Bangkok Reopening Trip Report

[Robertj]

57 minutes ago, firth1974 said:

WTTB Robertj.

Thanks, good to be a part of it

[RhinoTusk]

Did anyone see Bunny Kanan (far right) at the recent Pattaya Bikini run?  Photo courtesy Pattaya Mail.  More of her on page 2.

[RhinoTusk]

This time I booked Majestic Suites on Sukhumvit near Soi Nana, for nostalgia.  This and Nana Hotel were the monger's choice because of the location and guest friendliness.  They were always booked, you needed reservations a few weeks in advance.  I booked with agoda for 950 without breakfast.  It used to be 1200 including breakfast, as I recall, when I stayed here frequently 15-18 years ago.  Now they're taking walk-ins for 750, I'll remember that for next time.

 

 

I was assigned room 203, second floor facing Sukhumvit.  Glass is thick enough so there's little street noise.

 

 

I've had some great times in this room and it's just as I remember, they still haven't fixed the TV.  But they've replaced the window panels, used to be a lighter brown.  For example, here's Fon from Rainbow 1 in 2007.  I knew I'd be getting some hot sex here, the room has synergy.

 

 

I was thinking of a T-Bone at El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse all the way in on the bus.  Had to get there before 5 PM for the 600 baht discount.   Christmas tree is already up at Terminal 21 next door.

 

 

Art Box is cleared from Chuvit Park and another mall will eventually be occupying that space, adjacent Soi 10.

 

 

An office building is being constructed on Soi 6, across from Q House.  This lot had been empty for years.

 

 

Lots of traffic during rush hour

 

 

Lively at Nana Plaza, it's Friday night.

 

 

Found my short time du jour

 

 

She left her watch in the bathroom, so I went back to her bar and dropped it off to the mamasan, then headed over to Soi 11 for some live music.  There was some across from Taco Bell, but not what I wanted to hear.

 

 

Stopped at Daniel Thaiger for a beef burger and bottle of 10% Trappist ale.

 

 

Things were getting started at Insanity Disco.

 

 

I went to Apoteka.  The entertainer was quite good, doing some old classics like (Sitting on) The Dock of the Bay, Ain't No Sunshine, Take it to the Limit, etc, while picking his guitar ? Good stuff.

 

 

For breakfast, I went over to Fitzgeralds.  It was a very quiet Saturday morning on Soi Nana.

 

 

I had lunch at a place I'd not seen before, the 8855 Cafe and restaurant.  Shrimp Pad Thai, only 80 baht, San Miguel draft for 99.  It's on the second Soi 8 subsoi, across the street from Lolitas.  If you don't see anything there that strikes your fancy, you can that the Soi 6 passage at the end of the Soi and have your knob polished at Kassalong.  That's two BJ bars 30-40 meters apart.

 

 

I made the trip for a photo shoot with Blue.

 

 

Thought I was in for a treat with a brand new bus home, but it broke down even before getting out of town.  This is the third time this has happened to me in the last year.  This time, the delay was only 30 minutes, other times an hour.

 

 

Edited November 16, 2020 by RhinoTusk

[jacko]

12 hours ago, RhinoTusk said:

Thought I was in for a treat with a brand new bus home, but it broke down even before getting out of town.  This is the third time this has happened to me in the last year.  This time, the delay was only 30 minutes, other times an hour.

Haha, that made me laugh a little..... I often get on buses at Ekamai that look so old I wonder if they will make it, they of course do, but maybe a little more sedately, which is good. 

Thanks again.

Edited November 16, 2020 by jacko

[yorta2]

Rhino Tusk:   Ah, Kassalong - I have had a few very talented girls there over the past few years,? I usually walk down Soi 6 from Soi 4 and directly into the front door.

