newalaan

Thanks for the updates, especially Chiang Mai. Very few Chiang Mai trip reports across all the gay forums nowadays. The first 6-7 years I visited Thailand 4 times per year and visited either Chiang Mai or Phuket virtually every trip and liked Chiang Mai because it was that bit different to Bkk/Pattaya experiences. I am comfortable at Thai karaokes and enjoy the fun there, and so they were the main places I hooked up when in Chiang Mai. Always stayed at P.J's Place Guesthouse after I discovered it.  

Firstly a thank you to the other "posters" to the forum - I found some of their information invaluable.
 
I travelled to Thailand in late November and December spending a week in Bangkok, a week in Chiang Mai and several days in Ubon.
 
Was in Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong which is always a great time. Visited Adams Apple, Orion Bar, new Secrets Bar and my favourite Classic House. Adams Apple was reasonably quiet for customers but the boys always put on a good show - lots of boys, friendly - with the Spiderman in the show being super !! boys mostly tops.
I like Orion Bar although once again not so many customers whilst I was there. Several Lisu boys playing pool and always someone to sit and talk with you.
The new Secrets Bar is really nice and friendly - small and compact and always boys wandering in and out. Ram Bar is next door. 
My favourite massage venue is House of Classic - well managed, nice surrounds, shared bathroom, massage on floor mats - minimum tip 1000THB.
 
Whilst in Chiang Mai I used the guide services of Woody and Non for day trips to Mon Cham and Chomthong.  Highly recommend. Polite, punctual, friendly - lovely new Mazda Sedan.  I had a great time with them.
 
Returning to Bangkok I visited Golden Cock and Super A - quite close to each other.  Once again  reasonably quiet venues but always someone there to spark your attention.  They have spotters outside who will alert the bar of your arrival.  Both venues have a room for hire upstairs - Golden Cock was 600 THB for the room with 1000THB for the boy - Nop the boy from Pitsanulok was worth it at GC. Super A is quite dark inside and it takes a while to adjust your eyesight to see the boys who are all in underwear - memories of Andrew Christian briefs - off fees at Super A were 500THB - I would have paid triple for the boy I offed!!! probably even more!!
 
I went to Arena Massage - very fit men there - strong body builder types - 700-800THB for 90 min oil massage - minimum tip 1000THB - massage on table with shower facilities in the room  if you visit there ask for Teep - one of the nicest young men you will ever meet - not to mention his spectacular physique - so attentive and the after shower !!!!!
 
Visited Hot Male, Dream Boys and Screw Boys - Dream Boys has great shows with a large Asian audience - some very handsome men. Off fee 600THB.  Hot Male was ok - show not as polished and men not quite so handsome as DB.. Screw Boys fell into 3rd place - quiet, smaller venue but some friendly boys - Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam - love the black and white check underwear. Don't bother with X size not worth the effort.
 
My boy from Super A was keen to see a girl bar - he is Bi - I think our visit to 2 of the girl bars may have cured him - they certainly did nothing for me!!!! but it was an experience.
 
Although I have visited Thailand several times my previous indulgences have been restricted to gay massage venues but having read other trip reports I was encouraged to expand my horizons this time - I had a ball.
 
Sorry I forgot Ubon - travelled there on the DRC - trip took 8 hours but returned to Bangkok by plane - 1 hour - plane ticket around 1000THB.  Ubon very quiet - couldnt find a appropriate bar anywhere - closest thing was a Karaoke bar near Eco Inn Hotel - me the only customer and I dont do karaoke!! Hornet was useful though.

As mentioned previously, I used www.thelimopattaya.com on my trip Nov 16 to 21st.
 
Worth the cost for good service at airport (considering arrival was at midnight) and going from Bangkok to Pattaya and back to airport. Good service, on time, and good vehicles (one Honda van and 2 Toyota Camry). And no worries on how to get around!
 
 
 
Airport to Sathorn; 800 THB inclusive of tolls
 
Sathorn to Pattaya; 1,500 THB inclusive of tolls
 
Pattaya to airport; 1,200 THB inclusive of tolls and done in just over one hour as it was on a Saturday at 7h30 AM
 
 
 
Pretty good considering you make I just made a reservation on their website which was confirmed rapidly and there are no deposit or prepayment. All is paid to the driver. Even if it is said not taxi drivers do not expect tps, I tipped 100 THB to each one. But that is just me.
 
