Trip Report (January 2026)

[vinapu]

8 hours ago, spoon said:

I believe any updates to the scene, in whatever format or method is useful to most readers. 

I'd go even further and say , even if its useful to one reader , it's good enough.

Hotel I stay most often , in which I spend more of my usual lonely and cold Bangkok nights than anywhere else,  is Baan Silom in soi 3, otherwise rarely mentioned here. I know only 2 other members who stay there.

I did not know about it's existence until member z909, no longer here, mentioned it favourably and I decided to check.

[ichigo]

I'm now on the other side of the gulf, in Hua Hin, so I'll update about my Pattaya (specifically Jomtien) leg of my trip.

On departure day, I firstly dropped off my suitcase at the hotel I will be staying at when I return to Bangkok and then made my way to Suvarnabhumi airport where I caught the Bell Travel Service bus. You can book online and it cost 325 THB (including online booking fee). I like to take this bus as when you arrive at North Pattaya Bus Station, you are then transferred to a mini bus which will take you directly to your hotel. The bus is big and comfortable with a 1-2 seating configuration. From Suvarnabhumi to the bus station took just over an hour and a half and I was at my hotel about an hour later as I was the last to be dropped off after the other passengers were dropped off first.

My hotel of choice in Jomtien was Zing and I had booked a Deluxe Twin (thinking back on it now, not sure why, but it was probably the cheapest option at the time) however when I arrived, they ran out of my room type and upgraded me to one of their Pool Suites which is their biggest room type. It was on the ground floor just in front of the pool and had a separate living room and bedroom. Obviously it doesn't have a private balcony which is what I had wanted, however the spaciousness of the room more than made up for it, and I was thankful for this free upgrade. Also, depending on where your room is, you need to walk through the outdoor section of the restaurant to get to your room which may be slightly awkward.

Other things worth mentioning:

Beach: I hung out at Dongtan Beach most days (except Wednesday when the beach concessions are closed). I sat at no. 20 once, and no. 28 for the rest of the times (as these are well-marked with a rainbow flag and seem to be popular among the gay clientele) and you can order lunch from one of the nearby restaurants who will then deliver it straight to your chair. Drinks and coconuts are also available and there are many passing vendors selling all manner of things. No. 28 is run by a good looking guy from Myanmar.

Food: As I love eating, these are some places that I tried -

- Coqtales Restaurant - this is a relatively new place just in front of Zing (and presumably related to the Coqtales bar) that has both Thai and farang food for reasonable prices. I had my favourite pad kapao gai with egg for only 80 THB - I've eaten this dish a lot around Thailand and this place was one of the best I've tasted.

- Friendly Burgers - reasonably priced burgers, fries etc. that taste decent.

- Sophia's - really tasty food, I had the moo krob with kale and it did not disappoint.

- Pizza Lovely - thin crust and tasty pizzas here, not super cheap with a pepperoni pizza costing 189 THB, but it was good.

- โอต่อง（โค้งดงตาล）- this place is near the 7-11 across from Dongtan Beach and they serve the best khao man gai I have tasted in Thailand (and for only 50 THB). They were always busy around lunch hours.

Barber: I had a haircut at at GLAM Barbers and the guy that did my hair was quite meticulous and did a really good job. When I went, I had to wait about an hour, and even when I was getting my hair cut, there were a few people waiting. A regular haircut cost 160 THB and a fade haircut will cost 200 THB. 

I didn't venture into Boyztown or Sunee Plaza as I was in relaxation mode and too lazy to move from Jomtien Complex. More in the next post.

[ichigo]

The guys I met with whilst in Jomtien:

Bar Boy 1: I met this guy on my last trip in January 2025 who gave me a bit of a 'boyfriend experience'. We were in contact throughout the year and he really likes me but I don't feel the same which is why I had to limit my interactions with him after a while as it became too much for me. I do enjoy hanging out with him and consider him a friend. I didn't tell him I was coming to Jomtien so the night I turned up to his bar unannounced, he was so excited and had to stop himself from crying. It was a nice reunion and I had a drink at his bar each night whilst I was there to support him and the bar. 