[cunneyes]

@RhinoTusk you lead the bon bon lifestyle. well played Sir

[maipenrai]

I used to stay in the old Parkway a few doors down from the Majestic Suites, and when they opened I stayed there a couple of times, but then it became too popular and it was difficult to get a reservation; nice rooms but a little small. It was around that time that I first stayed in the Dynasty Grande and that is still my hotel of choice in the area.

Lovely girl in the photos, I'd sure like to see her with that top off....?

[RhinoTusk]

Came to town a day early after receiving my new stamp, my tenth retirement extension, so I was in the mood to celebrate.   Did a walk-in at Majestic Suites for 750.  They gave me Room 203 once again, the room with synergy (sinergy?), so I knew I'd be getting some hot sex.

Went over to Soi 11 for a burger, heard Daniel Thaiger would be closing at the end of the month, will have to find another place for my burger fix.?

 

 

Over to Gaysorn Plaza for some cigars,  then over to Central to check out the Christmas decorations. ?

 

 

This was hilarious.  A young Thai child saw the presents and got all excited, grabbed one and started unwrapping it, expecting some cool toys (must have been watching Western movies).  His parents intervened to stop the party.

 

 

The Erawan Shrine, a quiet scene five years after the Uyghur bombing.

 

 

The Amarin Plaza

 

 

There's now a Wine Connection on Soi 11, never saw it before.  They have a special before 5 PM:  a salad, a pasta, and drink for 199.  Good deal, and I bought a bottle of wine to take home. ?

 

 

Then it was Nana Plaza time

 

 

Found my friend with the spicy taco, featured earlier.  She was so happy to see me come into her bar, how could I not bar fine again?  Just 20 years old, ripe and juicy, and love her sweet pussy.

 

 

For breakfast, steak and eggs at Fitzgeralds ?

 

 

Then over to Rembrandt Suites, which I had booked earlier, but instead of my usual room, they gave me a suite.  Very good for 1150/night, including kitchenette with microwave, toaster, lots of plates and silverware, even a washer/dryer and ironing board. ?️

 

 

Picked up some ED meds for making wood, better than viagra

 

 

Next, it was time for big milk, i.e. Alisa Rattanachawangkul

 

 

Went to Apoteka on Soi 11 for live music, but the butch farang woman was not exactly Janis.?

 

 

Finished the evening at Soi Cowboy

 

 

Times Square

 

Everywhere was Black Pink promoting Pepsi

 

 

 

Headed down to Hua Hin on the train ? for the Jazz Festival

 

 

Upon my return, went back to Daniel Thaiger for a final burger fix there before the restaurant closed.  It was their last day open and they were offering any bottle for 200 baht, so I took the opportunity to sample several Belgian ales.  I'm going to miss this place.

 

 

Before going home, had to go out to Impact Challenger for the Auto Expo ?

 

 

Then, over to Slanted Taco on Soi 23 for Taco Tuesday before going home ?

 

 

I had a good time

 

[keyman]

Great report, RT ? - plenty of variety, thank you. Not many people around, though!

 

KM

[knortyboy]

Great report as always. ?

[jacko]

Great stuff. It has 'it all'......

[midlifecrisis]

That hat sure gets around!

[rhodie]

On 12/10/2020 at 1:24 PM, RhinoTusk said:

Came to town a day early after receiving my new stamp, my tenth retirement extension, so I was in the mood to celebrate.   Did a walk-in at Majestic Suites for 750.  They gave me Room 203 once again, the room with synergy (sinergy?), so I knew I'd be getting some hot sex.

Went over to Soi 11 for a burger, heard Daniel Thaiger would be closing at the end of the month, will have to find another place for my burger fix.?

 

Just looks so good! I'm off for a burger.

[RhinoTusk]

This is the Christmas edition.

I wanted to do something special for the holidays, so I booked the JW Marriott

 

 

Always liked the lounge, pity I can't enjoy a cigar there anymore

 

 

Nice view of Nana Plaza

 

 

Happy Hour, 4 PM to 8 PM, in the second floor Manhattan Lounge

 

 

I went out at 6:30 AM for breakfast, thought I'd just have a ham and cheese croissant at Burger King, but they don't open until 10 AM now.  Not much was open.

