[Phnom Penh, Angkor, Koh Ker and Sambor Prey Kuk - trip to Cambodia in Jan 2024]

On 2/16/2024 at 4:32 AM, vinapu said:

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 !

 

Great pics, always nice to read reports about Siem Reap. I see you enjoyed with S, good for you !

[Siem Reap trip - Feb 2023]

On 3/7/2023 at 1:55 PM, AndyUK said:

 

I visited SR for 10 days in February and this is a brief write up of my visit. I am going to be discreet but I am happy answer any specific questions about venues or activities…..just drop me a message. 

I found vinapu’s previous account of his visit interesting and I did discover Hanuman beer…excellent!

I stayed at Men’s Resort. It was a real oasis in a busy city and excellent to return to after a busy day. The food was excellent as were the cocktails and were reasonably priced. The room was clean, cool and spacious and I would recommend this hotel. The only slight issue was the distance from the centre of town which did need a tuk tuk trip there and back unless you were going to arrive really sweaty. Tuk tuks plentiful outside the hotel and the price seemed to be $2 into Pub Street and $3 back. 

I did not sample the massages at the hotel but a friend who was staying had a number and said that there were excellent and enjoyable. I visited the spa in the hotel 3 times and each time was busy, especially on week ends and after 6.30/7pm. A real mix of locals who tended to outnumber the tourists. I found many local guys to be bottoms who wanted a European top guy so if you’re bottom, it can be a tad frustrating. Some beautiful men so if you’re a top, you will have a great time.

I also visited Massage 168 and had arranged via email to meet a beautiful guy from the pics they had sent me. When I arrived on Sunday afternoon, the guy at reception said the guy I wanted to meet was unavailable as his grandmother was ill! There were two other massage guys there behind a curtain and I chose a muscular one for the massage. Massage was competent but it was obvious he was just going through the motions. I ended the massage early as there was no connection and did not return. I did not find the place particularly clean either and this was probably the least pleasurable experience I have had in Asia.

I also visited Gecko massage near Pub Street and chose a muscular Cambodian guy for a massage. He was very willing and enthusiastic as well as being gorgeous and this resulted in a $30 tip. This was a far better experience than the one previously.

In relation to the gay scene I went to 4 places.

A new bar called Rendezvous Bar has opened and this was a fun bar to meet other gay travellers. The owner, Roland, was lovely and the drinks were great, especially the gin and tonics. Also, the Thai peanut mix was to die for…I think Christian mentioned this previously on another post…you have to go to taste this as well as viewing the gorgeous bar staff, especially Mao. I met some lovely fellow travellers there and would recommend this bar as an enjoyable stop off to chat and have fun.

I went to the new Miss Wong’s cocktail bar which has moved from near Pub Street to the other side of the river. It is a beautiful old house setting and the cocktails were some of the best I had on my Asia visit. Not particularly a gay vibe, a bit formal cocktail loungy but hugely enjoyable none the less.

I also visited a place the other side of the Night Market called Look@Me which seemed a bit run down, was small, on a noisy road and had no customers but this was early evening. I did not go in. Not for me.

The place which was really fun was Barcode. I visited this years ago and it has got better. A great routine by the performers. When I visited three times, there was a mix of tourists and some Cambodians and the bar staff are really friendly especially some of the hot waiters. One of the muscular bar staff was so hot I and flirtatious and I wish I had followed vinapu’s tactic of tipping him $5! Maybe the next visit?

The place which is not really on any guide but which was a real discovery was Home Cocktail Bar. I met an Australian guy who lives in SR for part of the year and he recommended this bar to meet gay Cambodians. It has great cocktails and food, is very reasonably priced and when I visited, packed with gay Cambodian guys who seemed to be interested in tourists. I spent three evenings there talking, flirting and getting to know some lovely local guys. Cocktails $1.50! A huge recommendation with the plus side that you get to meet locals. I found that locals are priced out of some of the other bars so this is the place to go! It was my favourite place in SR.

I found that Blued was hopeless here and I had more success with Grindr with guys wanting to meet, invariably for payment. $30/40 seemed to be the going rate to meet and there are some beautiful guys in Siem Reap.

