Wonder of the world

The trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap was long indeed but at least everything went smooth unlike a previous and unforgettable one we had in Laos many years ago. There were roadworks for the whole first 150 km making driving very slow and bumpy. However the nearer we were approaching the town,  the more the road was improving and suddenly the roadway became large and smooth : we were in Temple Town.

We spent our four days in Siem Reap in the very nice River Queen Guesthouse managed by Richard and his friend, in a fantastic location near the river : close enough to nightlife and far enough to feel a more khmer atmosphere. Richard is the author of the blog I mentioned before (link on the right). We were offered a room (deluxe room) with a large balcony overlooking the river, and I immediately felt that I would come back once again. Although being generally fussy about accommodation, my boyfriend liked it too and he quickly became friend with the two house dogs.

Our three full days there were rather exhausting with two days and a half visiting the main Angkor temples and the last afternoon visiting the Thonlesap lake. The guesthouse gave us a nice tuk-tuk driver who spoke good english and his son who replaced him on day 2 was pretty cute too ; visiting more far-away temples as well as the lake gave us a good insight into khmer country life.

Angkor Wat boys

Your tourist guidebook will tell you about the Angkor temples much better than me. Although not being too much into old stones, I can only confirm that everyone of them is worthwhile, each one having its own caracter and charm. Marvelous, huge, fine, are some of the worlds which come to mind and I can understand why some people can stay many days or weeks exploring them. The weather was not very fine but I think that hordes of tourists which visit the temples at high season would be a bigger annoyance han lack of sun. I came here for visiting the temples and possibly meditating among these mighty and magnificent monuments, not for shooting professionnal pictures.

As for the lake, the trip to Khomphong Pluk is worth the long and bumpy ride ; it allows to feel the might of nature which elevates the level of the lake in the rainy season about 10 meters higher than in the dry season, thanks to the water coming from the Mae Khong River, and to appreciate how finely the locals have adapted to this exceptional natural phenomenon.

Phnom Penh gay nights

Enticed by all the sweet faces I had seen in the streets, I was fancying numbers of bars with gorgeous boys ready to know me better ... Phnom Penh nights are not really like that, but there is enough to keep you busy for some time.

We visited only the places located close to the hotel, as both of us had been quite impressed by the traffic conditions. There were two bars within walking distance : Two Colours Bar just around the corner, and Blue Chilli Bar within five minutes. Both would compare with the host bars in Sunee Plaza with outdoor sitting and reasonable prices. I found there were not a lot of available boys, but we were on a weeknight. As I was not alone, eye contact was probably more difficult too.

Pub in Phnom Penh

I had a blast at the Heart of Darkness disco, about 15 minutes on foot from the hotel. We treated ourselves to a Mouton-Cadet red wine bottle (quickly followed by a second one) for only 30 USD each. I really loved the music there : only good international disco music without the local songs that too often spoil the atmosphere in thai pubs.For that exact reason, my boyfriend did not like the evening as much as me - despite the red wine he is very fond of too.

Although not strictly gay, the place was mostly patronized by boys but not much flirtation as most seemed to be there for pleasure and not for finding customers. Some farangs were to be seen alone, including elder ones - like me. 

I will leave for a next trip the massage places and the other local boys bars, which anyway do not seem to be numerous for the time being. The scene could however expand very quickly ...

Sweet and wild Cambodia

Arriving in Phnom Penh through the airport is not exactly a breeze, but it could be worse. Not having opted for the e-visa, I had to make my visa at the airport but as I was one of the first passengers and everything was ready, I managed to get out quite quickly. Thank Goodness my boyfriend never misses what is REALLY important, so he immediately saw the booths where khmer SIM cards were on sale for a very cheap price.

Out of the airport, finding a taxi was easy but I did not wanted to haggle over the ridiculous price he was asking, so here we go into the awful traffic … complete disrespect of the most basic rules of traffic rules, undersized road network, billions of two-wheels appearing out of the blue … compared to Pnom Penh, Bangkok looks like Zurich ! However we finally arrived safe and sound to our hotel : the Silver River Hotel stands close to the Royal Palace, the Tonlesap Quai and some boys bars : our deluxe room with a nice balcony over the street was booked through Agoda.

