Alexx

Sorry about being candid, Morph, but you sure picked an out-of-the-way place to stay here.  You are going to find it difficult to find songteaws or tuk tuks around that area and you're really not anywhere near where you can walk to any sights; however, I'm hopeful the Uber drivers can find you and get you around.  I suspect that you'll be looking at 100 baht plus going by Uber to anywhere in the center of the city and that price will go up by 50-100% during peak times.  For a new tourist to CM, probably best to stay somewhere in the city center (as one poster suggested, somewhere near the moat and/or Thaphae Gate area).
 
I haven't gone to saunas or massage places for years but, based on friends' comments, Club 17 would be your best option (closest to you and supposedly a lot better and cleaner than House of Male).  I have friends who go there several times every week.
 
For temples, the first one I'd recommend is Wat Phratat Doi Suthep on the mountain west of town….probably the number one tourist attraction here in Chiangmai.  The other two main temples in the old city - Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang - are also worth a visit presuming you're interested in seeing those types of things. 
 
Also (random comments):
(1)  Based on your comments about restaurants….and not knowing your food preferences….you might want to try River Market (on Charoen Phratet Road next to the Iron Bridge) as it's a nice location and setting.  Mostly Thai food that's fairly decent.  If you like rice porridge, the Jok Restaurant on the north side of the old city (inside the moat about half way from the northeast corner of the old city and the Chang Phuak Gate) is the place to go.  For kao man gai, there are tons of places but two of the more notable ones are about 250 yards due west of the Three Kings monument.  There are a million restaurants up here and it's really difficult to take a wild guess as what you would prefer.
(2)  Speaking of River Market, you can easily walk (200 yards?) from there to Soi 6, Charoen Prathet, which is the main (just about only) location of the so-called "gay" bars here in town.  On the corner is RAM bar (my favorite due to the great but, I'd note, non-offable staff) and they have a rather professional show every night at 10PM (lately it's been overcrowded and you won't find a seat unless you're there by 9:15-9:30 and you might want to consider going there on a Sunday night when allegedly it's the least crowded).  Secrets Bar is immediately next to RAM bar and there are a couple of other places (Pandee and Orion…and I'm probably forgetting one) further down Soi 6.
(3)  I have no recommendation about elephant joints (it's been 15-17 years since I did that) but would note that on my bucket list (based on what I've heard) is a visit to the elephant sanctuary down near Lampang (about 45 minutes south of where you're staying).  But I can't really say if it's good or bad as I haven't been there.
(4)  If you like ruins, Wiang Kum Kam (the original city Lanna King Mengrai founded about 1290 but abandoned years later due to flooding) is not very far from where you're staying….I'd guess about a mile southwest of your hotel location.
(5)  For "gogo" bars, I suppose the only place to recommend is Adam's Apple.  I haven't been there in a couple of years but by reputation is the busiest place for that type of thing.
 
If you have other specific questions, post them here or send me a PM and I'll try to answer them.  You asked about nationality….I'm from the US….and I'd only note that you and I already have one thing in common (our two countries both currently suffer horrible and embarrassing leadership). 

I find it hilarious that some of you suggest that a moneyboy who's gay has more fun having sex with you than a moneyboy who's straight. Isn't the fun part for him getting paid, regardless of his sexuality?
 
Don't people who pay for sex usually do so in order to have sex with those who otherwise would be out of reach for them (by means of sexual attraction alone)? If that's the case, I don't see a big difference between paying a gay guy vs. paying a straight guy. The straight guy will think along the lines, screw it, I want the money and can get it easily, a hole is a hole, let's forget for a moment who's attached to it. It's also nonsense that all straight moneyboys are unwilling to bottom. Some do and others don't.

I find it hilarious that some of you suggest that a moneyboy who's gay has more fun having sex with you than a moneyboy who's straight. Isn't the fun part for him getting paid, regardless of his sexuality?
 
Don't people who pay for sex usually do so in order to have sex with those who otherwise would be out of reach for them (by means of sexual attraction alone)? If that's the case, I don't see a big difference between paying a gay guy vs. paying a straight guy. The straight guy will think along the lines, screw it, I want the money and can get it easily, a hole is a hole, let's forget for a moment who's attached to it. It's also nonsense that all straight moneyboys are unwilling to bottom. Some do and others don't.

