Laos report

[a447]

I know it's early days yet - I only arrived a few hours ago - but I thought I'd get started on laos.
First of all, you don't need a photo for a visa. I inadvertedly left my photos in my checked-in luggage and was told by Thai airways crew that i could get my polaroid taken at Immigration. Wrong! I got to Immigration and was told they could just scan my photo from my passport and it would cost $1. Wrong! it was free. I was also told a visa cost $35. Wrong! It cost $30. Christ, doesn't anybody know anything these days??
I had arranged an airport pick-up from my hotel - the Lao orchid- but noone was waiting for me. I took a taxi into town. I was told it cost $5. Wrong! It is $7!!
My hotel is in a fantastic position, right on the mekong and 15 metres away from the GQ bar. I had an email from the hotel saying that i could take a guest back to my room but they would not be responsible for anything lost. Fair enough.
I had read up a bit on Vientiane, especially the comments made by Kevin, and so had a number of places I needed to find in a hurry. Wandering around, I found them all in about an hour. I'm talking about Heng Heng massage, the fountain where guys gather at night (I hope), the CCC bar, Alexia Tex-Mex restaurant,The Sengtawan hotel which has massage downstairs where you can get a happy ending, as well as other places recommended by Kevin.
It's now time for a shower and then i think I'll wander down to GQ. I hope I can give a glowing report tomorrow. (Fingers crossed!)

[Beachlover]

LOL... $30/$35... $5/$7... tomato/tomato.

[nanette]

I have stayed at Souphaphone Guesthouse in Baan Wat Chan district close to the river several times during my visits to Vientiane. Never had any problem bringing boyfriends back for a bit of fun, although none had stayed overnight. The female workers at the reception warned me that they would lock in any female prostitutes if I brought them to my room! Luckily all my male friends were straight-looking, as I prefer it that way. It was quite easy meeting them on Gayromeo, and they were simply horny guys in their early twenties. :happy7:
I also didn't encounter any problem taking a boy back to the room at Lane Xang hotel.

[a447]

I started off at the Khop Chai Deu for dinner last night and Kevin was correct - there are lots of very cute waiters working there. I also saw lots of very handsome customers but they were with their girlfriends. :(
i then wandered down to the GQ bar. i was the only customer. The barman is very handsome - he has a beautiful smile. Then a young guy from Malaysia sat down and we got talking a bit. Not much later a couple of gay locals came in. One was very drunk and started falling all over me. It got too much (can't stand drunks) so I left and went off to the CCC bar. There was one customer there - a lesbian. I had one drink, spoke to the barman a bit then went back to GQ. There were about 6 guys in there, mostly screaming ladyboy types. One masculine guy who was a bit drunk came up to me and grabbed my cock. You can guess the rest. The night went ok I guess, although he was more interested in his own pleasure than mine. He just wanted to cum as soon as we got down to work. He ended up cumming all over me. We had another session in the morning and then he left.
All in all, it was a fairly quiet evening. I didn't see anyone working the river area or hanging around the fountain.
BTW the cute barman at GQ gave me his phone number and said he would show me around the town today. Unfortunately, I slept in and didn't have the chance to meet him. I'm sure he wasn't interested in sex with me; he just wanted to be my tour guide for a while.
I'll head back to GQ tonight and see i can find someone else.
The Lao Orchid hotel is very relaxed about things, if you know what I mean. Just need to see an ID card.

Hi,

I am not arguing or being clever about the matter, but I know what I paid for the visa and it was what I said, $35 and I've kept the receipt!

I hadn't even had a beer!!!

Also, I am in Cambodia now and paid $25 for an e business visa.

The guys at immigration have taken my passport and $300 for a one year multiple entry. I don't gve a bugger if it's a bit more cos this means no journey to P.P. if I don't want to go.

Very polite people at immigration in Siem Reap, a refreshing change!

[Beachlover]

Also, I am in Cambodia now and paid $25 for an e business visa.

The guys at immigration have taken my passport and $300 for a one year multiple entry. I don't gve a bugger if it's a bit more cos this means no journey to P.P. if I don't want to go.
I don't get this... Are you planning to stay and open a business in Cambodia? What's wrong with the usual tourist visa?

Also, I am in Cambodia now and paid $25 for an e business visa.

The guys at immigration have taken my passport and $300 for a one year multiple entry. I don't gve a bugger if it's a bit more cos this means no journey to P.P. if I don't want to go.
I don't get this... Are you planning to stay and open a business in Cambodia? What's wrong with the usual tourist visa?

Hi,

Don't know what I am doing yet, but it's a cheap way to stay in Asia until I can make my mind up. I haven't had a chance for a good look round yet.