To be honest, the more someone attaches himself to me (outside the bedroom), the more uncomfortable and less attracted I feel (I'm weird I know) so when he asked if he could spend a night with me, the answer was always 'maybe'. I eventually came clean and told him that I didn't want to sleep with him and that I know he likes me a lot but it made me uncomfortable, and I just wanted to be his friend. He was surprisingly fine with it and he said he already knew, which to be honest, felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. We also had lunch together once and went together to The Venue to watch the show which was good and had many creative costumes.

Massage Boy 1: I also met this guy in January 2025 and have been intermittently in contact. I also did not let him know I was coming, so as I was on my way to 7-11, I walked past his massage shop, noticed him and smiled and continued on my way. Then came the flurry of messages 'are you in Pattaya?', 'you just walked past me' etc. so later on I had a foot massage from him, and in the following days, 2 oil massages (once where he topped me, which he was very good at, and once where he bottomed, which he was not as good, but still enjoyable). I also had a Thai massage from him where I wasn't expecting anything, but still ended up with a handjob. He is a really sweet guy and very passionate when it came down to it.

Grindr guy: So whilst sitting outside my hotel room, I often saw a shirtless guy 2 doors down outside his room smoking and didn't think much of it until he messaged me on Grindr and I found out it was said guy. He knew it was me, but I didn't make the connection. Anyway, we had a very brief hook-up as he was on his way to Sansuk but in that short amount of time, the experience was actually quite good. He was here on holiday and works in Bangkok, so I will explore that avenue when I return. 

Bar Boy 2: Okay so Bar Boy 1 went home a day before I left but I went back to his bar anyway to have a drink, and decided to buy a drink for another guy who I had seen working during the times I visited the bar. He was quite friendly and bubbly, and turns out is the same age as me (he showed me his license). Had been working in the bar for 2 months just to make some money as he was going back home soon. He said he could come back with me to the hotel and so he did, but I was not prepared for what was to come. So you know those silicone implants (or whatever they are) that some guys seem to have? Well he had that, and it looked really awful, his dick was nearly in the shape of a ball. I didn't say anything but I really feel for the guy as I don't know if he was hard or soft or how he could even masturbate. Anyway, we just had some light fun and he happily went off on his way. I was just kinda shocked! Earlier in the evening I also bought a drink for another guy (in the same bar) who wasn't doing much, turns out he has lived in Pattaya for 7 years and used to work in Toyboys.

Massage Boy 2: I found this guy on Grindr and messaged him as he looked friendly and nice. He worked at one of the mixed-gender massage shops outside the complex so I booked for a massage and it was completely normal. No sensual and no afters. I think the venue was not conducive to extras anyway as the massage beds were partitioned with curtains rather than walls. Although it probably hasn't stopped people in the past.

[ichigo]

Final thoughts for the Pattaya leg of my trip.

Whilst I like visiting Pattaya and enjoying the relaxing nature of it, I think my heart is in Bangkok where I prefer the energy that the city has to offer (not that I am super energetic).

I also found it interesting that the apps (Grindr/Hornet) were relatively quiet for me, compared to other reports that I've read where they found it to be quite busy. I can only hypothesise but I feel the lack of messages I receive are due to

- I look young for my age (even though I am not) - in an area where the main demographic are older caucasian males, I may be looked over in favour of older caucasian males (and I mean no disrespect when I say this). In fact, I did receive a few messages from said demographic, whilst flattering, I am more into Thai (and surrounding area) guys.

- I get mistaken for being Thai - not all the time, but maybe another reason why I get looked over.

- I am just ugly hahah

Of the messages that I did get, there were the usual faceless profiles which I ignore, as well as some guys who aren't really my type.

