Trip Report (Jan 2024)

[ichigo]

This recent trip was the longest I've stayed in Thailand (nearly a month) and was enjoyable despite some random health issues that decided to pop up. Rather than a day by day account, I'll just outline some interesting points.

Bangkok

Bars

• Dreamboys: I went here a few times, mainly to see my favourite boy and managed to off him just once. I think he is popular because on another two occasions I visited the bar, he was already booked by a customer. I felt as though the quality has dropped since last time, but there are still some gems. 
• Screwboys: I was surprised by the high quality here actually, and there were lots of good choices to my taste. I had a short list of two, and it so happened to turn out that they are brothers (and Vietnamese). Took the older one first, and his English skills were really good and he was quite charismatic. The following night I went with the younger brother. Both were satisfactory, nothing earth shattering but an enjoyable time nonetheless. Mamasan was helpful and wrote down the badge numbers of boys that could do my requests.
• Freshboys: Didn't off anyone here, rather just watched the show and had a drink. I liked the choices here though, lots of toned twinks.
• Tawan: Just went here for the show as the boys here are much too big for me. Really relaxed atmosphere (although packed in like sardines), and the most x-rated show with a fucking show and jerk-off show amongst others. There were a couple of smaller looking guys in the rotation that would have been suitable for me, as well as the waiter.
• Banana bar: The majority of the show is katoeys, but they are the most stunning I've seen in all of the bars. The boys don't get much stage time, but I did spot one that I had offed previously when he used to work at Freshboys so we had a drink together. Smoking is allowed in this bar so you will smell like an ashtray when you leave.
• Moonlight: Went mainly for the show, which is very tame these days. Lots of good options in the rotation though, plus there are the models.
• Hotmale: A good line up here, and a good show (with very nice dicks). I went back with a Cambodian guy and he was lots of fun.
• Jupiter: Firstly, very impressed with the quality here. All model material and I could have easily gone with any of them. Mamasan told me the off fee and expected tip for boy, which he said 3000 for short time which I thought was a little on the higher side but maybe because they are models, the higher tip was expected. Or inflation. I ended up going with a nice Cambodian boy, sex was pleasant (but not earth shattering), and afterwards when I gave him 3000 he asked 'is that all?' I was confused, so then he said his rate was 5000. I was dumbfounded. To avoid any conflict I offered 4000 which he accepted. Note to myself for future, to always ask the boy what his tip expectations are, even if you know what the market price is. Kinda left a sour taste in my mouth, but this doesn't reflect so much on the bar itself. You live and you learn, and I'll put it down as an expensive mistake.
• Sol: The only bar I didn't manage to get to, but there is always next time.

Massage

• Prime: I went here quite a few times, as I always do, and it's always high quality and run like a well-oiled machine. Advance bookings are required, although I think they are getting a little quieter now that high season is slowing down a bit.
• Jey Spa: My first time here. I booked in advance a boy who I had been admiring for quite some time, and I was really happy I finally met him. Exceeded my expectations too. Facilities are quite nice, and they are very responsive on Line.
• Senso: Only my second time here. The boy that I had last time was on vacation, so I chose another who was smiling and waving at me. He was a lot of fun and definitely worth a repeat when I come back.
• Kman: Last trip I had an excellent time here, so ended up booking the same boy and had an excellent time again. Prices here are much cheaper, but I tip generously.

Hotels

• Quarter Silom: Good location. The rooms are a little small but well-presented, and with some interesting lighting controls. Rooms are not sound proofed, so you will hear everything. This hotel attracts I think mostly gay clientele, and there is lots of eye candy.
• Crowne Plaza: Probably my most favourite hotel in the area, but it does come with a hefty price tag. Very quiet, and very guest friendly. I came in late one night with boy in tow, and a manager-like person even pressed the elevator button for us.
• Le Siam: It's decent, and I did like staying on the other side of Silom Road for once. There are heaps of food options on Convent road which was great. Room size was okay and it is a little dated, but the price point was appropriate. 