[a447]

Quick update - we had a fine day in Vientiane so at 6pm I went for a stroll along the waterfront. Supposedly there are guys lurking there waiting for a hook-up. I wandered up and down a couple of times but didn't see anyone. After dinner I went to the fountain, another claimed pickup place, but I was only approached by a girl (transvestite??)
I then went back to the GQ bar last night to drool over Pon, the barman. Once again, he sat with me (on the other side of the bar, for safety's sake I guess!) but did stroke my arm a couple of times. He has the most beautiful smile. While chatting to him, a Chinese guy came in and sat with me. We started talking. Suddenly his hands were all over me. He reached inside the leg of my shorts and grabbed my cock! I explained that I wasn't really into public sex (especially when the lights are on!) so he wrote down his hotel room number then left. He is staying at the hotel right opposite the bar. He has been working in Laos 10 years. I asked Pon if this guy was a moneyboy and he said he didn't think so. BTW he looked to be in thirties. No, I didn't take up his offer. The bar then filled up with screaming ladyboys who pounced about on stage and lip-synched. It was horrible.
If you are ever in Vientiane, you must go see the Patuxai arch. It would have to be the UGLIEST tourist attraction in the world. It even has a sign on it calling it a "concrete monster." I love their honesty here!

[a447]

Yesterday was my last full day in Vientiane. After wandering around most of the day i decided to try a gay massage - something I've never done before. I had already looked for, and found, Heng Heng massage, a place recommended on the web. I went in and was greeted by the young manager who was surfing Gayromeo at the time. I told him I was after a "sexy boy massage" and he appointed me a young guy called Sai. We went upstairs. he ushered me into a tine room with a mattress on the floor. he pointed to some pajamas and left while i got changed. Hmmm....things not looking too good here. he came back and started massaging me over my clothes. When I turned over on my back, i asked him to remove his clothes. he took off his top. I pointed to the pants. he took them off too, revealing a pair of jocks. When I asked hi to remove them, he smiled and continued to massage me. Oh, well, I guess this is as far as it goes. When he came and kneeled beside me I put my hand on his croth. To my surprise he was as hard as a rock!!! I asked him again to remove his jocks, and this time, he did. That's when the fun started. He removed my clothes and jacked me while I sucked his cock. he wouldn't suck me, though. Doesn't matter. I then asked him to lie down and have him a handjob. When he came he literally exploded - he sprayed all over his chest, shoulder and the mattress. he then finished me off. BTW his technique is awesome. His cock is not thick but a good 7 inches, I'd reckon. He remained rock hard all through. If you come to Vientiane, give it a go...and don't forget to ask for Sai. Tip - 100,000 kip, room 60,000 kip.

[Brad the Impala]

The Patuxai Arch is quite a monstrosity, a vulgar demonstration of power, and it was built with concrete donated by the Americans for use in building a highway, or was it an airport!

I had been living in Thailand for around a year, when I first visited Vientiane, and was very happy to find plentiful and french food and bread there, which wasn't so available in Bangkok at the time. It was the period when the communist Pathet Lao and the Royalists were sharing power, and I will never forget quietly eating dinner on my own in one of the better french restaurants when in came eight Pathet Lao in battle fatigues carrying sub machine guns.

They then sat down, slung their machine guns over the backs of their chairs, and settled in for a good meal! From the reaction of the owner this was clearly not an unusual event, which was reassuring.

[christianpfc]

The Patuxai is a matter of taste, I quite liked it.

[pong]

sometimes things are soooooooooo easy and no need to quibble at all about: the cost of a Laos visa differs per country. it is indeed quite possible that nr1 pays 35, nr3 37, nr3 32 and nr 4, a real lucky, only 15 or 18. Without stating all your nationalities and comparing these to the official list impossible to compare. Also there are after time extra charges of 1 or 2 US$-beyond the normal mo-fri working days.

sometimes things are soooooooooo easy and no need to quibble at all about: the cost of a Laos visa differs per country. it is indeed quite possible that nr1 pays 35, nr3 37, nr3 32 and nr 4, a real lucky, only 15 or 18. Without stating all your nationalities and comparing these to the official list impossible to compare. Also there are after time extra charges of 1 or 2 US$-beyond the normal mo-fri working days.



OK,

I am UK, and they charged me $35.00! end of in my opinion. I was happy with it and the speed they did it.

Hi,

After having a good look at both Cambodia, Thailand and PDR Lao, I think the Lao guys win hands down in the looks department, or at least those in Vientiane do for me anyways!

[a447]

I have just spent 3 days in Luang Prabang, and gay life is non-existant.I did drop into the Blue Ice bar, had 5 pina coladas while all the time chatting to a very sexy handsome 23 year old waiter. Unfortunately, he was not gay. I agree with Kevin - the Lao boys are stunning.

