jimmie50

Day 19 - Chiang Mai Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai is probably one of the older establishments, but rooms were comfortable and service was great. They also have a ‘convention center’ attached and were hosting some Southeast Asia Tech Summit. It must be the favored place to stay for many tour companies as well, and many tour groups were in town for the festival. To be quite honest, had I done my research and realized that the stay in Chiang Mai would coincide with Yi Peng Lantern Festival and Loy Krathong, I would have returned to Bangkok for my last few days instead of staying in Chiang Mai. Every place was simply too crowded and overrun with tourists in Chiang Mai. Traffic was horrible and way too many tour buses and large groups for the infrastructure to handle. We traveled outside of Chiang Mai to experience a visit to one of the Hill Tribes, see new crops being planted, learn about herbal remedies, and see crafts made. On our way back into town we stopped at Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens. What beautiful scenery. After checking out the various greenhouses we stopped at an orchid farm where we enjoyed a nice lunch. Looking back, most of our group meals were buffet style and always included steamed rice, pad thai, and without exception the famous cashew chicken. We had a couple of hours late afternoon to rest or explore on our own before meeting to go to Khantoke Dinner and Show. The performers wore traditional costumes and included traditional Northern Thailand music and dancing. Our food was served on a pedestal tray used as a small dining table. It was a nice way to conclude our group tour together. In the morning, everyone will head to the airport and go their separate ways…most returning home, but a couple of adventurers traveling on to Singapore and Malaysia. Of course, I am remaining in Chiang Mai for two more days.

Day 18 - Chiang Mai Chiang Rai hotel was literally a three ring circus at breakfast. Restaurant opened at 6am. Our departure wasn’t until 8am, but I had been awake since 5am so decided to go down early when it opened. One very large tour group with three full busloads was checking out at 6am and all of them headed for the breakfast buffet before departure. I certainly made a bad decision going early. Since the large group was long gone when we started loading the bus, it was pretty smooth sailing. Wish I could say the same for the ride, but there was a lot of road construction through the mountains between Chiang Rai and about half way to Chiang Mai. Slow going, and rough riding. Stopped at a rest area after only about one hour to gives us a bit of a break from the road conditions. Next stop was at Mae Kachan Hot Springs for a chance to dip our toes in or boil some eggs in the bubbling hot springs. After the hot springs, we stopped at a local restaurant to grab some lunch…delicious Khao Soi noodle soup. I love it so much. I’ve been waiting for this the entire trip. Even made sure I was first in line! Started to rain during lunch, but by the time we had finished eating and were ready to continue on our way to Chiang Mai the rain had stopped. As you all know, Chiang Mai is known as the place for temple exploring. We visited both Wat Phra Singh temple, which was built in 1345, and Wat Chedi Luang temple, a charming wooden creation famous for its huge Lanna style stupa. In the evening we went to explore one of Chiang Mai’s iconic night markets. Our arrival is also the beginning of a lantern festival. While some communities have toned down the celebrations out of respect for the Queen Mother’s passing, that was not the case in Chiang Mai. Festivities were in full swing as planned including fireworks.

Day 17 - Chiang Rai Boarded the bus for a one hour ride to the Golden Triangle and Chiang Saen. The ancient city of Chiang Saen is a town that is one three sides bordered by a wall and a moat and one side by the Mekong River. It was a strategic border post of the Lanna Kingdom as well as an important center of Buddhism. It was part of a Burmese kingdom between roughly 1558 and 1804. We jumped on a boat for a cruise of the Mekong River to the spot where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos all meet up. We dropped by Don Sao Island Markets to stretch our legs, pick up some handicrafts, and munch on tasty local goodies. Upon our return to Chiang Saen, we went to the Hall of Opium. This was an amazing museum packed full of history into a fascinating ‘edutainment’ experience. Interesting piece of history I had forgotten from 60+ years go when we studied the Opium Wars in World History class. In the evening we explored a large night market in Chiang Rai for some more shopping and street food for dinner. Continued with my chats throughout the day with Bee. So far he has been very attentive and sweet in his messaging regardless of the fact he does not think he is a sweet person. lol. I am enjoying the attention. Presents me with a dilemma when we arrive in Chiang Mai as I am unsure if I want to visit Classic House and AquaCNX now for massage…or go and just get the massage without any extras. Don’t want to mess things up, and already been checking return flights to Bangkok in early 2026.

