vinapu

Yes, you can check the menu on google maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/n29Udt4eyfACM5ts7 

and it seems there are also blends of those as on few occasions on Beach Road  I stopped baht bus  going all the way to Jomtien without need to change and in opposite direction was able to catch one going from Jomtien all the way to Naklua

there's no such thing

Thanks for the compliment ichigo.  This forum gives me so much enjoyment and information that I like to share whatever intel that I have with our fellow forum members.
I spent the 2019/2020 New Year's Eve in lovely Phú Quốc and I had a great time.
I have a funny massage story from Phú Quốc.  I was walking in one of those narrow alleyways near where all the main hotels are that go from the main road down to the beach and there was this very sexy massage guy that convinced me to get a massage in his shop.  The only problem was that there were no walls just a sheer type of sheet separating each of the perhaps 10 massage beds from each other.  This guy got me so excited with a BIG erection while I was laying on my stomach and he kept massaging my dick but I could not moan too load or shoot my load as there were women and other straight customers to my left and right.  When I rolled over onto my back we had to stop because things became too obvious.  I left there so horny and frustrated.  My only regret was to ask him for a way for us to continue in a more private place.  To this day, I think about that moment.  If I ever go back to Phú Quốc I will try to find him again but after 4 years already I am sure that he has moved onto other things by now....

I found my masseurs in the apps:
HeeSay and in Grindr
Note that the word "massage" is an illegal word to use within the HeeSay app - so everybody just uses a different version - I used "maxsage" and I had no issues with the HeeSay chat monitors and the Vietnamese audience was able to understand what I was looking for.
I am a 4 hands massage afficionado and I had difficulties to arrange those in my AirBnB room - as the Vietnamese are much more conservative than their Thai counterparts - as they still need to hide what they do - as they are all expected to get married by their traditional conservative families.  I told all of the guys who complained to me about this to find and marry an open minded lesbian who has the same predicament - which will allow:
 - the family to be happy with the desired facade,
- they can live their lives with their respective man-to-man and woman-to-woman partners,
- and if needed to produce children for their respective families - then it would be easier to organize within this open minded facade family structure
Almost ALL of the conservative Vietnamese that I told this to - were like WOW - now how do I find an open minded lesbian?
None of them knew of any lesbian bars, or apps where lesbians can meet.  Is there a lesbian life in Vietnam?  Thailand ?
They all envied the openness of Thai society - as the gay Vietnamese community was very interested in the Thai government's idea to legalize same sex marriages.
I digressed - too much free time as a retiree....
For 4 hands massages - I used this massage shop = "Spa 4 some" which is located at:  43 Tân Thái 6, Mân Thái, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
The contact details for this unique massage shop are:
  local phone number: 0363 640 356
WhatsApp number:  +84363640356
email:  bkhanhkaka@gmail.com
The owner, (I do not remember his name) is very nice and he contacted me via Grindr and proposed his massage shop to me.  Normally I don't frequent massage shops as I like to order in - and since this was difficult to arrange for the above stated reasons, I agreed to go to his shop.  He has 6 guys that he works with and he arranged for me to have 2 of them (site unseen - as I wanted a surprise) for my 4 hands 90 minute meeting for a charge of 1.400.000 VND - approximately 2.000 baht - 50% of the price that I normally pay back in Thailand - so, Vietnam is so much cheaper because of the poorly performing VND (Dong) currency.
The meeting was very good - professional 4 hands massage with a nice smooth transition into the elongated happy ending phase - I was a very happy customer.
Lastly, the local guys in the chats use a slightly different mechanism to identify that they are for hire:
 - the most frequent one is CB or CallBoy or Call Boy - for our Thai equivalent of MB - Money Boy
- for massage - they tend to use variations of Massa or Mass or some other iteration
You will figure it all out as each country has its hidden secrets to discover :>) which is the joy of why we like to travel and discover.

No, actually, I was highlighting  the point that to stop the sand getting to the parts the sun cannot reach, you need a big towel!

Wow - I am now living here for 18 months and I was not aware that there are several Pattaya baht bus routes.  Above is mentioned, "Operating along the Route 4..."
So, I queried Google and sure enough there are many routes - here is the source article: https://www.pattayaunlimited.com/getting-around-pattaya/
with a link to a custom Google map, image below:

Prior to reading this article I was only aware of the Jomtien & Pattaya route and the Beach Road & 2nd Road Loop routes.
The above map implies that there are in fact 8 routes = wow....
Everyday we learn a new thing....
 