 

 

Some road side bars were around, but it was a little too early for a drink.  There were some joggers about, including some very attractive women.  Unfortunately, also some homeless people sleeping on the street, wouldn't feel comfortable taking their photo.

 

 

Margarita Storm was open, still 24 hours I think, but I don't care for their breakfasts. I  went there for a 4 AM Taco Salad.

 

 

Eventually settled at Tom N Tom's, formerly Holly's Coffee at that location.  Bagel sandwich with a cappuccino

 

 

Down Soi 2 way, formerly Majestic Grande is now Doubletree, whenever it re-opens

 

 

Hooters Nana had some food specials, a dozen wings and a pint for 299

 

 

At Nana Plaza, all the top floor bars are closed Sunday and Monday now, and Billboard and Butterflies are the best bars in the plaza.

 

 

Soi Nana very quiet at 6:30 PM

 

 

I went over to Patpong, first took a stroll down Soi Thaniya.  There were lots of girls out, I took a few snaps and moved on quickly before the moto taxi drivers could threaten me because I'm not Japanese.

 

 

It was a lot different this time, girls were smiling at me, they used to ignore me.  When I reached one of the last bars before Surawong Road, a Mamasan says "Come in for a drink".  WTF?  I took my mask off and said, "I'm not Japanese, I'm farang".  "No problem", she says, "come in and have a drink, sit with a lady."  Well, I never thought I'd see the day where farang are welcome on Soi Thaniya.  What is the world coming to?  I politely declined her generous invitation and headed over to Soi Patpong.  I'll come back later to taste some of the "forbidden fruit."

 

Patpong looks empty without the night market.

 

 

King's Castle scaled back to 30 girls, from their usual 80-90, and there were only two other customers but they had some great looking girls

 

 

At Pink Panther, I was the only customer.  After a few long island iced teas there, I headed back to the BTS but stopped in The Strip for one more round.  There was only one other customer.  I sat in one of the booths and had four girls joining me.  Back in the old days, they used to close the curtain but stopped the practice when the junta took over, worried about being raided by the police.  The mamasan showed me the drink menu, I noticed lady drinks were priced at 200 baht, so I told the mamasan I'd buy each lady a drink if she'd close the curtains.  Desperate economic times call for desperate measures. The curtains were closed and off came my pants.  Since this is an open forum, I can't describe what happened but you can use your imagination, being behind the curtain with four horny and hungry girls, it was an experience I'll always cherish.  I took some photos but wouldn't dare post them, wouldn't want to get the bar in hot water.

 

Next day, went to see Sutasinee, my stocking stuffer

 

 

After four days at the JW, I changed to the Sofitel, have never stayed there before.

 

 

It's right next door to Thermae Coffeeshop

 

 

Rooms are great, the hotel is much newer than the JW Marriott

 

 

There's a window into the bedroom so you can lay in the bathtub and watch TV,  there's a separate speaker and volume control in the bathroom.

The bathrobes are awesome too, don't need a towel, and the beds are super comfortable.

 

 

Good views from the 21st floor

 

 

Bring your own whisky

 

 

There's a rooftop bar on the 32nd floor with even better views

 

 

I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu, a glass of Spanish red

 

 

Breakfast was included, it's a la carte but you can order as much as you want.  Besides this, I had some smoked salmon Eggs Benedict this morning.

 

 

I'll check out the pool this afternoon. Yesterday, there was a stocking on my door with two oranges, some cookies, and a candy cane.

 

I took a hike up to Soi 33 for lunch at Tenderloins.  I used to go there frequently, they moved to a subsoi 4-5 years ago but still feature a good value fixed lunch with many choices, for 450 baht.  I had a cesar salad, small Argentine strip loin steak with baked potato, and ice cream and coffee.  Only the wine was extra.

