So I have been on the forum for sometime to collect tips / lessons learned from the different posts here, as well as refering to external resources. I thought it would be great just to share my observation on best practices in the forum. Hoping that this could be helpful for first timer gay visit to Bangkok. If you have anything else - feel free to add.
A mandatory read it of course the Shameless Mack travel log - https://shamelessmacktwo.travel.blog/category/bangkok/. God bless his soul for being a faithful field reporter of his escapades in Bangkok with lots of charm and character. The forum here also contains many trip report which are written by forum veterans … (Vinapu and others)
Massage Parlor
Understand that there are different type of massage parlors. Not all massage parlors are created equal:
Booking or not: Parlors along Silom area tend to operate on walk-ins (VCK Club, Arena massage) while Saphan Khwai operate on booking basis (KMAN, Phetboy, One, etc). You must have LINE on your phone and add individual massage parlors on LINE to make prior booking. From what I gather, the booking need not to be made too far in advance - a day or two before is probably sufficient
Tipping: It is important to understand what is the minimum tips required for each shop. Whereas the massage parlor state a minimum tip of 1000 baht+ - this signals that some sex is included - if you are not sure and want to have an exact activity in mind, be sure to ask in advance. The common courtesy here is to tip above minimum (up to 50%+) if service received is good.
General thai massage parlor: Some stores along Silom are just a general massage place (like Green Massage by way of example). Here there will be a negotiation with the masseur if you want additional service and what that entails
Not all massage parlors have “happy ending”. For instance, Prime Massage is known for their quality massage and unlikely you’ll have happy ending here. Some men-oriented massage is targeted at high end of the market and will not have sex involved (e.g. Prestige massage, MSense Massage) comes to mind
There are tons of massage shops out there - some are geared toward tourist with tried and true business model (VCK, Prince, Ssense, Gannymede, Arena) while some are geared toward local (KMan, Aura, One, etc). There are stores further out too that are just not in tourist area (Taywa, Master Gallery, etc).
VCK club is likely the most famous shop among foreigners - I’ve heard that the service in this store has gone down with it being too mechanical. You’ll likely be in and out well below the time purchased
If receiving masseur photos in advance, be cautioned that the photo has been enhanced in post-edit - just to keep expectations realistic. The profile of the masseur will often indicate HEIGHT/WEIGHT/ Orientation (Gay/Straight/Bisexual) / Tool size.
Generally have cash ready for tips and to purchase the massage. Do not bring valuables or too much cash.
Gogo Bar (The One, Dreamboy, Moonlight, etc)
GoGo bar is another way (beside Massage parlor) that enable you to have an ‘encounter’. Each bar has its own forte and the reports by various forum members here describe the type of performers are there. Sometimes you can also check out their TikTok to see the lineup of guys there.
There is typically en entrance fee (500 Baht+) that includes a drink
The shows typically start late 10p+
During the show, you will have an opportunity to interact with ‘mamasan’ or ‘papasan’ to see which boy you are interested to take with you at the end of the night
The best practice here it seems is to have a quick chat with the boy first (with mamasan/papasan help, or just wave at him). If you have a chat with the performer, then you need to buy him a drink and maybe a small tip like 100 baht (if you dont end up taking him)
During the negotiation, the best practice is to ask how much is his service be depending on your preference (Short time - couple of hours, or Long time - until next day). This is to avoid surprise of tip amount at the end. If you absolutely need certain activity to be carried out, it also does not hurt to ask now
I believe the rate for ST here is about 1500baht-2000baht whereas long term can be as much as 3000-3500baht. You will also need to pay a bar fine 500baht typically when you take the boy away
If the boy end up leaving earlier than anticipated, you adjust the tip accordingly (advice per forum member here)
Based on my guestimation, the time you will be able to take the boy off with you is likely well past midnight - therefore this method is less than ideal to those who tend to like to sleep earlier
Apps (Grindr/Hornet/JackD/etc)
App is a very common way to find ‘encounter’. Of course, this is probably one of the more uncharted territory that comes with its own risk and reward.
It is important to state your boundary if you have any (Such as no drugs, no alcohol, etc). Pay attention to emoji / description of the profile
If you encounter money boy, looks like the rate is similar to the rate quoted above for Gogo Boy
I heard some hotels as safety measures are more strict with guests and that you may have to register him. I think that’s totally cool and add layer of protection
Sauna / Baththouse
Some famous sauna in Bangkok comes to mind like Krubb, Sauna Mania, R3, etc.
These saunas involve an entry fee (500baht?) and has the typical feature of a gay baththouse: change room, dark room, shower, onsen, sauna, movie room, lounge area, etc
You can see in advance which day the sauna may have a ‘special peformance’ that night which may involve some group activity which you may participate / just see
As with any visit to any gay bathhouse, it is 100% YMMV (Your Mileage may vary). However, if you go in with the expectation just to experience it - especially during night of performance - that on its own can be rewarding to some extent
Safety / STD:
This need not to be said that you need to pay attention to it. Best practice for STD prevention should be top of mind.
At the end of the day, just as with any trip, you may have good experience on certain days and encounter hiccup on another - so don’t worry. We are just learning from each experience and most importantly to have fun
Feel free to add any other tips that I may be missing
