Third floor - trip to SE Asia in Jan/Feb 2026

[a-447]

Great reports, Vinapu.

Photos are always appreciated, too.

[hank75]

On 2/24/2026 at 11:27 AM, vinapu said:

Next morning horror – I couldn’t  find my glasses. After several minutes finally found them – inside pillow.

I usually wear contact lenses but prefer glasses in the evenings to give my eyes a rest. As I recently had a new pair made I now travel with two pairs just in case of above scenario. Have just been told I have long sightedness setting in and soon I may need reading glasses which brings me up to three pairs. Such is the rapid onset of age. 

Highly recommend making a spare pair of glasses if you rely on them. Owndays has locations in Bangkok and they can produce a new pair for you in an hour. Quality is good too. 

 

[vinapu]

Siem Reap – ruin seekers and boy hunters friendly city

 I wanted to visit both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh on this trip in any order but since there was direct flight to Siem Reap on my planned day I went there first. I mentioned it may times that Angkor ruins is my ultimate travel destination and in my heart Siem Reap is one of world’s greatest cities , not provincial backwater which in fact it really is.

 On second thought I may take it back though since city supports no  less than 4 gay bars . Anyways after one hour I landed in the new airport which turned super efficient. It took exactly 23 minutes from moment  I stepped out of plane to moment airport bus started rolling. Enough time to  clear immigration and buy SIM card. Few day later out former poster Z909 achieved the same in 21 minutes. Sim card 5 $ for 7 days, airport bus 8$. It took about 50 minutes to get to the city and that trip was graced by beautiful sunset.

 In the bus terminal I got tuk-tuk or remork to my hotel for 1$ and driver sensibly suggested we exchange WhatsApp in case I need his services in the coming days. My hotel, Chaetata was short walk  to Pub street,  but location was quiet. By time I settled it was evening already so I took tour of the center with intention to check at least 2 of the said 4 bars. BBall is in quiet  street close to old Market, there were few boys  sitting outside and one of them turned to be one I’m watching on Grindr for  a while so obviously I parked myself beside even if he was drinking with some local girl.

 Sensibly , he suggested  we exchange WhatsApp as well just  in case. I was discreet enough not to mention anything that I know him from Grindr but sensible enough to mention I’m not averse to get closer to boys I like. During my 1.5 hrs in bar there were 3 or 4 other customers     stopping for a drink.

Next stop was GOD (Guys On Display ) in small alley north of Pub Street. I was hoping to see there another guy I’m watching  on Grindr , lets call him XC for this narrative . From his profile I knew he frequents both of those bars,  but he was not there. Few customers inside and they actually had a show , ladyboys lip synching  but songs were excellently selected ,  for which I rewarded DJ with 10000 (2.5$).  Two gin and tonic later I  noticed it’s midnight so decided to call it a night but little I know. Walking to hotel I checked  my messages and there was one from BBall guy asking if I have any stamp collection he can see.

Being bit under influence  I confirmed, gave him name of my hotel and by time I got there  I noticed remork stopping at the door and it was him already . Benefits of being in small city I guess. Session was quite pleasant  but he was also bit under influence  and made impression he is in rush , not sensing that’s something I don’t rally like. So when he asked about repeat tomorrow I was very vague in my response.

 In the morning I messaged my remork driver if he can be at 8 a. at my hotel, response was positive and immediate. My goal today was to crown my Angkor exploration over years with last temple of size I never visited – Phnom Bok. She is atop of quite steep hill , some distance from main complex , well past Banteai Samre temple , one of my most favorite, chiefly because is never crowded.

 First we went to buy a ticket. I opted for 3 day ticket , now it can be used in any three days in consecutive 7, improvement over previous 3 days in row. It cost 37 $ for 1 day , 62 for three days and 78$ for seven days within month.

 It was quite long a steep climb to the temple with little shade but, aided with two cans of beer I bought in the parking lot ,  I made it , rewarded with having 1000 years old  structure all to myself.

Only when coming down other tourists showed up , both half of my age , so when that asked how hard walk up is , I answered ’ If I could make it,  so will you”

 Since Banteai Samre was on our way I explored that temple as well. From there quite long drive to all there temples in Rolous group. Getting to Bakheng temple I was bit frozen as it looked very crowded but luck was on my side. There were three buses parked and their content was already  coming back so I got that bit temple to myself or at least I thought so until in some nook I noticed two 20-something guys who obviously were exploring that solitude  by getting quite close to each other but still within limit of decency i.e. clothed.

