LOS Trip Report

[jimmie50]

Day 21 - Chiang Mai

Last day in Chiang Mai.  Slept a little later before going down to breakfast.  Had decided to give AquaCNX a try in the afternoon.  Before then I started the process of packing for my return trip to Denver and went for one last manicure.  Never had one before this trip, but really am enjoying that service…and so inexpensive in Thailand.  AquaCNX was actually not far from the hotel.  I decided to take a tuk-tuk there since I had just showered and didn’t want to be all hot and sweaty.  It is not difficult to locate.  Classic House is more hidden and out of the way.  Not sure I would have been able to find it had I not been with Woody.  There is little to no ambience at AquaCNX.  The waiting area was very cold and sterile.  There is one love seat that you sit on facing another open, empty room with a sliding glass door.  They take appointments via LINE, but are also able to do walk-ins.  Seven therapists were on duty during my visit and summoned to this empty room for my perusal.  Out of the 7 available, only one identified as gay, and I recognized three from photos on their website.  All three looked much older in person than in their online photos.  None of the 7 were really my type.  All were too bulky, too old, or too chubby for my liking.  I finally decided to choose the gay guy.  He led me up two flights of steps into a fairly large room which contained a full size bed, A/C unit, lamp and small table, and separate shower room (no toilet).  Shower was luke-warm at best, and no soap.  Towel was old and worn but clean.  Rinsed off and then situated myself on the bed face down.  Masseur came in a few minutes later and rinsed off in the shower as well.  Massage itself was minimal and short before quickly moving to extra services.  No real massage skills, but that is not what we are really looking for in a place like this anyway.  Overall impression - rather sleazy.  Been there, done that, never again kind of situation for me.  Classic House is by far the better option here.  Clean, pleasant atmosphere, polite and respectful masseurs, good variety of therapists to choose from…no real comparison from my perspective.  Did some last minute shopping and grabbed a quick bite of dinner before heading back to the hotel.

[jimmie50]

Day 22 - Chiang Mai to Suvarnabhumi to Denver

So many tourists in town because of the festival that finding transportation to the airport was a real dilemma.  I had not realized prior to arriving in Chiang Mai that this would be an issue, so I did not pre-book any type of service.  Big mistake.  I tried multiple local limousine services and each provided the same response: ‘Nothing Available’.  Woody to the rescue.  I contacted Woody and explained my situation.  Asked if he would be available for a quick trip to Chiang Mai airport.  Fortunately, he was available and agreed to give me a lift.  I was definitely in panic mode there for a short period of time.  Hotel front desk was not much help arranging transportation, either.  They were having similar difficulties find rides for people.  Many guests were ending up on Grab motor scooters.  I wasn’t sure that would work for me going to the airport with luggage.  lol.  Crisis averted, I arrived at the airport with three hours to spare before my short flight to Bangkok.  Good thing I was early, because that airport was absolutely packed to the rafters.  Lines weaving everywhere.  Disorganized chaos.  It took every minute of two hours just to get checked in, through security, and to the gate.  Never before have I experienced such chaos in an airport, and certainly don’t wish to experience it again.  I can honestly say after this trip I do not care to ever visit Chiang Mai again!   What a horrifying way to begin my return trip to Denver.  Suvarnabhumi was smooth sailing in comparison.  I flew Thai Airways from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, but then needed to retrieve my luggage at domestic and recheck with United International for the next leg of my journey.  Somehow managed to be first in check-in line at United, then took the security line for seniors and disabled persons.  That was quick and easy, as was my pass through immigration.  In fact, this process went so fast I arrived at my gate way too early and it was even open yet.  Extra security screening at the gate before boarding.  I was told this was because we are going to Hong Kong and it is their requirement.  Also had to go back through security in Hong Kong before boarding the plane to San Francisco.  I have flown through and visited Hong Kong before, but it has been quite a few years.  I don’t recall security being so tight back then.  Anyway, flights from BKK to HK and HK to San Francisco were on time with no issues or concerns.  I was not sure what to expect upon arrival in SF due to the government shutdown and slow down of air traffic at major airports.  Was not surprised at all when they said the flight from SF to Denver would be delayed at least 2 hours.  Finally arrived in Denver at 3am Sunday, November 9.  Had more problems with jet lag on the return trip than I did going to Thailand, so been sluggish and tired most of this week.  Sorry for the lateness of my trip report.

[jimmie50]

50 minutes ago, jimmie50 said:

Had decided to give AquaCNX a try in the afternoon.

Forgot to mention.  AquaCNX charges one price that includes tip.  90 minute aroma oil massage including tip was 2500 Baht.  Not sure how much of that is considered tip and goes directly to the masseur and what portion the house keeps for massage service.  They provided no breakdown and I didn't think to ask.  

