Trip Report (June/July 2026)

[ichigo]

Hi everyone

Recently returned from a fun trip to Thailand (and also other nearby countries). I'll write a bit of a report on each country in this post for ease, both exciting and boring aspects, and it will come in dribs and drabs when I have some spare time. 

I did meet some lovely forum members, who I will refer to as forum member (but feel free to name yourself if you wish), with the exception of @jason1975 as I know he doesn't mind being named.

Something that I utilised which may interest some members, is my use of an E-sim. I've used E-sims before, usually buying them from klook, however I discovered some multi-country E-sims on my trip.com app. Multi-country E-sims are nothing new and there are many companies that sell them, however I found one that would cover the four countries I was visiting and would give me 100gb data per day for 20 days. It was around 36 USD (data only). There are cheaper alternatives but it was kinda nice just to get off the plane and be connected straight away. For me, just one less thing to think about.

 

First stop: Singapore

I was only here for one night and despite having time to make it into the city and back, I decided to stay at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. It is quite pricey but I really like it, and actually come to think of it, I stayed here about 10 years ago, before my very first trip to Thailand. 

Shortly after arrival, Jason came and met me and we spent some time exploring Jewel, which is the big dome thing that is next to terminal 1 of the airport. It has numerous shops and restaurants as well as the beautiful water vortex. Jason graciously treated me to dinner at Din Tai Fung, a Taiwanese restaurant chain, and in addition to the delicious food, there were some cute waiters working. 

After we had a good catch up, we parted ways (but we were to meet again in Bangkok in a couple of weeks) and I did some shopping before heading back to the room and going to sleep. In the morning after having some congee for breakfast, I walked back to the terminal ready to take my next flight.

I am always impressed by the efficiency of Singapore's immigration - on arrival, I was able to use the e-gate which took no time at all, and on departure I also utilised the e-gate - passport not even required this time. It took mere seconds.

 

[ichigo]

Next stop - Da Nang, Vietnam

I haven't explored much of Vietnam before, only having visited once to Phu Quoc. I chose Da Nang as I like coastal cities and was also inspired by @bkkmfj2648 extensive report in the Vietnam section.

I took a Scoot flight from Singapore which took just under 3 hours and arrival was interesting. I researched many sources before arriving which stated that there was no arrival card required for Da Nang, however on arrival, there was some signage with QR codes just before immigration which linked to an arrival form. So you can imagine that a whole plane load of people are now trying to fill out this form (which the information was more or less the same as the e-visa which I had already applied for). The form couldn't even be submitted as it was asking for an OTP which was supposed to be sent to your email, but never arrived, so I just gave up and went to immigration and was able to pass through successfully with no questions asked.

I stayed at Haian Beach Hotel and Spa. It is quite a nice hotel which faces the ocean, however the downside was the sound-proofing wasn't great, so it was quite noisy with sounds from the construction site next door, the people at the beach and the constant "bahn bao, bahn bao..". The saving grace was that the hotel provided ear plugs which were quite helpful but despite all of this, the view was pretty amazing. The hotel also provides a complimentary airport shuttle (which is a big luxury van) but only at certain times.

For most of my trip here, I hired a tour guide and driver (as recommended by a forum member) and we went around and visited many things including Linh Ung Pagoda (Lady Buddha), Marble Mountain, Dragon Bridge, Ba Na Hills (as I really wanted to see the Golden Hands Bridge, which was full of tourists as expected, but now ticked off my bucket list, however the cable car ride there and back was amazing) and Hoi An Ancient Town (which is a UNESCO World Heritage site). We also ate together and they introduced me to some delicious Vietnamese cuisine, which in general I found quite fresh and clean, as well as incredibly tasty.

The prices are also incredibly affordable - I got a haircut, went to the dentist and got a suit tailored for much much less than I would have paid in my home country. Close to the end of my trip I visited Hero Massage Spa where I received a decent yet very sensual massage (and light extras). 

I enjoyed Da Nang quite a lot but I feel like there is still much to explore so I will likely return in the near future.

[ichigo]

My 3rd destination for this trip - Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Having only visited Siem Reap about 7 years ago, I was curious about Phnom Penh and what it had to offer. Departure from Da Nang International Airport was a straightforward affair with check-in, security and immigration not taking very long at all. One thing to note was that everyone had to remove their shoes going through security screening which I had not experienced in quite a long time. I spent some time in the CIP Orchid Lounge which was comfortable and had a decent spread of food, however since I had a teeth whitening procedure the day prior, I could only eat white-coloured foods.

There is only one airline providing a direct flight from Da Nang to Phnom Penh, which is Air Cambodia and our plane was a cute ATR 72 (with a 2-2 seat configuration) and understandably we were bussed to the plane although we could have walked due to the very short distance from the terminal.