Day 16 - Chiang Rai To be honest, early morning departures are getting to be exhausting. Luggage needs to be ready and outside our hotel room one hour before scheduled departure, plus we need to have breakfast before getting on the bus. 6am breakfast and luggage call with 7am departure for Chiang Rai. Today will be a very long bus ride…approximately 7.5 hours. We made a couple of stops along the way at various local temples so we could stretch and use the restroom as needed. During these stops is where I learned that Buddhist temples do not all look the same. Style of the temple and also the Buddha is very much a regional thing. Temples in Northern Thailand look different from those we may have visited in Bangkok. The face of Buddha is more human-like in the north, and they decorate the face as if wearing make-up. The tour director said this was the result of a strong influence from Myanmar over hundreds of years. We made a stop at Khaw Phayao Lake for lunch. This is the largest fresh water lake in Northern Thailand. We had fried fish and tiny little shrimps that were deep fried…both a specialty of this region. After lunch we continued on our journey to Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. Unlike many Thai temples that are centuries old, Wat Rong Khun was built in 1977. It was the brainchild of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. He grew up in the small town where an old version of this temple existed. Using proceeds from his art, he rebuilt the temple to his specifications and using his art inside the temple. It is definitely very striking and one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. I highly recommend a visit here. Finally, we completed our long travel day with a short drive into central Chiang Rai, checked into our hotel, enjoyed a buffet group dinner before ultimately crashing.

So true, and a fact I truly do not understand. Why did people vote for him this time around, and what is this hold he has over the Republican party in general?!? I don't get it.

No contact from Bee yesterday. Either he has figured out this ship isn't going to sail, or perhaps thinks the lack of any contact will produce a change of heart on my part. In either case, the silence was actually a relief to me. Enjoyed my day with Woody on Tuesday, and he hooked me up at his shop for a massage. That certainly helped lift my spirits. lol. Ventured out on my own yesterday afternoon to AquaCNX. Will include a full review when I get home and wrap up the trip report, but for now just wanted to update everyone on my current 'situation'. Head for Chiang Mai airport around noon to begin that long trek back to Denver. Not looking forward to that.

Probably in the minority here, but I don't think you were rude. Based upon his reaction, and a little on the photos that have been shared, he strikes me as a prissy prima donna. Again, just personal opinion. He certainly is a cutie, and wouldn't kick him out of my bed for sure. Over the years, I have been asked by non-native English speakers to tutor them in English, often after being introduced at some social function. Never bothered me, nor did I consider it rude. I think part of the issue is what has been discussed here before...the lack of communication and interpersonal skills of the techie generation. They simply do not know how to conduct themselves in a social setting.

Thanks to everyone for the moral support, suggestions and good advice. Really appreciate it!!!

While my intent was to do something nice, you are correct. I opened the door. Might as well have opened my wallet and said 'help yourself'. Guess the advantage of always having my Thai friends taking care of me when visiting in the past, I was protected or sheltered from such experiences. Lesson learned the hard way. Guess the old saying you are never too old to learn something new is true in my case.

Yes, lesson learned and nice tip for him. It has been raining quite a lot...more than was expected. Got soaked at the Sunday night market and again yesterday at some large temple complex outside of the city. Today is overcast, but no rain so far. Chiang Mai is literally overrun with tourists. Bus after bus after bus. Traffic is horrible. Lantern Festival November 4-6 was heavily promoted by Chiang Mai government. Honestly think more tourists are here than I saw in Bangkok. Definitely at or over maximum capacity for venues to even function properly.

Yes, the tap has been cut off, so to speak. I have heard from him again explaining that he has a 150,000 Baht loan he needs to pay off which is why he needs the help. I haven't blocked him, but also haven't responded. Disappointed for sure, but also have no desire to be in any type of relationship where the entire purpose is for me to be a walking ATM. As I said, realistically it was too good to be true.

He works at Kasikorn Bank. He goes between the Sathorn branch and the Silom branch. I have met him at the Sathorn branch for a quick cup of coffee when he has taking a break, so I have seen him actually working at the bank and in uniform with badge. That part I don't doubt. I know where the massage shop in Sathorn is located, very near his bank, but do not know the name nor did I realize he was working there. They are all older women except him. I thought he was just having casual conversation with them and did not realize they knew each other from a working relationship. No idea the name or location of the Surawong shop. He showed me photos of his parents, as well as his sister who was killed in the tsunami and some other family members that were killed. I believe he said he lost a total of 9 or 12 family members in that horrific event. I know his actual Thai name (Bee is nickname), have seen his official government ID, know the address of his studio apartment but never actually been there, and don't know how much he pays in rent monthly. I didn't want to ask at the time. I suppose the family photos could belong to someone else, but I would have no way of knowing that. Given that so much info was actually factual...I guess I just wanted to believe it was all true. Don't know what part or how much is fiction.