[jimmie50]

Final Observations/Comments

While I saw large numbers of foreigners in Bangkok, we really did not run into large groups of tourists until we got to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.  Both places were overrun with groups and buses.  The groups were primarily Chinese, although we did meet groups from Spain, France, and Germany.  Also met several groups from South American countries.  We met a number of Australians traveling independently or part of smaller groups.  Saw no other tour groups from North America. That is not to say they didn’t exist…we just did not cross paths.  Chiang Mai has done an excellent job of marketing itself as a vacation destination.  However, they do not appear to be well equipped to handle such a large influx of tourists and need to do more to alleviate traffic problems and the overcrowded airport.  Personally, I would not return to Chiang Mai because of these concerns.

My air travel was booked through United, so most of the travel was directly with United.  Denver is a hub for United and Southwest, so my airline choices are very limited when traveling to Asia.  However, I did fly EVA from Taipei to Bangkok and Thai Airways from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.  I am always impressed with the level of service and the number of cabin crew members on Asian airlines compared to US based airlines.  Customer service is definitely not a priority on US carriers when compared to Asian carriers…from my experience.

Some people enjoy group tours, while others loathe them and prefer to do their own thing.  I do enjoy them at times, and am glad I signed up for this trip.  I was able to learn more about Thailand and its history.  The guide was very knowledgeable and thorough.  Everything was well organized and a variety of activities were included.  With the exception of one, all of the hotels were nice, meals good, and staff everywhere were friendly, polite and helpful.  Unfortunately, the hotel used in Bangkok at the start of the tour was not one I would recommend…Galleria 10 near Terminal 21/Sukhumvit…was older, inconvenient and somewhat unsafe location, rundown and desperately in need of remodeling.  So, my only real complaints about the tour are Bangkok hotel and crowds in Chiang Mai.  All in all not a bad trip.

I really want to thank forum members for all of their recommendations and suggestions before my trip.  Your wisdom and encouragement helped to make my time in Bangkok the highlight of this trip.  I stepped outside of my comfort zone and had some new, exciting experiences.  Not bad for a 73 year old!  Was surprised I still had some of the old adventure in me.  As for an update on my love life, I hear from Sam (Paradise) regularly.  Nothing serious…just casual chat…but something he wants and no requests for any type of assistance.  Just wants to keep in touch and hopes to see me again…soon.  No more contact with Grinder #1.  Think he got the message I wasn’t interested.  Bee and I are continuing to communicate.  He says he wants to be boyfriends whether I send him money or not.  I am trying to keep an open mind and positive attitude, but really just waiting to see what happens.  He has been very attentive with messages and been careful not to mention or refer to anything in regards to his finances.  I am very careful not to ask or bring it up at all.  Contemplating a possible return to Thailand in February for two months, but made no definite plans as of now.  Just taking a wait and see approach at the moment.

[daydreamer]

Thanks for your detailed reports, @jimmie50.  It sounds like you had a great group tour, seeing several parts of the country.

It's unfortunate you were in Chiang Mai during the Loy Krathong festival time, with the huge numbers of visitors, and bad traffic.  Chiang Mai is not usually overcrowded like that.  

I have been to Chiang Mai more than twenty times in the past 30 years.  I like that part of Thailand, and I have explored the provinces of northern Thailand with a number of Thai, Shan, and hilltribe young men over the years.  I always avoid the north from February to April, as that's the season farmers burn the rice stubble in the fields, and the air is often very hazy with smoke.  Due to your trip report, in the future, I'll also stay away during Loy Krathong. 

[vinapu]

3 minutes ago, daydreamer said:

  Due to your trip report, in the future, I'll also stay away during Loy Krathong. 

in my 3 dozen trips to Thailand I was scared only once - in Saphan Taksin BTS station due to enormous crowds there for Loy Krathong. Never again 

[jamiebee]

Thank you for the detailed trip report 😃 🙂 

[ichigo]

Thank you for your report, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to hearing about your future trips!

[jimmie50]

At some point during my trip report I was asked if I had compiled a list of massage shops.  I actually did create sort of a cheat sheet for myself of the places I wanted to visit.  The list is by no  means extensive, and I am sure by now some of the info is out of date.  X accounts, LINE addresses, and websites seem to change, get suspended, or vanish completely without any notice or warning.  lol.  Info was current prior to my departure on October 14.  No guarantees after that date!   These are in no particular order...just my personal list of shops I had planned to visit.  Yes...overly optimistic, wasn't I?!?  