 “Don’t worry” said I and “danke shoen” was the answer so my guess is they weren’t Greeks    or Spaniards.

 In the evening I wanted to check other two bars I did not visit yesterday. “Rendezvous” was first. Few twinky hosts inside , two occupied with customers, others weren’t my type and obviously neither I was their as I was largely ignored other than taking my beer order.

 Next one was Barcode, quite packed with very mixed  crowd . I got my gin and tonic, watched a bit of show and noticed that one of their waiters is giving me quite long looks. Stupidly I did not explore that option but decided to check GOD gain, hoping XC will be there.

 He was, bit changed since I saw him just post-covid but change was for good i.e. l face become more manly.  He did not remember me , not surprising given it was 4 years ago.  I bought him drink, then another for old times sake but it become clear nothing materialize today or perhaps ever. He mentioned he wants to go to some club but there was no offer “ you want go too?” and I got a hint. Bar was very crowded and among patrons I noticed familiar faces. Two French guys who used to run short lived coffee shop by Tawan bar in soi 6.

I went to re-introduce myself. They did not recall me by my look but when I told them I’m vinapu they smiled broadly. And explained why –  I posted something they liked so much that tat quoted me that post from memory.   So XC can feel vindicated , he forgot me , I forgot my own post.

It was  great time at GOD, even if I  went home empty handed. Which kind of worked for me as I had good night sleep.

More from Siem Reap to come     

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, PeterRS said:

At the rates that hotel charges? Sadly out of my league just as the Capella is out of yours 🤪  Before I stayed at the Phu Quoc Marriott, the Obamas had stayed there at US$10,000 per night! 

In Namche Bazar , Nepal , I stay in the same hotel Jimmy Carter did, post-presidency. Yes THAT Jimmy Carter. It was 10$ hotel, another proof President Carter was modest man , not like one who is sitting in the White House now

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, a-447 said:

Great reports, Vinapu.

Photos are always appreciated, too.

you have a good heart!

[vinapu]

32 minutes ago, hank75 said:

I usually wear contact lenses but prefer glasses in the evenings to give my eyes a rest. As I recently had a new pair made I now travel with two pairs just in case of above scenario. Have just been told I have long sightedness setting in and soon I may need reading glasses which brings me up to three pairs. Such is the rapid onset of age. 

Highly recommend making a spare pair of glasses if you rely on them. Owndays has locations in Bangkok and they can produce a new pair for you in an hour. Quality is good too. 

 

your advice is very sensible and for years I always had spare ones. But since I noticed I never used them I discontinued that practice. Yes , glasses I wear now and also previous ones were made in Bangkok.

[vinapu]

 

 sunset over Tonle Sap lake on the way from airport

trek up starts here

no prize for guessing who that extremely sexy  knee belongs to 

1000 years and still strong

where's rest of statue?

 

 

 

 

 

[vinapu]

Banteai Samre temple , along with Ta Som (not visited this trip) my favorite in Angkor complex

Bakheng temple , Rolous group

[spoon]

9 hours ago, vinapu said:

He mentioned he wants to go to some club but there was no offer “ you want go too?” and I got a hint

Actually, mention of wanted to go to some club is a hint no? He might be waiting for you ask if you can join hehe.

[ichigo]

10 hours ago, vinapu said:

Two gin and tonic later

Very unlike you to have tonic with your gin

[vinapu]

7 minutes ago, spoon said:

Actually, mention of wanted to go to some club is a hint no? He might be waiting for you ask if you can join hehe.

Sounds like it but no, based on our earlier conversation it wasn't a case. He is pretty straightforward when he wants.

And I did not want to go to club  anyways. I asked straight forward "it's any chance we may meet tonight ? I was more curious than desperate. If desperate I'd quote potential tip as bait.

[vinapu]

1 minute ago, ichigo said:

Very unlike you to have tonic with your gin

correct but I was bit tried with all that beers I gulped during the day so it was more drink to give   bar a business than for me to quench my thirst

[vinapu]

 

Siem Reap continued

 Next day was Sunday so I decided to take it easy. Sunburn I got on Phu Quoc few days ago starts acting, my skin feels itchy and starts peeling off in places. Price for being stupid.

Decided to visit Angkor National Museum and walked there all the way from hotel trough streets never walked by me before as this is first time I stay on Old Market side of the river bisecting city.

Museum nice and not overwhelming. Feeling walky I continued wandering more or less aimlessly.