Yes, you are right.  I knew this board's group intelligence is a valuable resource.
Sake Pub is alive and well, but it is now located on the Thonburi side of the river.  The valid Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/SakePubnew  (note the word "new") complete with recent photos and video clips (poor quality). Its address is stated to be 89/3-5 Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok.  
 

Some tops from KK Massage.

I just returned from 12 days in Da Nang, Vietnam - as I needed to escape Thailand's Songkran water splashing madness.
I LOVE Da Nang - a mid size city right on the South China Sea with little to no pollution as the winds from the sea keep things fresh.
I live in Jomtien, Thailand and I found that Da Nang from a financial point of view to be between 20% to 30% cheaper than what things cost in the Pattaya area - I believe that is because the VND - Vietnamese Dong currency is not doing well at the moment.
I hired a local gay guide to show me around and he was great - DM me if you want more info about him.  No sex - but a great kind guy who has his own car and could take me out of Da Nang to nearby Hue (to see the imperial city), Hoi An where we went to the nearby off-shore island of Cham to do snorkeling and on return to Hoi An proper we visited the unique coconut island water farm in those typical round circular Vietnamese boats (this was one of the highlights for me on this trip to Da Nang).
The other thing that I did was rent a motorbike for several days and I just LOVED driving out of Da Nang up into the surrounding hills where you have an amazing view of all of the beaches and the Da Nang city skyline off in the distance.
Da Nang has 1 gay bar = https://www.facebook.com/qbardanang1
I did not visit it as I was too busy touring around and getting my daily massages in my lovely 22nd floor AirBnB that overlooked the entire South China Sea.  
To meet guys, the number ONE app is BLUED - now renamed to HeeSay.  Hornet is not big in Vietnam like it is in Thailand.  and then there is Grindr (which I hate).
Just from the HeeSay app alone - I received over 300 messages in 12 days - truly off the scale - for sex, dates (even for just a romantic walk on the Da Nang seaside), massages, and general queries.
Food was great and my gay tour guide turned me onto a different type of Vietnamese coffee - which is called - Cà Phê Muối = sea salt cream coffee - this is now my MOST favorite Vietnamese coffee.
so, I guess I need to do a trip report - how do I hate those - as they are so much work to write a proper one with maps, photos, info, etc. - but I will do it eventually.

This bar needs to be checked out.  Its Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sake-Pub-สาเก-ผับ/341416052585697  where its address is stated as 60/1 Soi Damnoen Klang Tai. This seems to be a tiny road 250m south of Khaosan Road and  350m east of Sanam Luang. I reckon it is in the vicinity of Google Coordinates 13.756346380428468, 100.49797434403985.
There are some interesting pictures on its Facebook page around April 8th or 9th. Here's a Songkran poster from April 12th:
 
And on Youtube, a video from 2019:
Almost certainly a bar for Thais rather than foreigners.
 

From Pattaya News

Pattaya City has invested 30 million baht in buying six new toilet trucks to accommodate tourists, elderly, and disabled people, especially during events.
Mr. Manoch Nongyai, the Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, proudly announced the initiative on April 25th, 2024, after the city received three out of the six new vehicles.
He stated that these new vehicles will be added to the existing 3-vehicle fleet. Previously, Pattaya relied on just three older mobile toilet trucks, with some having been in service for many decades. The bulky size of the old vehicles made it difficult to park them in areas with limited space. The growing number of tourists, particularly during major events, further necessitated the need for expanded restroom facilities, Mr. Manoch added.
The newly acquired mobile toilets feature a compact design, making them suitable for navigating tight spaces. Two of the six vehicles come with units specifically dedicated to elderly or people with disabilities as they are equipped with hydraulic lifts. They also offer over six restrooms for both genders.
Meanwhile, the other four toilet trucks come with standard units with two restrooms each for men and women. The city has invested over 30 million baht into the project, Mr. Manoch stated.
For now, the city will deploy the three trucks they received at Walking Street, the area near the Pattaya City water pump station, and Central Beach when events are not taking place.
Deputy Mayor Manoch is confident that the city will receive the remaining three toilet trucks in May of 2024. He expected that the initiative will significantly improve restroom accessibility for tourists and residents in Jomtien and Pattaya beaches.
========================
From Pattaya Mail
Pattaya launches electric baht-buses

As part of the project’s strategy to curb carbon emissions, the electric pickup trucks will undergo trial service as fixed-route public transportation vehicles from April 2024 to December 2025. Operating along the “Route 4,” these twelve electric vehicles will shuttle passengers from the Bali Hai Pier Parking Lot in South Pattaya to the Bang Lamung District Office.
 