Prestige      79 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500   +66 96 889 1777

605 24 Phra Khanong - Khlong Ban Pa, Khwaeng Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10260,  +66 61 323 8531  @Prestige_Msg

Arena   / https://arenaspa.wordpress.com/     491/23-24, 3/F Silom Plaza, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand   +66 2 635 3645   @arenaspabkk

S’sense   https://ssensemassage.com/     562/16 Soi Sathon 3, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand         +66 644628503

Prince        253/4 Suan Phlu 6 Alley, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand +66 91 765 2222

Senso   https://sensospacom.wordpress.com/     5/8 Saladeng Rd., Silom Bangrak Bangkok 10500   Office: 02-1296739 Mobile: 0811073888

FaFa   233, 8 Soi Sukhumvit 77, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand   +66 95 323 3242   @fafaspa_bkk

Klover        Thanon Nang Linchi, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120, Thailand         +66 94 698 9556

Atman     1213, 503 Town In Town Soi 17, Phlabphla, Wang Thonglang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand   +66 92 262 3986 @PKhewkaw94994

Glam        380/2 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Samsen Nok, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand       +66 61 161 5093

JeySpa         14/7 Soi Sukhumvit 43, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand       +66 61 834 5252

SMS Sanctuary   18/8, Building Rama 4 City Court, 10330 Rama IV Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand     +66 90 897 7140     @sanctuaryspabkk

Ganymede     http://www.ganymedespa.com/home     69/37 phatumwan resort Phaya Thai Rd, Sub-district Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand     +66 97 170 5418     @GanymedeSpa

TCS (has recently opened a second location)     2, 22 Soi Seng Ki, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand     +66 80 414 2944     @tcsspa

Onespa          9 Inthamara 3, Sutthisan Winitchai Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand     +66 96 040 7349

15M/27M          15M: 1575 18 Phahonyothin Rd, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand     +66 61 196 5666     @boybk12345

27M: 327 Sutthisan Winitchai Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand     +66 61 198 5666    @massage_27m

Phetboy (now Boy Boy)          1511/26 Phahonyothin Rd, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand     +66 92 487 7989     @suththi33654

Phoenix     9 Chuen Yaem Alley, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand     +66 62 283 7447

BT House Massage     240 Sutthisan Winitchai Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand     +66 92 874 1290   @bthouse2025

The Master Gallery     818/126 Soi. Sukhumvit 103, Bangna Nuea, Bangna District, Bangkok, Thailand     +66 81 242 6152 @TheMastegallery      https://x.com/i/status/1880200216940597576

365 The River          375/5 Pracha Rat Sai 2 Rd, Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok 10800, Thailand     +66 64 640 6500     @365theriver

House 98 Massage     55 163 Ban Klang Muang, Rama 9, Ladprao, Phlapphla, Wang Thonglang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand   +66 93 362 9598     @House98massage

History of Massage          Stadium One Project No. 719-727 2nd Floor, Chulalongkorn Soi 4, Wang Mai Subdistrict, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330     +66 91 535 2424     @History_Bangkok

Gbeat / Stars.BKK (possible name change)     1575, 53-54 Phahonyothin Rd, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand     +66 99 046 4455     @intraspa

Wabi Sabi          44, 4 Soi Pipat, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand     +66 65 078 4825     @WabiSabi_MS

Men Care (have 4 other locations)    71/2-3 Soi Si Bamphen, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120     @mencare_x

[khaolakguy]

55 minutes ago, jimmie50 said:

At some point during my trip report I was asked if I had compiled a list of massage shops

Wow, that's impressive research and very useful to others. Thanks for sharing. Perhaps this should be pinned and could be updated by others as time goes by. Kind of Wikimassage!

[vinapu]

4 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

  X accounts, LINE addresses, and websites seem to change, get suspended, or vanish completely without any notice or warning.  

and unfortunately so do boys.

Your list is great idea and community service 

[zazzu]

10 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

At some point during my trip report I was asked if I had compiled a list of massage shops.  I actually did create sort of a cheat sheet for myself of the places I wanted to visit.  The list is by no  means extensive, and I am sure by now some of the info is out of date.  X accounts, LINE addresses, and websites seem to change, get suspended, or vanish completely without any notice or warning.  lol.  Info was current prior to my departure on October 14.  No guarantees after that date!   These are in no particular order...just my personal list of shops I had planned to visit.  Yes...overly optimistic, wasn't I?!?  

What a great list! Thank you!

[spoon]

22 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

Personally, I would not return to Chiang Mai because of these concerns.

Do consider visiting chiang mai during other times except loy krathong. My trip last december 2023 was exceptional, with cool temperature (15 C at times!). I had to buy a wind breaker for my doi inthanon visit as the day before my visit, temperature up there reached 7C in the morning, and im so glad i did lol and yes, i use woody for that visit too.

Thank you for your trip report! It was very interesting and worth a read anytime!  

 

[PeterRS]

On 11/16/2025 at 6:41 AM, jimmie50 said:

Extra security screening at the gate before boarding.  I was told this was because we are going to Hong Kong and it is their requirement.  Also had to go back through security in Hong Kong before boarding the plane to San Francisco.  I have flown through and visited Hong Kong before, but it has been quite a few years.  I don’t recall security being so tight back then.