Sitting in the taxi for 25 minutes to the hotel just when Universities and schools were out was more than enough to be striken by the cuteness of cambodian lads : no fat boy or girl in sight, only smiling and good-looking faces all over the street … promising sight.

Sweet khmer boy

We spent our two days in Pnom Penh shopping, visiting the most touristy places and strolling along the Sisawat Quai - despite having to confront the unendless and lawless traffic. Other trips included a visit to the Soraya commercial center, interrupted by frequent power cuts (never use a lift in Cambodia !), and to the Psar Tuol Tom Pong market - also known as Russian Market - where you can buy bargain clothes and souvenirs.

A tuk-tuk driver brought us to the Killing Fields, after a long trip among populous areas in the suburbs. Despite having read a lot about the Khmer Rouge exactions, we felt really moved when confronted with the reality of the awful crimes that were commited by Pol Pot and his henchmen. In fact no visitor can leave unaffected after visiting the exact location where the genocide took place. How a nation which has so nice-looking and smiling boys (and girls) can produce such awful crimes stands beyond reason.

But I had come in Phnom Penh not only for the tourist attractions and place of memories …

On my own in Bangkok

After this highly cultural tour to Hua Hin, I have been staying on my own in Bangkok enjoying freedom as well as the quiet way of life of those who have time on their hands. I visited some apartments on behalf of one of my nephews who will have a six months on-the-job training here. As far as I know he is not gay but I warned him this country can be bewitching and he should always stay cool-hearted in every circumstance.

Scorpion Bar in Soi Twilight (courtesy Nickysgaypattaya)

Silom is very quiet at the moment, and I went there only for looking at the world going by from the Dick's Café terrasse. I entered Classic Boys just to see only girlish twinkies and being charged an outrageous 350 THB for a Coke. Change came with a 100THB and 50 THB note, as if we should leave a 50 THB tip for such a rip-off ! The 50 THB went to the mamasan and I limited my tip to the usual 20 THB (I usually give more in the standard priced restaurants or bars). Super A bar and Scorpion open air bar were more reasonably priced with much more pleasure for the eye.

My boyfriend will join me this evening and to-morrow afternoon will be the flight to Pnom Penh where we should arrive in the evening for a three days stay. And my nephew should arrive to-morrow early in the morning for doing a five-months internship in Bangkok (lucky young man !). Of course I will go to welcome him at the airport and help for his first steps in the Land of Smiles, so this should be a rather harassing day ….

Hot trip to Hua Hin

I did not feel as excited as before when reaching Thailand this time. The reason is obvious : a trip to Thailand, which previously doubled as the huge relief of being released from all work commitments and hassles, is now just this : a trip to Thailand. The excitement came back quickly as soon as I saw all these wonderful boys along the streets.

After a first day for recovering, I was soon joined by my young Khorat friend - the one who on our first meeting twenty months ago was not interested in anything other than playing on the bed. No change of mind on his side : the trip we had planned to Hua Hin was mostly devoted to hugging and some other basic needs, the rain being a good excuse for staying in bed longer than appropriate.

This guy is only 20, with the boy-around-the-corner look that I like (see picture below), something in his eyes which says « come », and skillful enough for endless entertaining . I still wonder why he is always willing to stay with this older farang. Sure he did not turn down the money I offered him, but I also think that these upcountry boys have a rather boring life : so some seize every opportunity just to leave their place and discover new people, provided that the farang understands and respects them, and can speak some thai.

We just found some time to visit the new Water Market, far enough from town and not really worth the trip. When going to the beach, we were both repelled by the awful stench of horses, who are said to be the main attraction of the place … I also visited – alone - the two remaining bars in town, both very quiet with only two three boys in each.

Two nights in Hua Hin and one in Bangkok with this devil were enough to tear me out, and I am now happy to stay on my own for at least three nights in the thai capital.

Non-essential

If I were an american or malaysian citizen, I would be supposed to consider cancelling any non-essential travel to Thailand. Anyway I obviously do not feel concerned : like the former 26 trips since 1996, this one cannot be postponed by any means.