 
I highly recommend

I used thelimopattaya for my transfers in Oct/Nov and will do so again on my next trip. Both transfers the driver was there 30 minutes early and the car very comfortable. Can I get cheaper by bus? Certainly, but it will be more hassle and not door to door. After travelling for 18 hours or so, 1200 baht for a comfortable, no hassle, transfer is a small price to pay.

Great to see you had such a good time anonone.  Hope you do manage to post more.
 
The boyfriend thing is weird and wonderful. When I first started visiting Thailand I could never see me going down that road, in fact for the first 7-8 years of visiting.....a boyfriend was the very last thing on the agenda. But when I did bump into my now boyfriend that-was-that! nearly a year of getting to know him during my fairly brief visits to Issan as part of my Thailand trips, then we just settled into each other, that was 8 years ago.
 
I packed a lot into those years before I settled with my bf and escaped with very little 'scars' to show for it even after playing the field the whole time with occasional giks/favourites here and there but no ties to anyone. You do well to juggle both, I don't off guys on my trips nowadays, bfs 'demands' keep me well satisfied with the only allowance we make for each other is occasional massages with mechanical happy ending. No giks, no one night stands and I don't really miss it, I can interact/flirt/banter with boys in the bars and clubs and still enjoy that part of the Pattaya trip.
 
Like you, I can never find time during my visits to update a daily forum trip report, don't know how the guys who do, manage it! I don't always do a trip report as much of my itinerary is repeat, but do try to update info where I can for others who make the effort to post their's.    
 
Have considered a condo in Jomtien many times, and I do sometimes/usually have 2-3 nights at the start of a trip there, but stay at East Suites hotel. It's the transport to and from Sth Pattaya which always puts me off, that and the fact we are very happy at Mosaik Apts. Most of our activity is in Sth Pattaya, me in virtually every early evening in sunee, and most nights in BT sois, clubs NAB/TamNanIssan etc.. which are all easily accessible from Sth Pattaya as well as Wat Chai for late night food, and as I travel around the Kingdom for 2/3rd's of a trip I like to have compact surroundings of South Pattaya for the 10 days or so we are in Pattaya.  
 
Unlucky trip for you on 2nd Rd, could have been worse though! I have had one full-on motorbike accident on a late night motocy trip along soi bokow on way back from late night club, and felt very lucky to escape injury, but have managed to elude all the Pattaya pavement/soi traps awaiting........despite some very worse-for-wear states after bar hopping/clubbing! Pure luck! 
 
It's great to book your next trip right after the last, for me anyway that helps makes the time apart from bf a bit easier to put up with. You are there again ahead of me in Jan, I'm next there start/early February for a month.   
 
Thanks for taking time to post, enjoyed the read.

Great to see you had such a good time anonone.  Hope you do manage to post more.
 
The boyfriend thing is weird and wonderful. When I first started visiting Thailand I could never see me going down that road, in fact for the first 7-8 years of visiting.....a boyfriend was the very last thing on the agenda. But when I did bump into my now boyfriend that-was-that! nearly a year of getting to know him during my fairly brief visits to Issan as part of my Thailand trips, then we just settled into each other, that was 8 years ago.
 
I packed a lot into those years before I settled with my bf and escaped with very little 'scars' to show for it even after playing the field the whole time with occasional giks/favourites here and there but no ties to anyone. You do well to juggle both, I don't off guys on my trips nowadays, bfs 'demands' keep me well satisfied with the only allowance we make for each other is occasional massages with mechanical happy ending. No giks, no one night stands and I don't really miss it, I can interact/flirt/banter with boys in the bars and clubs and still enjoy that part of the Pattaya trip.
 
Like you, I can never find time during my visits to update a daily forum trip report, don't know how the guys who do, manage it! I don't always do a trip report as much of my itinerary is repeat, but do try to update info where I can for others who make the effort to post their's.    
 
Have considered a condo in Jomtien many times, and I do sometimes/usually have 2-3 nights at the start of a trip there, but stay at East Suites hotel. It's the transport to and from Sth Pattaya which always puts me off, that and the fact we are very happy at Mosaik Apts. Most of our activity is in Sth Pattaya, me in virtually every early evening in sunee, and most nights in BT sois, clubs NAB/TamNanIssan etc.. which are all easily accessible from Sth Pattaya as well as Wat Chai for late night food, and as I travel around the Kingdom for 2/3rd's of a trip I like to have compact surroundings of South Pattaya for the 10 days or so we are in Pattaya.  
 
