Monday, September 3, 2012

My 5 Favorite Go Go Bars in Bangkok

I've visited a lot of go go bars in Bangkok through the years. Today I've scaled back on the amount of visits. However when I do go I always head to what I think are the best go go bars in Bangkok. 

I remember my very first visit to a go go bar ever was in the Patpong red light district. I went to a bar called King's Castle on Patpong Soi 1 which at the time I had already read a lot about during my initial research.

I was dazzled by beautiful Thai girls gyrating in the dim lighting to a background of old school rock and roll beats. But there were a lot of bars in Patpong that I didn't like because they looked old. Though things have really changed a lot in Patpong today and for the positive.

Then I ventured on through to Nana Entertainment Plaza and discovered Rainbow 4 and saw dozens of girls on a double set of stages doing the Bangkok shuffle in shifts. After seeing scores of more beautiful Thai bar girls I said to myself at that time that this was my new home.

And during that time I also made my rounds through Soi Cowboy but found it a bit lacking from my Nana experience. But like everything else progress has worked its magic and today I enjoy visiting a couple of bars where you can watch topless girls in Soi Cowboy do their thing.

Below you'll find the names of my 5 favorite go go bars that are in Nana, Soi Cowboy and Patpong. Initially I wanted to do a "Top 10" list but that would be overkill. The ones I recommend below are very popular in my books. But I encourage everyone to explore other venues. You never know since bars do change and you might find a place with Thai girls to your liking.

Rainbow 4 - Like the name implies there are four Rainbow bars. All are located right inside Nana Entertainment Plaza (NEP) on Sukhumvit Soi 4. And in my opinion the best go go bar inside NEP. Every night especially the weekends it is often packed full of customers, crammed into every space where there's space to sit.

There are 2 stages. If you want to see bare tits then find a seat by the left stage. That's where girls dance topless. However, the better looking girls dance on the right side of the stage. What I do is try and find a seat some where near the entrance of the bar to get the best of both worlds.

Rainbow 4 is located on the 2nd level of NEP and it's hard to miss with at least a dozen bar girls standing outside to attract customers. And be sure to check out Rainbow 1 too on the first level. It's smaller but the girls inside are not too shabby looking either.

If you need a map of NEP's go go bars you can find it there.

Angelwitch Go Go Bar  - I also like Angelwitch a lot. It's also located on the second level, just about right across from Rainbow 4. To me they also have a lot of pretty bar girls for a medium sized bar.

The atmosphere though is definitely better than rainbow 4 with nice comfortable seats and you're not too far off from the stage to get a better look at their lineup.

And at around 9:30pm to 10:00pm a handful of Angelwitch girls put on a show that's worth just going inside to see while enjoying a beer or two.

So Rainbow 4 and Angelwitch are my favorite go go bars inside NEP. Though there are a few places I recommend to even if it's just for a quick peek inside, because you never know, you just might find a bar girl that catches your eye. So I also recommend checking out Spanky's BKK and Las Vegas go go bar.

So heading down to Soi Cowboy (which is only a 15 minute walk from NEP) there are two go go bars I really enjoy there.

Shark Bar has a reputation for employing the most attractive girls in Soi Cowboy. And they do deserve it.

Though I've only bar fined a few girls from Shark Bar I must say they have the best attitudes and very fun to be with whether it be for short time or long time.

It's still a small bar even though there are two floors. But the first floor has the best looking girls.

Matter of fact any bar with two floors the best girls are always on the first floor because it's the entrance of a bar. The best looking bar girls are there so patrons can see them easily as they walk by as well as those who are only peeking in for a look see.

Just right next door is Baccara Bar and there are lots of bar girls to check out. It's possibly one of the best bars in Soi Cowboy judging from the amount of customers inside especially on weekends.

Get there at a bad time and it'll be hard pressed to find a seat with standing room quite bare as well.

There is an upstairs level too at Baccara Bar. Matter of fact you can see the stage upstairs because it's transparent so you can watch girls dancing in school girl dress but topless. Downstairs bar girls are in bikinis. And yes, the bar girls upstairs are not the best looking but you can always just stare at their bare boobies.

So those are my two favorite go go bars in Soi Cowboy. But I do like Spice Girls too but beware it's expensive and I'm not just talking about the girls. Drinks prices at Spice Girls are not cheap. Check out a map of Soi Cowboy go go bars here.