Landing at the new Phnom Penh International Airport (which is quite big and very beautiful) was also straightforward as I had already applied for my e-visa in advance so was able to utilise the e-gates. It also helped that the airport was mostly empty. I exchanged the small remainder of VND I had into KHR and also took some more KHR out from an ATM. I would only use Riel during this part of the trip.

My hotel of choice was Arthur and Paul. I organised a driver through the hotel to pick me up (which was a little pricey at $35 USD) due to the fact it was my first time in Phnom Penh and I arrived quite late in the evening. As it was late, it didn't take too long to reach the hotel. Was checked in quickly and one of the staff carried my suitcase (on his shoulder) up the stairs to my room. I felt for him as my suitcase was a bit heavy that day.

I actually loved staying at this hotel. The bar/restaurant and pool is on the ground level, the sauna is on level 1 and the rooms (which there are only 5 or 6) are on level 2. I befriended two of the massage therapists that work there (they first made contact on Grindr) and I had an excellent massage+ from each of them in the comfort of my own room. 4-hands was also offered but I did not partake on this occasion. They weren't super busy so they were literally in my room a few minutes after I booked the massage. I also had a couple of nice hook-ups in the sauna. One of the therapists took a particular liking to me (or my money) and on my final night there, as I was leaving early the next morning, I sent him a message saying he could come up and give me a hug goodbye if he wants, and he did, and then well.. yeah.. lol.

You have to be a little mindful of the spiral staircase, especially going down from the 2nd level to the 1st level at night time because it is dark, and the stairs are painted black.

Breakfast was also decent and plentiful and included in the price. I would spend my days lazing by the pool, however I did take two tours, both booked on klook (both which ended up being private tours due to low season) - one which a nice Cambodian lady took me to see the Royal Palace, National Museum, Independence Monument, Central Market and Wat Phnom Daun Penh. My second tour was a food tour and the guide (who is originally from Mauritius and has a Thai wife) took me to sample many Khmer food that I probably would not have discovered myself. When pulling up to a cart selling insects, I had to refuse however I did taste a cricket which wasn't too bad tbh. We had some nice conversations about life and south east Asia over a drink at the end of the tour.

I had wanted to do a few more things such as visiting the riverside, spacehair bar, toolbox and paradise/hatha khmer massage however I was just a little too comfortable at the hotel with everything I needed at my fingertips. This is a destination that I will definitely come back to and explore a little more hopefully in the near future. Whilst there are much cheaper options for accomodation elsewhere in Phnom Penh, I would still choose to stay at Arthur and Paul.

[a-447]

I'm glad you liked Arthur and Paul.

It's one of my favourite hotels. It has the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in, and their eggs Benedict is the perfect breakfast by the pool.

I've stayed there a few times. On one occasion, a couple started fucking on a sun bed by the pool in front of everyone!  I returned a year later and the staff were still talking about it.

[ichigo]

1 hour ago, a-447 said:

On one occasion, a couple started fucking on a sun bed by the pool in front of everyone!  I returned a year later and the staff were still talking about it.

Oh wow, that sounds quite delightful! Nothing like that happened on my visit haha

[spoon]

On 7/26/2026 at 7:30 PM, ichigo said:

Oh wow, that sounds quite delightful!

Funny, i had the same impression on this part instead

On 7/26/2026 at 6:13 PM, a-447 said:

It has the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in, and their eggs Benedict is the perfect breakfast by the pool.

 

[Olddaddy]

I didn't enjoy Arthur & Paul at all and moved to the cheaper Rambuttan hotel next door .

The breakfast was not big enough and I told the owner directly 😕 

[Enchanted_Elixir]

1 hour ago, Olddaddy said:

I didn't enjoy Arthur & Paul at all and moved to the cheaper Rambuttan hotel next door .

There is nothing wrong about saving a few dollars, especially if you’re broke (or was it spelled «your»??).

[mauRICE]

1 hour ago, Olddaddy said:

I didn't enjoy Arthur & Paul at all and moved to the cheaper Rambuttan hotel next door .

The breakfast was not big enough and I told the owner directly 😕 

Oh my, he must've peed in his knickers given your self-proclaimed VVIP status. 🙄

[Olddaddy]

1 hour ago, mauRICE said:

Oh my, he must've peed in his knickers given your self-proclaimed VVIP status. 🙄

Yes a small plate of egg Benedict!!!

[Enchanted_Elixir]

21 hours ago, Olddaddy said:

Yes a small plate of egg Benedict!!!

Cry me a river.

[kram987]

On 7/26/2026 at 5:30 AM, ichigo said:

Oh wow, that sounds quite delightful! Nothing like that happened on my visit haha

For me it would depend on the couple.

[ichigo]

My last destination was my most favourite place - Bangkok, Thailand.