 Treated myself with French pastry – tasty but too sweet and this comes from guy who puts three teaspoons of sugar into his tea or coffee. For lunch I stopped in burger place on other side of river and it was great . I guess I’m getting tired with Asian food and needed a break. In travel agency I bought VIP bus ticket to Phnom Penh for after tomorrow.

My first time between too  going by bus but airfares are insane for 45 minutes flight. 25 $ including transfer from hotel to bus station . Bit steep considering that  bus can be had for 8$  but I wanted to trat myself with 1^st class one, single seat , hostess , 2 drivers. One lives only once !

 In the evening usual bar tour. I went  to BBball first . My companion from 2 days ago , lets name him BB , was not there so I had drink with one of their boys, got heart bleeding when XC showed up with farang , only marginally younger then me and decided to console myself with massage next door. .Massage was average but guy was nice and quite progressive so we had fun. When I emerged BB was in the bar so we went inside to some drinking and karaoke singing.

There was some traffic but not much, somehow they stay afloat though. BB suggested another session tonight , to which I agreed, hoping it will be less rushy than 2 days ago. Told him to wait for word from me as I want to go to GOD. I like vibe and  music there. Third night in row , both bartenders welcomed me very warmly, too bad you guys are so twinky I mused to myself.   

After 2 gins and tonic and since I was sitting at the bar counter it was not diluted I merrily walked to hotel texting BB to come. By time I walked in  he was already  in the lobby. We had good time again but again  he seemed to be bit in rush, just all the same like last time. Knowing its our last time together , at least this trip , I told him at dismissal when he asked about tomorrow that while I like him I don’t like him rushing me way he did. That unfazed him a bit but truth sometimes hurts.

In the morning I sent message to driver to come to hotel as I wanted to do my favorite part of Angkor exploring – walk full length of walls surrounding Angkor Thom, city at the center of which Bayon temple stands . That’s square each side being about 2.5 km I guess and it took me  from 9.45 to 3.10 p.m.to complete full square. Walls are very well preserved with temple at each corner and 5 gates , eastern wall has 2 of them , Eastern and Victory , all other walls are sporting just one gate.

I did not have enough so took passing remork to give me a lift to Lepper King Terrace , had dinner there. It was chicken with cashew nuts, fairly tasteless. Then explored Terrace and walked  to Bayon temple to complete today’s sightseeing . Walking there I sent message to my driver to pick me up somewhere on the road leading from Bayon to the city. Surprisingly after all that walking I did not feel tired. It’s what love does to us -I love ruins.

 On approach to the city we were stopped by anti-war demonstration led by dozens of monks and quite well attended by city folks.

Only in the room I started to feel tired  so had few hours of rest and only at 10 p.m. decided to do last foray to GOD.  When entered I was only 2^nd client but show was going on so I treated all 3 ladyboys with tip for soldering on. Bartenders were even more friendly than yesterday and around 11p.m. quite a few customers entered, including 3 obvious moneyboys.

 At one moment XC showed up and came to greet  me , rewarded with drink. I investigated about meeting tonight but there was another excuse  - friend’s birthday which could be a truth since he had some elaborate card and was collecting signature from some members of staff and customers.

 So no luck with XC his trip but  I still enjoyed our interactions and consider his drinks money well spent. I guess it’s better to get excuses in advance than later in the room. Past midnight walk to hotel and very sound , uninterrupted sleep till 8 a.m.

Lazy morning as  I was promised to be picked up around 11 a.m and indeed at 11  vehicle showed up.

 Bus ride was extremely pleasant, we were treated with some snack and drink , given bottle of water. It took 5 1/2 hrs. to reach Phnom Penh including 30 minutes lunch break at quite nice bus stop and another 10 minutes smoke / toilet break closer to capital.

 What happened there it will be reported in due course

[vinapu]

walls are mostly easy walk

quite well preserved

photo opportunities abound

rarely visited Eastern gate

one of the corner temples

[vinapu]

 

 

anti-war demonstration in Siem Reap

 

1st Class bus outside

and inside

we even gad hostess, that old guy is not me, I'm more handsome

 

 

[jason1975]

You take fantastic photos @vinapu Nice composition and framing of subjects. And they were not taken with DLSR but with a simple handphone camera. Did you happen to be a professional photographer in the past?

I have seen @vinapu in real life holding his handphone with 2 hands to take photo and sometimes using zoom function. He has the stance of a typical boomer tourist. So I am surprised by how good his photos turned out! 👍

 

[ichigo]

Thank you for mentioning your walk around Angkor Thom - this sounds great and definitely something I would like to do next time I am in Siem Reap. Would have never discovered this activity if not for this forum!