Left Bangkok last week for my twenty second year (have long forgotten how many individual trips but they must be closing in on 60).

There we’re two things that stand out.

First, was the opening of the first new gay bar in quite a while with the Dragon and Koi on Patpong 2. I believe it’s destined to do well, judging by the reception it’s energetic dancers have been receiving.

Second, it’s the evolution of the massage business in Saphan Kwai. Although most of the shops are continuing to do wel due to the Continued arrival of newcomers, it’s the opening of Phoenix on Soi Inthamara 25 that stablished itself as unique. It’s all in, full service approach is superior to the competition because it eliminates the haggling. Eventually, I think, other shops will have to adopt the same policy or see their trade stagnate.

One of my favorite moments each evening was opening the balcony doors and at about 1a.m. and listening to the muffled sounds of the workers collapsing the vendors stands on Patpong. 

My favorite view at sunset looking toward the river.

Departure next morning from BKK wss nearly effortless, using the new immigration gate system. First one checks passport and second gate your photo . 

Very nice sunset photo!

Glad that you had a good trip.

We all owe you thanks for your excellent and detailed reporting and for your entertaining posts!

2 hours ago, reader said:

Left Bangkok last week for my twenty second year (have long forgotten how many individual trips but they must be closing in on 60).

Do you have a specific date for your next trip yet?

5 hours ago, jason1975 said:

Very nice sunset photo!

+1

urban jungle at it's best

Goodbye for the moment. Hello again in 2025! Lol!

Thanks for bringing me to SK despite my aversion to walking!

I really enjoyed our late suppers at Foodland with our regular guys. Looking forward to meeting again next year in 2025!

I hope to see you again in 2025!

17 hours ago, jason1975 said:

 

Thanks for bringing me to SK despite my aversion to walking!

 

you must be Asian, lol

On 12/14/2024 at 9:38 PM, reader said:

Second, it’s the evolution of the massage business in Saphan Kwai. Although most of the shops are continuing to do wel due to the Continued arrival of newcomers, it’s the opening of Phoenix on Soi Inthamara 25 that stablished itself as unique. It’s all in, full service approach is superior to the competition because it eliminates the haggling. Eventually, I think, other shops will have to adopt the same policy or see their trade stagnate.

I agree completely. Phoenix is also responsive to requests for staff/masseur recommendations on their LINE app when making reservations (e.g. I'm looking for....).

If their shop was a bit closer to BTS Sapan Kwai, I would go more frequently. @reader yes, it will be interesting to see if the other shops follow their business model. I think they need closer proximity to the BTS station to realize their full potential. There are a number of underperforming massage shops just steps away from the BTS. I imagine they would get much more foot traffic in a similar location. 

12 minutes ago, MaxBKK said:

I agree completely. Phoenix is also responsive to requests for staff/masseur recommendations on their LINE app when making reservations (e.g. I'm looking for....).

If their shop was a bit closer to BTS Sapan Kwai, I would go more frequently. @reader yes, it will be interesting to see if the other shops follow their business model. I think they need closer proximity to the BTS station to realize their full potential. There are a number of underperforming massage shops just steps away from the BTS. I imagine they would get much more foot traffic in a similar location. 

I've been patronizing SK shops since my first trip after Covid. The shops that I found myself going back to most frequently have grown rapidly but not necessarily well. There's once shop that I've patronized more than others but has begun to disappoint me not with the performance of the guys but with management's lack of attention to arrival times and keeping the customers informed of delays or no shows. My advice now is not to pre-pay until the guy actually arrives in the shop.