Other things of note

• I finally met the esteemed @vinapu in person! My first forum member I have met, and we had lunch at Happy Beer Garden, whilst having pleasant conversation. Nice to meet you!

To be continued...

[Boy69]

59 minutes ago, ichigo said:

Jupiter: Firstly, very impressed with the quality here. All model material and I could have easily gone with any of them. Mamasan told me the off fee and expected tip for boy, which he said 3000 for short time which I thought was a little on the higher side but maybe because they are models, the higher tip was expected. Or inflation. I ended up going with a nice Cambodian boy, sex was pleasant (but not earth shattering), and afterwards when I gave him 3000 he asked 'is that all?' I was confused, so then he said his rate was 5000. I was dumbfounded. To avoid any conflict I offered 4000 which he accepted. Note to myself for future, to always ask the boy what his tip expectations are, even if you know what the market price is. Kinda left a sour taste in my mouth, but this doesn't reflect so much on the bar itself. You live and you learn, and I'll put it down as an expensive mistake.

My suspicion is probably right boys who get off from bars are paying commission to the mamasan and/or the bar probably the boy didn't want to pay it from the 3000 baht you gave him and mist likely the extra 1000 baht went to the mamasan.

The mamasan and the boy misconduct here better to close the fee in advance straight with the boy and better not to discuss it with mamasan at all most of them are crooks.

[reader]

Thanks for great report.

Regarding Jupiter guy's request for 5k, you handled it diplomatically. 3K is a generous ST fee and I'm sure he was more than happy to get 4. Lesson learned about that bar. Thanks for sharing.

[ichigo]

7 hours ago, Boy69 said:

My suspicion is probably right boys who get off from bars are paying commission to the mamasan and/or the bar probably the boy didn't want to pay it from the 3000 baht you gave him and mist likely the extra 1000 baht went to the mamasan.

The mamasan and the boy misconduct here better to close the fee in advance straight with the boy and better not to discuss it with mamasan at all most of them are crooks.

An interesting theory. Definitely will next time discuss tip direct with boy, but I didn't even ask mamasan as I know the going rates, he just kinda told me. Maybe he thought I was a first-timer lol.

5 hours ago, reader said:

Thanks for great report.

Regarding Jupiter guy's request for 5k, you handled it diplomatically. 3K is a generous ST fee and I'm sure he was more than happy to get 4. Lesson learned about that bar. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you. I don't mind paying 3k for short time, provided that he gives me a really good time and goes above and beyond. 5k is a bit much for me, but I know there are boys that charge more, eg. Babe at moonlight charges 8k, but he is kinda famous so I guess that is warranted. 

[floridarob]

42 minutes ago, ichigo said:

but he is kinda famous so I guess that is warranted. 

Is it 🙄

 

 

6 hours ago, reader said:

3K is a generous ST fee and I'm sure he was more than happy to get 4

When he said, that's all... I would've said yes, talk to your mamasan.

A massage guy from paradise tried that in Pattaya, I said I'll walk back and we can talk to your boss together if you want to clear this up.

One of my biggest peeves in Thailand, wanting more than agreed to when many of the times doing less than agreed to. Is why I stayed away from the gogo's this trip, the ones I did go to was just a waste of money for overpriced drinks and stupid boy drink/off policies.

Nice report btw, I had every intention of heading  to other massage places further out, but deep down knew I wouldn't , lol

[ichigo]

2 minutes ago, floridarob said:

Is it 🙄

 

 

When he said, that's all... I would've said yes, talk to your mamasan.

A massage guy from paradise tried that in Pattaya, I said I'll walk back and we can talk to your boss together if you want to clear this up.

One of my biggest peeves in Thailand, wanting more than agreed to when many of the times doing less than agreed to. Is why I stayed away from the gogo's this trip, the ones I did go to was just a waste of money for overpriced drinks and stupid boy drink/off policies.

Nice report btw, I had every intention of heading  to other massage places further out, but deep down knew I wouldn't , lol

Yeah it can get a little pricey with drinks/off fees etc, and sometimes a bit of a gamble as we don't always know how they are going to perform and if we are going to connect. But once you find a good one, hold on to him dearly! 

