Just back from just about 3 weeks in SEA, with stops in BKK, PI, and Pattaya.

I've written before on each and just some thoughts for those that may not have been back for the last few years like myself.

BKK- prices on par with that they were before (2-2.5kLT). Quality was also on par in Nana, but imho down in SC vs 5 years ago. That said, there are a few more venues (DR. BJs (CH Link), etc) and clubs are quite nice as well for those with the $. Main drawback is that girls are lacking some energy for lack of a better term. Good venue for those point and clicking based on physical preference. Most gals requested a condom, but I was usually in the mood/screening for a BJ anyway, so that was a non-factor.

PI: originally booked for 1 week and made it almost two. This town really grew up. No more stinky pussy, far less FOBs, no more ice urinals, far less rice bellies, and the stench is largely gone. On the other hand, prices have risen dramatically both in terms of BF and drinks. While I certainly wouldn't say stunners abound, there's decent puki to be had without too much effort.

I spent I lot of time poking my head in almost every bar and ended up pulling from a fair # of smaller bars. Most fun (by far) for partying it up was One Eyed Wench (CH Link) with the papasan, girls, etc. Great fun and many a night were a blur. Fantastic line ups were Crystal Palace (CH Link), Atlantis (CH Link), and Golden Nile (CH Link). As always, having a good friend or two in town helps break up the monotony and makes barhopping a little more fun.

I usually discard anyone with a kid, but made an exception this trip and ironically she turned out to be quite the courtesan - we had a lot of fun together and are quasi bf/gf now...

Pattaya: I thought Pattaya was commercialized before, but way more so now. Beer bars are down (soil 7/8 a shadow of former glory), shopping fronts are WAY up, soil 6 was soi 6 - I was getting deep throated within 15 minutes of getting off the baht bus. I don't really recall what she looked liked, not did I care at the time.

Walking street was on par quality wise with before and I found a little less issues with pricing than some report. Many asked for 2k LT, but I stuck with 1500. I really wasn't head over heals for the first couple anyway, so if they balked, it's no loss. Then a mamasan planted a FOB gal with an amazingly tight bod on my lap. Turns out she was perfect for me and had no problem at all with 1.5k long time.

Did a quick recon run of Soi Lk metro and that's going to me my new ground zero when in pattaya. Didn't have time to check out all the places but nice bars, different venues, and prices on par with what I'm paying without much/any fuss.

Pattaya still has the best food value anywhere and imho the best lodging quality:value as well. What was my favorite place on Earth though is knocked down a couple notches by all the damn shopping and shoppers. I prefer the wall to wall women of yesterday.

Overall, I would pick PI of the three for a mongering destination, but not much has changed with regard to the food and hotels suck vs LoS.

Logistics:

flight - UA - bkk (1.2k from the east coast USA) and award travel on TA bkk - mnl rt (25k points).

UA plane was dated, seats sucked, no power. On the upside, I was able to grab exit row seats on all segments.


Hotels:

BKK:

Aloft (CH Link), highly recommended.

AC:
Walkabout (CH Link), if you need a relatively cheap place at ground zero - recommended. If you don't need budget accoms, look elsewhere. - foam bed + service.

Pacific Breeze (CH Link): best quality:price:location imho

Valentino (CH Link): well decorated, but high $ for what you get + beds are hard as a rock.

Pattaya:

Stayed at Marriot Resort (CH Link) for the first time. Awesome service, upgraded room, concierge lounge was great, room was typical Marriot quality. No problem with guest.

I almost forgot... the topic of runners.


In BKK - by far the most professional (not a good thing). Most want ST, get the deed done, and give you a kiss on the cheek goodbye.

AC: 0 runners. Well 1 gal had a lot of cell activity at 930AM and asked if it was ok if she left. Given we just got done with our morning screw, I didn't have an issue. Every other BF was lounging around anywhere from noon - 8PM the next day.

Pattaya: limited sample size as I was only around for 1 full day and had 2 ST and 1 LT session, but she stayed overnight and wanted to see me off to the airport the next morning.

Your BKK gogo assessment matches my experience on my trip there this spring. Some great stuff at Nana (except right around Songkran), especially in Las Vegas. But Soi Cowboy was horrid. The worst I've ever seen there.

There are so many fantastic hotels at reasonable prices in Bangkok now that we are spoiled for choice. I looked at the Loft when I was there as a future option to try, so thanks for reporting on that.

Aloft was fantastic - wish I had more time as it would be a great place to just chill w/ company.

As a bonus, the after hours club Climax right nearby - which has a fair number of Nana's finest hanging out after the bars close.