Trip report from ichigo

[vinapu]

10 minutes ago, reader said:

+1

The 3300 baht for 90 minutes at first blush seems like a lot--and it is--but it's not out of the ballpark.

it used to me 1500 for 1.5 hr session and minimum tip 1500 an we are talking about even pre-covid times so certainly not out of whack for Senso.

[10tazione]

3 hours ago, vinapu said:

it used to me 1500 for 1.5 hr session and minimum tip 1500 an we are talking about even pre-covid times so certainly not out of whack for Senso.

I think the 60 min at Senso cost 2.800 Baht. I was there once recently, but left because none of the available guys really convinced me to stay and I decided to safe my energy for other establishments like Dragon&Koi and GoodBoys.

[vinapu]

14 minutes ago, 10tazione said:

I think the 60 min at Senso cost 2.800 Baht. I was there once recently, but left because none of the available guys really convinced me to stay 

good move , for that amount of money we better be satisfied with our choice

[jason1975]

10 hours ago, ichigo said:

It is so noisy - I could deal with it being so close to the BTS, I could deal with the noise of the nightclub nearby, but I couldn't deal with the man singing karaoke at 6am.

Did he wake up to sing at 6am or was he singing overnight?

[jason1975]

10 hours ago, ichigo said:

The pricing structure is new, compared to how it was previously - a 90 minute massage will cost 3300 THB and is an all-in price that includes both the massage and the tip. I forget how much the 60 minute option cost.

For me personally, I find it a psychological barrier to pay more than 3000 baht for massage even if tip is included. I still prefer traditional way of paying the shop first and then personally passing tip to massage guy (and seeing his smile!)

[jason1975]

11 hours ago, ichigo said:

Silom Convent Garden Hotel - I actually read about this hotel in a report from Vinapu so decided to try. I ended up getting a very good deal on one of their bigger rooms whilst booking direct online, which the receptionist told me was an error on their side and I should not have gotten it for that price, but he had to honour it since I already paid for it. This place is closer to Chong Nonsi but still in walking distance to all the fun places. The place is quite dated and falling apart slightly but is still fine, and what I especially liked about my particular room type is that it had a washing machine, which was very handy. I probably wouldn't stay there again, but it was good to try somewhere on the other side. It is also right next door to Sauna Mania, and a short distance to Arena for those who are interested.

A washing machine is indeed handy! I would go to Sauna Mania every day if I ever stay at Silom Convent Garden Hotel!

[Raposa]

9 minutes ago, jason1975 said:

For me personally, I find it a psychological barrier to pay more than 3000 baht for massage even if tip is included. I still prefer traditional way of paying the shop first and then personally passing tip to massage guy (and seeing his smile!)

That is the traditional way.

However, this new way of paying is no doubt an adaptation to handle the number of customers from east Asia who come from non-tipping cultures. It’s also a good way of pruning away customers who don’t really understand the nature of the shops they are visiting. 
 

At Senso you would still give additional tip to boy beyond the minimum tip in room if you’re satisfied with the service. 

[ichigo]

7 hours ago, jason1975 said:

Did he wake up to sing at 6am or was he singing overnight?

I'm certain it may have been a continuation from the previous night!

[ichigo]

Some updates from recent times:

I've been traveling a little, nothing super exciting so feel free to skip over.

 

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is about an hour's drive north of Phuket International Airport and it is quite spread out along the coast. I stayed in the Bang Niang area where there are of plenty of restaurants and bars, and there is a night market as well. I ended up booking an ocean-front villa in a small resort which the view was amazing. I did a cooking class at the resort which ended up just being a private class for myself and the guy took me to the market to buy some stuff before I did the class. It was pretty fun and they were impressed at my spring roll wrapping abilities, but that is because I've done it before lol. 

I didn't meet up with any guys here (the usual apps are active though, but not a whole lot of choice) and there is a gay bar nearby (Meeting Point Bar), but I did not patronise. The tourists here were predominantly caucasian and non-english speaking. I think this area is very popular with Germans as many of the signs around the resort were in German. 