 

No thanks. Even if I hadn't tipped him, it would have only taken seconds to provide a yes/no answer. Not to answer a question someone has, in effect, paid you in advance to answer is, at least in my mind, rather rude. I unsubscribed and won't be attempting any other contact. 

From The Thaiger
A bombshell announcement rocks the media landscape as Voice TV, the longstanding bastion of pro-Thaksin views, announces it is shutting down.
The board of Voice TV declared the end of its 15-year run, leaving some 100 journalists and staff members facing the axe. The abrupt closure has left tongues wagging, with no immediate rationale provided for the drastic move.
Established back in 2008, Voice TV initially made waves as a niche satellite channel before expanding its reach to digital terrestrial platforms in 2014. However, in a twist of fate in 2019, the channel relinquished its digital TV presence amidst financial turmoil, reverting to satellite broadcasts and online streams via Facebook and YouTube.
Renowned for its unwavering pro-Thaksin stance, Voice TV’s pundits have often rallied behind the Shinawatra family, raising eyebrows and courting controversy. Notably, the channel’s former anchors have made waves in the political arena, with figures like ex-Future Forward luminaries Pannika Wanich and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul transitioning from news desks to parliamentary seats, reported Thai PBS World.
In related news, the Supreme Administrative Court delivered a final blow, dismissing the Prime Minister’s Office secretariat‘s hefty 2.8 billion baht lawsuit against iTV Public Company. The lawsuit, stemming from a joint agreement with Shin Corp to operate a TV station using the UHF spectrum, has been a thorn in the side since 2007, persisting through numerous administrations.
============================
Anti-corruption commission lets go of Yingluck’s exoneration
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously chosen not to contest the Supreme Court’s ruling, which exonerated former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others from malfeasance charges linked to a 240-million baht public relations campaign, according to an insider familiar with the situation.
The NACC filed allegations against Yingluck, former Prime Minister’s Office minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Yingluck’s secretary-general at the time, Suranand Vejjajiva, Matichon Plc, Siam Sport Syndicate Plc, and Siam Sport director Ravi Lohtong. They were accused of abusing their authority by neglecting to hold public tenders for the PR campaign from August 2013 to March 2014. Consequently, Matichon and Siam Sport, the media firms, were favoured and received the contracts.
Yingluck, Niwatthamrong and Suranand commissioned Matichon to manage a campaign in 12 provinces to boost infrastructure projects, which the government intended to fund with a 2 trillion baht loan.
The NACC stated that the 240 million baht spent on the campaign was squandered when the promotional roadshow was cancelled following the Constitutional Court decision that the proposed legislation for borrowing was unconstitutional.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that there was no harm to the state concerning the PR fund distribution and contract award to Matichon and Siam Sport, as government organisations and the Cabinet had endorsed the Yingluck government’s transport infrastructure projects. The Budget Bureau also agreed that Yingluck, as prime minister, could allocate a contingency fund for the PR project. Therefore, the NACC had no legal grounds to appeal, the source said.

For additional details:
https://www.tatnews.org/2024/04/may-2024s-festivals-and-events-in-thailand/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=may-2024s-festivals-and-events-in-thailand
 

yes and no since we always deal with two markets , local and domestic
If in our country,  say an apple , cost 1$ and we go to Lesotho where the same may sell for 10 cents but shrewd seller quotes us 20 cents and we go for it two things happened at once, both true :
1/ we got ripped off,  overpaying twice, ouch  !
2/ we got what we wanted for 1/5 of home value. Halleluiah !
is up to us how we go about that , whine or smile 
 

In Jomtien I regularly go to T.B.M.I. (Thai Blind Massage Institute ). A masseur will be assigned to you (but at least you can choose between male and female). Price is reasonable and the quality has always been good. Have also heard good things about Burirom health massage too.  Maybe not the personal masseur you are looking for though.

NOTE -- All one but start bitching about overcrowding once they begin arriving.
From Pattaya News
Pattaya Officials Aim to Attract More Chinese Tourists
Pattaya officials participated in the “Pattaya Roadshow to Chengdu 2024” seminar on April 23rd with the aim of attracting more Chinese visitors from Chengdu.
The event, organized by Pattaya City, Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Pattaya Office, aimed to promote Pattaya’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthen ties with Chinese travel businesses. The seminar was held in Chengdu, China, and was attended by several prominent Thai authorities and Chinese business people.
Ms. Rung Kanjanawiroj, Director of the TAT Chengdu Office, provided valuable insights into the current Chinese tourism landscape to Thai business people. She also showcased
 Pattaya’s unique attractions and tourism products to highlight the city’s potential to cater to Chinese travelers.