As I mentioned earlier, Patpong was the first red light district in Bangkok I've ever visited for a go go bar experience. Like many expats and veteran visitors in Bangkok I've avoided Patpong for many years. Save for a few trips I made there when I had friends who wanted to take a look see.


I also recommend Patpong especially if you're the curious shy type or a budding sex tourists. Because you can easily mingle in with main stream tourists that are shopping at the night market.

And through the years I've noticed a remarkable change in the area. Yes, it's been commercialized with many retail stores with all kinds of tourists meandering around the night market on Patpong Soi 1. But many older go go bars in Patpong are revitalized with many new establishments opening right up on Patpong Soi 2 closer to Silom road.

King's Castle 1 and 2 are my favorite places to visit in Patpong when I feel the need the change of pace and scenery from Nana and Soi Cowboy. They have a mix of ladyboy (post-op and pre-op) as well as genuine girls in their line up. Here's where you can find a map of Patpong red light district.

And by the way, King's Castle 3 which is also on Soi 1 is an all ladyboy (mostly pre-op) go go bar. Most of the go go bars on Patpong Soi 1 are mostly very popular with Japanese and other Asian tourists. What does that mean? It means that the asking rates from bar girls are higher. But you can negotiate and should.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Guest Friendly Pattaya Hotels Discounts August 31, 2012

If you've been waiting for hotels deals in Pattaya because you knew the slow rainy season is coming up then your patience will be rewarded.

All of the bar girl friendly hotels I recommend below are in the prime location of central Pattaya. So you'll be close to a lot of go go bars, shopping centers like Central Festival Mall and plenty of places to eat, drink and cavort with Thai bar girls and freelancers.

Discounts for Recommended Hotels in Pattaya


The 3 star LK Metropole Hotel is located right by Soi Diana and is one of the nicest budget hotels in central Pattaya. And there are a handful of go go bars that are just a few minutes walk away. There is a special deal valid until September 30, 2012 where you book a minimum of 3 nights you'll get 45% off. Which comes out to about 1600THB ($53USD) per night for a 36 square meter standard room with a balcony. And the rate includes breakfast. Check rates for LK Metropole Hotel.

Just a little down on Soi Diana is the always popular Areca Lodge Hotel with a free night special as long as you book 7 days stay. So each paid night you're only paying about 1400THB ($45USD) per night with taxes. And yes, the rate also includes a free breakfast buffet. This deal for Areca Lodge is also only good until September 30th, 2012. Check rates for Areca Lodge Hotel.

Another guest friendly hotel with free nights specials is in central Pattya called the Citin Loft Pattaya. Book 3 nights and you get one for free. There is a slight catch however. This deal is only for a superior twin room and there is a breakfast included but it's only for the paid nights.Which is still a sweet deal because each paid night comes out to 900THB ($29USD) only! This offer is only valid until October 14th, 2012 so be sure to book in advance as these deals go quick. Check rates for Citin Loft Pattaya.

Final hotel with free nights on offer is the Eastiny Residence Hotel on the prime location of Beach Road. Book 7 nights and you get to stay for free for 1 night. Which comes out to around 1100THB ($36USD) per paid night with taxes included as well as breakfast on all nights. And this offer is also only valid until October 31st, 2012. Check rates for Eastiny Residence Hotel.

These are all very popular 3 star Pattaya guest friendly hotels. As a reminder these deals are limited so I would take advantage of the specials as soon as possible.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit Hotel Review


The Novotel Ploenchit Sukhumvit Hotel is another 4 star guest friendly hotel on Sukhumvit I recommend. The hotel is closer to Nana red light district, however the Ploen Chit BTS station is right outside the hotel so you're only two very short train stops away from Soi Cowboy's go go bars.

It's a new hotel too and I believe it opened its doors for business sometime late last year. Though back then it was named Novotel Bangkok Fenix. Not quite sure why the shortened name change but all that matter is they don't care if you invite a bar girl back to your room as long as you book a room for 2.

There are many Novotel hotels throughout Bangkok but the Novotel Ploenchit is the closest bar girl friendly hotel in Nana red light district (you can check out a email confirmation below).

