tm_nyc

Yes. Since Covid, airines have systematically raised premium cabin fares & are still filling up the seats. I keep an eye on the NY-BKK fares & there are few bargains to be found any more.

'Iconic' is one of the most overused word in the English language but the Stahl House is an icon of the 50's. It is very familiar to people interested in 50's architecture & design. Like the image of Marilyn standing over the subway grate, it's very recognizable. The huge price tag means the house is being marketed to a handful of very wealthy collectors who are interested in preserving it like a work of art. So, the number of bedrooms or parking spaces are not part of the equation.

..When was the last time you visited Wat Umong... I am guessing that my last visit was in 2023. I was first taken there by a masseur I knew & then visited it several times before Covid. I don't know what it was like years ago when the area was less developed.

If you're interested in unusual temples, visit Wat Umong Totally agree on Wat Umong!

I for one would be interested in hearing about your massage experiences in Egypt.

Where are the reviews that can be checked out?

Google thinks that Hatha Khmer on Street 330 is still open. I really like PP but have found (after several visits) that the massage scene is disappointing .

Things appear to be looking up at the Point Bar in the Complex, with a freelance pole dancer:

Great post, thanks! That business with the masseur & the phone is a real 'Welcome to Thailand' moment!

Thanks for the Hoi An/Da Nang report! I have visited Da Nang a couple of times & there's a lot to like there (IMO). But the spa/massage scene is disappointing. Thanks also for the Fast Track Immigration tip. On my last trip, there were long, slow moving lines, both arriving & departing from HCMC.

I agree with everything @Travelling guy wrote but will add: tip generously (above the minimum) if you have received good service. Masseurs are not getting rich working in a massage shop & they depend on the generosity of their customers.

Thanks for posting! Obviously a very gifted young man. Not sure about his hair.

Totally agree with @Enchanted_Elixir. Bear in mind that it's Thailand so better to relax, go with the flow & not try to control everything. If you find a masseur who you like & have a rapport with, he may be better able to address your particular requirements. Very good point about the Saphan Kwai shops (like 15M) & how much massage is going to happen if you are interested in penetration. Prince Spa might be a good place to start. Anyway, good luck & I hope you enjoy your first visit to Thailand.

Good question! Have you inquired at the shop what they charge for 'offing' a masseur? They might be able to suggest a short-time hotel. Even the masseur might know where to go.

Is it a good idea to book the guy ahead at Aiun Massage?

Back to Ghana, the country's legislature recently passed highly restrictive anti-gay legislation which has not yet been signed into law: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/jun/01/ghana-new-law-criminalising-lgbtq-activity It criminalizes 'identifying' as gay & the promotion of KGBTQ activities with 3 to 10 year prison sentences. Gay tourists & visitors should proceed with caution.

According to Google, it is permanently closed.

Thanks for an excellent post! Very informative & organized.

Looks very trendy!

Agree about Battambang. It has its own unique charm & is very different from PP or SR. I also went for a short visit & wanted to stay longer.

As far as I know, the Thai Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) is still available so people (like myself) will still be able to stay in the Kingdom for 2 months with the possibility of a 30-day extension, as long as they are willing to go through the application rigamarole & pay the fee (currently $200 US).

Excellent report, thanks! I wonder if the regular customers got their masseurs to lose their clothes & have more participation in the session.

It has been reported in the Press that Senegal has very recently enacted harsh new penalties against gay people & gay activities: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyjzdjned0o Personally, I would have no interest in testing how serious they are about enforcing these new laws. Visiting (& spending money) in a country that has such vicious anti-gay policies is not very appealing either.

Are there any shops where you can get a good 'no extras' massage? I haven't had much luck finding that.

figured I’d try Sophia’s across from Dick’s. 100 baht for chicken basil with two fried eggs. Really good... Agree... I like Sophia's a lot!