I checked out of my hotel quite early and as there wasn't very many staff around, I ended up carrying my suitcase all the way down the spiral staircase myself. I had settled the bill the night before, using up my leftover KHR and paying the balance by credit card. I had booked an airport transfer via the trip.com app (which was much cheaper than the hotel-provided option) and was taken to the airport in a presentable BYD. 

Arriving at the airport, I couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful the new airport is - it really is a work of art. Check-in was interesting as part of their system was down, so we had to wait a while (which was fine with me as I arrived early). All passengers in the queue also got to witness a lady passenger arguing with the check-in manager loudly about the situation, so that was our bit of entertainment for the morning. So what ended up happening is that the passengers that were going only to BKK (as opposed to transiting through BKK) were able to check-in but everyone else had to wait. Going through security and immigration (e-gates) was also quick and efficient. 

My flight would be on Thai Airways and the flight wasn't very full so I was able to have a whole row to myself for the brief flight. Arriving at Suvarnabhumi put a smile on my face as I was finally in my happy place again, and immigration, was a little busy. I think I waited maybe 30 minutes or so in the queue. The immigration officer asked me how many days I would be staying and he also required me to show proof of my hotel booking, which I was able to on my phone (had never been asked this before). All was good and he stamped me in for 60 days as the 30 day reduction for visa exempt entries was not in effect yet. As I took a while, my suitcase had already been taken off the belt.

Normally I would have taken the ARL and either the MRT or BTS, and have done so many times with a suitcase, however on this day I didn't feel like carrying my suitcase up and down stairs, so I ended up booking an airport transfer via trip.com and whilst the cost was probably more than a taxi or grab, it was fine. I firstly had to go to a counter on the arrivals level to let them know I had arrived and then go up to level 4 (drop-off area) to wait for my driver. He then dropped me off at my hotel without any issue - my hotel of choice for this part of my trip was The Quarter Silom. I've stayed here before I think once or twice, however I decided on this hotel as I was able to get a good rate and the area is very convenient.

I was a little early to check-in and my room was not ready yet so I deposited my suitcase and went for a wander to Foodland where I ate my beloved pad kaprao gai and then to 7-11 to get some water and snacks. When I arrived back to the hotel, the receptionist said he would be able to give me a better room if I waited for a little while longer, and I didn't really have anywhere to be so I just waited, channeling my sabai sabai. After a while, the receptionist then showed me two different rooms, one on the 2nd floor and one on the 5th floor (both in building 1) and I chose the one on the 5th floor. The room, whilst a little on the smaller side, was neat and tidy had a cute little balcony. 

After having a nap and getting ready, I met Jason (and his guy) in the lobby and we went for dinner at G's with another forum member. I got a schnitzel which was served on a comically large plate, and tasted decent. Following dinner, myself and Jason went to Hotmale as I wanted to see my favourite guy from there. There were a few customers and we watched the show, and once my favourite guy went back on stage for the rotation, he spotted me and was very surprised (I didn't tell him I was coming) and very smiley and clingy once he sat down next to me. After having a drink, I bid farewell to Jason and we went back to my room hand-in-hand to "catch up". And it was a very nice session.

After he went home, normally I would have just gone to sleep, however I went to 7-11 (which was surprisingly busy for that time of the night), then met Jason and his guy and we went to a bar nearby the hotel which was very busy and very loud (I think mostly locals) and then went to a different bar to have a drink, which was very quiet, I think we were too early (I think it was maybe 2am or 3am by this stage). Following that, I went back to the hotel, and that was my first day/night back in my favourite place. 

[jason1975]

Both my guy and I like the colourful lights in Quarter Silom room. We had fun changing the colours to create different moods.

[vinapu]

Just now, jason1975 said:

 We had fun changing the colours to create different moods.

No matter age, we always have a bit of child left in us and thats very good thing. It needs to be said that in Bangkok one does not need mood improvement though. 

[jason1975]

4 hours ago, vinapu said:

No matter age, we always have a bit of child left in us and thats very good thing. It needs to be said that in Bangkok one does not need mood improvement though. 

My mood is always good when I am with my guy. But it is good to have variety to spice things up otherwise same things with same guy get stale and boring.

[ichigo]

On day 2 I met with Jason around 13:00 and we went to get a foot massage together. We stopped by Prime first but their closest available appointment was in 45 minutes so we wandered over to Green where we were able to be seen straight away. There seemed to be lots of customers flowing in and out, and the foot massage was decent. Had lunch together at Derby King as I had not been there before, pad kaprao tasted fine but the best kaprao I've ever tasted was from the Coqtales Restaurant in Jomtien Complex.

