Trip report from May and June 2014 to Gay Thailand

[TotallyOz]

It was a very interesting trip for me to Thailand this year. I did not go for the bars, Clubs, massage parlors or anything of the sort very many times. I made this trip to Thailand and order to get into shape and to lose some weight. All in all, I spent slightly less than two months in Thailand. I stayed in three different hotels, visited three different fitness centers, and had approximately 15 Thai massages.

 

When I first arrived in Thailand I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok. I have stated this hotel many times over the last 10 years. It is one of my favorite hotels in Thailand. I like the convenience of being close to all the malls and easy access to the sky-train. From this hotel I am able to walk to at least four or five major malls. And I also enjoyed being able to recover in this hotel after a long flight to Thailand.

 

The majority of my time I stayed at the Ascott Hotel near Chong Nosi. The boys and I got a two bedroom two bath apartment unit. It was an executive two bedroom apartment. It was approximately 2000 ft.². The hotel includes a fitness center called the Cascade Club. The Cascade Club is one of the best fitness centers in Bangkok. The cost for month for the apartment was 90,000 Thai baht per month and that included everything but there was a limit on electricity and we ended up paying about another 5k per month for that.

 

I have stayed at The Ascott 4 times over the years and always loved it. This time was a bit different. A hotel has to live up to certain standards to get my business. The most important thing to me is the Internet. This hotel is a bit older but having stayed here in the past, I did not have any problem and thus, all my great past reviews of The Ascott. But, on this trip, the Internet was horrendous.

 

The Internet was so bad that I called to the front desk to complain over 47 times in 2 months. I had to go downstairs and talk to them 16 times. In other words, the Internet was so horrible that often I could not even access websites or do any work. Skype was impossible and I could not get through one call without the call being dropped or the Internet freezing up.

 

After 6 weeks, they sent a letter to all guests that they were upgrading the system and it would be down for a few hours while they did that. I was thrilled and saw this as a way for the hotel to redeem itself. It had the opposite effect. The "new fix" made it even worse than before.

 

If I thought it was just me, I might be a bit more positive. But, I had conversations over the 2 months with over 15 other residents who said the exact same thing. They were all shocked at the hotel having the worst Internet they had seen.

 

I will have to say, that I have stayed here in the past with no issue. The issue must reside in their current Internet provider as they changed companies. But, they went from something that worked to something that was totally useless.

 

After one week, I was ready to go. If I had not paid for the 2nd month in advance, I would have just left. But, after 2 months staying at the hotel that I have praised in the past, I can say that I am more disappointed in the management of this hotel for failing to come up with a solution to a crisis that existed for at least 2 months. They may respond and say it is all better now, but the truth it, they told me that repeatedly over my trip there and I was deceived. As I have traveled across Thailand and stayed in very small hotels in the middle of no where, it is sad when a huge hotel in the capital of Thailand has worst Internet service than any other hotel I have stayed at in over 10 years of visiting the country.

 

On all my other stays at The Ascott, I was wishing I had booked longer. On this stay, I could not wait to get away. The hotel was a major disappoint and the lack of action spoke a great deal of managements lack of having ears that listen to customers.

 

The staff was apologetic and nice but they were helpless to do anything to fix this. One-Hundred percent of this blame goes to upper management and their inability to solve a crisis situation. They should have fired the company providing the Internet or came up with another way for residents to get a decent connection. Having said that, the owners of the hotel must either pay more attention to what is going on at their properties so that the great reputation they have build up is not destroyed based on incompetent management of one property and for my stay, the management not only underachieved but turned one of my favorite properties into one I doubt I'll ever visit again!

 

I only went to Soi Twilight on three or four occasions. I went with a friend for him to see his boyfriend. And I went a couple more times on my own. This area is not as enjoyable to me as it once was. I tend to get bored in this area very easily and to stay in the area for a long period of time is not something I have enjoyed for many years.