The further out massage places, in Saphan Kwai (and others) are really good value and I would recommend for next time!

[ichigo]

Pattaya

Hotel

• My main criteria for a hotel here was that it had a balcony with an ocean view. I had originally wanted to stay at Baywalk Residence in one of their suites which had an ocean view, however the pricing was on par to the Hilton and I didn't want to pay those prices, especially in Pattaya. I ended up finding the Hermann Hotel which was much cheaper and had the ocean view (well, half ocean view, which was sufficient) and balcony I was after. It's only a short 10 minute walk to BoysTown. The room is big and well-appointed, and reasonably priced. Only drawback was a couple of times early in the morning (maybe like 5am) I could hear a Thai lady yelling in the corridor.

Bar

• Only managed to get to X-boys, and it was quite good. There wasn't a huge rotation, but the show was quite good, very varied and at times hilarious. Later on, towards the end, the show boys were just dancing on stage with their dicks flopping about, mostly condomless if I remember correctly. Didn't off anyone on this occasion.

Massage

• Paradise: Had a great time with a boy here. I'm versatile but was in the mood for topping that day so I asked the boy who greeted me who can bottom, and he said all boys here can, so I ended up just going with him. I still ended up bottoming though?? Go figure.. 
• Relax: Started with a foot massage before deciding if I wanted more, the foot massage was good so I decided to go for an oil massage. Had a good time with the boy, I just wanted light fun only that day, but I think more could be on the cards as he tried to stick it in at one point.

Transport

• Rather than use the cheaper bus from Suvarnabhumi that drops you to Jomtien bus station, I booked Bell Travel Service online in advance. A little more expensive (325 THB), still leaves from Suvarnabhumi but once you get to North Pattaya bus station, you are transferred to a mini bus which drops you to your hotel (and then vice versa on the way back). The bus itself was comfortable and in a 1-2 seating configuration.

Other

• They are currently ripping up the sidewalk on the non-beach side of Beach Road, so that can be a bit chaotic as you can imagine.

To be continued...

[vinapu]

13 hours ago, Boy69 said:

My suspicion is probably right boys who get off from bars are paying commission to the mamasan and/or the bar probably the boy didn't want to pay it from the 3000 baht you gave him and mist likely the extra 1000 baht went to the mamasan.

The mamasan and the boy misconduct here better to close the fee in advance straight with the boy and better not to discuss it with mamasan at all most of them are crooks.

I would, t be so extreme as calling Mamasans  crooks and certainly not most of them but I agree that it, s much, much better to seal the deals directly with the boy. I call Mamasan for help only in very rere cases when it, s clear communication with thr guy is problematic. But even then we have Google translate. 

I know about one case when veteran boy left popular massage place because finally he could,t stand Mamasan demanding his cut of tips

[vinapu]

6 hours ago, ichigo said:

An interesting theory. Definitely will next time discuss tip direct with boy, but I didn't even ask mamasan as I know the going rates, he just kinda told me. Maybe he thought I was a first-timer lol.

Thank you. I don't mind paying 3k for short time, provided that he gives me a really good time and goes above and beyond. 5k is a bit much for me, but I know there are boys that charge more, eg. Babe at moonlight charges 8k, but he is kinda famous so I guess that is warranted. 

It was nice to finally meet you and thank you for finding a time for me.

As for tips I,m strong believer in market economy and boys are free to ask as much as they think they can get and we the clints are free to counteroffer, accept or reject it as long as all. Is communicated clearly anf timely I. E.well before deed is done. 

As with all market conditions things change and for example this trip I had pleasure, actually great pleasure, to interact with guy who gladly accepted  overnight  fee of exactly 60% of what he was firmly asking for as late as 1 1/2 year ago. Rare example of guy thinking long term  and result was 7 offs including 4 days tour of Angkor ruins. 

