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.