From The Thaiger
Former Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), General Prawit Wongsuwon, has been exposed for his staggering wealth, including a fleet of luxury cars worth 87 million baht, as reported by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
The NACC, responsible for scrutinising the assets of political office-holders and government officials, made public Gen. Prawit’s lavish holdings, sparking widespread media frenzy.
Leading the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), the 78 year old’s financial declaration grabbed headlines, shedding light on his opulent lifestyle and extensive assets, as mandated by his role as SAT board chairman, which requires triennial asset disclosures.
Gen Prawit declared himself “single,” unveiling assets totalling 87.84 million baht, alongside a minor debt of 757 baht. His wealth comprised hefty bank deposits of 40.48 million baht, investments valued at 6.53 million baht, prime real estate in Bangkok and Pathum Thani worth approximately 10 million baht, and a collection of five luxury vehicles valued at 13.6 million baht, among other assets.
The Bangkok-born politician’s reported annual income of 2.34 million baht, including pension sums, living allowances, and previous governmental salaries, paled in comparison to the worth of his assets.
=========================
From Thai PBS World
Srettha and Thaksin meet over cabinet reshuffle
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with Thaksin Shinawatra over lunch today in a central Bangkok hotel, amidst speculation over a cabinet reshuffle.
Srettha was accompanied by his deputy, Phumtham Wechayachai, and his secretary general, Prommin Lertsuridej.
Thaksin, who was released on parole from a prison term he was serving on three corruption convictions, is believed to be the one calling the shots in the current political environment.
Srettha is the successful prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai party, which was founded by Thaksin and which has Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, as its leader.
It is noted that those who participated in today’s lunch are key figures who have long been trusted by Thaksin.
Rumour has it that the lunch was arranged because Srettha has completed his reshuffle list and wishes to get a nod of approval from Thaksin.
Speculation has it that those likely to be removed from the cabinet in this reshuffle include Public Health minister Cholnan Srikaew, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Agriculture minister Chaiya Promma.
Of particular note were his luxury vehicles, notably a Jaguar I-Pace AWD HSE worth 4 million baht and a Mercedes Benz V250d valued at 2.5 million baht, acquired in June 2021 and June 2022 respectively.
Additionally, Gen. Prawit disclosed owning a TW Steel watch valued at around 15,000 baht, nine rings worth approximately 132,000 baht, and a trio of handguns, including a Colt, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson.
This bombshell disclosure follows earlier controversies surrounding Gen. Prawit, notably the Supreme Administrative Court’s order for the NACC to divulge findings from an investigation into allegations of false asset declarations, stemming from a scandal involving a cache of luxury watches and rings, reported Bangkok Post.

From The Nation

Anzac Day was marked on Thursday with special remembrance rites in Kanchanaburi, honouring soldiers who died building the Death Railway in slave-like conditions during World War II.
Presiding over the ceremony were Australian Ambassador Angela Macdonald, her New Zealand counterpart Jonathan Kings along with deputy chief of Australia’s Joint Operations, Rear Admiral Justin Jones. Also present were representatives of the Thai armed forces, other embassies as well as descendants of the prisoners of war who lost their lives on the Death Railway.
The event was held at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.
The first Anzac Day was held in 1915 in honour of members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac), who fought in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I, which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
Now, Anzac Day is marked on April 25 every year, and has been expanded to honour all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations". It also recognises the contribution of veterans and those currently serving.
In his speech, Jones said it was an honour to participate in the ANZAC Day remembrance at the Hellfire Pass, which was part of the Death Railway, where some 12,800 prisoners of war and 90,000 Asian workers were killed.
Macdonald said the rite was to remember and honour Australian troops who have sacrificed their lives to serve and protect the country, while Kings remembered New Zealand troops who died fighting for peace. He wrapped up his speech by declaring “ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou” in Maori, meaning “we will remember them”.
 

Day 13.
 For today’s trip Christian PFC , famous blogger  https://christianpfc.blogspot.com/ 
who happened to be in Siem Reap at this time is joining S and me for the trip. Destination of Koh Ker and on our way back -Bang Melea.
 As before,   we departed at 8 on the dot and it’s  about  2 hrs. drive to Koh Ker. Admission 15 $.
Temple is very unusual for Angkor temples as it’s pyramid shaped and would not be out of place in Chitzen Itza or other Mayan sites. Of course we climbed it as first step, wise move as more tourists arrived.