I find it hilarious that some of you suggest that a moneyboy who's gay has more fun having sex with you than a moneyboy who's straight. Isn't the fun part for him getting paid, regardless of his sexuality?
 
Don't people who pay for sex usually do so in order to have sex with those who otherwise would be out of reach for them (by means of sexual attraction alone)? If that's the case, I don't see a big difference between paying a gay guy vs. paying a straight guy. The straight guy will think along the lines, screw it, I want the money and can get it easily, a hole is a hole, let's forget for a moment who's attached to it. It's also nonsense that all straight moneyboys are unwilling to bottom. Some do and others don't.

I find it hilarious that some of you suggest that a moneyboy who's gay has more fun having sex with you than a moneyboy who's straight. Isn't the fun part for him getting paid, regardless of his sexuality?
 
Don't people who pay for sex usually do so in order to have sex with those who otherwise would be out of reach for them (by means of sexual attraction alone)? If that's the case, I don't see a big difference between paying a gay guy vs. paying a straight guy. The straight guy will think along the lines, screw it, I want the money and can get it easily, a hole is a hole, let's forget for a moment who's attached to it. It's also nonsense that all straight moneyboys are unwilling to bottom. Some do and others don't.

I find it hilarious that some of you suggest that a moneyboy who's gay has more fun having sex with you than a moneyboy who's straight. Isn't the fun part for him getting paid, regardless of his sexuality?
 
Don't people who pay for sex usually do so in order to have sex with those who otherwise would be out of reach for them (by means of sexual attraction alone)? If that's the case, I don't see a big difference between paying a gay guy vs. paying a straight guy. The straight guy will think along the lines, screw it, I want the money and can get it easily, a hole is a hole, let's forget for a moment who's attached to it. It's also nonsense that all straight moneyboys are unwilling to bottom. Some do and others don't.

We have been in touch with his family and they are taking care of everything.  A friend from the USA from http://boytoy.com got in touch with them as he had many friends on that site. That is where I met him.  We use to have gatherings in LA often and I met Lurker at a few of those gatherings. He was a very sweet and kind man.  He will be greatly missed by those that knew him.  I don't know of anyone I ever met who knew him that did not adore him.  I met him in his home city of Phoenix a few years back at Gay Pride and everyone loved him.  RIP my friend.

So, finally, this happened today:
 

 
WPBKK18, here I come. Yet another too short trip, but it is better than having no trip
If anyone wants to have a drink and meet, I would love that. 
 
P.S Namazu, thanks for the hotel (and all the) advice, I decide to go with your hotel recommendation. Will report! 

At last an honest answer as to why some guys like a bigger cock.

what's even more surprising is that your somewhat crude method of measuring on a globe with a measuring tape was 100% accurate down to the last kilometre, i.e. the distance is really EXACTLY the same, as calculated on www.distancr.com: both routes (beeline) are 11,821km or 7,345 miles:
 

Steve as long as you stay away from model thread you talk a lot of sense I can agree with wholeheartedly like in those 2 posts quoted above 

Well at least you'll have quite an exciting story to tell once you return from the tropics.

I tried with a few boys, all in vain. In Germany we say "advice goes in one ear, out the other ear", is there a similar saying in English? A bit different from "casting pearls before swine" which is "play a violin for the buffalo" in Thai.
 
My favorite story still is the boy in 2012 (?) whom I took for sightseeing for one day, then at Wat Benchamabophit gave him 1000 THB to thank him for his company (no sex!), asked him where he lives, checked in my bus map which bus goes there, put him on the bus stop, said goodbye and when looking back after walking 20 meter see him hailing a taxi. 3 days later he calls me on the phone, no "thank you", but "I spent all the 1000 THB, can I have more?".
 
I can't change others, I can't even change myself in many point where I would like. I will not give or "lend" money if someone does not take my advice (like a Thai friend who earns around 20 kTHB per months, but sqaunders all of it - a common Farang friend thinks he gambles - and then asks me for "loans" - in fairness, after many reminders and months later, he pays back some of them - I told him to write down all his expenses like I do, so I can help him making the money last and even saving, but he doesn't, so I will not lend him any).