 

I want to Hero Massage about five times. All but one of those times I had a good time. On one occasion I didn't find what I was looking for and my regular massage boy was not there so I took a walk down to Banana Massage. At Banana Massage I found a very handsome Vietnamese boy that I had a very good time with. He was extremely sexy and he was also new to Bangkok. I enjoyed spending time with him. The massage was not great and the sex was not great but I still had a good time as he was so adorable.

 

There was a three-week stretch that I did not even leave my hotel. The hotel has three different restaurants inside and I enjoy each of the restaurants. But the boys and I ended up cooking the vast majority of our meals as I was trying to eat in a more nutritious way than most restaurants will cook. We did our grocery shopping once a week at Siam Paragon Mall and we would stock up on all the fresh vegetables and meats that we needed for the week.

 

I was also able to visit Chiva Som for a five day spa vacation. Chiva Som is one of the best spas and all of the world. It is extremely beautiful, extremely serene, and unfortunately is also extremely expensive. I booked a five day program that included several massage therapies per day as well as some personal training sessions. I also upgraded to one of there larger rooms. The cost was 265,000 baht for the 5 days. That is an extremely high rate to pay but I was doing research for a company and my expenses were covered.

 

I visited 3 different fitness centers near Chong Nosi. My hotel has the Cascade Club inside so that is where we spent a great deal of time. But, Richard Branson opened up Virgin Fitness next door to us in Empire Building. One of my former trainers works there and invited me over for a week. It is very very nice and I'd really consider joining on my next trip.

 

They also opened up a Fitness First right near the sky train entrance. It was also a great gym and great facility. So for me, there were 3 amazing fitness centers all within about 5 minutes walk of each other. I am not sure why they did this but I am glad they did. This area of Sathorn is filled with traffic and often hard to get a taxi but they keep building more and more condos and hotels. The Ascott is right across the street from the new W Hotel in Bangkok. The area has tons of great places to visit and eat.

 

I did not venture out to many new restaurants but did eat at several that I had eaten at before.

 

I spent most days at the pool at in the afternoon or evening and I really enjoyed the lack of tourists. I had the pool to myself for many days and I would swim a few laps and just swim around in the water for hours. Near the end of my stay, it started to get a bit rainy and windy and that drove even more people from the hotel.

 

I was there during the coup but that did not affect me in the least other than the lack of foreign news, etc. that others experienced.

 

I didn't post blow by blow of my trip as I have written about most places I visited on this trip in the past. Other than the disappointment with my 2 months stay at The Ascott, I had a great time. I have 2 amazing guys that take wonderful care of me. I ended up loosing a bit over 40 pounds in 2 months. I also was able to meet up with old friends from days gone by.

 

I still love Thailand but I think over the years I have grown to love the slow pace of life much more than the high speed of the bars and clubs. I spent less than 4 hours total in all the bars on this trip. So, more time was spent just enjoying life.

 

The biggest treat for me was Chiva Som. I have been there 2 times in the past and I love the place. I would live there if I could afford it but the cost is just over the top.

 

I took Delta both ways. I like their service and I sat in Business Class. I always buy a cheap ticket and upgrade with miles to business class. My return cost 1700 USD plus 30k miles.

 

Other than one day in Pattaya, 5 days in Hua Hin at Chiva Som, I spent the rest of my time in Bangkok in the Sathorn area.

 

It was a fun 2 months!

[firecat69]

Let me know if who ever paid for Chiva Som needs any additional reporting. What was the breakdown of Nationalities at this wonderful Spa.

 

I guess I can check Trip Advisor for a terrible review of The Ascott which apparently is well deserved.

[Guest anonone]

Congrats to Michael on the weight lose. Very impressive.

 

I was wondering if all was ok as you posted enough to indicate you were in Thailand, but we're not the prolific poster that I had come to expect when you were in town.

 

Glad you enjoyed your time with your 2 boys. Don't be a stranger as you hunker down at the next locale....

[TotallyOz]

Let me know if who ever paid for Chiva Som needs any additional reporting. What was the breakdown of Nationalities at this wonderful Spa.

Thanks Firecat.

