the cafe coco was quite delicious as were all of the staff).

Grindr - only met with one guy from Grindr (not a money boy), he is from Koh Samui and just here for a holiday. I think he must be well off though as he said he had stayed at Crowne Plaza quite recently, and was now staying at the Pullman. He also had no less than 3 cell phones on him that day.

Malls - visited Icon Siam and Siam Paragon, and they are pretty much just same same.

Currency exchange - X-One on Surawong road is always my place of choice.

 

Conclusion

I had a good trip and tried to fit as much in as I could, but I became tired quite a lot. The timezone is not exactly that different to that of my home country, but my sleeping pattern is massively different and wreaks havoc on my body. Anyway, I digress. My next trip will likely be in January and I will spend most of time in Bangkok, but wanting to stay in a slightly different area - anyone stayed at Trinity Silom or Furama Xclusive? Do bar boys walk that far? I also want to spend some time in Pattaya (not Jomtien this time as I never seem to have a great time there), instead I'll explore BoyzTown and massages around there. Classrooms hotel will likely be my hotel of choice (as I remember our esteemed Vinapu recommending it), and just by perusing the website, it is super clear and has all the information that I need. I like clarity like this. I may also spend some time in Phuket because why not. Thanks for reading!

[reader]

I don't know anyone who has gone to K-Man and left disappointed. Happy to hear you're now among them. Thanks for your report.

[scott456]

I have about  a dozen of those Crown plaza mini elephants in my drawer at home, they are cute but I didn't know what to do with them.  They will probably end up in trash.  I have declined them at the receptionist since then, for the sake of environment. 

[vinapu]

5 hours ago, scott456 said:

I have about  a dozen of those Crown plaza mini elephants in my drawer at home, they are cute but I didn't know what to do with them.  They will probably end up in trash.  I have declined them at the receptionist since then, for the sake of environment. 

rightly so.

In condo where I live in the lobby there's table on which residents can place unwanted but usable items. If not picked up within 24 hours they are supposed to reclaim them or super will dump them out. Works great. Now you know where my vacuum cleaner comes from and where most of Christmas gifts are landing

[vinapu]

7 hours ago, ichigo said:

take the airport rail link to Makasan, where I then changed to the MRT Petchaburi to Silom.

...........

My hotel of choice for this trip was the Crowne Plaza, not particularly cheap (for me) at nearly 4000 baht per night, ...........when I asked for extra towels at the Tarntawan, they were a little apprehensive to give me just one!

..........

Apollo - this experience was a little less exciting. After making the trip all the way to Bearing BTS, the shop was really easy to find - you can see the sign as you are walking down the stairs. When I walked in, I was met with confusion as to why I was there......As I didn't book ahead, the manager told me there was only one guy available, but there were a few more that he could call and they can come in about 10 minutes........ they do have a line account where they send pictures every day so I guess it all depends who you choose.

........

- anyone stayed at Trinity Silom or Furama Xclusive? Do bar boys walk that far?

........ time in Pattaya.... Classrooms hotel will likely be my hotel of choice...... 

Thank you for very good and comprehensive report. Glad you had a great time there, at end of day it's why we travel to Thailand in the first place. 

few comments for paragraphs quoted

for benefits of readers not familiar with Bangkok  : going from /to airport to/from Silom area by public transport there are two options, one you took with change to MRT (underground)  at Makasan (advantage - only one change , disadvantage -pretty long walk  from Makasan to Petchaburi, covered walkway though , going other way to airport if using that option train may arrive already quite full so danger of standing room only, not that it's long trip , about 25 mins only ).

Second option I prefer is to take ARL (airport train  all the way to Phaya Thai,  and then change into BTS ( overhead rail) to Siam ( just 2 stops )  and then change again ON THE SAME PLATFORM to Sala Daeng station (another two stops ) . Advantage  - you can admire view and get/ refresh grasp of the area, got rate on money exachnge counters at Phaya Thai station, disadvantage - 2 changes instead of one. Difference in travel time and price miniscule , if any.

Reasons for comment , on last trip when asked on the train by phone wielding couple going to Silom if they should alight at Makasan I suggested my option pointing that I'm going there now they looked at me like I told them to go through some territory untouched by human  foot. 