Flights and hotels in Cambodia are booked, with three nights in Pnom Penh and four in Siem Reap with my boyfriend. Nice to know that the most famous tourist place in Cambodia is also home to a vibrant gay nightlife, at least by local standards. I am really looking forward at staying in Siem Reap after reading the excellent blog of an Australian expat living there (link updated on the right column) : a lot of information, nice pictures and clearly an invitation to know the place better.

I started to learn cambodian, just in case I love the country but I did not perform well ; this language has a really difficult alphabet and very few in common with thai language except for the figures and some rare words. It stroke me to see on Facebook that many local youngsters write their own language in phonetic English rather than using khmer spelling … very sad if you ask me.

However the faces and attitudes of khmer boys look 100 % asian which I will not lament … What do you think of the nice young thing on this picture from Facebook ?


Besides this one week-trip with my boyfriend, and the mandatory stay in Pattaya, I will allow a rather long time in Bangkok – demonstrations allowing. Thanks to Nok Air nice promotions, I jumped at the chance of doing a sidetrip to Hat Yai as no one seems to be able to update on the scene down there … And there will be another one to Hua Hin with the increasingly naughty Khorat boy, with whom many chats on Facebook thave turned rather lewd recently…

And they would like me to cancel such a nice program ?

Oh and by the way this is post #200 on this blog ... thank you for your reading and your support and good luck to all of you

Escaping to Tunisia

On the sound advise of one of the blog readers, I have decided to give Tunisia a try, be it only for a change of scenery and atmosphere. So I staid one week in Sousse, a coastal resort which besides having a good infrastructure is also known for its available boys.

Tunisian boys

You should know that same-sex relations are not allowed in Tunisia, just like prostitution is not permitted in Thailand ; nothing there which looks like gogo bars : however there are some meeting places in town where it is quite easy to find willing boys – or to be found by them. Most of these places are public bars or streets, so not as dangerous as you could imagine.

And yes the boys were there, despite still being low season, and some were gorgeous at least if you like manly well-built twinks or younger.

Do not think of bringing your boy to your hotel, nor topping him, or even having long kissing and cuddling sessions, but I had a good time with the ones I met. Some prices are lower than in Thailand (meals, hotel rooms, boys tips), some more expensive such as short-time rooms. All in all a good experience and I will probably go back but closer to summertime to enjoy a hotter weather, as it was chilly and windy for most of my stay.

Where the boys are : coastal road in Sousse

Freedom at last

Finally I've  got it ... I stopped working some weeks ago, being lucky to qualify for an early retirement due to the fact that I had begun working when I was only 14. And you know what ? I do not miss work at all ! In fact for the first time in my life I feel what freedom looks like and I simply could not go backwards any more.

I have yet to go to Thailand, and I would of course have reported here if I had gone. But I could have all the time I needed to prepare my next trip which is scheduled for next June. For the first time I could book my flights according to my own will without having to juggle all kinds of work commitments and deadlines, leave entitlements, weather conditions and airline promotions ... and that makes all the difference. This is what I call freedom, this what I call life.

These first months were devoted to many exciting tasks, such as resting, cycling, keeping up my thai language, looking at cycling races on TV ... And also allowing myself a trip to Tunisia as a retirement gift. 

Five weeks to go and I will be back again in Thailand ; for the first time (and because of a somewhat pushy boyfriend), I will spend one week in Cambodia. Now doing my homework ...

สวัสดีปีใหม่ 2557

                 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014 

    
    Thank you for coming, 
    Phuchai wishes you a nice new year full of sun and boys

Changing, but same-same

I liked my ten days in Pattaya, not more than usually but not less. My boyfriend staid with me everyday but this was not a burden : it seemed I have met again the smiling boy I saw for the first time ten years ago, with the added bonus that he has now fully acknowledged the fact that I had to be alone and free for some evenings.

Apart from the above lao boy, I did not take advantage of this freedom, and we spent most of the evenings together, first in a good restaurant and then either looking for the never disappointing show in The Venue, or sipping some gin tonic in Sky Bar, facing the now forgotten Threezone Bar where we met on the first time. To tell the truth, I liked to be there too because this place offers unobstructed views over the almost opposite Good Boys Beer Bar, allowing me to inspect the boys for a possible visit (which did not come).