As a follow-up to my most recent update, Bee shared when asking for support that he also works part time after bank hours at two different massage shops...one in Sathorn and the other Surawong. I believe they were owned by the same person and they just send him to the shop where he is needed the most. No judgement about that...realize he is doing what he needs to do in order to support himself and his parents. Just filled with mixed emotions.

Day ??? - Update Good morning. Am just running out of steam and have decided to finish the trip report once I return to Denver the end of this week. Really just physically exhausted, and emotionally drained. Been in a funk the last couple of days with lots of mixed emotions and some disappointment as well. Two days ago, during one of our daily exchange of messages, Bee mentioned he was going to be short on his rent for November. I know, I know…everyone else probably saw this coming. Initially I had expected some sort of plea for financial assistance, but it never came, so I guess I was overly optimistic that there might be more to this. Anyway, I asked how much he needed and he said 5000 Baht. I agreed to deposit the money into his bank account so that he could pay his rent. Didn’t mind, really, and just being me…even added an extra 5000 to the deposit. So, all total was 10,000 Baht. Keep in mind he had only asked for 5000, so being overly generous is totally on me. Then yesterday, a message about how low his salary is at the bank and how many financial obligations he has, plus the need to support his parents, etc. - you get the general idea by now. His remedy to the dire financial situation is that I could send him a monthly stipend of 1000 USD!!! As I said, I was half expecting this early on before getting too emotionally invested. Basically just told him I was retired, on a fixed income, and not interested in such an arrangement unless we were actually a couple living together with shared expenses. No reply yet to what would amount to a flat out refusal of his request. Will see what transpires next, but definitely not sending any more money to him, and really am very disappointed to learn it was nothing more than a game to him and all about the money. Thus…my funky mood. Meeting Woody this morning from Siam Roads, so hopefully he will be able to brighten my spirits a bit…think I will have him set me up for a massage at his shop today with some cute guy to take my mind off the negative feelings. Everyone here had warned me to be careful, so it wasn't a total shock, but still...

Thanks for the info. As I said, I had never heard of it or tasted it before but really enjoyed it. Not sure if it is available at Asian markets in the US or not, but will need to look for it. So far, this is the only place it has been offered. Most places they have an ample supply of watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe and dragon fruit, but have not found the lamood again.

LOL. Didn't realize I was required to site sources on this site. Really too much information at this point and trying to remember everything is nearly impossible. Feeling like I need to order a book on history of Thailand once I return home to do further investigation. The guides have talked about the Khmer influence, so I would say nothing is being filtered, but cannot be 100% sure they are only providing basics. I believe they are being very thorough. I'm just on information overload at this point, plus the fact I am tired and running out of steam. Memory isn't what it used to be, so often need to refer back to online info to fill in the gaps.

Day 15 Sukhothai I had never heard of Sukhothai before this trip, nor really knew much about the history of Thailand. Sukhothai is known as the birthplace of Thai civilization. Our day started with a visit to the UNESCO listed Sukhothai Historical Park where we had a chance to explore the centuries old temples and palace ruins. One interesting fact to me was that prior to Buddhism, many people were actually Hindu and you can see a mixture of both Hinduism and Buddhism in many of the old temples. Under royal patronage, Buddhism flourished and many impressive monasteries were constructed of brick covered with carved stucco. The Kingdom of Sukhothai is credited with the invention and development of many of the unique identifying characteristics of Siamese (Thai) culture, many of them attributed directly to the kingdom’s most famous and beloved King Ramkhamhaeng, who is considered the Founding Father of the Thai Nation. Stone inscriptions found at the sites provided evidence of the earliest examples of Thai writing and gave a detailed account of the economy, religion, social organization and governance of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The area of Sukhothai was also home to accomplished innovators in hydraulic engineering. They modified the landscape of the kingdom in such a way that water was dammed; reservoirs, ponds and canals were constructed; flooding controlled; and water was brought to serve a variety of agricultural, economic and ritual functions as well as to provide the towns’ inhabitants with water for their daily lives and protection in the form of city moats. From that day onwards, the kings of Thailand have been acknowledged for their ability to control the kingdom’s water. The Sukhothai Kingdom was known as a prosperous time and place, and in Thai history has often been referred to as a Golden Age, The Happiness of Thai, or The Dawn of Happiness. I highly recommend a visit to this area. We followed up our visit to the Historical Park with a foodie adventure…Thai Cooking Class. We went to the Baan Suan Suda Cooking School where our host gave us a tour of their garden with homegrown herbs, vegetables and fruits. Next we sorted out the different ingredients we would need to prepare our dishes getting to experience the Thai version of farm to table. At the conclusion we were able to feast on the amazing dishes we prepared: Sweet/Sour Chicken, Cashew Chicken, Chicken Green Curry, Stir-fried Morning Glory, and Pad Thai. We finished off with fresh fruit from the garden called Thai Lamoot…something new to me. After lunch we had two hours to relax in our rooms or around the hotel swimming pool before meeting to attend Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival. With roots going back over 700 years, this ancient festival honors the water goddess and carries deep cultural meaning. A unique part of the celebration is Phao Thian Len Fai— the lighting of candles and fireworks displays as well as various forms of live entertainment. I assume this tradition must be a part of Thai identity and cultural pride, similar to the festivals scheduled to take place in Bangkok (Light Show) and Pattaya (Fireworks). Celebrations have been toned down somewhat due to the passing of the Queen Mother, so there were no fireworks displays, but plenty of candle lighting and other light displays. We saw intricate krathonhs, sky lanterns and even historical recreations from King Ramkhamhaeng’s era. Enjoyed many different types of food from street vendors for dinner. Continue to communicate with Paradise Sam and boyfriend Bee on a daily basis. Just taking things slowly, day by day...see where it goes.