............

towel issue - that's probably the difference between 4000 and 1400 hotels. But yes , in cheaper places it may be an issue to get that extra towel if one expects more than one visitor a day. Solution I use if hotel makes it hard or is asking for extra money (50 to 200 ) , if Ii can I pack extra towel or buy cheap one in Silom market and use it myself, treating guest with hotel provided regalia

......

that  the first Apollo report if I'm not mistaken so very thank you. Don't be discouraged by so so experience, as they say , one statistic sample is not a basis for scientific hypothesis. Likely reason for confusion is fact you did not book  in advance. They have very extensive list of masseurs and respond pretty fast although not as fast as Jey Spa.

I had bad luck as two I chose were not available that day so I gave up. It's far indeed , total travelling time from Choing Nonsi to Bearing -40 minutes but if guy one craves is available it will be worth it, if one is tried by such long trek  , said Jey is half way through where you can take a travel break and continue after 1-1.50 hrs of massage there.

.....

on pain of repeating myself but for benefit of newly arrived readers  since Dec 2021 Furama Sathorn Xclusive is my favorite hotel in Silom area. Rooms are big, visitors not bothered with day or night, breakfasts ample , for economizing there's simple restaurant in the soi just across hotel, close to Chong Nonsi BTS and soi 5 market. 

Never had boy complaining that it's too far to walk, if they have motosai, there's parking. In short , go for it. As for Trinity Silom which is across the street , last time I stay there was in 2002 so will not say anything but  there one member who stays there regularly and he may chip in with comments. Can't be bad if he returns, right ?

.......

the same with Classrooms, absolutely recommended, around the corner from BoyzTown, discreet card operated entry bypassing reception, rooms  big , clan and well appointed , even with cutlery.

Copa is close second and bit cheaper but it's location above Boyztown bars may be noisier although I don't recall issues. Ambiance is similar but I don't like their maze of corridors so stay there rarely

[10tazione]

What I personally don't like at Trinity Silom is that it is spread over multiple buildings, gym/pool in different building, room and reception possibly in different buildings, for entering some of the buildings you need to use the key card, for using the pool you need to go to reception to get voucher, to have breakfast (which is not really good if I remember correclty) you need to go to reception to get voucher. On the other hand, the pool is really nice and big, if you want to swim some lanes.

[Jimbillp]

I’m probably the trinity Silom regular Vinapu refers to, and yes the clincher for me is the large pool with great views on 8th floor.  I never take the breakfast. So many local market and coffee shop options.   The walk is fine to the main areas.  Look for it on agoda where it can be a really great price. I’ve got some December 2023 nights at around 1000 baht.  It can go very expensive at times too.  

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, Jimbillp said:

I’m probably the trinity Silom regular Vinapu refers to, and yes the clincher for me is the large pool with great views on 8th floor.  I never take the breakfast. So many local market and coffee shop options.

answer is yes, I was thinking about you so thank you for an answer

[scott456]

On 9/4/2023 at 12:23 AM, vinapu said:

rightly so.

In condo where I live in the lobby there's table on which residents can place unwanted but usable items. If not picked up within 24 hours they are supposed to reclaim them or super will dump them out. Works great. Now you know where my vacuum cleaner comes from and where most of Christmas gifts are landing

I have some unwanted dildos that are still usable.  Can I leave them on the lobby table?

[ichigo]

On 9/4/2023 at 2:03 AM, vinapu said:

Thank you for very good and comprehensive report. Glad you had a great time there, at end of day it's why we travel to Thailand in the first place. 

And thank you for your comprehensive reply!

 

On 9/4/2023 at 2:03 AM, vinapu said:

for benefits of readers not familiar with Bangkok  : going from /to airport to/from Silom area by public transport there are two options, one you took with change to MRT (underground)  at Makasan (advantage - only one change , disadvantage -pretty long walk  from Makasan to Petchaburi, covered walkway though , going other way to airport if using that option train may arrive already quite full so danger of standing room only, not that it's long trip , about 25 mins only ).

Second option I prefer is to take ARL (airport train  all the way to Phaya Thai,  and then change into BTS ( overhead rail) to Siam ( just 2 stops )  and then change again ON THE SAME PLATFORM to Sala Daeng station (another two stops ) . Advantage  - you can admire view and get/ refresh grasp of the area, got rate on money exachnge counters at Phaya Thai station, disadvantage - 2 changes instead of one. Difference in travel time and price miniscule , if any.

All good points. If I were to stay near Chong nonsi then I would likely take the BTS, but I find sometimes that the MRT is a little less busy than the BTS (also depending on the time of the day) which makes it easier when wielding luggage. This trip I only took cabin baggage (backpack) for the first time, which TBH was quite liberating so it was easier to manage. I have taken a suitcase on the BTS/MRT though. Possible, but sometimes difficult in peak hours.