Unlucky trip for you on 2nd Rd, could have been worse though! I have had one full-on motorbike accident on a late night motocy trip along soi bokow on way back from late night club, and felt very lucky to escape injury, but have managed to elude all the Pattaya pavement/soi traps awaiting........despite some very worse-for-wear states after bar hopping/clubbing! Pure luck! 
 
It's great to book your next trip right after the last, for me anyway that helps makes the time apart from bf a bit easier to put up with. You are there again ahead of me in Jan, I'm next there start/early February for a month.   
 
Thanks for taking time to post, enjoyed the read.

Yes +1 from me also.
 
I have a friend into Ladyboys who posts over on www.ladyboyspattaya.com and so I sometimes have a look over there. Vesseys thread is very like the trip reports over there, lots of explicit detail with photos and written like a daily diary. Even though Vesseys were long posts, they were easily read and understood when skipping through as I tend to do especially when I come to the detailed sexual exploits of others. I tend to skip past those on all the gay Thailand forums as I'm not interested in gory details of others......we know what happens when fucking and sex take place as that's what we are all doing. But I do enjoy details of bars, massages, venues, places, accommodations, the ups and downs, challenges faced and generally what makes up the holidays of others. A lot of info can come in very handy to enhance your own future visits.
 
Unlike williewillie, I would always be encouraging of ANY trip reports irrespective if they do also include female encounters, and details of bar areas I don't visit. I don't think that there can ever be too many trip reports on the forums, indeed over the last couple years there has been a dearth, especially over at SGT which was always known for the trip report contributions of members. Glad gaythailand has taken up the slack, with plenty of quality trip and massage shop reports such as Vessey's well written one. It is appreciated when members take the time to post their experiences.

Yes +1 from me also.
 
I have a friend into Ladyboys who posts over on www.ladyboyspattaya.com and so I sometimes have a look over there. Vesseys thread is very like the trip reports over there, lots of explicit detail with photos and written like a daily diary. Even though Vesseys were long posts, they were easily read and understood when skipping through as I tend to do especially when I come to the detailed sexual exploits of others. I tend to skip past those on all the gay Thailand forums as I'm not interested in gory details of others......we know what happens when fucking and sex take place as that's what we are all doing. But I do enjoy details of bars, massages, venues, places, accommodations, the ups and downs, challenges faced and generally what makes up the holidays of others. A lot of info can come in very handy to enhance your own future visits.
 
Unlike williewillie, I would always be encouraging of ANY trip reports irrespective if they do also include female encounters, and details of bar areas I don't visit. I don't think that there can ever be too many trip reports on the forums, indeed over the last couple years there has been a dearth, especially over at SGT which was always known for the trip report contributions of members. Glad gaythailand has taken up the slack, with plenty of quality trip and massage shop reports such as Vessey's well written one. It is appreciated when members take the time to post their experiences.

Yes +1 from me also.
 
I have a friend into Ladyboys who posts over on www.ladyboyspattaya.com and so I sometimes have a look over there. Vesseys thread is very like the trip reports over there, lots of explicit detail with photos and written like a daily diary. Even though Vesseys were long posts, they were easily read and understood when skipping through as I tend to do especially when I come to the detailed sexual exploits of others. I tend to skip past those on all the gay Thailand forums as I'm not interested in gory details of others......we know what happens when fucking and sex take place as that's what we are all doing. But I do enjoy details of bars, massages, venues, places, accommodations, the ups and downs, challenges faced and generally what makes up the holidays of others. A lot of info can come in very handy to enhance your own future visits.
 
Unlike williewillie, I would always be encouraging of ANY trip reports irrespective if they do also include female encounters, and details of bar areas I don't visit. I don't think that there can ever be too many trip reports on the forums, indeed over the last couple years there has been a dearth, especially over at SGT which was always known for the trip report contributions of members. Glad gaythailand has taken up the slack, with plenty of quality trip and massage shop reports such as Vessey's well written one. It is appreciated when members take the time to post their experiences.

I'm part of majority who like Vessey's thread but  must notice that your recent musings about other's posts being unimportant and meaning nothing are outright nasty and too frequent.
 
Force yourself to be nice  !