When I got Tuk tuks back to Men’s at night a lot of the drivers seemed to know guys who would meet tourists for fun and some showed pictures. I did not take them up on their offers but they seemed genuine.

All in all SR is a fun place to visit.

Just went to Siem Reap 3 days ago

- yes Rendez-Vous bar is a nice, relaxing and friendly bar to chat with expats and boys (didn't have that much travellers when i stopped by)

- Barcode show was nice and entertaining, lasting more than 3 hours. Many customers arrived around 10pm, at 11pm it was full on a Wednesday evening. Very friendly staff. 

[Siem Reap trip - Feb 2023]

On 3/26/2023 at 10:06 PM, ChristianPFC said:

I got boys from online for 20 USD, everyone eager to meet again. After a poor encounter for 20, I started offering 10, which still half accept. Those who perform well get 20, the duds 10 and bye. 30 to 40 is either generous/overpaying from your side or a greedy starting offer from the boy's side. 

"Also, the Thai peanut mix was to die for…I think Christian mentioned this previously on another post…" available at the market. I liked the fried garlic which is just added as spice.

Thanks for your report. Some places I missed during my recent trips to Siem Reap. Will have a look next time.

Update from my Apr23 visit in Siem Reap, yes 20USD is a right offer and what is expected from the boys

[This afternoon, on Silom ….]

On 4/15/2023 at 7:13 PM, vinapu said:

glad to hear you guys are having fun there and did not forget about us, humble domesticated forum members

Silom seemed very hot busy indeed. I had Songkran celebrations in Siem Reap province, full of handsome smiling straight Khmer boys... another way to have good fun !

Now back to Pattaya, so quiet, seems i missed the party 😁

[LINE Group Chat]

On 4/20/2023 at 1:01 AM, Marc in Calif said:

Dual-SIM card phone. I always get a local SIM card and phone number for whatever country I'm in. Makes so many things so much easier. 

How can you be so primitive ? using physical SIM card in 2023, really ?? I download eSIM card !! 😁

 

[Tour of Bangkok spas March 2023]

16 hours ago, alvnv said:

Maybe paying less is much more of an attraction for some than the experience, or masseurs themselves? 🤔

I wouldn’t know why - I’m just glad I don’t have that kink

 

Not less... still 4000.

I just said I will not give more money to the shop than to the boy.

[Tour of Bangkok spas March 2023]

6 hours ago, vinapu said:

not sure where your numbers are coming from , when last time at Jey I paid 1250 for the shop for 90 minutes treatment in VIP room. Guy's (Maii2) min tip was 1800 but I tipped him 2000 on 1st and 2200 on 2nd occasion and I liked experience

Exactly what I said.

1500 max to the shop and more for the boy. Not the contrary.

[Tour of Bangkok spas March 2023]

On 3/26/2023 at 7:45 PM, vinapu said:

Really, ? you are claiming that some of Jey Spa boys appeal to you and still while millionaire you would deprive yourself pleasure  of meeting them because they are 1000 baht overpriced. How many lives you are expecting to live ?

I don't understand how you can give only 1500 tip if the boys are so better than in other places... and 2500 to the shop for 90 minutes. Quite shocking for me.

More acceptable would be 1500 for the shop and 2500 of tip for a "luxury" boy...

[Pattaya Massage shops review 2023]

On 3/18/2023 at 9:29 AM, 12is12 said:

Bravo Vinapu, for giving an example. Do all the nay sayers find anything wrong with that? 

 

Forky, I agree with ur observations but not with ur conclusions. U r a good kind generous person, giving a disappointing masseur the benefit of the doubt (maybe he'll change, maybe it's personal chemistry). However, u r doing so at other patrons' expense. I would rather avoid any masseur u defined above as "crap". 

This is especially so with cheats, who promise and dont deliver or who fake pics. They deserve NO consideration.

Name yes

Picture no no 😁

[Airbnb (or other apartment) recommendations]

12 hours ago, gayinpattaya said:

I totally understand. It happens in my condo regularly. Residents and security stop people with suitcases. 