 

On 9/4/2023 at 2:03 AM, vinapu said:

that  the first Apollo report if I'm not mistaken so very thank you. Don't be discouraged by so so experience, as they say , one statistic sample is not a basis for scientific hypothesis. Likely reason for confusion is fact you did not book  in advance. They have very extensive list of masseurs and respond pretty fast although not as fast as Jey Spa.

I had bad luck as two I chose were not available that day so I gave up. It's far indeed , total travelling time from Choing Nonsi to Bearing -40 minutes but if guy one craves is available it will be worth it, if one is tried by such long trek  , said Jey is half way through where you can take a travel break and continue after 1-1.50 hrs of massage there.

Considering there are so many massage places opening up all the time (with messages being sent to my line account every day), there is just so much to choose from. Jey is definitely one I would like to visit next time.

[vinapu]

6 hours ago, scott456 said:

I have some unwanted dildos that are still usable.  Can I leave them on the lobby table?

I guess so but run them through dishwasher first

[Keithambrose]

5 hours ago, vinapu said:

I guess so but run them through dishwasher first

At a high temperature!

[ChristianPFC]

On 9/3/2023 at 4:33 PM, ichigo said:

I managed to successfully use my credit card to go through the gates at the MRT...

Can you elaborate on this please?

[ichigo]

9 hours ago, ChristianPFC said:

Can you elaborate on this please?

Instead of buying a token, you just tap your credit card on the reader and off you go. Singapore has this system as well, and it's pretty handy especially as a tourist as you don't have to worry about buying a ticket/token or topping up your card.

[ichigo]

Update: I've just booked my tickets in and out of BKK and will be there for most of January. Excited!

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, ichigo said:

Instead of buying a token, you just tap your credit card on the reader and off you go.

I understand you need to tap twice, when entering system and when leaving it so proper fare is collected ?

1 hour ago, ichigo said:

Update: I've just booked my tickets in and out of BKK and will be there for most of January. Excited!

some people have all luck in life !

[Olddaddy]

5 hours ago, vinapu said:

I understand you need to tap twice, when entering system and when leaving it so proper fare is collected ?

some people have all luck in life !

You can use your debit card MasterCard visa ,but ..... better still just jump the barriers like I do 🦘🦘

[thaiophilus]

7 hours ago, vinapu said:

I understand you need to tap twice, when entering system and when leaving it so proper fare is collected ?

Yes. Difficult to forget, as until you tap the gate doesn't open 😄

[Keithambrose]

Last trip, I found that you had to tap your MC on a separate machine, by the ticket desk. Why was unclear, but the ordinary gates did not work. I was directed to the machine by the desk, by a kind employee, and that was fine. 

[a-447]

On 9/10/2023 at 9:29 AM, ichigo said:

Instead of buying a token, you just tap your credit card on the reader and off you go. Singapore has this system as well, and it's pretty handy especially as a tourist as you don't have to worry about buying a ticket/token or topping up your card.

They are slowly introducing this method of payment in Japan, too.

[Keithambrose]

On 9/10/2023 at 12:38 PM, Keithambrose said:

Last trip, I found that you had to tap your MC on a separate machine, by the ticket desk. Why was unclear, but the ordinary gates did not work. I was directed to the machine by the desk, by a kind employee, and that was fine. 

Which was odd, as on the last trip the MC worked on the ordinary machines!

[ChristianPFC]

I saw the advert on MRT, have to read closely next time. I was assuming that this work only with Thai bank cards, or you have to set it up or register first.

I used this in Summer in Brünn (Brno) in Czechia, and not only do they collect the single fares over the day, they calculate if a dayticket would be cheaper than the sum of single tickets and charge whichever is less.

[vinapu]

On 9/10/2023 at 3:04 AM, Olddaddy said:

You can use your debit card MasterCard visa ,but ..... better still just jump the barriers like I do 🦘🦘

you are quite jumpy for old man

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, ChristianPFC said:

I used this in Summer in Brünn (Brno) in Czechia, and not only do they collect the single fares over the day, they calculate if a dayticket would be cheaper than the sum of single tickets and charge whichever is less.

that's impressive indeed

[fedssocr]

only works on MRT not BTS. Hopefully they'll update their systems too. I don't know if there are some cards it won't work with other than the fact that is must be a contactless enabled card which most credit cards seem to be these days - at least from American banks. 

It's great on MRT as you can avoid the lines at the ticket machines and just walk right to through gates.