 

There are always people from a wide variety of countries there. There were some from USA, Australia, South Africa, Brazil (I assume renting out their condo in Rio for massive amounts), Malaysia and several from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Most that I talked to had been there before and were repeat. Some were new. Most were couples but some were alone or with friends. The nicest group I met was from South Africa. They were fun and had a great time.

[vinapu]

Nice report, 

 

This internet  fuck -up really tickled you off. I understand it messed you with your research.

 

On bona fide vacations I'd  be happy  if internet would not be working, excuse of not even looking computer side just for break.

 

Congrats from me as well on weight loss, 2 pounds every 3 days shows it can be done if one is motivated enough.

 

I'm glad you found Banana  , IMHO underrated competitor to HERO , for me  is usually other way around, going to Hero but getting disctracted by Banana sign and finishing up there.

 

What is wrong with soi Twilight? Not a first time somebody complains that is getting boring and uninteresting,

 

Certainly not my impression, I could spent whole days there just watching traffic passing by. 

But like you I found joys of slow speed vacations so I'm not surprised you liked being enclosed in Sathorn. This is why I don't like luxury hotels in BKK  , they are so nice that  one doesn't feel even need to hit streets.

[TotallyOz]

Nice report,

Thank you!

 

On bona fide vacations I'd be happy if internet would not be working, excuse of not even looking computer side just for break.

I don't really have bona fide vacations. I live in hotels 365 days a year and thus everywhere I am at I have some work to do which requires an Internet connection. I don't like long term breaks from the computer. If I took those, I would never be able to afford a hotel.

 

What is wrong with soi Twilight? Not a first time somebody complains that is getting boring and uninteresting,

Well, I didn't mean to complain. I guess that is the way it sounded but it wasn't my intent. I just don't like spending more money on a drink than I would in a New York City club. I also grew tired of the shows there years back. There was one show a few years ago that I loved but they had different dance routines, cabaret type show. I loved it but it is now closed.

 

I always like to go for one or two visits on a trip but I hate the guys out front trying to ply you into their bar with broken promises.

 

This is why I don't like luxury hotels in BKK , they are so nice that one doesn't feel even need to hit streets.

The king of this type is the Vegas hotels. In each one, there is virtually everything you could need. Most have movie theaters, gyms, tons of restaurants, a full mall and the list goes on. I have to be in Vegas 2 times a year for conventions and every time I go I am really amazed at how easy it is to never leave your hotel. I was reading last week an article on the World's largest hotels and a great many are on the strip in Vegas.

 

I think over the years, I have just tried to relax a bit more and not try to cram so much into my trips to LOS.

[KhorTose]

After 6 weeks, they sent a letter to all guests that they were upgrading the system and it would be down for a few hours while they did that. I was thrilled and saw this as a way for the hotel to redeem itself. It had the opposite effect. The "new fix" made it even worse than before.

I always prefer to stay at service apartments. If may not be your style but I would recommend the Center Point Hotel near the BTS Saphan Taksin. The internet and staff are great and it has an 8.7 rating on Agoda.

 

I still love Thailand but I think over the years I have grown to love the slow pace of life much more than the high speed of the bars and clubs. I spent less than 4 hours total in all the bars on this trip. So, more time was spent just enjoying life.

Sounds like you are ready for Chiang Mai

[kokopelli]

.

 

I took Delta both ways. I like their service and I sat in Business Class. I always buy a cheap ticket and upgrade with miles to business class. My return cost 1700 USD plus 30k miles.

 

 

Michael, can you expand upon this?  Did you arrive on a one way ticket? And assume the return was one way?  And from what city in USA? Did you book with Delta? And any problems coming to Thailand on a one way ticket?

Your return ticket was a good deal.  I know that Delta is funny with one way tickets for award travel although that will change.

[Guest shamahan]

265000 baht for 5 days, it is about 2000 US per day. I am not sure why bother to travel. With this kind of money, you can have everything in US

(boys, girls or whatever you wish.) I still do not understand what attracts people to filthy BKK. Why not to stay in Pattaya? You may rent a palace and have a perfect internet over there.

[firecat69]

Try reading the post. He did not pay for stay!!! Also Pattaya is less filthy then BKK? In what way.