Well I can actually contribute on this one as I too had a massage there during my very recent Thailand/pattaya visit. Just to lay the ground of my massage preferences, as I live with bf when in Pattaya, I only use them for occasional visits when knackered during a trip. It is the one allowance bf and I make regarding sex outside our relationship, that is massage with mechanical happy ending if it happens. No lovey-doveyness, giks, or full sex wanted or required.......all that stuff is already catered for between us and there's not much energy or will left! 
 
So choosing a masseur is fairly easy for me, it is nice to have someone you are attracted to, but not a necessity. But I did choose the masseur when I visited Blue House as the boys there always chat, say hello to me as I pass to and from Mosaik daily even knowing I rarely visit for massage. So picked the friendly guy who always comes across to chat. Massage I think Bt400, for oil. Led upstairs to private room with platform and mattress, aircon,. Showers just outside room, cant remember if room locked or not. Masseur showered with me, making sure he saw to me first. My massages are always soft gentle affairs, hate the firm one's. Masseur asked a few times if pressure was ok. Had my MP3 so just let the music from the open speakers, not too loud, help the relaxed atmosphere. I like a lazy massage where I do nothing except get pampered. When it comes to erotic part I never ever do anything remotely requiring exertion on my part so when, surprisingly, the masseur asked me to fuck him, I declined in favour of said mechanical happy end. I say surprisingly because on first looks I didn't take him for a bottom!
 
Masseur was lovely, very attentive making sure I was comfortable.  When he did bring up the sex part I just said  I was too knackered for sex (the truth), he just said...maybe next time?  Happy with Bt1000 as expected, and I was more than happy with the experience.
 
I can certainly understand why many here are happy to use the massage shops for their sex than going through the bar offing or online hook-ups route. Things are more certain and less room for problems. Certainly if you prefer short time it is everything wrapped up in one neat little package with no more than 90 mins of your time.    
 
I wouldn't class your comment as "unbelievably ridiculous" as it's perfectly true that there have been quite a bit of those on the forum recently, but surely that's the great thing about how different and wide ranging our various interests in gaythailand are. I have enjoyed the trip reports about ladyboys and/or females here as it is a world I don't inhabit and so find it interesting. If you were just being a little naughty looking for a response from the usual suspect, well you certainly had some success there! haha.  

Well I can actually contribute on this one as I too had a massage there during my very recent Thailand/pattaya visit. Just to lay the ground of my massage preferences, as I live with bf when in Pattaya, I only use them for occasional visits when knackered during a trip. It is the one allowance bf and I make regarding sex outside our relationship, that is massage with mechanical happy ending if it happens. No lovey-doveyness, giks, or full sex wanted or required.......all that stuff is already catered for between us and there's not much energy or will left! 
 
So choosing a masseur is fairly easy for me, it is nice to have someone you are attracted to, but not a necessity. But I did choose the masseur when I visited Blue House as the boys there always chat, say hello to me as I pass to and from Mosaik daily even knowing I rarely visit for massage. So picked the friendly guy who always comes across to chat. Massage I think Bt400, for oil. Led upstairs to private room with platform and mattress, aircon,. Showers just outside room, cant remember if room locked or not. Masseur showered with me, making sure he saw to me first. My massages are always soft gentle affairs, hate the firm one's. Masseur asked a few times if pressure was ok. Had my MP3 so just let the music from the open speakers, not too loud, help the relaxed atmosphere. I like a lazy massage where I do nothing except get pampered. When it comes to erotic part I never ever do anything remotely requiring exertion on my part so when, surprisingly, the masseur asked me to fuck him, I declined in favour of said mechanical happy end. I say surprisingly because on first looks I didn't take him for a bottom!
 
Masseur was lovely, very attentive making sure I was comfortable.  When he did bring up the sex part I just said  I was too knackered for sex (the truth), he just said...maybe next time?  Happy with Bt1000 as expected, and I was more than happy with the experience.
 
I can certainly understand why many here are happy to use the massage shops for their sex than going through the bar offing or online hook-ups route. Things are more certain and less room for problems. Certainly if you prefer short time it is everything wrapped up in one neat little package with no more than 90 mins of your time.    
 
I wouldn't class your comment as "unbelievably ridiculous" as it's perfectly true that there have been quite a bit of those on the forum recently, but surely that's the great thing about how different and wide ranging our various interests in gaythailand are. I have enjoyed the trip reports about ladyboys and/or females here as it is a world I don't inhabit and so find it interesting. If you were just being a little naughty looking for a response from the usual suspect, well you certainly had some success there! haha.  