When comes to Babe I think after multiple modifications to his face and slimming his body his glory is slowly fading away. He, while still is born performer and looking still attractive, at least for some, rarely now concludes model parade and days of multiple garlands hanging from his neck seem to be gone. 

Honestly I,d be curious how many of takers he has for supposed 8000 ST. 

Seems that Mean is rising star, on my recent visit out of 8 garlands distributed, 5 were hanging of his neck. Another night I spotted him dining with Oriental girl at UNESCO Foodland and from I could hear from just passing by their table seems he has very good command of English. 

 

[ichigo]

Phuket 

Bars

• Didn't go to any, next time!

Massage

• 4 Massage: Only went here this trip but quite glad this place still exists, although they have moved just around the corner from where they previously were. I went with 3 different boys here, one of which I've been seeing since 2019 who is always good fun. He massaged my legs for probably 5 minutes before the main event started, but he always gives me a good time. Another who was messaging me on Grindr on my last trip to Phuket (2022) I finally got the chance to try, and he was very good and happily bottomed for me, and another boy who was relatively new was also quite good and bottomed for me also (requested an inflated tip which I just had to laugh at). I always have a good time here.

Hotel

• Baan Paradise: Situated in one of the streets in the paradise complex, it was decent enough and close to all the action. I had a balcony room so was able to look out onto the street and watch the people go by. It is a pretty lively area with people coming and going, plenty of restaurants, bars and massage shops (for gays and straights), and it is only a short walk to the beach. 

Other

• Didn't do much else here, and although Phuket isn't one of my favourite destinations, I still feel drawn to it every once in a while. Maybe for the massage boys, who knows. It is quite a big island so I may try staying in a different area next time.
• The Phuket Smart Bus runs up and down the west coast from the airport down to Rawai and it is reasonably priced for 100 THB one way. Doesn't run super often though, maybe once an hour or twice in the busy periods.

Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

• A boy I met in Jomtien a few years ago went back home to Korat and asks me occasionally to come visit him so I thought I would considering I didn't have much else to do. I also wanted to try out the long distance trains, which were easy enough to book online, and very affordable. The train left from the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, which is absolutely massive but probably good forward planning for the future. I took a 2nd class aircon carriage which was comfortable enough.
• My hotel was less than a 10 minute walk from the train station, and after meeting the boy at Terminal 21, we later had a look around some of the attractions in the city as well as going to the tower back at Terminal 21 to look at the view over Korat. Boy stayed overnight, which was my only overnight this whole trip as I don't usually like long time. He also insisted on buying me dinner which I thought was sweet.
• I only gave myself one night here as I wanted to give myself an out incase things went pear shaped. Would I go back? Maybe, but it wouldn't be somewhere I would go regularly. I did see some farang there though.
• On the way back to Bangkok, I was in a 2nd class aircon carriage and this was the type with the open windows and also the back door was wide open as we went. I really enjoyed watching the scenery go by, and really interesting and exciting to see all the new structures for the train lines going up, which are massive and seemingly a little out of place in the countryside, but I think these are for the new high speed rail that is going to Laos and other places?
• I had a cute guy sit next to me for some of the trip, and I offered him some of my bread (which he declined), and later on struck up a short conversation with me before he got off at Saraburi.

Final thoughts: I had a nice time and just kinda tried to pace myself since I was here for a while (and also not incredibly fit). I'm slowly building up my list of regulars which is good for future trips, and ate quite a lot of nice food. And same as always, I would often get mistaken for being Thai (which I take as a compliment), even in bars, and it's amusing when they talk to me in Thai and I just kinda look confused, or say something like 'kor tord na kap, English na kap'. I'll get around to learning Thai one day. My next trip may be in June/July, or December, or both. I'm not sure yet. But I do want to visit a few more places, like more islands. Thanks for reading! 

[Londoner]

1 hour ago, ichigo said:

I would often get mistaken for being Thai

It interests me that SE Asians have difficulty in recognising each others' backgrounds. My Thai boyfriend- mixed Thai, Chinese and Hmong - was frequently mistaken for an Indonesian when we were in Bali. Even in Thailand  when he is with me,  he is sometimes asked where he's from. I stand out  (like a sore thumb, some would say!) as British!