 

Koh Yao Yai

This island is about a 20 minute speed boat ride off the east coast of Phuket. I stayed at Santhiya Resort and it was absolutely massive - they have these songthaews that take you around the resort as not only is it big, but it has some really steep inclines/declines. I think I booked one of the average rooms but I was surprisingly upgraded to a pool villa which I had my own private pool, as well as a massive bedroom/sitting area and dining room. A little too much for just me, but I appreciated it. The view was also amazing. Because the resort is huge, I didn't bother leaving it and instead just did some of the activities that were provided - I did a yoga class and a Muay Thai class, but just mostly relaxed and swum in the pool for the time I was there. There are things you can do outside of the resort but I didn't bother.

On the apps were mostly tourists and mostly not even nearby, so if you come here I would suggest to BYO. Other than that, everything was streamlined quite well and the hotel has their own pier and speed boats to shuttle you from the Phuket to the resort. 

 

Phuket

A destination that I've been to a few times in the past but decided to revisit. Firstly I stayed in a beautiful resort in the Kamala area, nothing too exciting here, again I just chilled out and enjoyed some peace and quiet. Next I headed to Patong for a few nights. I stayed at the Royal Paradise hotel, in the centre of the action. I've heard they are not very guest friendly but it didn't bother me as I was just planning on going to the massage places. The hotel itself is okay, decent enough and nice views, but the bathroom could do with a little updating. They do provide you with a voucher for a free (non-alcoholic) drink though.

In the massage scene there was one guy that I wanted to see (I've been seeing him since 2019), and 2 more that I've seen before and wouldn't mind seeing again. This is at 4 Massage. When I went there in the evening 'my guy' was not around, but they said he would be back in 5 minutes, which then changed into an hour and a half so I decided not to worry, as the other 2 guys that I've been with before were also not there. 

I then messaged a guy (on Grindr) from a different shop (Gentle Massage) who had messaged me earlier in the day. The shop is a relatively new addition to the lineup and the guy told me that some of the guys from Blue Dolphin had moved over to this new shop. The guy was quite sweet, gave me a decent massage and then I bottomed for him. He was a little on the thicker side so my ass was out of action for a couple of days after that.

Whilst walking back to the hotel I ran into 'my guy' walking in the opposite direction. It was funny as I was looking at him and then he was looking at me and then we realised we knew each other lol. He was surprised and happy to see me and told me off for not letting him know I was coming. He is quite sweet as well, and whilst talking and catching up we were holding hands in the middle of the road. I said I would see him another time as I just finished a massage.

The next day I decided to go to Blue Dolphin and there were quite a few guys to choose from, but I asked who could bottom (because I was not up for bottoming) and then there were about four or so left. I chose a twinkish looking guy and paid an extra 80 THB on top of the massage fee for a room with an ensuite. This guy was also really sweet, gave really good service and spoke clear English. 

The day after I finally caught up with 'my guy' and the massage literally went for a few minutes before we got into the afters. In the past I bottomed for him, but that night, he bottomed for me. It was quite nice having that familiarly of someone that you've been with before, and whilst Patong really isn't my most favourite of places to visit, I go there mainly because of him. I told him this and he told me next time just to stay somewhere else and he will come to me, because there are some quite beautiful places in Phuket.

In regards to the massage scene, the quality is definitely better in Bangkok, but there are a few gems in Patong. A lot of the guys are also on the apps so they will contact you, and there were a few I would like to try next time. I have found that the guys seem more genuine and less 'cold' than some guys you may come across in Bangkok. But this is just a generalisation.

I'm back in Bangkok for about a week before I go on another short trip outside of Bangkok. On another note, the SRT red line has a maximum fare of 20 THB and accepts credit cards at the gates, just like the MRT, however there are specific gates for credit card users. Handy for those traveling to/from Don Mueang Airport.

[bkkmfj2648]

5 hours ago, ichigo said:

 I chose a twinkish looking guy and paid an extra 80 THB on top of the massage fee for a room with an ensuite

Great report. I love discovering the many islands of Thailand.

Was it really only 80 baht more a room with an ensuite?

If so, that is great value for money.