[a447]

One thing I didn't mention about the Lao Orchid hotel in Vientiane (thought I'd wait until I was out of the country), is that I treid to sneak the guy up to my room via the stairs next to the elevator. I thought I'd succeeded, as there was noone at reception. But the moment we entered the room, the phone rang. It was someone downstairs asking for the guy's ID card! He told me he didn't have one, so I put him on to the receptionist. After a lengthy conversation, he was allowed to stay. In hindsight, it might have been better if they had refused him, as he wasn't all that good! But it just goes to show, they ARE aware of who is entering the hotel.

[christianpfc]

I have just spent 3 days in Luang Prabang, and gay life is non-existant.
There is a gay bar in Luang Prabang, called Daofaa, and I met some local gays there in February.

Full story here: http://gaybuttonthai.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2542&start=0

In my opinion, Thai and Lao men look similar, I have no preference.

[Brisboy82]

Also in luang prabang is blue ice bar which is gay owned and full of very friendly gay locals. One local guy took
Me to his college lodgings for free food and beer with him and other students. It was a wonderful experience.

Also, PDR Lao charges different visa fees for different nationalities, I don't know why, but they do. I am UK National and as I mentioned, I kept my receipt and it was for certain and still is to my knowledge, $35 for a month. I am going back shortly, see if they can do me a year multi entry, where there's a will and all that!... :laughing3:

Hi Gents,

VISA CHARGES

http://www.adventurebimbling.com/laos/laos_visa.html

[a447]

I got the info from surfing the net. I also think I might have read it in a guide book - Loney Planet??

[a447]

I got sick while in Laos. While waiting for my flight back to Bangkok for some "fun" I decided to eat at the buffet restaurant in the Vientiane airport. Next morning in Bangkok I woke up with stomach problems - felt really ill. I took Imodium but could not really enjoy the nightlife very much. Although I offed guys for long time, it ended up being short time.
When I returned home, I was talking to a friend who had also been in Laos. She, in fact, recommended that i go there. She also got sick, and guess where! At the restaurant in the airport!!!

So, whatever you do, stay away!

Hi,

I am going nowhere at the minute due to a broken foot acquired whilst getting out of one of those silly Laos tuk tuks that just aren't made for Europeans!

[thonglor55]

I am going nowhere at the minute due to a broken foot acquired whilst getting out of one of those silly Laos tuk tuks that just aren't made for Europeans!I hate them too! You have my sympathy.

Hi,

I am in Lao now checking on multi entry visas and other bits for this Country, it is a great place to be and to hang out in my opinion.

Anyone wants anything doing or checking, send a message!

Also, The AV Hotel is great. Centrally located for everything. Huge room, great wi fi signal, LCD TV, big comfortable bed, new linen, recently refurbished.

No lift or swimming pool being the drawbacks against Chanthapanya Hotel. I much prefer the rooms here though. Staff cuter at Chanthapanya as well but you can't have everything. This is for $35 per night including breakfast which I can't comment on as I have never made it yet.

I would definitely say if anyone is in town on budget or longer stay, this place is adequate.

If you want to pamper yourself in a smaller hotel but classy at around $80 a night, it's got to be Salana Hotel.

Brad the Impala and I may have been in Vientiane around the same time. We used to call Patuxai Arch the Vertical Runway. attachment=0]Vientiane.jpg[/attachment]

Hi,

The Lao themselves are not overly impressed with it either!

The thing was left unfinished and the area beside and around it is now used for recreation and relaxing.

[lonelywombat]

Received a PM from a student at uni who found these tours when searching for gay tours. Afraid it looks a bit too rugged for me , offing a boy and have sex in that boat is scary.

Gecko is new to me and their website does not suggest they are gay The member is considering one of the trips see on the side, under the heading our favourite trips.

http://www.geckosadventures.com/south-e ... -laos-2008 (http://www.geckosadventures.com/south-east-asia/thailand/highlights-laos-2008)

On checking the 14 day trip, they seem to leave every 7 days

here is the points visited .It starts and finishes in Bangkok

14 days from AU $1,295 pp twin share

After years of war, peace and tranquillity have come to Laos and this small landlocked nation is slowly opening its doors and offering the intrepid traveller a warm welcome. We travel by a wide variety of local transport including bus, songthaew, tuk-tuk, Mekong riverboat, mini-van, train and pirogue (narrow canoe). Accommodation is in simple hotels and guesthouses.

From Bangkok we travel north to the mighty Mekong River and cross into Laos. Crossing the river is like stepping back in time to old South East Asia. Following the river we visit the beautiful town of Luang Prabang and then continue to Vang Vieng and the sleepy capital of Vientiane. Crossing the International Friendship Bridge we re-enter Thailand and take the overnight sleeper train back to Bangkok.

1-2 Bangkok
3 Chiang Mai
4 Huay Xai
5 Mekong River - Pakbeng
6-8 Luang Prabang
9-10 Vang Vieng
11-12 Vientiane
13-14 Bangkok

[Beachlover]

Lonely, as you said, Geckos Adventures has nothing to do with being gay. It's one of a group of global "adventure travel" companies, which I know fairly well as I enjoy outdoor stuff.

