FunFifties

I probably wouldn't do it. Not so much because of the anticipated discomfort, but because I would miss out on my usual stopover in Bangkok where a nice two hour massage at S'Sense is my usual remedy to cure sore and stiff joints caused by the 11 hour flight from my city

I copy/paste pics, seems there is also an option of dragging files or choosing files.

If you are going to Kanchanaburi, consider staying a full day to visit Erawan National Park with its 9 (I think it is 9) waterfalls. It is a nice little hike past all of the waterfalls to the top one. Some of the falls have little pools where you can bathe and where little fish nible at the dead skin on your feet.

I visited Battambang for a few days early last year. I really enjoyed it and would have been happy to stay a bit longer. It's a charming little city or big town with some nice French colonial architecture.. Highlights were the circus school, the bamboo train, and a bicycle tour with an outfit called Soksa Bikes. As far as I recall food and drinks were noticably cheaper than in Siem Reap, so perhaps this translates into lower rental prices?

Hi @donJ I was in Vietnam for three weeks early this year and had a really good time. People I met also reccomended the Ha Giang Loop and I think I will do that next time I visit. Vietnam is easy on the wallet and people are very friendly. I also really enjoyed the food and coffe. The only negative experience was the high levels og smog in Hanoi. I am not someone who goes out late, but there were plenty of opportunites in both Hanoi and Saigon for someone who enjoys that.

Enjoy! I hope you will share some impressions of what it is like to live a more settled life in Thailand for a 2-3 month period. It is something I hope to do on a regular basis in a not too distant future, so would appreciate your thoughts and experiences in that regard.

I am not sure if Uber operates in Bangkok, but I know that Grab does. There is a pick up point outside the terminal where you wait for your ride if you booked a Grab or similar, so it should be pretty easy. Not sure what it costs to go to Pattaya from the airport.

Is your upcoming trip your first time travelling together? In that case, I would say you are still in the -getting to know each other- phase of exploring a relationship. Spend some of the time travelling together by talking over your mutual expectations for a relationship. I would not expect a long distance relationship to be monogamous, but I know others may have other expectations or assumptions, so it's important to be open about how you look at these things. Enjoy your trip and hopefully your relationship will develop in the direction you hope it to go.

I enjoy your reports. This one as well as the one about Hurghada. I am also wiilling to admit that I am jealous of your youth, your stamina and your dare devil approach to hooking up in exotic places. But please dont let my jealousy put you of your reporting. Hope to read more of your adventures @Connor2025

Not so small if you ask me I would struggle with more than two regulars both in terms of stamina and attention span, but happy that you are enjoying it. And thanks for great reporting on massage places, so do keep your calendar open for those.

Thanks for the Chaicahana review @jimmie50. I noticed some very handsome young men outside that shop when I was in Bangkok last month and was considering giving it a try. Now I definetely will next time I am in Bangkok.

Yes 3100/3500 was the price when I was there three weeks ago. It was my first time at Senso and a very enjoyable experience.

I found Hoi An most charming in the mornings and evenings when the day trippers from Da Nang and coastal resorts were absent, so you are right that it is too busy during the day to really appreciate any small town charm.

This place, Cao lầu Không Gian Xanh, has tasty cao lau https://maps.app.goo.gl/gjYm9heFcWG7dUM97, As far as I remember, it was the only dish they made. They close a bit early, 830 pm.

Great report! Nice with a longer term perspective on staying in Bangkok as that is something I am considering in a hopefully not too distant future. I recently stayed in The Quarter Saladaeng and got upgraded to a studio apartment. I would be happy to stay here for a month, as it had kitchen, lounge area with sofa and also a small desk. I do agree that it is not a proper 4 star experience. The lack of attention to details in the fitting of TV and showers is a good example of this. I also agree that the breakfast is not worth 300 baht. In my rate, the additional cost for breakfast was only around 100 baht, so I was ok with it. Egg station and fresh fruit with yoghurt is what I usually go for, but unless I get a good deal, I tend to not go for hotel breakfast at all. I also agree that the hotel staff is excellent. Perhaps it is my Nordic blood, but I found the pool temperature just right Also, for a hotel gym, I think the one in Quarter Saladaeng is not bad at all. I have also tried The Quarter Chaophraya. This place is much more aligned with what I expect from 4 stars. Better pool, a lot better breakfast, and room decor that doesn't lack attention to detail. I hope you enjoy your stay in Pattaya.