My post was satire. 

oh ok... i just wanted to inform the guys who don't know thai laws to avoid very unpleasant situations... BTW other part of your comments are quite true 🙂

[New Official Jomtien Complex Website & Map]

i rent a condo not far to Jomtien Complex. I spent some time several times last week. I can tell it is nice and relaxing to go there for a drink, and it gets really busy quite everyday after 9.30pm. If you are into having a drink with a boy, should go there. If you are into gogo bar shows then Boyztown offer better choices.

[Airbnb (or other apartment) recommendations]

18 hours ago, gayinpattaya said:

When traveling best to stick to the local laws, and keep yourself out of trouble....

Short term Airbnb bookings are illegal.. Avoid them.
Gogo bars, illegal. 
Prostitution, illegal.  
Watching porn, illegal. 
Sex toys, illegal.
Buying booze after midnight at stores, illegal. 
Drinking after 2am, illegal. 
Electronic cigarettes, illegal. 
Going outside without wearing underwear (under your pants/shorts) illegal...

I bet a missed a few. 

But don't worry, you can sit on the balcony in your hotel, smoke drugs (cannabis), and masturbate with only your imagination. Best to stay out of trouble.... 


I love Thailand haha. 

Maybe you didn't understand that Short Term Airbnb are not only illegal, but people in condos just HATE short term Airbnb tourists coming in and out in their condo. Police will not come to randomly check you in the lobby of the condo. No no. But many people of the condo will not hesitate to call security if they believe you are a short term tenant. They are so pissed off by the tourists moving with their luggage in the condo everydays.

Like in many countries, the hunt for Airbnb short term rentals is also open here...  

[Airbnb (or other apartment) recommendations]

Displayed at tle lobby of many good condos in pattaya :

[Boyz Music Bar Boytown-review]

3 hours ago, vinapu said:

at least all cars and trucks are driving on the same wrong  side 

how much Mike Charges to Bangkok ?  just curious. I paid 1200 and 1300 when booked on the street

Jomtien beach to silom 1300. Silom or BKK airport to jomtien beach 1200. Always good drivers. 10 min in standby before pickup.

[Boyz Music Bar Boytown-review]

44 minutes ago, vinapu said:

hope you did not drive drunk

Mike Pattaya Taxi service everytime !

I avoid to drive in Thailand and never in Bangkok city ! They are driving on the wrong side all the time, like the Brits... crazy idea !

[Back in Bangkok after 3 years]

3 hours ago, VancBCMan said:

Rather than describing what happened each day of my visit, I will provide comments on different parts of my stay in Bangkok.

Impressions & Observations of Bangkok on this trip

• I walked around the Surawong and Silom areas everyday and here are my observations of what I noticed since my last visit.
• Overall, there were fewer tourists than before, particularly those from China.
• The Patpong Night market is open again, but there seemed to be fewer stalls and fewer people visiting them each night.
• There seemed to be more massage shops on Surawong.
• A number of marijuana shops have opened up all over, now that weed is legal in Thailand.
• Several food carts along Surawong were open and seemed to be doing fine.
• Shops and services on Thaniya Road seem to be catering to mostly Japanese tourists now; I don’t recall that being the case before.
• Things are still not quite back to normal after the pandemic. A few of the places were still shuttered shut and have not reopened.
• I initially thought that some of the restaurants I had previously gone to were permanently closed. But I was mistaken: 2 of the 3 were still open. An Indian restaurant on Surawong is no longer there. Of the other 2, one closes early at 9 pm (I went there after 9) and the other is a restaurant now also sells weed (I initially thought the whole place was converted to a weed shop).
• A new fast-food place has opened up on Silom, near Sala Deng BTS Station – Texas Chicken; you see them being promoted in some of the Thai BL series.
• A lot more MBs and “massage therapists” are now on Grindr. Others have mentioned this too.
• A good number of locals wore masks, even when outside. Most tourists did not. On BTS, most folks, including foreigners, wore masks.
• Tim Horton’s, which has thousands of coffee shops in Canada, has recently opened some shops in Bangkok. I went to one and was disappointed. They do not offer brewed coffee – a bread-and-butter item in Canada at Tim’s - nor a plain toasted bagel. They offer Americanos, lattes, and other beverages and bagels with cream cheese only.
• XOne had the best exchange rates as mentioned by @vinapu (I hang on to every word he writes, and then I can’t go wrong! ).