Getting back on track...
 
Having sampled the talents of two of the eight pictured and seen most of the rest I can confirm that the selection is accurate and excellent. If anything one or two of the pictures do not flatter the boys concerned who are more attractive in the flesh. I wish I had time this visit to sample the talents of all the boys but will probably only have one more chance to visit this trip and have promised today's masseur a return visit. At the moment the place seems quiet, I really hope they get the business they deserve. Although I have only been to a few of the massage shops in Pattaya, this is getting to be my favourite.
 
Clean and business like, the downstairs is basic but functional. At the top of a couple of flights of stairs are 4 small rooms with a lockable side table for valuables and a massage bed. Not a huge amount of room but sufficient. I'm not sure if there are more rooms on a different floor. The showers are clean and easily large enough for two, tested both before and after today's massage.
 
My masseur today was excellent. People reading any of my posts probably realise that I love massage over either apps or bars. Probably 3/4 of the masseurs in LOS treat the massage and the afters as separate things. That can have it's place and be very enjoyable in it's own right though once the massage turns more sensual, it's a slippery slope to the afters. My masseur today was one of those that can make the entire massage sensual while both giving a very good and proper massage and keeping you turned on by touch. It is both very stimulating and relaxing.
 
Well done Blue House massage

Thanks for taking to time to post your trip experiences. I am due in Thailand in a few days and Pattaya will be part of it, so it's nice to get recent/current updates. I mainly visit in low season months, by chance rather than deliberate, and I am happy to be there no matter the month, season, quiet/busy. Have to agree that I prefer not to be the only customer in a bar, apart from the intensity of so many eyes looking in your direction (which I can put up with!) it's really not that much fun.
 
But I never just look into a bar to see if it is busy first, I always just enter, sit for a drink and see the lay of the land, all it means is I find myself drinking quicker than I like and moving on elsewhere. No big deal but I also prefer a busy bar with other customers.
 
Nice also to get updates on massage shops, my last trip in June I used them more than previous trips, especially for foot/neck/head massages and it added to the enjoyment of my stay in Pattaya.
 
Glad your trip was successful.

Thanks for taking to time to post your trip experiences. I am due in Thailand in a few days and Pattaya will be part of it, so it's nice to get recent/current updates. I mainly visit in low season months, by chance rather than deliberate, and I am happy to be there no matter the month, season, quiet/busy. Have to agree that I prefer not to be the only customer in a bar, apart from the intensity of so many eyes looking in your direction (which I can put up with!) it's really not that much fun.
 
But I never just look into a bar to see if it is busy first, I always just enter, sit for a drink and see the lay of the land, all it means is I find myself drinking quicker than I like and moving on elsewhere. No big deal but I also prefer a busy bar with other customers.
 
Nice also to get updates on massage shops, my last trip in June I used them more than previous trips, especially for foot/neck/head massages and it added to the enjoyment of my stay in Pattaya.
 
Glad your trip was successful.

I visit at least 3 times per year, (sometimes 4 depending if extra special occasion) for 3-4 weeks each visit. Trips are about 3 months apart with the next one booked before or immediately after returning from the previous one. Been visiting since 2000.
 
Like biguyby I still find some new discovery each trip as I travel around the kingdom as well as the stays in Bkk and Pattaya. Also I look forward to each and every one as much as I did my first.
 
The first year I travelled to Thailand /Singapore for business with a side trip for 'social activities' added, thereafter travelling for social activities with very rare/occasional business side trip. My second trip (non business) in 2000 I travelled from a UK regional airport via London Heathrow direct for £630 economy, I just booked economy flight for October this year on KLM via Amsterdam for under £500 (+extra for upgrade to more comfortable seat).
 
So 15 years on the flight is £130 cheaper! Surprisingly......so many other costs in Thailand have hardly changed over those 15 years either, and most of the one's which have increased, the %'s have been small in comparison to those in Europe over the same time frame.    

I visit at least 3 times per year, (sometimes 4 depending if extra special occasion) for 3-4 weeks each visit. Trips are about 3 months apart with the next one booked before or immediately after returning from the previous one. Been visiting since 2000.
 
Like biguyby I still find some new discovery each trip as I travel around the kingdom as well as the stays in Bkk and Pattaya. Also I look forward to each and every one as much as I did my first.
 