I mean, yes I could have been more proactive and messaged guys myself, but when there are quite a number of guys with services to offer, I would expect some offers?

That being said, I was always accosted by the massage guys in the two shops near Agate, and also Soda, and whilst walking down the street with the bars, I had some interest there. So not all hope is lost. But I think I find the guys in general are just a bit too twinky for my tastes. 

All in all, I did have an enjoyable time and everything that I have mentioned above won't stop me from visiting again. 

[mauRICE]

1 hour ago, ichigo said:

I also found it interesting that the apps (Grindr/Hornet) were relatively quiet for me, compared to other reports that I've read where they found it to be quite busy...

I've learned to take what participants on an anonymous internet forum say with a bucketful of salt. In fact, I do the same when having a chat with the farang I run into in Thailand. In the margins of Thai society where the rules are different and where most farang are ensconced, they are free to re-invent and talk themselves up as they do. I just smile politely and think of it as a few minutes of harmless entertainment. I don't take them seriously and I never get offended. Who they are and what they say isn't a reflection of who I am.

[ichigo]

Some recent updates.

I try to visit at least one new place each time I come to Thailand, and this time I had decided on Hua Hin. There is a bus that can take you from North Pattaya Bus Station directly to Hua Hin Bus Station, but only runs once a day, departing at 15:30. The cost is 473 THB (plus 50 THB online booking fee) and is a similar bus I took to Pattaya that had a comfortable 1-2 seat configuration. The bus left exactly on time and took just under 4.5 hours to arrive. Upon arrival, as the bus station is a little far from the centre, you can take a shuttle (minibus) that will take you to the clock tower for free, or if you pay 100 THB, the minibus will drop you off at your hotel. I chose the latter.

I decided on the Hilton as it was well-located and had a nice sea view. The room was big and well-decorated, however there was no bum gun (which always disappoints me when I come across this at hotels in Thailand) and there was construction during the day in the block next door. Around the general area there were numerous restaurants and bars and it felt quite busy whilst I was there. 

In my last post I noted how the apps were relatively quiet whilst I was in Jomtien, however whilst in Hua Hin, it was a complete opposite. I was getting messages constantly (particularly on Hornet), but whether they were from moneyboys or just horny boys, I'm not sure. Maybe both. One profile piqued my interest - he sent me a message looking for sex, but his profile stated that he was a driver and tour guide, so I made contact and ended up booking a tour with him for the following day. His English was limited but we got by.

The day trip was to Phetchaburi, which is about an hour from Hua Hin, and he took me to a number of temples (where he taught me how to 'make merit'), Khao Luang Cave, Laem Phak Bia Environmental Research Development Project (where I rode a bike for the first time in many many years), and some cafes and restaurants. When I've engaged a private tour guide in the past, I was always responsible for paying for the guide's meals etc. but when I tried, he insisted on paying his own way. The tour itself only cost 1300 THB which seemed quite low, so I gave him an extra 500 THB which he was surprised and extremely thankful for. Thinking back on it now, it still seems a bit low considering he was driving me around all day (and comparing it to other tours I've taken in the past where I've paid more for less). I guess the only thing is that due to the language barrier, he couldn't really explain a lot of the detail at the places we visited. He also mentioned that I was his first foreign customer.

Whilst driving back to my hotel, considering the app where we first made contact, I invited him to come up to my hotel and you all know what happened next. Sweet guy though and he offered to drive me to the train station the next day where he bought me an iced tea and waited with me for over an hour for the train to come. 

I think I will go back to Hua Hin at some stage as there is more to explore that I didn't quite get to. Through my research I know that there are 2 gay bars in the area, but I did not patronise either.

The train trip back to Bangkok was pretty uneventful, however upon boarding, I seemed to be in the carriage with all the people who insisted on bringing their big suitcases with them (to which there was limited space to store them) so I had to wait in the aisle for a while, whilst people were organising their suitcases as I could not get to my seat. The train was a little late departing Hua Hin and late coming into Krung Thep Aphiwat, but it was a comfortable journey and looking out the window at the countryside is always nice.