Some places are classified as H places where full service is offered and expected. S - Soft (Hand Job mostly) and SS - Super Soft (B2B) places have stricter rules. There is a limit to what the therapists can offer in S and SS shops, and going beyond that will incur the wrath of management. This does not mean that more is never offered at such places, but that is something to discuss in private with the therapist once the doors are closed.

Currently in Sukhothai where they are having a Candle Festival. It is happening as scheduled, but fireworks are canceled. Instead they are doing light shows with laser, drones, etc. as it is more respectful in light of the Queen Mother's passing. I suspect adjustments are being made around all of Thailand to any sort of festival or celebration out of respect.

I think it really depends on the masseur, regardless of which shop you visit. I have gone to Prestige a number of times now and even though most people indicate it is only HJ or B2B, I have gotten full service. I am currently in Thailand, and as a newbie on here, what I discovered is even though a shop may be strictly HJ or B2B, some masseurs are willing to do more. The only way to know for sure is to ask the masseur directly to determine what their limits are. When doors are closed, they are sometimes willing to break the 'house rules' of management. However, this is something you don't discuss with management, but with the therapist directly. Just my humble 2 cents opinion.

I have done a number of tours over the years with Trafalgar and really enjoyed them. All of my previous tours were in Europe. I haven't done a tour since COVID, so wasn't sure what to expect this time. You never know what adjustments or changes they made and decided to keep after COVID that could possibly create a different experience. So far, I am very pleased with the service. Accommodations have all been excellent, food has been traditional and delicious with a wide variety, and the daily excursions/activities have been fun as well as informative. I would certainly do it again.

Day 14 Sukhothai Another early morning start. Our tour director has warned us that today will be a long travel day, as it will take approximately 6 hours to reach Sukhothai. This does not include stops along the way. First stop on our journey was at a roadside stand selling sticky rice, but unlike any other I have had in Thailand before. This was sweetened with coconut milk and sugar, mixed with taro or beans, and pressed into a piece of bamboo about 12-15 inches long. They used black or purple rice, and cook the rice in the bamboo over charcoal fire for around 90 minutes. Once the sticky rice is removed from the fire, the use a pick or hatchet to split open the bamboo. Using a spoon you eat the sticky rice directly from the bamboo. Very different texture from mango sticky rice, and this is always warm as you eating it coming directly from the charcoal. It was really quite delicious. Next stop was a visit to Bhutsaya Khiri Suvarnabhumi, also known as the Rock Buddha. This is an old mining area that was no longer used and a monk convinced the government to give the land to allow a temple and seated buddha to be built. The project was started in 2014 and completed in 2019. It was quite impressive to see, as was the accompanying elevated viewing walkway. The engineering required to build the walkway was fascinating. Next stop was at Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, which I believe is a UNESCO site. During the Sukhothai Kingdom, this city was known as Chakangrao and was an important part of the defense system for the kingdom. Next stop was lunch at a nice garden restaurant ‘off the beaten path’ so to speak, with some traditional but different dishes than we have had previously. After lunch, another two hours on the bus before arriving at our hotel in Sukhothai. A good day, but kind of travel weary. Looking forward to a good nights sleep after our group dinner. Had a nice chat with Bee online before turning in for the evening.