 
After surveying pyramid and main temple underneath we surveyed about 10 smaller temples  in the surrounding forest , all accessible by the vehicle. Then returned to main temple area for a lunch  and on our way back checked another 2 or 3, last of them close to the exit Prasat Pram turned out to be second best to main temple only.
 



Then to Bang Melea. Last time I was there my time was spoiled by 2 busloads of Chinese tourist who behaved below any standards, screaming and climbing ruins even where prohibited. This time , in the afternoon , just before closing time it was much more serene and most tourists at that time  seemed to be locals.
 It used to be 5$ admission but now Bang Melea is included in Angkor ticket. Do not even try to arrive without one as guards were quite adamant to require one and even if they let you go , there’s another ticket check at main complex . Unfortunately that was our Christian’s fate but he patiently waited for s and me having driver as companion.
 Bang Melea is perhaps most atmospheric from all Angkor temples, specially if not crowded with it labyrinthine construction and deep shade from trees growing on the stones .
 




 
Back in Siem Reap I secured our driver for trip to the airport tomorrow and  three of us went for pizza to Pub street.
 
Today is my last day in Cambodia and I was proud of my budgeting. After putting aside some money for the maid in hotel and for driver for the fare tomorrow  I was left with 1$ and 1000 riels .
For said dollar I bought my last Hanuman Black and 1000 riels took home as memento.
 
As for entrainment, again  some whispers on balcony  while emptying that hanuman and another one I had in the refrigerator already.
Nosy person should ask what about S ?  Shouldn’t you give him at least that 1000 riels?  Relax , all was fixed in advance as he preferred to be  compensated in baht and in Bangkok.
 
Day 14
 
After breakfast we parted ways , S went to see his folks with plan to come to Bangkok in the evening and I at 9 jumped into car and went in style to the airport. In 45 minutes I was there, this time admitted to the departure area. Since Keithambrose already placed pictures above no need for repeat but I need to mention I notices that all signs in departure are were in English and Chinese, nothing in Khmer in their own country !
 

material value  was that it was likely cheaper than taking my own tuk-tuk , but when all that waiting and driving to pick up and distribute people is accounted for  probably it would be better to fork extra 5-10$ and doing  it by private tour. Movie played in the van was excellent though.
Visiting in neither place is nothing pleasant, I still did not brave myself to repeat visit to Tuol Sleng after my first one in 2001 but next time I will go. when I was there then they still had that infamous map of Cambodia made of skulls, hence removed due to intranational outcry and rightly so. Still it's a must if one wants to understand Cambodia history. It needs to be appreciated that they are not trying to hide anything but when you see somebody like 70-75 on the road you wonder where they were in say 1977, toiling under the sun or killing or both.
Hotel jumping to collect people  is inevitable part of most tours everywhere also I always ask it there's place I can go and board the bus / van. Sometimes we may have luck like me on Phuket later on, all participants were from only 3 hotels , all in very close proximity at Patong so it took perhaps lass than 10 mins to have everybody on the board.

Day 12
 Today  we repeated yesterday’s morning routine, breakfast was quite pleasant affair as I noticed few other patrons including few young girls were following S when he was picking his food and drinks and I swear  I was object of their jealousy having landed such handsome guy in jeans showing quite a nice bulge.  Doubt anybody was thinking ‘ oh that’s is guy with his grandson” . I did not mind S sending some smiles toward those girls fully knowing who winner is, let them have it.
Today’s destination is Sambor Prey Kuk, temple complex predating Angkor with most temples made not of stone but of bricks  from 7th century on,  located near Khompong Thom , half way to Phnom Penh. It took us 3 hours to get there.
 Entry is 10$ , they suggested hiring guide for the same amount and I agreed . She even dragged with her another girl- guide in training. Having guide there is good idea as objects are dispersed in the forest , trails  are well marked but still  on you own one may miss this or that.
 