Just for info, it is not Hong Kong that requires extra security screening. It is mandated by the US government for fights to the USA at the original point of departure if there is a plane change en route. And all transit passengers have to go throuigh another security screening process in Hong Kong - but that would be the same whichever transit airport you used.

[PeterRS]

On 11/16/2025 at 6:41 AM, jimmie50 said:

I can honestly say after this trip I do not care to ever visit Chiang Mai again!

I have been hearing this from several visitors (as opposed to expats living there). It's a great city, easy to get around, lots to see nearby - but precious little for gay visitors compared to Bangkok and Pattaya - or even what it offered ten years ago.

[Londoner]

 It's place to visit with a partner, not in the expectation of finding one there.

[jimmie50]

On 11/15/2025 at 8:27 PM, daydreamer said:

I have been to Chiang Mai more than twenty times in the past 30 years.  I like that part of Thailand, and I have explored the provinces of northern Thailand with a number of Thai, Shan, and hilltribe young men over the years. 

On my very first trip to Thailand almost ten years ago, my Thai friends took me to Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.  I had fond memories of our visit to Chiang Mai, and I wanted to explore more of Northern Thailand.  That is why I signed up for the group tour.  Had I asked, my Thai friends would have taken time off work and planned the Chiang Mai adventure.  It is quite possible they would have selected different dates for that visit.  Group tours are not quite as flexible, and my guess is the company was aware of the festival and how much of a draw it would be for tourists.  It could very well be why that was the days offered by Trafalgar.  I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from visiting Chiang Mai, and I would like to go back when there isn't something major happening that brings busloads of people to the city.  I wasn't prepared for such large numbers of tourists, but that is on me for not doing my homework in advance.  I spent way more time preparing for my fun time in Bangkok than checking out what might be happening at each location on the group tour.  Would have been fun to explore the countryside with some young man!  

[jimmie50]

On 11/16/2025 at 6:54 PM, PeterRS said:

It's a great city, easy to get around, lots to see nearby - but precious little for gay visitors compared to Bangkok and Pattaya - or even what it offered ten years ago.

I don't want to completely discount Chiang Mai.  I had fond memories from my first visit there almost ten years ago with my Thai friends.  One of the reasons I wanted to return.  The timing was not the best because of the festival, but on group tours you have little to no flexibility.  The tour company also probably planned the timing so we could be in the city during festival time since it was obviously a huge draw for tourists.  Most of my gay exploration was done in Bangkok.  I stayed the two extra days in Chiang Mai specifically to visit the elephant sanctuary, but then to check out the gay scene with Woody as my guide.  I don't mean to be so negative about Chiang Mai itself, and apologize if my comments discourage anyone from visiting.  Next time I would spend more time doing research to be sure there was no major event or festival taking place that would bring busloads of tourists to the city.  If I decide to visit again, it will be with friends or on my own.  Think I would hire a driver, definitely no bus tour, and not even fly...maybe rent a car.  Not sure about that, but timing would definitely be a factor.  

[jimmie50]

On 11/16/2025 at 6:47 PM, PeterRS said:

It is mandated by the US government for fights to the USA at the original point of departure if there is a plane change en route.

That should come as no surprise I guess.  I only changed planes in Hong Kong one other time on a trip to Bangkok when I was flying Cathay Pacific.  That would have been early in my travels to Thailand, so I really don't remember the process.  All of my other trips have been with transfer points in Taipei or Tokyo, and I don't recall the scrutiny on those trips like it was this time going through Hong Kong.  That could also be due to the change of administration in US and crazy immigration policies now followed.  

[vinapu]

2 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

Would have been fun to explore the countryside with some young man!  

that brings us to subject of carefully selecting  companion for such a trip.

Fact that boy is super handsome / cute and very energetic and resourceful in bed does not automatically make him an ideal travel companion. Sspending whole day or even several days in row with somebody is not the same like just   having a dinner , bed gymnastics , sleep over and breakfast with him before saying good bye.

my advice  before committing somebody to accompany you for a multi day trip would be  to arrange for 1 or 2 half- or full day sightseeing first and see how it goes. You may be nicely surprised  how interested in seeing new things your boy will be but on another hand , disappointed how fast disinterested and looking for ways to run away that chosen boy will be. 

Been there done that. I had an almost ideal companion in Siem Reap and Golcen Triangle trip but also took Pattaya boy to Bangkok  for a few days where his main interest turned to be malls and upscale stores, not something even remotely interesting for me.

[vinapu]

2 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

That could also be due to the change of administration in US and crazy immigration policies now followed.  

or fact that Hong Kong is China run with their security obsession. 

While undergoing security screen before boarding China run Luang Prabang - Vientiane  train  deodorant was removed  from my luggage, my first and only  case like that. And no, it was NOT  a durian scented deodorant,