[reader]

1 minute ago, Londoner said:

It interests me that SE Asians have difficulty in recognising each others' backgrounds. My Thai boyfriend- mixed Thai, Chinese and Hmong - was frequently mistaken for an Indonesian when we were in Bali. Even in Thailand  when he is with me,  he is sometimes asked where he's from.

Agree. Your guy sounds like a great combination of traits.

[ichigo]

1 hour ago, Londoner said:

It interests me that SE Asians have difficulty in recognising each others' backgrounds. My Thai boyfriend- mixed Thai, Chinese and Hmong - was frequently mistaken for an Indonesian when we were in Bali. Even in Thailand  when he is with me,  he is sometimes asked where he's from. I stand out  (like a sore thumb, some would say!) as British!

It baffles me further as I am only half asian (and half caucasian) so I don't have the strongest asian looks, but mamasan in screwboys said that I looked like a 'modern thai', whatever that means, perhaps one that works and lives in the city thus having lighter skin due to not working in the sun in the fields.

[floridarob]

49 minutes ago, ichigo said:

so I don't have the strongest asian looks,

@namazu used to say he has a Generic Asian Face....🧐

[Lucky]

My husband was frequently mistaken for Thai. Beyond that, most service people directed their questions at him, and gave the bill to him instead of me. He's Chinese.

[Boy69]

8 hours ago, vinapu said:

I would, t be so extreme as calling Mamasans  crooks and certainly not most of them but I agree that it, s much, much better to seal the deals directly with the boy. I call Mamasan for help only in very rere cases when it, s clear communication with thr guy is problematic. But even then we have Google translate. 

I know about one case when veteran boy left popular massage place because finally he could,t stand Mamasan demanding his cut of tips

I don't mind speaking with mama sans if I am interested with a certain boy if he is top or bottom his nationality and so on but not about money issues at all .

[Olddaddy]

Wow ! 4,000 baht for short time!

I couldn't afford Bangkok, have to stick to Pattaya ,but obviously the quality is better in BKK

Is that a "normal" rate or only for high season?

[Keithambrose]

3 minutes ago, Olddaddy said:

Wow ! 4,000 baht for short time!

I couldn't afford Bangkok, have to stick to Pattaya ,but obviously the quality is better in BKK

Is that a "normal" rate or only for high season?

Is the quality better in Bangkok?

[Olddaddy]

4 minutes ago, Keithambrose said:

Is the quality better in Bangkok?

Yes I believe so 

Model looking guys apparently 

[Keithambrose]

Just now, Olddaddy said:

Yes I believe so 

Model looking guys apparently 

But is the sex better?

[srvhakko]

When I asked last month, I learned that Mr. Babe demanded 8,000 baht and Mr. Mean demanded 7,000 baht for short time.

[Keithambrose]

On 1/30/2024 at 4:05 PM, ichigo said:

This recent trip was the longest I've stayed in Thailand (nearly a month) and was enjoyable despite some random health issues that decided to pop up. Rather than a day by day account, I'll just outline some interesting points.