Escapade to Hat Sai Kaew (thanks GB for the tip)

I also had enough time to visit most of the gogobars in Sunee Plaza and Boyztown ; for the first time I found that the latter won hands down regarding the quality of boys on display. I liked the staff in X-Boys Land, but hated the mamasan who came begging me to invite a boy as "they have nothing to eat, no customer, never seen that in Pattaya" and so on. Most inappropriate as I was with my boyfriend. And still more uncalled for when I knew that they asked an outrageous 260 THB for a drink.

In Sunee plaza, I went to Eros Boys Bar just to see how a sleazy bar looks like (there are not a lot remaining these days …) and once again was ensnared by one of the waiters, whose invitation to go in a side room I could not resist – just like last year. I visited every gogo bar and some beer bars, but was mostly disappointed by what I saw ... low season I guess ... 

As for the massage places, it came as a surprise that that the "traditional" gay shops like Blue House had very few staff on duty, when other places in the Tuk.com area were brimmed with beautiful young men (and girls for some). On one night I passed in front of Apple Massage – facing Bordeaux Restaurant – very late at night and a handsome lad called me. I obliged but another boy told him that it was not his turn ; despite this, I think I could have taken the first one but in order to avoid an incident, I chose both. Not a big deal at 200 THB for one session (plus tips), and as the place was void of other customers, there was no restraint in the action – except they did not take out their clothes. I took him alone some days later, again in an empty room, and this time he stripped immediately and went directly to the deed. These places would be a huge hit with more private rooms, and if the customer was sure that he could choose his partner without it turning into a tragedy.

Beach seller taking a break in Jomtien (not the one I tell about)

But we come to Pattaya for the beaches (and the temples), right ? I found myself completely comfortable with the atmosphere in Jomtien, in one of the smallest and quietest concessions far from the hustle of the red/orange/yellow chairs. I did not even have to complain about the Russians which I found much more polite and respectful than some depict them. Not a lot of Thai boys for sure but still some sellers which would have more success selling their ass than what they offer - sorry to tell it downright so, although most of these guys have probably got it since long.

I had the chance to meet again Phat, who was a very shy rookie when I first met him five years ago (see below : "beach seller", October 2008) ; just coming back from two years in the army, he has now turned into a wonderful young man. I only noticed that he would not mind at all a massage session in my room .. what a change since 2008 when it was so difficult to convince him to come and still more difficult to make him strip off … 

So much for this 2013 trip, the last one during my working days ... Next year will be another life, but I still do not know what it will look like.

Lao boy

Apart from the three days of debauchery with the boy from Khorat, I had mostly very quiet days in Bangkok. Even without indulging in visiting bars and other immoral places, I feel that I am never bored walking along the streets or in the commercial centers – ubiquitous eye-candy being part of the equation.

I paid some visits to the bars in Saphan Kwai, only to see that the quantity of boys has decreased dramatically. Although I do not like peeping into a bar without having a drink, I had a look into Be High (only gogo bar in the area) and did not enter as only one boy seemed on duty on that evening. In the karaoke bars, the boys do not seem interested if you are alone and some even stay outside : the trick would be to make eye-contact before entering, so that the boy follows you hoping for an invitation and more. One of the karaoke places in Saphan Kwai (Waterloo) is said to have been converted to a massage place although it was the best kept bar in the area.

I also went to Silom area to Dicks Café for some meals and sightseeing, and also to the former Super A Bar where no boy was to my taste. Besides the Soi Twilight Gogo bars which I now avoid, I also found some absolute stunners in Scorpion Bar - the vietnamese boys I guess - but did not stay long as I was not in the mood to take someone on that evening. As for the massage places, I tried Marso but could not choose the boy and left for the neighbouring X-Boys Massage. There, I had a pleasant time with a tall young man from Nakhon Sawan that I had noticed opposite when seating in Dick’s Café ...