 

"now that weed is legal in Thailand"

be very careful about this ! Only weed with less than 0,2 of THC is legal. This is quite low and many shops does not respect this limit... at the buyer risk.

The new Police Scam is for them to randomly check tourists with weed... they know that it is quite probable that the weed will not comply with this limit (they have fast check kits). So if you buy weed, have also 15 000 THB with you to pay the fine... the police love these new easy income...

[Boyz Music Bar Boytown-review]

I went Wednesday night to BBBoys show (10.30pm). Good show as usual. Go early to have a table near the scene to have a good view of the performers bodies... The cock show is more impressive that the one at Bangkok Dreamboys. The boys you will offer a drink are entertaining but fully dressed... what a pity...

As you mentioned, after the show at BBB (around midnight) all the boys are moving to BoyzMusic bar and another show stars at 1.00am.

If you take a bottle of alcohol during the show at BBB (2300 a good large bottle of whiskey), you can tip 200 your mamasan at the end of the show there and the mamasan will escort you to the Boyzmusic bar with the bottle, for free use there (no charge. Free Coke and soda water).

I was with my Cambodian bf and we took 5 boys from Cambodia to drink all together (250 each boy). Mamasan added one shy thai boy for free. Maybe a boy in training... Nice fun. Left at 2.30am (because I had to go to work to Bangkok a few hours later). Still many customers this late. I was told the bar was closing around 3am. Maybe later.

[45 days visa exempt]

Coming back in LOS yesterday from Siem Reap, I had a 45 day length visa. I asked if I will enjoy the same welcome in April and the officer said "yes it will be given also during Songkran month (april)"

[Airbnb (or other apartment) recommendations]

16 hours ago, Riobard said:

I just booked an Airbnb for this Fall, not Ashton Chula but the same area. Then realized the hosts likely have not satisfied the ambiguous loopholes around short-term rental illegality in Thailand, and I was surprised about the paucity of listings many months out.

In my personal home building the reception flags guests that arrive through platforms such as Airbnb and the owner is dinged a large fine. The condo corp can also bar arriving guests. 

I was also wondering if immigration asks about lodgings when one lands. 

I am sure these rentals usually stay under the radar but I am thinking of taking the option to cancel for the unit I booked. I do require a kitchen and separate sleeping quarters, so appreciate the clue about the filter option for Booking wherein the units typically fall under hotel licensing. They are just more expensive for refundable options and you likely get the all-day racket with regular slamming of doors from daily cleaning staff as for a standard hotel room. 

Short term is not allowed. Airbnb is not allowed but only if it is for a short term. No problem at all if booked for minimum of 30 days + 1 day.

[Cambodian mystery and Thai solution - first trip of 2023]

12 hours ago, vinapu said:

horror movie to one is just comedy for other.

That's schnitzel with rice and vegatebles in thick creamy curry sauce. Yummy !!!

Next time we meet crossing Silom it on me for you nad your man but it must be the same man who was with you then

Yes with pleasure ! We both will be happy to meet you again !

I am (again) flying from France today. In Bangkok tomorrow. Then Pattaya. Then Siem Reap.

[Cambodian mystery and Thai solution - first trip of 2023]

11 hours ago, vinapu said:

Day 8

 When parting in the morning I upped his tip by savings on his meal last night and even pointed it to him. Hope word spreads that it pays not to be too  glutenous.

 At 9 am met farang  friend in café near Mahanakhon, we had talk till 11  and resolved to go to train market after tomorrow , agreed to meet at Wongwian Yai station in time for 10.40  train.

Then I had mission as I got  suspicion from combing Grindr that one on my best guy ever, certain M from Senso is working as hairdresser in one of shops in Rama IX Central. So jumped on MRT and soon was combing that sizable mall in search of hairdresser shops.

Unfortunately did not spot him, perhaps too early , or his day off or whatever. Will try next time in Bangkok as I don’t give up on him easily.