Bangkok

Bars

• Dreamboys: I went here a few times, mainly to see my favourite boy and managed to off him just once. I think he is popular because on another two occasions I visited the bar, he was already booked by a customer. I felt as though the quality has dropped since last time, but there are still some gems. 
• Screwboys: I was surprised by the high quality here actually, and there were lots of good choices to my taste. I had a short list of two, and it so happened to turn out that they are brothers (and Vietnamese). Took the older one first, and his English skills were really good and he was quite charismatic. The following night I went with the younger brother. Both were satisfactory, nothing earth shattering but an enjoyable time nonetheless. Mamasan was helpful and wrote down the badge numbers of boys that could do my requests.
• Freshboys: Didn't off anyone here, rather just watched the show and had a drink. I liked the choices here though, lots of toned twinks.
• Tawan: Just went here for the show as the boys here are much too big for me. Really relaxed atmosphere (although packed in like sardines), and the most x-rated show with a fucking show and jerk-off show amongst others. There were a couple of smaller looking guys in the rotation that would have been suitable for me, as well as the waiter.
• Banana bar: The majority of the show is katoeys, but they are the most stunning I've seen in all of the bars. The boys don't get much stage time, but I did spot one that I had offed previously when he used to work at Freshboys so we had a drink together. Smoking is allowed in this bar so you will smell like an ashtray when you leave.
• Moonlight: Went mainly for the show, which is very tame these days. Lots of good options in the rotation though, plus there are the models.
• Hotmale: A good line up here, and a good show (with very nice dicks). I went back with a Cambodian guy and he was lots of fun.
• Jupiter: Firstly, very impressed with the quality here. All model material and I could have easily gone with any of them. Mamasan told me the off fee and expected tip for boy, which he said 3000 for short time which I thought was a little on the higher side but maybe because they are models, the higher tip was expected. Or inflation. I ended up going with a nice Cambodian boy, sex was pleasant (but not earth shattering), and afterwards when I gave him 3000 he asked 'is that all?' I was confused, so then he said his rate was 5000. I was dumbfounded. To avoid any conflict I offered 4000 which he accepted. Note to myself for future, to always ask the boy what his tip expectations are, even if you know what the market price is. Kinda left a sour taste in my mouth, but this doesn't reflect so much on the bar itself. You live and you learn, and I'll put it down as an expensive mistake.
• Sol: The only bar I didn't manage to get to, but there is always next time.

Massage

• Prime: I went here quite a few times, as I always do, and it's always high quality and run like a well-oiled machine. Advance bookings are required, although I think they are getting a little quieter now that high season is slowing down a bit.
• Jey Spa: My first time here. I booked in advance a boy who I had been admiring for quite some time, and I was really happy I finally met him. Exceeded my expectations too. Facilities are quite nice, and they are very responsive on Line.
• Senso: Only my second time here. The boy that I had last time was on vacation, so I chose another who was smiling and waving at me. He was a lot of fun and definitely worth a repeat when I come back.
• Kman: Last trip I had an excellent time here, so ended up booking the same boy and had an excellent time again. Prices here are much cheaper, but I tip generously.

Hotels

• Quarter Silom: Good location. The rooms are a little small but well-presented, and with some interesting lighting controls. Rooms are not sound proofed, so you will hear everything. This hotel attracts I think mostly gay clientele, and there is lots of eye candy.
• Crowne Plaza: Probably my most favourite hotel in the area, but it does come with a hefty price tag. Very quiet, and very guest friendly. I came in late one night with boy in tow, and a manager-like person even pressed the elevator button for us.
• Le Siam: It's decent, and I did like staying on the other side of Silom Road for once. There are heaps of food options on Convent road which was great. Room size was okay and it is a little dated, but the price point was appropriate. 

Other things of note

• I finally met the esteemed @vinapu in person! My first forum member I have met, and we had lunch at Happy Beer Garden, whilst having pleasant conversation. Nice to meet you!

To be continued...

Just interested as to what left a sour taste in your mouth!

[Olddaddy]

Just now, srvhakko said:

When I asked last month, I learned that Mr. Babe demanded 8,000 baht and Mr. Mean demanded 7,000 baht for short time.

Well it's supply & demand 

They wouldn't be asking if they weren't getting it 

Thats probably more than what you would pay in the Western Countries though 😳

[srvhakko]

Yes, supply is limited and demand is high. After a few months Mr.Mean can increase his price even more because according to my observations he has a lot of fans especially from asian countries.

[reader]

2 hours ago, Olddaddy said:

Well it's supply & demand 

They wouldn't be asking if they weren't getting it 

Thats probably more than what you would pay in the Western Countries though 😳

You're right that it's about demand. For high rollers, 7-8k is no barrier and those are the customers these guys cater to.

In most major US and European cities, 7-8k is more the norm.