I recently had a chance to check out this Novotel branch because I found a 50% off discount special for a superior room. So I paid about 2850THB for the night with all taxes included. It's a deal too good to pass up.

Superior room at Novotel Ploenchit Sukhumvit

Superior rooms are 28 square meters and you can expect all the modern conveniences since it's a new hotel such as in room safe and integrated room lighting and appliance control. The only real downer is they charge for internet access. The cost is 428THB per day. Not quite sure why such a odd number but either ways in Bangkok that's a ridiculous price.Though they do have free 24 hour computer terminals in the lobby.

And of course as a 4 star property the Novotel Ploenchit has a well equipped gym and a decent swimming pool plus sauna.

Overall it's a good hotel. And if you want to be in a quiet location but still be able to walk and hunt for prostitutes on Sukhumvit road then this Novotel is a good choice. Sukhumvit Soi 4 is just a short 5 minute walk so you can pay a visit to Nana Entertainment Plaza. And it doesn't hurt that there's a BTS station right out in front so you can travel to most of the popular shopping centers to check out beautiful Thai girls on a shopping spree.

Here's an email from Novotel Ploenchit regarding their policy on unregistered visitors:
Dear Sir,

Greeting from Novotel Bangkok Fenix Ploenchit.

We are pleased to inform that our hotel allow to accommodate maximum 2 persons in the room. For the invited guest can be accommodate over night without extra charge.

In case of the extra person (3rd guest), THB 1,000.00+17.7% tax and service charge will be applied.

Best regards,

Chawin U. (Mr.)
Reservation Supervisor
Novotel Bangkok Fenix Ploenchit
566 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini,
Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
So if you choose to stay there make sure to book a room for 2 guests. Besides it doesn't cost extra especially when you book through Agoda.com.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Legacy Express Bangkok Review

Here's another cool funky hotel right on Sukhumvit Soi 1 called the Legacy Express Bangkok that's been getting a lot of good reviews.

And being so close to Suk. Soi 1 means that the area is quieter but not too far from all the excitement. Nana Entertainment Plaza is right on Sukhumvit Soi 4 which is only a few minutes away. Soi Cowboy is approximately a 15 minute walk.

The Legacy Express opened its doors a few years ago. So it's still a brand new guest friendly hotel in Nana red light district. Taxi drivers shouldn't have a problem at all finding the hotel since the location is easy to reach. Plus the hotel is right between two BTS stations on Sukhumvit road called Ploen Chit station and Nana station.


So the hotel's location is great especially for single guys out on a night in Bangkok. Scores of Thai freelancers can be found on Sukhumvit Soi 4. Just north of Soi 4 is where Russian prostitutes are located. Right through to Soi 7 are the African contingent of hookers in the Arab quarters. And of course visiting Nana Plaza Entertainment's go go bars and beer bars is as easy as a short walk to the corner of Soi 4.

The Legacy is considered a 3 star hotel. Which is just right in terms of quality. But there's no pool or gym however. Though Annie's soapy massage is right on Sukhumvit Soi 2 if you want to play in water and some would consider a night of romping with a bar girl a workout.

Their most affordable rooms are the superior room types which are about 27 square meters big. And the rooms comes with modern touches including an in room safe and free Internet Wi-Fi access.

Superior room at Legacy Express Bangok
As of writing there is an early bird promotional rate provided by Agoda.com for around 1500THB including taxes. The price is just about right for a budget hotel in Nana. But since it's a new hotel it's totally worth it.

And the Legacy Express Hotel is guest friendly. Here's an email confirmation for your reference:
Dear Jim Hunt,
In regard to your query, you can bring your joiner fee to stay overnight without any charge.

Should you require more information please do not hesitate to contact us and looking forward to welcome and serve you soon

Best Regards
Ben Arayakul Mr.
Central Reservation Officer

Check current rates and read reviews for Legacy Express Bangkok.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Bangkok Soapy Massage Service Guide

Fishbowl girls, Sideliners and Models - What's the Difference?

From what I've been seeing on the stats from my blog post and the amount of emails I've been receiving it seems that the subject of soapy body to body massage parlors in Bangkok is quite the popular one.

So I've gathered up a bunch of questions from recent emails and decided I'd come up with some sort of guide on services provided by soapy parlors in Bangkok. I've already listed my 5 favorite soapy massage establishments on a previous post so you can check it out here.