[10tazione]

Have been to Phetchaburi recently and it is nice for a day of sightseeing, I especially liked the summer palace on the hill (Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park). Also had some great food there.

 

[jason1975]

On 1/13/2026 at 2:28 PM, ichigo said:

Whilst I like visiting Pattaya and enjoying the relaxing nature of it, I think my heart is in Bangkok where I prefer the energy that the city has to offer (not that I am super energetic).

Same for me. I like the non-gay touristy activities I can do in Bangkok in the day time.

[vinapu]

58 minutes ago, jason1975 said:

Same for me. I like the non-gay touristy activities I can do in Bangkok in the day time.

Like checking busty girls in soi Cowboy early afternoon ? 

[jason1975]

5 minutes ago, vinapu said:

Like checking busty girls in soi Cowboy early afternoon ? 

Walking in Bangkok's shopping malls.

[Olddaddy]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

Like checking busty girls in soi Cowboy early afternoon ? 

disgusting 😂

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, Olddaddy said:

disgusting 😂

Soi Cowboy or those busty girls? 

[floridarob]

14 hours ago, jason1975 said:

Same for me. I like the non-gay touristy activities I can do in Bangkok in the day time.

Pattaya has Jomtien beach, Tiger and Lion farms, Golden Buddha Mountain, Malls, massage.... some decent restaurants and money seems to last a lot longer there.

[Olddaddy]

2 hours ago, floridarob said:

Pattaya has Jomtien beach, Tiger and Lion farms, Golden Buddha Mountain, Malls, massage.... some decent restaurants and money seems to last a lot longer there.

Mini Siam , Art house , house of benedict

[vinapu]

11 hours ago, floridarob said:

Pattaya has Jomtien beach, Tiger and Lion farms, Golden Buddha Mountain, Malls, massage.... some decent restaurants and money seems to last a lot longer there.

Bangkok VS. Pattaya discussion is like tea VS. coffee.  Rational solution doesn't exist and all boils to personal preferences. We  have members who were in Thailand dozens of times, and never braved to Pattaya but also those whose only contact with Bangkok is because airport is there. And all vartiations in between. 

[BjornAgain]

15 hours ago, floridarob said:

Pattaya has Jomtien beach, Tiger and Lion farms, Golden Buddha Mountain, Malls, massage.... some decent restaurants and money seems to last a lot longer there.

To say nothing of the 30,000m² Frost Magical Ice of Siam amusement Park, the largest in South East Asia, with the largest ice sculptures in South Asia.

[floridarob]

18 hours ago, vinapu said:

Bangkok VS. Pattaya discussion is like tea VS. coffee. 

Just Go!!

As some wise man once said.....

[mauRICE]

58 minutes ago, floridarob said:

Just Go!!

As some wise man once said.....

That's uncanny. My Aunty Vin says the exact same thing. In fact she has those very words splashed across her tote bag which she brings everywhere.

[Kiwi306]

I frequent both Pattaya and Bangkok.

Pattaya is easier on the pocket in many ways, Jomtien Beach is good for the soul and, besides, my nephew married a Thai lady from Pattaya.

Bangkok equally has so many advantages, but my heart is with the muscle boys, so I spend more time in Bangkok than anywhere else.

[PeterRS]

16 hours ago, BjornAgain said:

To say nothing of the 30,000m² Frost Magical Ice of Siam amusement Park, the largest in South East Asia, with the largest ice sculptures in South Asia.

Presumably all fake since they'd not last long in the heat. No isse with that, but anyone wanting to see the real thing has to make it to Harbin in North East China - 800,000 sq. meters of stunning ice and snow sculptures that really have to be seen to be believed.

There is also the ice sculpture Festival in Sapporo but it is a great deal smaller.