 

"I was also able to visit Chiva Som for a five day spa vacation. Chiva Som is one of the best spas and all of the world. It is extremely beautiful, extremely serene, and unfortunately is also extremely expensive. I booked a five day program that included several massage therapies per day as well as some personal training sessions. I also upgraded to one of there larger rooms. The cost was 265,000 baht for the 5 days. That is an extremely high rate to pay but I was doing research for a company and my expenses were covered."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don't think either one is filthy depending on where you are although all the beaches in Pattaya are definitely filthy.

[ChristianPFC]

Let me present my condolences for your internet problems. Where I stay now, there are some problems as well, so I can commiserate. I have some flexibility, so I can do something else if internet breaks down for a day (which has happened).

[TotallyOz]

Sounds like you are ready for Chiang Mai

I have considered a move to Chiang Mai for a while. One of my boys has a 10 year old son. I want them to be close together so I normally stay close to the Chomburi area as much as possible but I have told both boys that eventually Chiang Mai is the place I'll be. I have spent months there in the past and loved it.

 

 

Michael, can you expand upon this?  Did you arrive on a one way ticket? And assume the return was one way?  And from what city in USA? Did you book with Delta? And any problems coming to Thailand on a one way ticket?

Your return ticket was a good deal.  I know that Delta is funny with one way tickets for award travel although that will change.

 

Delta has been great with one way tickets for me. They have been willing to upgrade them for a while.

 

I arrived in Thailand on the last leg of a roundtrip. I prefer to start in BKK and end USA as the cost is usually about 1/2 price of booking a round trip from USA to BKK. On this trip, I really don't know when I'll get back to Thailand so I just booked a one way as I didn't want to waste money on the round trip as they expire.

 

When I got to airport in USA, they needed me to show them an exit ticket. I showed them one I had just an schedule for. No problems at all. But, in USA, they do expect a return.

 

265000 baht for 5 days, it is about 2000 US per day. I am not sure why bother to travel. With this kind of money, you can have everything in US

(boys, girls or whatever you wish.) I still do not understand what attracts people to filthy BKK. Why not to stay in Pattaya? You may rent a palace and have a perfect internet over there.

 

Like Firecat said, I didn't pay.

 

But, I think Bangkok is an amazing city. I love the malls and the hotels. Pattaya is fun as well but good only in little spurts. To each his own I guess.

 

 

Let me present my condolences for your internet problems. Where I stay now, there are some problems as well, so I can commiserate. I have some flexibility, so I can do something else if internet breaks down for a day (which has happened).

Thanks. Yes, it sucked but there wasn't much I could do other than use my 4G (LOL). I find that when I need Internet in USA, I pair my phone with the computer and it is amazing speeds. That is not true for me in Bangkok as I think the 4G is not 4G or 3G.

[Guest travelerjim]

Thanks Michael for the report...

please your trip was mostly successful....especially your health & weight loss.

 

Thanks for the helpful tip re: upgrading on Delta to Business Class using miles from some Coach fares.

The one way tip is helpful...a reminder for me...

 

Their usual time for the lowest price Business Class is 90 days...$3100-3400 +/- fm BKK to West Coast USA.

Goes up by about $1500 roundtrip when exceeds 90 days.

 

tj

[farangyai]

I enjoyed reading your post.  Your descriptions show the variety of different ways different people enjoy Thailand. I also find myself drawn to Bangkok because of the variety. It can be a fulfilling trip just to experience the many different things that are offered there.

 

During my last trip I spent about a week taking cooking classes in the morning and a long massage in the afternoon.  The next week it was visiting museums in the morning and again long massages in the afternoon. It was very relaxing.

 

But I must admit, I still enjoyed my nightly visits to Soi Twilight.

 

Thanks again for the interesting post.

 

 

[vinapu]

I still do not understand what attracts people to filthy BKK. Why not to stay in Pattaya? You may rent a palace and have a perfect internet over there.

Bangkok is world class city, Pattaya is provincial backwater with dirty beaches  but first class boys and girls.