 

 

After lunch, I got an oil massage with body2body, a bj, and some reverse cowgirl.

 

 

Last night, Christmas Eve, I went over to Soi Cowboy looking for Santa.  There's an old expat with long white hair and a white beard, and he always dresses as Santa and hangs out on Soi Cowboy during the holidays.

 

I stopped at Indulge at the Asoke Intersection for a few of their exotic cocktails first, they run about 300 baht.  Here's one with Absolute Vodka and strawberry liqueur, I forget what it's called.

 

 

This is a Citrous Comfort, made with Southern Comfort, Havana Rum, lemon, lime, pineapple, and mint.  Very tasty way to get your Vitamin C.  The waitress said they feature a buy one get one free on Sundays.

 

 

I didn't get to see Santa, but I'll try again tonight.  Went over to Baccara for several bottles of Ho Ho Hoegaarden.  Merry Christmas!!!

 

 

 

 

Edited December 25, 2020 by RhinoTusk

[veill]

Great report ,i always enjoy reading your reports.

Merry Christmis

Frank

[sailingbill]

Merry Christmas.  Cancelled the trip in for fear i wouldn't be allowed back to Pattaya .  Unfounded.  Thanks so much for the Photos and report. I found a Seven year Havana Club to keep me warm tonight   Keep them coming RT much appreciated. 

[RhinoTusk]

22 minutes ago, sailingbill said:

Merry Christmas.  Cancelled the trip in for fear i wouldn't be allowed back to Pattaya .  Unfounded.  Thanks so much for the Photos and report. I found a Seven year Havana Club to keep me warm tonight   Keep them coming RT much appreciated. 

I was worried about a lockdown too but had already booked at low non-refundable rates.  Now I’m having such a good time I wouldn’t mind being stuck in Bangkok a while longer. 

[sailingbill]

The Landmark kindly did not charge me, they well could have.  Looking forward to your update. Ill be returning soon.  Possibly Monday if the bars are open. Made a mistake staying on LKM here weeks ago on Mon/tues   Kinks and Pandoras closed.  

Edited December 25, 2020 by sailingbill
burger

[Jack Scagnetti]

18 hours ago, RhinoTusk said:

I was worried about a lockdown too but had already booked at low non-refundable rates.  Now I’m having such a good time I wouldn’t mind being stuck in Bangkok a while longer. 

Fuck, I'm so jealous.....thanks for all the pictures!

[midlifecrisis]

RT, one of your best reports. I hope you had a great Xmas. I am unhappy about being reminded that I need a stocking stuffer though!

[Odense]

Thank you RT - you live an enchanted life and I am darn envious :-)

Sendt fra min WAS-LX1 med Tapatalk

[sailingbill]

RT again a lovely update as is your lady. Good information about  Soi Thaniya. Near Le Buchon?  Ill give it a try next week. Did you find the same with the girls on the left side of Thermae?   Before when the Japanese were here we were not  handsome men. The Sofitel being about the same price as the Landmark but next to Thermae will have me giving it a go next week. 

[RhinoTusk]

I recommend the Sofitel, better value than the JW Marriott IMHO, and the third floor access to the BTS Sky Walk is very convenient. 

Soi Thaniya runs parallel to Patpong, the closed Hooters is on the Silom end.

I haven’t been in Thermae for a while so can’t comment on the scene there.

[teelack]

Great report and all the best for wherever your next adventure takes you. Seems like you have chosen a life style that most of us can only dream about. Keep them coming!

Sent from my CPH1941 using Tapatalk

[sailingbill]

Sadly there seems to be a turn of events. Bangkok for sure and we are in denial believing it's not coming to Pattaya. My friend has an office on Silom/Surawong.  I was excited to tell him now is the time for Thaniya.  He said he was well aware but knowing i'm a hands on guy said i would be disappointed. Pretty girls but more about Dead Artist of past and Spasso.