Later in the afternoon I met up with Jason again (and his guy) and we walked over to Lumpini Park to partake in the public aerobics class. I couldn't quite follow all the moves but it was so much fun. It started to lightly rain which felt quite nice considering the heat, however after a while it started pouring down and so we ran and took shelter behind a building and under the small umbrella which I had thoughtfully brought along. We then took the underpass and overpass to get to Silom Edge where we waited out the rain for a while.

In the evening we all went out again, this time to JoyZone on Silom Road. We ate Myanmar food in the restaurant on the ground floor (which was tasty, and the waiter was pretty cute also) before heading upstairs to the bar where we watched a cabaret show with ladyboys and hunky gogo dancers, whilst having a drink, however there were not many customers in both the restaurant and the bar. After that, that was me done for the night so I went back to the hotel to sleep.

[floridarob]

2 hours ago, ichigo said:

After that, that was me done for the night so I went back to the hotel to sleep.

Aerobics wore you out?

[ichigo]

1 hour ago, floridarob said:

Aerobics wore you out?

More likely the semi-insomnia I seem to get when travelling..

[jason1975]

5 hours ago, ichigo said:

Later in the afternoon I met up with Jason again (and his guy) and we walked over to Lumpini Park to partake in the public aerobics class. I couldn't quite follow all the moves but it was so much fun. It started to lightly rain which felt quite nice considering the heat, however after a while it started pouring down and so we ran and took shelter behind a building and under the small umbrella which I had thoughtfully brought along. We then took the underpass and overpass to get to Silom Edge where we waited out the rain for a while.

I was glad you brought an umbrella. Silly me forgot to bring one!

[ichigo]

17 minutes ago, jason1975 said:

I was glad you brought an umbrella. Silly me forgot to bring one!

I don't think it did very much, we still got so wet haha

[ichigo]

The next day in the morning I went with Jason who introduced me to a forum member who he has been friends with for a number of years. We toured around Patpong 2 as well as the Quarter Silom before having a coffee at Starbucks before Jason headed back to the airport. I like when Jason's trips coincide with mine - he makes me go out and do stuff which I am thankful for otherwise I sometimes slip into complacency and don't make the most of my time here. Great catching up, Jason, and hope to see you in the near future.

I then dropped some laundry off to a place nearby the hotel that I found on google maps (Drop & Delivery Laundry, Silom 8). They would then drop it back to the hotel the next day. Went to 7-11, got some fruit from the vendor outside and just relaxed for a while.

Later in the evening I met up with a different forum member who had just arrived that day and we had dinner at G's (I had the meatballs this time) and caught up on the gossip since the last time I saw him in January. Soi 4 wasn't particularly busy but it did pick up a little bit later. We then wandered over to Freshboys to watch the show and check out the guys in the rotation. During the rotation, when I saw a guy I particularly liked the look of, I would walk to the stage, give him 100 baht and then go sit down again. I think I did this like 5 or 6 times as there were many good looking guys there. In particular, no. 31 had a great body and a massive dong, no. 1 was very cute and had a cheeky smile, and there was another who I forgot the number, I think he has been there for a while, but he was a bit older and gave 哥哥 (older brother) vibes. All were in the big cock show. 

No offs that night but just happy to be amongst it all.

[jason1975]

I wish I had been able to go with you to Freshboy then I could tell you the stories of the different guys working there. Next time we shall go together. If my guy is working, I will tell him to go out somewhere else e.g. massage. I have never watched the show when he is around. I always off him early and we leave!

[ichigo]

3 minutes ago, jason1975 said:

I wish I had been able to go with you to Freshboy then I could tell you the stories of the different guys working there. Next time we shall go together. If my guy is working, I will tell him to go out somewhere else e.g. massage. I have never watched the show when he is around. I always off him early and we leave!

Next time!!

[ichigo]

The next day started off at Prime (which is super handy being so close to the hotel) - I arrived shortly after it opened and I was able to be seen straight away. I got a 30 minute scrub + 1.5 hour oil massage and it was quite relaxing, and at times, sensual. Following that I decided to try the restaurant, 90 Grams, which is attached to the Quarter Silom. It used to be situated on the 2nd level and there was a cafe on the 1st level but now the cafe is gone and 90 Grams takes up both levels. The pizza (and sides) I ordered was quite nice but a little on the pricier side.

After that I think I had indigestion for a while and felt nauseous, nearly cancelling my outing with forum member (from last night) but I was feeling fine a little later so decided to go out and meet forum member after all. We firstly went to Banana and watched the show for a while - the ladyboys there were really stunning, and there were more boys in the rotation than I remember seeing in the past. 

Following that we both went to Hotmale where forum member had already booked my favourite guy and was just picking him up, so I came along to say hi and after seeing them off, I went to Dreamboy where I had a drink with a boy there who I have known for a number of years. It was nice to catch up and watch the show, seeing many familiar faces. The mamasan always remembers me and what I like to drink even though I only visit Bangkok maybe once or twice a year.