[vinapu]

8 hours ago, ichigo said:

 

In regards to the massage scene, the quality is definitely better in Bangkok, but there are a few gems in Patong. ....

I have found that the guys seem more genuine and less 'cold' than some guys you may come across in Bangkok. But this is just a generalisation.

 

Great pictures and great report.

I'm glad you found those massage gems  in Patong as when I was there year ago I did not have such luck , opposite , I found sessions cursory and rather rushed so it looks all boils down to a luck.  

Have fun in Thailand and let us know how you are doing from time to time. 

[ichigo]

10 hours ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

Was it really only 80 baht more a room with an ensuite?

If so, that is great value for money.

Yes only 80 baht extra which I thought was quite reasonable. The massage itself was 450, with most places in the complex charging 400.

 

8 hours ago, vinapu said:

Great pictures and great report.

I'm glad you found those massage gems  in Patong as when I was there year ago I did not have such luck , opposite , I found sessions cursory and rather rushed so it looks all boils down to a luck.  

Thank you! Yes I think I lucked out on this part of my trip, let's hope my luck continues.

[siriusBE]

22 hours ago, ichigo said:

Bang Niang area

Many thanks for the report! Would it be possible to mention the name of the resort? Khao Lak is on my bucket list

[ichigo]

6 hours ago, siriusBE said:

Many thanks for the report! Would it be possible to mention the name of the resort? Khao Lak is on my bucket list

It's called Chongfah Beach Resort. It's a small resort in a slightly more quiet part of town but just a short walk to the more lively areas. Highly recommended.

[ichigo]

Some recent activities:

So after my 'Andaman stint' I returned to Bangkok for new years. Arriving into Silom around 21:00 and walking down Silom Road, my first observation was that all of the gays are out and about, probably due to the fact that White Party Bangkok was on around the same time. I also saw many photos on social media of the huge queues going into places such as G.O.D. and DJ Station, it was crazy. Whilst events such as White Party are not really my scene, maybe one day I would like to go, but I feel as though I am not attractive or fit enough to attend such events (but this is my own problem to overcome).

 

Pullman Hotel Bangkok G

When planning this trip I decided that I wanted to watch the IconSiam fireworks to ring in the new year. I mentioned this in another thread, but I spent hours on google maps researching nearly every hotel on the river that would give me an optimum view of said fireworks. Lebua or Shangri-La would have been suitable particularly as they have balconies, however the cost was exorbitant and whilst I like to splash out from time to time, I just couldn't justify it. I looked at many other options including standing on the King Taksin Bridge, but I figured that the crowds would be unbearable. They do close the road near to midnight though. 

I ended up stumbling upon Pullman Bangkok Hotel G and through some further research found that if I got a room on the river side, I would be able to see the fireworks. I ended up booking an executive room with lounge access and requested to be put on the river side but they said they couldn't guarantee it and it would be subject to availability on the day. So it ended up being a bit of a gamble anyway. I was pleased that when I checked in, I was allocated a room on the 35th floor (which is the highest of the floors with hotel rooms) and on the river side. The view was spectacular.

I actually quite like this hotel and usually Crowne Plaza is my favourite in the area, but I think I like this one just as much. The issue that I had (and this is totally first world problems) is because I had lounge access, I hardly left the hotel. I had breakfast in the lounge (in which there was both a la carte and buffet options), afternoon refreshments in the lounge, and evening drinks and canapés in the lounge. All meals and drinks were pretty much provided which meant I didn't have to buy any food (apart from the night I arrived which I tried the burger restaurant, 25 Degrees, on the ground floor which was quite good, albeit a little on the pricier side). The hotel was quite busy during the few days I was there, I guess due to high season and new years.

The fireworks show in the end was quite good, I was expecting more but I think if I were closer, it would have been better, but I don't regret staying here at all.

 

Saphan Kwai stint

Some months ago a passing comment by @jason1975 prompted me to consider staying in the Saphan Kwai area for a few days. So I did exactly that.