Recently i attended the new Isaan club located on third road near the Sophon market. If you live at My View condo on Soi 17 you probably can hear it from your room. The signage is all in Thai script so i asked about the name of the club and was told "Superstar Esan" and another translation was "Artists of the east".
 
The shed type building is huge and had good air-conditioning although as usual smoking is allowed. I arrived with a large group of mostly Jomtiem Complex bar boys about 100am and left when it closed at 530am. Entertainment wise the place is a clone of Tum Nan Kon Esan at North Pattaya but much more convenient for the Jomtiem and Sunee bar boys. A late night and not for everyone but these clubs are a lot of fun especially if you go with a group of Thai boys.

Looked in at Screwboys early Tuesday evening (around 8.00pm).  Was the only customer, but boy, what are you guys missing!  Some great boys - in their blue and white striped speedos - a really friendly and helpful mamasan, and good prices. 
 
There's a new boy - Thai twink 19 y/o, no. 2- who I sat with for a bit (and tipped), and would have offed him 'cept I was pushed for time.  Was going to go back last night for a short time with him, but got delayed.
 
The difference between Screwboys and Classic (which apparently is closing) is huge!  Classic has (or had) pushy mamasans, higher drink prices, pushing for tips, and an 'OK' ish group of boys.  Screwboys is the opposite.  Great guys, no pushing, keen to help the customer (no sitting around with mobile phones), and quietly confident that they've got it right.  
 
Don't miss this out just because it's not on Soi Twilight.
 
 

Condoms for oral sex? Are you for real?

In case anyone is interested, the Foreign Correspondents Club will he having a talk Wednesday, November 1 about the Cremation Ceremony.  I'm a bit crushed I'll be out of town that evening.  I bet it will be a fascinating presentation.
 
http://www.fccthai.com/items/2318.html

October 26th was very visibly a very special day in Bangkok. Almost everyone dressed in black, many businesses shut even including most shopping malls and all of the 7/11s from the early afternoon. The city came back to life the following day and that's when most entertainment areas reopened as well.
 
Now at the end of more than one year of mourning, I think it was a remarkable and impressive farewell, with regards to both the official ceremonies and the participation of the general public.

October 26th was very visibly a very special day in Bangkok. Almost everyone dressed in black, many businesses shut even including most shopping malls and all of the 7/11s from the early afternoon. The city came back to life the following day and that's when most entertainment areas reopened as well.
 
Now at the end of more than one year of mourning, I think it was a remarkable and impressive farewell, with regards to both the official ceremonies and the participation of the general public.

Sailors on liberty are ripe for cruising if you follow some simple rules. Remember, these guys have been living at sea in close quarters and crave relief when ashore. The average age for the lowest four enlisted grades is between 19 and 20 in the US Navy and that probably is the same elsewhere. They appreciate the luxury of some time in a hotel room.
 
Cruising sailors 101:
 
1.  Look for sailor unaccompanied by mates.
 
2.  Invite him for a drink
 

3. Repair to your room
 

 
4.  Repeat until you run out of sailors or money.

October 26th was very visibly a very special day in Bangkok. Almost everyone dressed in black, many businesses shut even including most shopping malls and all of the 7/11s from the early afternoon. The city came back to life the following day and that's when most entertainment areas reopened as well.
 
Now at the end of more than one year of mourning, I think it was a remarkable and impressive farewell, with regards to both the official ceremonies and the participation of the general public.

A quick report on a couple of massage spots in Kowloon.  I recommend both spots, but highly recommend booking ahead of time as neither is particularly large and I think I was lucky that they were able to accommodate me as a walk-in.
 
Sonata Spa http://www.sonatahk.com/?page_id=16276
I showed up about 7:00 on a Friday night with no appointment.  They were able to accommodate (just barely), but having a masseur come over from their other branch, nearby Eden Spa.  $HK 398 for a 90 minute "Chinese massage".  Masseur was assigned.  A 24-year old very handsome guy with a tight worked out body and a very nice personality (but almost no english to speak of).  Shower alone before and after.  Massage was good if a bit painful as the masseur decided to take on the task of working on the knots in my back.  A simple but nicely done happy ending.  masseur clothed throughout.  Facilities are nice but the massage table (with hole for face) is very small for my 187cm height.  A slight ding for the shower not really having hot water, but I think it was a temporary issue.  Place is easy to find and the map on the website is accurate.   
 