In this post, I'm going to delve into the subject of Thai:
  • Fishbowl girls
  • Sideline girls
  • Model girls
From the emails I have been receiving, a lot of guys still don't know what the differences are. Those are the 3 categories of ladies you can choose at a soapy massage parlor. Though many establishments might have these weird categories like S or L and other type of nonsense.

In a nutshell fishbowl girls are cheaper but provide more service. While models as the name implies means they are more attractive and thus cost more. Sideline girls are in the mid-range price and are typically younger and also more attractive too..

Below you'll find out more info including what type of services are provided by each category as well as a rough estimate of rates charged for their time and service.
Fishbowl Girls
Fishbowl Girls

The first soapy massage I ever visited in Bangkok during my first trip ever is to Caesar's Massage in Huay Kwang. I was nervous the first time I stepped inside because I had no clue what to expect. And when I finally saw the fishbowl girls sitting inside behind a wall of glass I knew I had made the right decision in coming to Bangkok.  They were gorgeous and the ladies had curves in all the right places.

I picked the first hot looking fishbowl girl I laid my eyes on and asked how much to the papasan. I was told 2000THB for 90 minutes plus he mentioned she gives good blow job and service. That pretty much sealed the deal and I didn't care if the price was double or even if he was lying (which he wasn't). It was my first soapy massage experience in Bangkok and I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

It's been 12 years and I can't remember the face of the girl I chose but I do remember the incredible service I had received. She gave me 3 shots.

First was in the tub where she gave me a BJ after the pre-requisite wash down. Second shot was right after the massage and it was a real massage, not like someone marinating a piece of pork. After a little break and nap she was at it again onto full sex. It was awesome. With about 20 minutes to spare she gave me a pedicure too. Hell at that point I thought she was going to cook me a meal too.

From then on I thought that was the usual service provided at all soapy parlors. Boy was I wrong. But still, services provided by the ladies back then were way better than they are today

Through the course of the years, I've noticed a gradual decline in service and quality of girls at most of the soapies in Bangkok. To me it seemed like 2008 and forward was the beginning where service was much more mechanical to down right shitty.

So I'm happy that I had a good chance to experience top service before everything went downhill. Funny thing is whenever I tell people about my first soapy experience they think I'm crazy.

Today most of the better looking massage girls have migrated over to the sideline section. And who can blame them. They do less work but get paid more.

Sideline Girls are Prettier but Cost More
Sideliner Girls

Sideliners are a category of soapy girls and they do not sit inside the fishbowl. You'll see them sitting on sofas and lounge chairs off to the side (hence sideliners) away from the fishbowl section.

When I first started visiting soapies all those years ago there were not a lot of girls working on the side line.

So what is the difference between a fishbowl and sideliner? Sideline girls are usually and mostly younger and more attractive. Service wise, they do not provide massage. Though there are times where I've gotten a massage from a sideliner.  Just ask the papasan or mamasan and they'll tell you which girl does. Or they'll instruct the girl to provide one.

But a vast majority of sideline girls do not provide a massage. With them, it's only a wash in the tub followed by a body to body rub down then on to the bed for sex.

And for that, sideliners cost more than a fishbowl girl simply because they are easy on the eyes. To this date a majority of soapies in central Bangkok like you'd find in Huay Kwang, there are not a lot of young working fishbowl massage girls.

For example at Nataree, my favorite soapy in Bangkok, a fishbowl girl cost around 1800THB to 2000THB. Sideliners at Nataree cost a minimum of 2300THB. Which is why a lot of younger Thai prostitutes of legal age prefers being a sideliner. They get paid more for doing less work.

Models at Soapy Massage Parlors

The final category in the soapy massage world are the Models. And it goes without saying the most expensive girls you can find at a soapy.

Most establishments don't even have them. The ones that do are usually the higher end places, like Utopia and Poesideon.

Girls in the model category are supposedly former Thai Penthouse magazine pin ups, TV stars or other types of female entertainers who've popularity has dimmed though the years.

Which is why most ladies in the model category prefer working in parlors where customers with money tend to frequent.

Models are lighter skinned and taller than the average Thai female, which is what the local Thai men like.