I ended up finding a reasonably priced hotel (comfortable, but just a little small) in walking distance to all the fun places. And whilst there are some foreigners around, it is largely a local area, which to be honest, I quite liked. It's a nice change of scenery from Silom. Whilst I had every intention of visiting 3 massage places each day, my body wasn't having it. I ended up visiting just three.

Kman: I've been here twice before, same guy both times and had an excellent time. I went in without an appointment and the manager showed me his iPad in which there were quite a lot of guys to choose from. Whether they were at the premises or nearby I am not sure. Anyway, the guy who I had the last 2 times was on the lineup so I decided to choose him. He was pleasantly surprised to see me, and just days before had wished me a happy new year. I chose a 90 minute massage in a VIP room, I think it used to be 700 THB, but it is now 900 THB, however I like to have a room with a shower. Had an excellent time again with him.

Phoenix: I had high expectations of this place and whilst I had a satisfactory time, I was expecting more. It was about a 20 minute walk from my hotel and easy to find. As I entered, there were lots of guys around and I was spoken to in Thai (as seems to be a common reoccurrence on this trip), until they found out I was in fact, not Thai. There is a promotion at the moment and the massage cost 599 THB for an hour with a 1200 THB minimum tip. There was a line up of about 8 guys and I chose one that was more my type. I did ask who can top and bottom and the manager (?) said that they all are versatile. However, there are differing levels of versatile as I would soon find out.

The guy was pleasant enough, and the massage was okay, but when it came to the afters I had found that he unfortunately had some silicone implants in his dick, like this big bump on one side which made it awkwardly thick. I decided that that was not going inside me so I opted to take the top position, however he had a little trouble taking me and I absolutely don't want to force him when he is struggling. He tried his best, but we ended up just having some side fun in the end. It didn't kill the mood and it was still a pleasant enough experience and I had a satisfying time but I think for that day, I just chose the wrong guy, that's all. In other news, the room was quite large and there was an attached shower.

15m: I decided that I wanted a 4 hands massage so I messaged the admin on Line about 3 hours before I wanted to come in. I asked for recommendations on guys that could do 4 hands and the manager (?) sent me a bunch of guys who were able to do this. I chose 2 guys that fit my type and it was all booked, but the manager messaged back later saying that one of the guys was not able, so I just chose another one. I ended up choosing a gay guy (T/B) and a straight guy (T).

The massage itself was not bad and it was kinda nice just enjoying it and not really knowing who was doing what, and they coordinated themselves well. They didn't touch each other (I think, I was too caught up in the moment, but I didn't expect them to), but it was quite a nice threesome. It also felt amazing when I was 'inside' the gay guy, and the straight guy was 'inside' me at the same time (too much information, apologies). I was extra surprised that the straight guy full on kissed me with tongue and all. Quite a nice experience and I would probably do it again some time. The 4 hands massage cost 700 for an hour with a minimum tip of 1000 to each guy.

 

Other activities:

Despite staying in the Saphan Kwai area, I made it into Silom a couple of times. Didn't off anyone, but just went for the shows.

Atlas: Whilst muscle guys aren't really my cup of tea, I like to expand my horizons every once in a while and also support this new bar. I went on a Friday night and it wasn't super full but there was enough of a crowd. There were the usual muscle guys plus a few smaller but still muscled guys, and a couple of twinks. The show was pretty standard, drag queen singing, muscle display, suck show, fuck show etc. Atlas is the only bar doing an actual fuck show (which I was happy to see) so I just wonder how they are getting away with it when the other bars are not doing it. The show numbers were pretty short which was good as some of the bars, the numbers seem to go on forever.

I had a favourite - he had the body of a Muay Thai fighter, and he looked angry, but I found this endearing. As I was leaving, I gave him a tip on stage and he actually bent down and gave me a hug and engaged me in some short conversation (what's your name, where you from etc). I thought that was a nice touch. The stage set up is different from when it used to be Dreamboys but I think it works quite well. Drinks cost 500, not sure how much for a 2nd drink or boy drink. 