The first year I travelled to Thailand /Singapore for business with a side trip for 'social activities' added, thereafter travelling for social activities with very rare/occasional business side trip. My second trip (non business) in 2000 I travelled from a UK regional airport via London Heathrow direct for £630 economy, I just booked economy flight for October this year on KLM via Amsterdam for under £500 (+extra for upgrade to more comfortable seat).
 
So 15 years on the flight is £130 cheaper! Surprisingly......so many other costs in Thailand have hardly changed over those 15 years either, and most of the one's which have increased, the %'s have been small in comparison to those in Europe over the same time frame.    

Me too. But like you I never about-turn, I just get a drink and if it is awkward or there is not much interaction from the stage, drink it quicker than usual and onto the next bar. If the mamasan is not too objectionable (not many of them around) it's about the only situation I put up with one chattering to me.....
 
 
I've never understood this notion. How many boys do you intend to off each evening......69? What competition can there possibly be for the hundreds of bar/gogo/massage/club/general boys who are in Pattaya at any one time of the year. So once you have picked your boy for the night what happens to the other 750 who you have not taken off? 
 
 
Selfish and very short-sighted. How do you possibly expect all of these bars, agogos, show bars, massage shops, clubs etc to survive if it is permanently quiet just to suit you?  As I say when you have picked your one boy from the 3 bars you visit which you hope to be quiet, and you have paid your Bt120 or maybe Bt200 for the drink, where on earth do you expect the difference to be made up from for them to run at a profit so they can exist for YOUR next visit?   And also where do you expect all the boys you reject to get money to eat, pay rent, earn a living to be available for YOUR next trip?
 
Sorry to sound so negative with the poster but I really just don't understand this attitude. I tend to visit in low season simply because I prefer christmas/new year back in Scotland. But when visiting during low season in June and September/October have always found huge numbers of available boys way outnumbering potential clients, it could actually do with far MORE 'competition'!  I really wish the gay scene in boystown/sunee/jomtien was much,much busier than it is in low season. I find the busier the better for ALL concerned, as Traveller Dave comments, an empty bar is really no fun. Also if things are busier (read: more competition) the boys react more positively in my opinion.
 
I cannot envisage a single situation where anyone/everyone is a winner when there is less 'competition' from gay farangs....except for those who are self-centred perhaps.
 
Low season. high season, in-between season, I'm just happy to be in Thailand whatever the season, month, weather or gay farang 'competition'.

Thanks for helpful information and replies.  
 
 
Never thought just a foot massage would be 1 hour duration, I only have 1 hour for full body oil massage and find that just about right timewise inc happy endings! But the only way to find out how long is ideal is to try it. Thanks for the detail in the reply.
 
Your idea of a full-body oil massage differs from mine. I don't like 'stong techniques'! I always ask for bao-bao, soft soft, I just like my muscles to be gently massaged, except maybe for upper thighs which were used to strongish massages when I played football/soccer especially as I was still playing to my mid-forties and needed all the help I could get to recover.
 
 
 
Thanks for the helpful reply and as I noted in farangyai's reply I was surprised that a foot massage is still expected to last 1 hour. Tipping details were especially helpful as I have just no experience with non-full body oil massages where I always tip Bt1000, never less. So it's good to know reasonable tips are appreciated.
 
And fair comment to farangyai's reasons for a slightly higher tip level.  
 
I definitely plan to fit in some normal massage shop massages on my up coming visit to Thailand, seems I may have missed out some nice relaxing moments this last 15 years! ha.
 
I will use the Bkk silom/suriwong area shops but with regards to Pattaya massage shops around Tuk Com, has anyone visited the one directly opposite the rear exit/entrance to Tuk Com? When I have an oil massage I always pick the masseur I prefer irrespective if they run a list, when having a foot/standard massage do you still have the choice of masseur or is one assigned to you? Not that it's an issue for a foot massage, but would hope to chat during the massage so would prefer someone I specifically like as many of the massage lads stop me to chat when I pass their shops around Tuk Com as I go back and forth to my apartment in Mosaik, it would be nice to have one of those who makes an approach to do the massage.

Thanks for helpful information and replies.  
 
 
Never thought just a foot massage would be 1 hour duration, I only have 1 hour for full body oil massage and find that just about right timewise inc happy endings! But the only way to find out how long is ideal is to try it. Thanks for the detail in the reply.
 