 

You can easily spent 2 months in Bangkok not being bored, try that in Pattaya, fast you will gain that sad face of resident  farangs there.

[Guest]

I agree entirely with your thoughts on the internet connection Michael.

 

If that's an internal network problem, the hotel should get it fixed in no more than 24 hours.

 

If the problem is with the service provider, they should change the service provider, if they cannot fix the issue promptly.   Providing of course, the Thai internet market allows such fast changes.

Anyhow, if I was running a large hotel & receiving such shoddy service, I would be constantly onto the service provider.  Considering they probably have a HQ in Bangkok, I would be paying them a visit if the issue wasn't resolved in a few days.

[baobao]

If that's an internal network problem, the hotel should get it fixed in no more than 24 hours.

 

With you on that one, for sure, but it usually happens on Thai Time. I stayed in a hotel last year where I'd asked where the wireless box was as a guesstimate to how good the coverage would be. The woman told me it was directly across the hall from my room, and it was; I could see it on the ceiling.  The problem was the box itself needed to be manually re-set four or five + times a day, there was only that one woman on staff who seemed to know how to do it, and she wasn't there 24 hours a day. I watched her do it the second time, and after that just reached up and pushed the button myself.  I didn't need to stand on a chair to reach it, either! 

[Smiles]

" ... The Internet was so bad that I called to the front desk to complain over 47 times in 2 months. I had to go downstairs and talk to them 16 times ... "

 

 

I would have kicked your big farang ass down the stairs whining that many times.  Perhaps that was your problem after all ... I would not doubt it.  

[TotallyOz]

I would have kicked your big farang ass down the stairs whining that many times.  Perhaps that was your problem after all ... I would not doubt it.

I guess that just shows what a bad businessman you are. A good paying customer who has stayed a total of over 10 months in 4 years in a hotel and who who pays even more for room service, massages, personal trainers, etc (and did on this trip as well) and who until this visit only praised the hotel. So, when that customer complains (legitimately according to the hotel and staff), and he is not the only one, you would kick him out? LOL Wait, who is the real fool here? You or me? Never mind, I know you hate all my trip reports as we have seen over the years with your comments to them. Why? It does not follow you pay as little as possible and try to be a cheap charlie routine. Seems like one I did on Hua Hin a year or so ago got closed as you were so upset that someone would come to the city and stay in the Intercontinental as opposed to a cheap hotel. I think we both know who the hotels would actually kick out if it were a choice between the two of us. And, it would not be me.

[firecat69]

That should send him back to his usual board where he spouts his negativity. He should change his name to Frowns!!!

[vinapu]

 

During my last trip I spent about a week taking cooking classes in the morning and a long massage in the afternoon.  The next week it was visiting museums in the morning and again long massages in the afternoon. It was very relaxing.

 

But I must admit, I still enjoyed my nightly visits to Soi Twilight.

 

sounds like me, massage in the morning, longer one in the afternoon and nightly visit to Soi Twilight either with boy already arranged or to pick up one

[vinapu]

I would have kicked your big farang ass ...

did you look into mirror when posting ?, just curious

[vinapu]

 

 

If that's an internal network problem, the hotel should get it fixed in no more than 24 hours.

 

 

sooner hotels realize that good internet is as crucial as working A/C better for them. Even if we don use one this should be available 8 days a week / 25 hours a day.

 

I guess they took Michael's custom for granted, hence sloppy rush to fix trouble

[williewillie]

Smiles, you asked for it.

[Alexx]

Network installations at hotels and offices tend to be somewhat complex, so unlike others, I do understand that it's not always possible to come up with a satisfactory solution for each and every problem within 24 hours. That said, it obviously shouldn't take nearly as long as endured by Michael either. Maybe a couple of days.

 

I've had bad luck with internet connections in Thailand every now and then, too. More often than not, I could help myself with mobile internet whenever that has happened, but that's just a workaround and not really a good solution, because whatever they advertise as 3G or even 4G in Thailand is pretty questionable, too. All things considered, internet access in Thailand sucks when compared with (many) other countries, no matter which provider or channel is being used.