You won't find recent Penthouse pet models working in the massage parlors however. That said, models are still very popular. Quite often you have to make an appointment through a papasan or mamasan who will show you a binder filled with Penthouse magazine covers of models they employ. Sometimes you have to wait a few days or even up to a week if the particular model you want is busy.

I've tried a few model girls at Utopia a few years ago. And sure the girls were hot with smoking bodies. But I had to shell out 8500THB for 45 minutes only. Another model I tried out cost 7500THB for the full hour. Not sure how they come up with their price point but I just wanted to give a try. Plus Utopia makes you pay a surcharge. I forgot how much it was back then because I wasn't going to let anything dampen my mood at the time.

So you pay more and you get less time. Did I enjoy it? During the time with the ladies, yes, it was worth it. But after you leave you can't help but say to yourself, "Did I actually spend that much money for pussy??" So yeah, I did have a bit of buyer's remorse. But at least I can tell people I've tried it.

One thing I should mention is because you're a foreigner some establishments might trick you by getting a girl that looks similar to the Penthouse model you've booked. According to some of my friends this has happened. Since I don't have a whole lot of experience with Thai models in soapies I can't say it's happened to me. So I hope you would understand why I won't be outing any establishments. I'm just giving everyone a heads up. 

With that in mind, the best places to visit to find Thai models in soapies is Utopia, Poseidon, New Cleopatra and Amsterdam. And models do not provide massage services. Like sideliners it's only a bath with you and straight on to sex.

Out of the three types of massage girls I prefer girls working on the sideline. I was spoiled all those years ago from the true soapy massage experience. The last fishbowl girl I've been with was back in 2008. But of course I'll give it a go with one again if I like her. But so far sideline ladies to me are the most attractive.

August 24th, 2012 Bangkok Hotel Deals this Weekend

For this weekend there are a handful of recommended guest friendly hotels near Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. And all of the discounts are provided through Agoda.com. These specials are limited so make sure to book in advance.

Ramada Encore
Ramada Encore Bangkok Hotel has a 53% off but you have to book 30 days before arrival. It's right on Sukhumvit Soi 10 and about 300 meters down.

Right now a standard room cost around 1800THB after the discount with taxes included. I wrote a more extensive review here because I highly recommend this hotel.

Woraburi Sukhumvit
Next up is the Woraburi Sukhumvit Hotel located down on Sukhumvit Soi 4, the same Soi as Nana Entertainment Plaza. So you can walk to NEP in about 5 minutes or make use of their free tuk tuk service.

The budget friendly Woraburi has up to 54% off as long as you book a 3 night minimum stay. Guest rooms are much improved today after a recent renovation. With the discounts a standard room cost around 1200THB with taxes. And that's a bargain.

S15 Sukhumvit
Back down closer to Soi Cowboy is another highly recommended guest friendly hotel on Sukhumvit road called the S15 Sukhumvit Hotel. Right now there's also a 35% off deal but you have to book 18 days before arrival.

So for a deluxe room at S15 cost about 2300THB with taxes and breakfast included. It's in a super convenient location close to Terminal 21 shopping center, the train stations and Thermae bar for picking up Thai freelancers.

Salil Hotel 8
And right in between Nana and Soi Cowboy is a cozy bar girl friendly hotel called Salil Hotel Sukhumvit Soi 8. Right now there is also a 50% off discount as long as you book 14 days before arrival. With the discount a standard room comes out to about 1750THB per night with taxes.

It's in a quiet location off Soi 8 about 250 meters down but I know a lot of people prefer that. Though there are a couple of popular places to drink and eat near the hotel. If you choose to stay at the Salil be sure to check out Det 5 bar on Fridays at 7pm for a free dinner buffet.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Thong Ta Resort and Spa, Bang Na/Suvarnabhumi airport

Thong Ta Resort and Spa, Bang Na/Suvarnabhumi airport

This hotel is within 10 minutes from the airport and has free transfers to and from the airport.
There's a new wing and the rooms are of better standard compared to the old wing, so if possible, try to get a room in the new wing.

Plenty of small shops and restaurants are near the hotel and make it convenient for a late arrival and early check out.

Rooms include free wifi which makes it a winner for me. Next time on a transfer night, this will be hotel of my choice. Simple and basic.

Booking by Agoda

Booking by Hotels Combined


Standard single room, new building


Standard single room


Standard twin room, new building


Standard triple room, new building


Exterior