Day 13 Kanchanaburi It seems there is some special event for high school students taking place in Kanchanaburi sponsored by a local university. Not sure of the event purpose, but the students are from Bangkok and I am assuming they attend a private school with English being the main language. Instructors were all native English speakers. This resort is quite large, so with the exception of breakfast this morning, we haven’t seen much of them. There is a Convention Pavilion on the property which is where most of their activities are taking place. Restaurant staff seemed slightly frazzled trying to deal with 100+ teenagers plus all of their regular guests. Our out today is to Hellfire Pass. Both the museum/cemetery visit yesterday, and this trip to Hellfire Pass were very emotional. We heard the harrowing stories of how the 500-meter-long and 26-meter-deep section of rock was dug out by Prisoners of War using no more than picks, hammers and their bare hands. Exploring the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum gave me cause for some serious reflection. My father was in the army during World War II, and was stationed in the Philippines. As I was looking at the exhibits and reading the stories, even though he was not a POW I stopped to think what if he had been captured and sent here. Conditions were just horrific. It really brought tears to my eyes. It is quite a physical trek, about 70 meters down, but there is a well-built and maintained path. Be aware it includes many sections of steep steps, however. You also should come prepared with spray for the mosquitos. They are quite abundant and very hungry. Once on the trail, there are no restrooms available, no return services, and no water…so go prepared. You need to plan for more than just one hour here…we spent probably three hours at the site before departing for lunch. The museum and pass were actually built/developed by the Australian government. They maintain the site, and even pay the salaries of workers. We drove about 20 minutes from the Museum to a local restaurant for lunch of traditional Thai dishes: minced pork w/holy basil, chicken wings, shrimp in tamarind sauce, green vegetable and soup. The shrimp dish and green vegetable are unique or special to this area of Thailand. Soup was all vegetables in some sort of a tomato based broth, but not spicy at all. After lunch we headed back to the river for a long tail boat ride enjoying the mountains and jungle scenery, ending with a taste of culture at Mon Tribal Village. Busy day, but very satisfying as well. Group had dinner together at the hotel restaurant…a very nice buffet dinner with a mix of Thai and Western (fried chicken nuggets and baked macaroni and cheese). Depart for Sukhothai in the morning. And, of course, been chatting with Bee. Actually good the tour is keeping me so busy that it is serving as a distraction from not being able to see him again this trip. ‘sigh’ Heard from Sam at Paradise again as well. Kind of given up on the idea of anything with the cute bus attendant. He is always busy helping everyone and that's his job...I get it. Once we are dropped off at the hotel, the bus, driver and attendant all disappear. The only one we ever see around the hotel is the tour director until our pick up time the next day. No idea where those two are actually eating and sleeping. Besides...keeping my focus on Bee at the moment.

Day 12 Kanchanaburi Another early morning start. Departure from Bangkok was 6:30am once again. Everyone had to request a to go breakfast box and have luggage downstairs in the lobby by 6:15am so it could be loaded onto the bus. Will be staying at Felix River Kwai Resort for the next two nights. Tour Director said travel time would be around three hours to Kanchanaburi, and I believe most everyone slept for a big portion of that time. Upon arrival we went to the Thailand-Burma Railway Center, and the War Cemetery where over 6000 prisoners of war were laid to rest. I really don’t recall much from my history lessons about the impact of WW2 in this area. Yes, I know there was a famous movie produced about the Bridge over the River Kwai, but I never watched it. Walking through the museum exhibits and reading about how terrible the conditions were for the POW’s, I was curious why more isn’t said. We are constantly reminded about the European front and how terrible the holocaust was, but you hear very little about the Asian front. This stop was a bit of an eye-opener for me, and I want to learn more once I return to Denver. After a couple of hours here, we traveled to see the infamously named Death Railway. We had a delicious traditional Thai lunch at a restaurant near the train station. After lunch we boarded a local train for a ride with gorgeous views over the river and a journey across wooden viaducts. We rode the train for approximately 45-50 minutes before getting off. Our coach was waiting to take us to see the famous bridge. Had a chance to actually walk out on the bridge. The resort is located just a short distance across the river. Had a nice group dinner together to bring our day to a close. Fortunately, no early departure tomorrow for the days activities. Heard from all three of my young men today. Think they were checking up on me. lol. Was actually surprised to hear from the first Grinder guy. Don’t want to encourage him too much since I am really not interested. Sam from Paradise was just checking in, and chatted a few times with Bee throughout the day.

I would strongly recommend to go with a knowledgeable guide who is able to provide more details. I had visited Ayutthaya once before with my Thai friends, but they really didn't know a lot about the history themselves. I enjoyed this visit much more because the guide was able to provide the missing historical pieces.