Your idea of a full-body oil massage differs from mine. I don't like 'stong techniques'! I always ask for bao-bao, soft soft, I just like my muscles to be gently massaged, except maybe for upper thighs which were used to strongish massages when I played football/soccer especially as I was still playing to my mid-forties and needed all the help I could get to recover.
 
 
 
Thanks for the helpful reply and as I noted in farangyai's reply I was surprised that a foot massage is still expected to last 1 hour. Tipping details were especially helpful as I have just no experience with non-full body oil massages where I always tip Bt1000, never less. So it's good to know reasonable tips are appreciated.
 
And fair comment to farangyai's reasons for a slightly higher tip level.  
 
I definitely plan to fit in some normal massage shop massages on my up coming visit to Thailand, seems I may have missed out some nice relaxing moments this last 15 years! ha.
 
I will use the Bkk silom/suriwong area shops but with regards to Pattaya massage shops around Tuk Com, has anyone visited the one directly opposite the rear exit/entrance to Tuk Com? When I have an oil massage I always pick the masseur I prefer irrespective if they run a list, when having a foot/standard massage do you still have the choice of masseur or is one assigned to you? Not that it's an issue for a foot massage, but would hope to chat during the massage so would prefer someone I specifically like as many of the massage lads stop me to chat when I pass their shops around Tuk Com as I go back and forth to my apartment in Mosaik, it would be nice to have one of those who makes an approach to do the massage.

I should probably mention that one of the reasons I tip a bit more than others is that I am a giant. So for example doing a foot massage on me takes them a lot longer. The guys always joke about it and want to try on my shoes which they can do even when keeping their shoes on. Seriously. I can't even buy shoes or sandals in Thailand unless I have them handmade. 
 
Similarly, for a guy to hit on the bodyparts and do a decent massage is not an easy job. The main guy I use for full body massage is sweating and tired out by the time he is done working on me for two hours. My arms are the size of their legs or bigger. I do a lot of walking so my legs are solid.  I have had all the massage folks laughing at Wat Po when the woman tried to lift up my leg to put it on her to massage.
 
When a guy finishes my foot massage that they charged me 200 baht for, another 200 baht tip for a job well done seems like a bargain. My foot massage always goes over an hour. It only seems fair that I pay a bit more.
 
I do not tip for the sake of tipping. I tip because I know they earned it when they massage me!

- Do many here use the massage shops for standard massages as well as full-body/happy-ending massages? If so what is the etiquette?
 
yes, I use the "normal" massage shops in the Silom/Surawong area all the time, in fact I never use the gay ones like Bonny. I think I never had a bad massage, the worst ay have been a mediocre one, but usually they range from good to excellent. I do both Thai massages as well as oil massages. 
The etiquette: for the Thai massage you change into a very loose fitting shirt and pants they provide. That massage therefore is almost never with any extras. For an oil massage you're obviously naked, and in the Silom area almost everywhere they will also do a HE if you want, especially if you get hard during the massage (an obvious sign that you might want it haha). Some ask if you want it, some ask how much you would tip for it, some just do it, some don't do it at all, it all depends on the individual guy, not the shop. You can always decline a HE when asked if you don't want it, no pressure.
 
- For feet/lower legs massage, just off your footwear and roll up jeans/trouser legs? Do they wash feet first? 
 
yes and yes
 
- and head shoulders do they just massage over shirt/tee-shirt or is it top off?
 
I think massage over shirt/t-shirt, as it is usually done without oil.
 
- How long for these massages, oil is usually 1 hour, but foot, head/shoulders, are they normally 30 mins or more?
 
as long as you like. The "standard" time for foot massage is 1 hour, too, though you can vary that as you wish. Head/shoulders I'm not sure, as thst's not offered by many shops (at least usually not listed on the sign boards outside the shop)
 
- And cost?
 
Thai massages: price for 1 hour from 250 Baht to maybe 400; I highly recommend to do at least 1.5 hours though, makes a big difference
oil massages: 400-600 Baht/hour
foot massage: same as Thai
 
 
-  I assume normal massages always done on the lower ground massage shop on the benches/chairs you can see when passing.
Yes and no. The chairs you see are for foot massages only. If you get a Thai (or oil) massage, it is done in massage rooms, usually with a table or on a floor mat, depending on the shop. The better shops have floor mats for Thai massages and tables for oil massages, some smaller shops have only floor mats. Personally, I am indifferent to table vs. mat.
 