Aun , lao boy in Bangkok and Pattaya

Finally the only boy I had closer contact with was one I called in Staxx Karaoke in Saphan Kwai. Please note that the place has been completely refurbished and is now very welcoming including for farangs. I quickly called Aun for a drink, a boy from the Vientiane area in Laos speaking and writing perfectly thai. We chatted mostly about Pattaya, as he wanted to try to go there, so that he could meet more people. I could not take him to my place but finally met him some days later in Pattaya where he had been hired by Kawaii Boys. We had some fun in a nearby short-time room where he was very keen and affectionate, and I also went with him to Jomtien where his perfect body and his rose underwear revealing an interesting bulge fooled more than one.

Aun will not be my next boyfriend and he knows it ; he even wished me good luck with my boyfriend, which proves either a good education or a very commercial attitude .. A nice boy to stay with, and for a longer time than in a short-time room.

In the sticks (2)

From Phrae onwards, the route took us into the remotest parts of Thailand, following the lao border until we reach Chiang Rai.

The first day ended in Pua district, Nan Province. We visited some more wats in Nan town at first and then the Bua Thong wat in the countryside. Although not being crazy about visiting temples, I must say that I loved to visit them ; in this area, they are built in the thai-lue style : rather small compared to others but many offer beautiful murals, and they are also remarkably shaped, the model being Wat Phumin in Nan town.

We visited another waterfall but I can say that there is some deceit to label this Silaphet Waterfall in Pua District as a waterfall. It was more a resting place with many selling stands and some running water. I guess the locals have found the right idea to bring some tourists to their place, hiring another cute male guide to promote it on Youtube, see at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAbAp23I-fY

Bathroom at Huanam Homestay, Pua district, Nan province

Our resort for the next two nights was very close, and it would have to be the highlight of our trip. Tam being mad at eating mushrooms, had found this Mushroom Farm homestay, and I decently could not refused him to go there. A nice although rustic place in the middle of nature, overlooking rice fields at the foot of the mountains, and of course mushrooms on the menu for two days. And two gorgeous local boys as waiters, which I would not complain about. (google "Huanam homestay" for reference).

The next day was a trip to the Doi Phuka National Parks, where we did not see a lot of people as the roads here are rather challenging and there are very few facilities. We made our way to Bor Klua, along a spectacular route with some viewpoints unfortunately obscured by a persistent fog. After a never-ending 72 km in the middle of nowhere, our next stop was the Huay Kone border point where there is nothing to see unless you come here on the day when there is the thai-lao market.

Phu Sang Waterfall, Phayao province

We left the Nan Province along another scenic route, this one in a much better condition running across Phu Langka National Park. We reached then the Phayao Province with a very nice stop at Phu Sang waterfall, the only waterfall with hot water which is of course a favorite playing ground for the local kids. The aim of the day was one of the numerous resorts on the Phu Chi Fah mountain ; we could not help going to the Phu Chi Fah summit as soon as possible, only to find another very foggy landscape.

With a bright sky on the following day, we got up at 5 am like every one … at least like the few tourists being there on that weekday. We were lucky enough to see the top of the mountain in a clear sky and also to see the sea of clouds of which the thais are very fond of. Unfortunately the fog rose up again suddenly hiding the rising sun, so everyone was a little bit disappointed about their trip. No great views either at the neighboring Pha Tang viewpoint, where you walk along the lao border (or inside lao territory, who knows ?) near a village inhabited by chinese people.

Love nest on Phu Chi Fah

We finally found clearer skies when going back to the Maekhong valley, an area I cannot get tired of seeing. And we took the time to visit again the famous White Temple south of Chiang Rai town as well as the spectacular Khun Korn Waterfall, where Tam showed unusual qualities as a hiker ; the three kilometers we had to walk along a convenient footpath were worth the effort, as the water was in full swing after the rainy season.



And then it was back to reality in the hot and bustling Chiang Rai town. The local Tesco Lotus was a mandatory visit after so many days in the country, and a huge pizza a well-deserved reward. The beer we had in the only remaining boy bar in Chiang Rai (Regency Bar facing Wangcome hotel, half a dozen of decent guys on duty) was like a transition to the new part of my stay : Bangkok, Pattaya, and its famous dens of iniquity...

Up to Phu Chi Fah, VERY early in the morning