Bangkok Report

[Guest pete1969]

I've been meaning to post some of my experiences in BKK. I was there for almost two weeks before I left LOS for the USA.

 

On the reccomendation of the BF, we stayed at The Malaysia. I had heard a great deal about this hotel, and I was a bit hesitant to stay there as I thought it might be seedy. However, all in all, for the price and the facilities, I would reccomend it to any budget traveler. Our room was only 788 baht per night, and it was a functional room that was decently appointed with everything one expects and needs in a hotel room including a mini fridge, cable TV, free bottled water, good shower, decent bed, and so on. There is an outdoor pool although there is not much shade. There is also the infamous 24 hour coffee shop which actually has decent food and provides 24 hour room service. There were a number of boys there late at night although we did not partake. There is also free car park, a 7-11 and an Internet shop across the street, a number of restaurants within walking distance, a massage shop on premise with good prices, and it is within walking distance of Babylon. It is also a short taxi ride from Silom.

 

My favorite experience this trip was the Suam Luan night bazzar (did I spell that right?). Presently they have a giant Ferris Wheel from Paris, and it costs 100 baht per person for a ride. They also have a very good International food court that sits under a retractable roof and has a large entertainment stage. It is a huge food court with a lot from which to choose and a very pleasant environment in which to eat. The shops here are all well done and nice. It is very close to Silom, and it is worth a visit.

 

I've already posted how much we enjoyed the Siam Paragon Mall. We also went to Central World (among others), and once finished that will also be a very first class mall. This trip was the first time I visited the eletronics mall, and next time I am in the market for a laptop, I will go there.

 

My biggest food reccomendation is the Ohishi Grand Buffet in the Siam mall next to Siam Paragon. They actually have a number of these Japanese buffets, but this location is the nicest one. It is pricey at 1,000 baht per person. However, IMO, it is worth every baht as it includes the best buffet selection I have ever had: steaks cooked to order, all types of seafood and prawns, Alaska King Crab, a huge sushi selection, fantastic desserts, and so much more. The decor was also beautiful. We ate overlooking one of the smaller royal palaces. I can't speak highly enough of this place, and I will always go back (as well as try their locations in other places).

 

We did manage to go to a number of bars:

 

The show at Boys BKK and Dreamboys was almost the same. IMO, the very high drink prices and off fees make these two bars (and Future Boys and other bars in Soi Boy) not as worth my time as many other bars in BKK.

 

I had my first visit to Jupiter 2002. This is a beautiful bar with beautiful boys and a very classy show. I will go back here often and not flinch (too much) with the high drink prices. My only thought is that they try a little too hard to be cool and sophisticated. I wish the boys would smile more and that the place was not quite so cold feeling.

 

My first visit to Tawan bar as well. My apologies to TP, but I am not a big fan (and the BF hated it). The decor of the bar is IMO a bit shabby and many of the boys on stage were actually obese (not just plump). There were some very hot muscle men there, but all-in-all it is not my scene.

 

The bar I enjoyed the most in the Silom area was Solid Boys. They had a number of cute boys and 100 baht drinks. The staff was also very friendly (something I don't find as much in BKK as I do in other places). The bar itself is not very nice, but the price, the boys, and the friendly staff make it the best value in Silom IMO.

 

The Golden Cock only had four boys. They were all very friendly but none my type. Good drink prices.

 

This was also my first visit to Saphan Kwai, and this is my favorite area in BKK now. The street was very quiet the night we went. We went to Be High go-go bar which had some cute boys and 150 baht drinks. The boys and the staff were all friendly.

 

My BF used to work for the owner of Bank Karaoke (used to be another name--it is the bar right before the hotel parking lot). We had a great time there. Nice bar with a number of cute boys and exceptionally friendly staff (the owner and staff made time to visit with all of the patrons while we were there).

 

I like the Saphan Kwai area as IMO it is more relaxed, more friendly, and has better prices than the other gay areas in BBK.

 

We also went to the Chakran Sauna for dinner and a steam. The place is beautiful. It is modeled after a Roman or Turkish bath. The pool and jacuzzi are first rate. The food was also good. I wasn't cruising, but if I was I could have had opportunity enough to hook up. The steam room was completely dark and crowded, so I did not stay in there very long (my one complaint although this would be a positive for many).

 

GT and I have both already posted about the guys available in the park across from the Royal Palace (going rate 500 baht). My best BKK find.

 

Pete

 

 

[Guest wowpow]

Pete, What a nice report with considered reviews of the places tht you visited and the reason why.

 

I agree with most of your comments though I am not keen on Suan Lum shops which I find lack the vibrancy of other markets day or night. Long rows of concrete cubicle shops with rare ones of interest.

 

I totally agree with you on the Oishi Grand in Siam Center. It is beautifully designed in a minimalist decor but not cold. The food range is great but don't go late as it gets depleted. The cute thing is that you get little metal shapes with your table number on so if you go and order a steak they cook it as you like and then bring it to your table.

 

There has been a fair bit of talk about Babylon on forums recently. I was wondering what ws happening at Chakran with it's Moroccan decors it's supposed to be on a par with Babylon though I heard fewer Farang chasers.

 

You seem to have visited all the gay highspots of Bangkok. I hope you are exhausted )

 

[Gaybutton]

For those who have not been there, click the following link: http://www.utopia-asia.com/chakran

 

There is a gay massage very near called V-Club. Their web site is: http://www.v-clubbkk.com

 

As long as we're on the subject of saunas, yesterrday evening I was at Howard's Hotel to meet a friend for dinner. Punya was there and I asked him about the opening date of the sauna in Pattaya. He said he is hoping to be able to open at some point in mid-November. He said the reason for the delays is. "You know what it is like trying to get work crews to complete work on time and do things right." Yes, I do know what that can be like, so please be patient with Punya.