Dragon and Koi: I met up with forum member @Raposa and we went to this bar together, he had already been a number of times but this was my first time. I thought it was a nicely decorated bar with some creative cocktails on the menu. I had a 'Pornstar Martini' which tasted quite nice. The bar is staffed by attractive guys from Myanmar and they did a dance a little later in which their shirts came off. They were so sweaty by the end of it, it was sexy. The guys here have a reasonable command of the English language which is perfect if you want to have a chat (for me, I'm generally quiet and usually have nothing to say).

Freshboys: After Dragon and Koi, Raposa and myself went over to Freshboys and it was pumping. There was a constant flow of customers coming in and it was quite busy. Just your regular shows (drag queen, sexy dance, etc), however the big cock shows were particularly excellent. There was one guy, no. 6, who did a sexy dance and was in a big cock show who became my favourite. There was just something about him that drew me in. Will have to explore that avenue another time. We watched two shows, and there was quite a lot of guys in the rotation to choose from. Drinks were 450.

 

So that is it for now. I am going outside of Bangkok again tomorrow and will report back when I have more to report on.

[jason1975]

37 minutes ago, ichigo said:

I had a favourite - he had the body of a Muay Thai fighter, and he looked angry, but I found this endearing. As I was leaving, I gave him a tip on stage and he actually bent down and gave me a hug and engaged me in some short conversation (what's your name, where you from etc). I thought that was a nice touch.

That's really classy!

[jason1975]

39 minutes ago, ichigo said:

I ended up stumbling upon Pullman Bangkok Hotel G and through some further research found that if I got a room on the river side, I would be able to see the fireworks. I ended up booking an executive room with lounge access and requested to be put on the river side but they said they couldn't guarantee it and it would be subject to availability on the day. So it ended up being a bit of a gamble anyway. I was pleased that when I checked in, I was allocated a room on the 35th floor (which is the highest of the floors with hotel rooms) and on the river side. The view was spectacular.

I actually quite like this hotel and usually Crowne Plaza is my favourite in the area, but I think I like this one just as much. The issue that I had (and this is totally first world problems) is because I had lounge access, I hardly left the hotel. I had breakfast in the lounge (in which there was both a la carte and buffet options), afternoon refreshments in the lounge, and evening drinks and canapés in the lounge. All meals and drinks were pretty much provided which meant I didn't have to buy any food (apart from the night I arrived which I tried the burger restaurant, 25 Degrees, on the ground floor which was quite good, albeit a little on the pricier side). The hotel was quite busy during the few days I was there, I guess due to high season and new years.

The fireworks show in the end was quite good, I was expecting more but I think if I were closer, it would have been better, but I don't regret staying here at all.

Nice view!

[jason1975]

44 minutes ago, ichigo said:

There was one guy, no. 6, who did a sexy dance and was in a big cock show who became my favourite. There was just something about him that drew me in. Will have to explore that avenue another time. We watched two shows, and there was quite a lot of guys in the rotation to choose from. Drinks were 450.

I remember number 6! Very sexy slow dance. The choice of music helped a lot. I would have offed him but I can't because my regular guy is in same bar. I did tip number 6 of course.

[vinapu]

10 hours ago, ichigo said:

 maybe one day I would like to go, but I feel as though I am not attractive or fit enough to attend such events (but this is my own problem to overcome).

 

stop that nonsense man!

[vinapu]

10 hours ago, ichigo said:

The issue that I had (and this is totally first world problems) is because I had lounge access, I hardly left the hotel. I had breakfast in the lounge (in which there was both a la carte and buffet options), afternoon refreshments in the lounge, and evening drinks and canapés in the lounge.

 

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

Some months ago a passing comment by @jason1975 prompted me to consider staying in the Saphan Kwai area for a few days. So I did exactly that.

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

 

I gave him a tip on stage and he actually bent down and gave me a hug and engaged me in some short conversation (what's your name, where you from etc). I thought that was a nice touch.

I'm glad you said that as I'm of long held opinion that more luxurious, comfortable and providing great view room is , it harder to leave it and go about the city

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

not bad idea of stay in in Sapahan Kwai but some people think it's very far from Silom while in fact if all works well all it takes is 20 -25 minutes from Sala Daeng staion to be at Saphan Kwai

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

Tawan used to be friendliest bar of them all and it looks so is Atlas