 
 
It took us about 3 hours to visit every corner, I tipped that trainee 5$ then we went to local restaurant for a meal , 16.50 $ for three, not  a bad deal .
 Again long trip home , fortunately today Saturday  traffic was quite light and it was driver suggestion we go there on Saturday as he was afraid Sunday traffic will be heavier.
At home S suggested artistic part – dinner with Apsara traditional dance show on Pub Street so we went there. I like when my travel companions have own ideas not only asking “what we are doing now ? ”. At the table beside us young farang couple was sitting and I noticed both of them were paying an attention to S presence . Bit later when we had chance meeting on the street they even said  " Hi " to him ignoring me entirely. You can't imagine how my fragile ego was hurt at that moment
I meantime S got message from his bar friend , Siem Reap native,  who came  to see his folks at home and when he show me his picture it turned out I also know him from 2 long time offs, one threesome included. So we went to see him , he was dining with another boy and somebody suggested ‘lets go check Barcode “.
I offered to finance that escapade but at the door we were sent away- today bar closed for some private function. Other two boys said they are going to bed and that was idea S and I borrowed from them so we parted ways every couple marching to different bed. I had another senior moment – why I did not suggest  “ lets go all to our room”. Knowing that friend there was chance idea would be approved. Oh well. S and me still managed to had some fun including feasting on some pistachios and fruit while sitting naked on balcony right above hotel’s pool closed at that hour.

Day 11
 We raised to the sound of alarm clock at 6.45, prepared goods for today’s sightseeing and made sure to be first when they started serving breakfast in hotel at 7.30 because as suspected, my driver pulled in at 8 am on the dot.
Plan for today was ambitious with 7 temples and first we set off was the farthest from the list- Banteai Srei. Not only because I consider smart thing to start sightseeing from  most distant place just in case something happens and even more important, Banteai Srei  is only temple where you can buy Angkor ticket apart from official ticket selling office on outskirts of Siem Reap.
 There are 3 kinds of tickets available – 1 day for 37 $, 3 days within 10 days for 62$ and 7 days within 30 days for 72 $. Payment in dollars only , that was only place where they are  not accepting  riels. I opted for 3 days ticket because after tomorrow I’m planning Bang Melea temple and recent change was to remove separate ticket there and include it in Angkor ticket. Good news for some and not so good as we learn for others.
Another bonus of Banteai Srei ticket office was that there we no lineups.
 That temple is one of smallest Angkor temples but definitely most richly decorated and also one of most popular so it pays to be there early which we could appreciate when leaving and hordes in vans and tour buses start arriving.



 
 
Next one is along with Ta Som my favorite -Banteai Samre. It’s quite a distance from main complex and  one of least crowded. When I was there in 2001  there was no infrastructure there at all but now there are restaurants , toilets, souvenir stands and even guys playing Khmer music for donation. Often overlooked there is former ceremonial alley leading to the temple – on your left when you approach temple complex .


 
Third one was of course Ta Som, at end of complex there gate enveloped by the tree , one of those iconic Angkor places. Again , in 2001 that tree was not trimmed yet, whet we see now is later job.
If you are there make sure to go to the very end and then turn back to appreciate the sight. I stress it because I saw people missing it ‘ lets return , it’s only that small gate there” .
 
 Then Easten Mebon as I missed her in 2022 and lunch in some restaurant picked by driver which was not a good idea to leave that to him. He led us to typical crowded and overpriced tourist locale geared toward bus tours. Not that is busted my wallet but there are plenty of places I’d chose instead.
 
After lunch we did three biggies ; Ta Prohm famous for giant trees eating into ruins but also I suspect holding them together.


Then Bayon with hundreds of stone faces with mysterious smile


 
and to crown of today’s selection Angkor Wat itself , biggest and most magnificent of them all.


 
S, my guy as I expected was ideal tour companion, interested in sightseeing with none of those ‘ are we done already ? ” . Quite opposite after climbing highest level of Angkor and subsequent wandering through all level below I was ready to skip first floor galleries only to hear ‘ what ?, lets go”. It was really uplifting to see guy so interested in his country heritage.
 
After such busy and intensive day we returned to the room quite tired. After it got dark we picked up ourselves to go for dinner and then,  I swear it was not me, S suggested we go to 168 massage for massage. So we did .
 
 My boy was quite good and good looking too. Later and in the room I senses bit of jealousy ,S asking what we did to each other with the boy and visibly not believing my answers. Massage was 10$ for 1 hr, I tipped my guy 20$, S tipped his only 6$ but he was adamant it was nothing that just massage even if I did not really care having good idea how those stores are operating.
 
Then he had another idea – to check Barcode bar so we went there but it was bit too early with only few patrons and working boys. We had drink and returned home . No need for me to stay and watch he show when I have in my room guy  better looking that their selection, not to mention of tested quality.