- Tips for a 'standard' massage?
  I think farangyai is super-generous with his tips. Technically, you don't have to tip at all. But as foreigners, we kind of feel bad not tipping, and we might as well support the locals by tipping. Having said that, a 100 Baht tip for a 1 hour foot or Thai or oil massage (without any "extras, of course), is perfectly fine and appreciated. Anything higher than that will be VERY much appreciated, but is not expected in any way.   
 
Shops I like for consistently good massages are Pranee (small, relaxed and cheap shop right on Silom, about 50-100m up from Thanyia, on the second floor above the 24-hour Boots pharmacy, right next to the BTS exit) and The Prime (Silom Soi 6).

I freqently enjoy a real massage while in Thailand. Most of the time I do it without any sexual overtones. 
 
I especially like a one-hour foot massage after a long day of walking. I like a particular place on Silom where they have low lighting, you sit in a chair, they wash your feet first and then give a nice long slow foot massage and sometimes if time allows give a brief shoulder, neck, scalp massage also. I find these totally relaxing and a chance for relaxed conversation. I normally tip at least the same as the cost of the massage.
 
For a body massage, I prefer a long two hour massage so that by the time it is done, I feel like a bowl of jello. If possible I like to have these in my own room, otherwise the comfortable/bed or table is preferred to a thin floor mat. Again, I normally tip at least the same as the cost of the massage and more if the guy does an outstanding job. I have certain guys I use and have always been satisfied with.
 
I prefer cream to oil. I prefer strong Thai massage techniques to rubbing. If I have a mild pain from the strength of the massage that is good. I like it when they use the arms and elbows even if it makes be grunt a bit while it is being done. GIve me a strong Issan rice farmer doing this and it is bliss.
 
I also have been known to stop by Wat Po and let the students do their thing on me, whether male or female. Yes, maybe a bit touristy, so I enjoy the small places more. One of the better massages I have ever had in Thailand was by a blind masseur. They just about had to carry me out I was so relaxed. I also like to participate in the whole routine including the herbal tea and small talk.
 
But that is my personal taste and I prefer to keep real massages separate from the fun ones.

Another recommendation for Limo Pattaya from me too. Excellent service from both Suvarnabhumi at Bt1200 and central Bkk at Bt1500 to Pattaya. Large comfortable cars with reliable, steady drivers.  
 
 
Well it is a personal thing I suppose, the fact bus travel between Bkk and Pattaya it is not door-to-door and you need to get to the bus departure point as well as having to get from the drop-off point in Pattaya to your chosen hotel is just too much of a hassle for me. I really don't understand why anyone travelling half way round the planet from western countries to Thailand for a holiday on a flight costing anything from Bt25,000 to Bt50,000+ can be bothered dragging their luggage from hotel to bus terminal and from bus terminal to hotel for the sake of Bt1000/£20 difference. If it is in one of those death-trap small vans it is even more beyond me.

Not a lot to go on Peter, some detail would get more precise responses. Where in Bkk are you planning to stay? price range? and also importantly when?
 
Even though you indicated the hotel does not have to be 'gay' it certainly makes for a more relaxed ambiance if gay. If it is silom area as Vinapu suggests there would be very few hotels who would object to a joiner/guest, some may take the 'opportunity' to charge for the guest, especially some of the high-end chains.  
 
If in Silom area, as others have indicated Tarntawan Place Hotel has a very relaxed, easy atmosphere and guests come-and-go all the time, you'll pay between Bt2,000 and Bt3,000 per night, but worth it in my opinion.I always book here at the end of a trip for easy access to Airport (45min-hour).
 
I booked D'Varee, Silom (previously Ballys Suites) soi 2 silom right in the mix, for a short early June visit, huge range of prices depending when you plan to stay, deluxe/superior, with/without breakfast etc.. A Standard (described as deluxe) was Bt1250 when I booked 2-3 weeks ago, it is now Bt1440 for same. Not huge but modern rooms, nicely presented, nice bathroom with huge shower cabinet, flat screen TV, free WiFi, tea/coffee making facilities, wooden style flooring...and unlike Om Yim which is now very, very worn probably due to quality of original fixtures, everything is still in near-pristine condition at D'Varee.
 
Hope some of this helps.
 
Just as an aside, it would be interesting to know what aspect(s) of Pattaya you found 'awful'.