Being in area went to Ratchada train market but it was too early and shops were closed but walking there I found 10 baht coin so at least my efforts paid of.

Next step was to have massage at new shop of 9-Teen in soi 6 with  guy who  was resident masseur in Tawan  last year , now task taken by Mas , their resident twink.

New shop is quite impressive, well designed and everything smells new. Word is that massage is proper , just like Prime around the corner without any sinister moves. Let’s say I decline comment on that , I liked my massage  session only conclusion was bit unnerving since my guy wanted higher tip than I offered. I succumbed to request but it will be while before he will see me if at all.

 As much as I like Tawan and their boys , I built reputation there as handy money dispenser. I know it’s my fault but it starts hurting me so perhaps it’s time to switch that pain to  guys and show them that greed is not good for their financial health. But that’s for future as that massage reminded me that this trip I did not go to Tawan yet so resolved to pay them a visit tonight.

But first a dinner, this time in G”Bangkok in soi 4 . they have one fusion German -Thai dish in casserole I like so much. Don’t remember name of it but on the page where they list fusion servings that’s the one in the very bottom.

 Next step was my daily drink with P at Hot Male and after a while there I walked to Tawan. It was nice to be greeted by all those smiles and handshakes, less nice to fend off   all those palms stretched for tips.  Today my tips  were reserved for performers in the show but yes , I bought drinks for 3 guys sitting with me including K  and B whom I offed few times in the past.

 I was bit surprised , K’s cousin waitress in Happy Beer did not spy on me as he was not aware I’m in Bangkok. I always admire Thai discretion.

Show as always was quite brave and very modern including not one but two special shows and usual  JO competition so I dispensed 9 red notes for their efforts.

K remembered that in Dec on his birthday I promised him to buy him whisky so I decided to off him tonight, invited him for a dinner in 7.5 stars and just before deadline bought him a bottle of wine as he asked for such substitution.

And then to hotel for  activities  like knitting , stamp  collection rearrangement and world peace discussions.

 

 

"fusion German -Thai dish"  - OMG what is that ???!!

German dishes are about combining potatoes and all kind of sausages... who can you fusion this with a Thai soup or curry ? Looks like a horror movie to me ! 

[Cambodian mystery and Thai solution - first trip of 2023]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

I have no doubt he realizes unless he assessed me as cheat and lost hope that I will pay him anything but that's highly unlikely in view that after all I send him some advance money, right ? 

All I know is that all money I had aside for him I spent on other guys including his bar friend and I'm happy I did.

I also received his picture and I'm truly glad he looks much better than when we met at the airport. Perhpas whole experience worked like bucket of cold water for him.

It would be similar to what I had in October when Handsome Cambodian taken to BKK for 4 days dumped me after 1 night over dispute related to excessive phone use forfeiting 12000 . Two weeks later when I saw him he admitted that realisation of his hotheadedness and loss created caused short depression   and when I offed him , he was changed man indeed. 

In few days we will meet him again, ( report in due course ) and he was even more hot and charming. 

Does it mean there's hope for me for another try at CCP ? LOL

Another try ? Nooooooo

So many other boys from Cambodia are handsome and nice and with a better behavior...

[Cambodian mystery and Thai solution - first trip of 2023]

Sorry V. to read how things were badly going in PP... I believe you have done your best with this boy. This shows he is not very smart, missing such a good and caring customer... This may not be the end of the story, but he obviously considers you as granted. Not great.

You should now enjoy PP. Don't forget you still have the bottle of red wine. Hang out to find the right boy who may deserve it !

[Culmination of 3 year crush]

11 minutes ago, TotallyOz said:

Everyone needs to work. It builds character. My BF of 20 years works full time. He is a truck driver. I can't have someone just sitting around waiting on me day and night. Not good for them and I can't have other visitors.

I was thinking of him working with you. Or you have a business together. Maybe I got confused.

Ok. 

[Culmination of 3 year crush]

2 hours ago, TotallyOz said:

Yes, 20's, yes and has never asked for money (just a loving husband who caters after him night and day)

You let him work ? Really ? But why ?