Eden Spa  http://www.edenspa.com.hk
On a Sunday I stopped by about 6:00 and they were able to accommodate me for a 90 minute massage (but not the 2 hour massage I wanted -- because the massage rooms were already booked).  90 minutes $HK 398.  Masseur assigned.  28 year old tall guy.  Nice gym body.  Facilities are perhaps a tad bit nicer than their sister branch Sonata.  Massage was very good.  2/3rds of the way through masseur asked me if I "want body to body - 500."  I think I could talked him down to 400 but didn't care, so I said yes.  (I think 300-500 is about the right tip range).  He promptly stripped down and coated me with oil and began the full body-to-body massage.  And yes he was very happy to see me.  Happy ending and all the usual.  Shower alone before and after.  Overall very nice job and highly recommend.  Place is easy to find right near Jordan station and the map on the website is accurate.

Nothing unreasonable with those restrictions in my opinion, in fact opening entertainment venues on Thursday could create unnecessary backlash. Let country pause for a monent

He disappeared, relocated to Buenos Aires and lived happily ever after. Don't take my word for it though.

i've been there several times (most recently a couple of years ago) and second all the favorable comments by those who have been there.  It's my favorite place on earth.  I'm planning on going for another trek next year.  I think there is a trip for all physical abilities, but if you can and have any interest, trekking is spectacular and really a great way to get to see the country and meet people.  For birders, there is an exquisite valley where the black cranes winter.  Even for the non-trekker "cultural tourists" there is a lot to see and do.
 
It's been a wild ride to be a semi-regular visitor there.  When I first went they didn't have TV yet.  Now you can talk with them about the latest episode of the Walking Dead.
 
As in Tibet, historically property passed by the female line and polyandry is common, although less so in the more urban areas.  It's very common to come across families where the woman married two or more brothers.  All I can say is, it's interesting.
 
The gay scene is very much on the DL, so I would strongly discourage anyone going there with the goal of hooking up, but I can confirm first hand that there is a scene and it can/does happen.  It's sort of like the old line about bars in Venice -- Every bar is a gay bar if you know where to look.  I can also confirm first hand that some monasteries are very active, but that's another story (and not for this board). 
 
If you go and have some input on your itinerary, of course try to go to see one of the festivals, but also try to spend some time ahead of the actual festival when the monks and locals are rehearsing.  It's a fun relaxed and interesting thing to do.
 
I had a guide on '04 who swore to me up and down that gay marriage was practiced in the monasteries and there were 2-3 guys who were selected for their particular beauty who "married" the abbott (and presumably other senior-most monks).  These special beauties could be identified by their unique costumes during the festivals.  I don't doubt his sincerity but take it with a grain of salt.  Presumably it has something to do with tantra and I am of the general view that so much of tantra is secret much gets confused to/by outsiders and should not be considered 100% reliable.
 
The people are wonderful.  Often the food is terrible.  Tell them you won't get sick and you want local food.  It's must tastier than tourist food.  The nicer hotels are more expensive, but can be a nice indulgence if you can afford it.
 
Some pics just to add to Fountainhall's and fedssobr's contributions.
 

I went back 4 years later and the old man had passed away and his grandson was off at school.  
 

 

To the east (past Mongar) there is a local tradition when you are leaving a village (after staying there over night) where the ladies of the village ply you with local liquor and then sing to you to entice you to stay.  If you do go to the east, tell your guide you want to go "night hunting."  Enjoy the reaction.
  School assembly
 


Normally, the words "native dance" are among the two most terrifying in the english language, but the religious festivals (tsechus) are fun and not to be missed.
 

The [alleged] monastery beauties.
 

 

Rehearsing for upcoming tsechu.
 

I hesitate to post this picture, but, still, wow.
 

If you spend time there, I think you will agree that Bhutan can now claim the Land of Smiles title.