There's a few categories catering to different market segments...

1. Premium high-end adventure travel is done by World Expeditions and Peregrine Adventures. They tend to offer higher service and more expensive options. Most customers will be 40s and upwards. Their trips aren't cheap but they don't stick you in cheap places or use cheap transport options.

2. In the mid-market you have Intrepid, which seems to cater to 20s-40s. They're not the cheapest but they offer a fairly "premium" service.

3. At the bottom of the market, price wise, you have GAP Adventures and Geckos, which is owned by Peregrine. These guys tend to be the cheapest and most customers tend to be your 18-35 crowd. Accommodation is usually budget or mid-tier. They usually use local guides, local transport options (e.g. take a public bus/train instead of hiring a luxury coach to get you from A to B) and the trips are fairly flexible and adventurous.

You also have Contiki but I'm not sure if they qualify for the "adventure travel" segment. I wouldn't use them.

I only use these companies if I'm doing something, which requires specialist equipment/guidance (e.g. mountaineering or kayaking) or for going somewhere seriously remote where a guide with experience and safety in numbers is a must.

I tend to use the third group of operators (which includes Geckos), not because of price or service offering but because the crowd tends to be young like me, lots of fun to travel with and more lively. They only use local guides everything is locally organised.

For your uni friend... I'd suggest unless it's ok to use Geckos but he should find his own way around too. Don't use them for the entire portion of his trip. In fact, for most of the stuff mentioned in the trip you posted, there's no reason he can't find his own way around. There's nothing particularly off road or remote there.

[pong]

Further to BL-and thanks to him for the unravelling of those companies:
they now also have an office in BKK-Viengtai HTL, near Khao Sarn.
I once spoke to a guide of those tours with a beer or 2-and he told me, nearly half of the subscribers skip somewhere during the cheap Gecko/intrepid tours as they find it more adventurous and discover that in Thaild/Lao etc it soooooooooo easy to do on your own, even for nervous 1st time types.
There is also STRAY adventures, offering moreorless same-same, and also all types of bike tours around and in BKK-brand new ofice on Ratchdamnern, also close to Khao Sarn. I thuink this is NZ. They run own minibuses in Laos between major tourist places, like they do in NZ.

[Beachlover]

I once spoke to a guide of those tours with a beer or 2-and he told me, nearly half of the subscribers skip somewhere during the cheap Gecko/intrepid tours as they find it more adventurous and discover that in Thaild/Lao etc it soooooooooo easy to do on your own, even for nervous 1st time types.
I'm not surprised but personally never saw that happen, probably because the times I used them involved trekking and remote stuff where you can't exactly leave halfway through.

To be honest, for trips that don't involve trekking or remote stuff, i.e. if you're only going through cities, towns and beaches, you're better off doing it on your own or getting a bunch of mates together. Organising your own stuff is more rewarding and you get to explore and learn more.

One other thing is you should check what the group sizes are... for stuff like this, small groups of 10-12 max are best.


There is also STRAY adventures, offering moreorless same-same, and also all types of bike tours around and in BKK-brand new ofice on Ratchdamnern, also close to Khao Sarn. I thuink this is NZ. They run own minibuses in Laos between major tourist places, like they do in NZ.
These guys? http://www.straytravel.asia/ Cool... Never heard of them.

[CambodiaOut]

I agree, the Lao guys are hot. Not as out as in Thailand or Cambodia, but plenty to find. Check out http://www.cambodiaout.com , click on Laos, and you can find out where to go.

have fun

[aarancam]

I got the info from surfing the net. I also think I might have read it in a guide book - Loney Planet??

Hey a447. Love your stuff. You seem knowledgable about Asian things. How easy would it be to get my Laos boyfriend to Oz?

[fmolder]

Gaymassage in Laos seems pretty cheap. Is it everywhere like that? How much for a "commercial" guy sleeping over?

[FarangRuMak]

Thanks to all of you who have posted here-very helpful.
It's a long time since I was in Vientiane but reading this makes me want to go back.
I remember a bar with an outside Terrace called "Chai Yo" as in "Lao Chai Yo!
It was near the museum.
The male staff were stunners.
I wonder if it's still there.
Anybody know?
The French love for arches, wide boulevards and parks has rubbed off on the Cambodians, Vietnamese and Laoations. (Siem Reap has numerous small parks and Pattaya has none)
I don't think the arch in Vientiane looks too bad...it's a Commie work in progress.
I had hoped that when Obama went there that he might have started a real clean-up of all the unexploded US ordnance that prevents farming along the Cambodians border region but I don't think he did.

[christianpfc]

Hey a447. Love your stuff. You seem knowledgable about Asian things. How easy would it be to get my Laos boyfriend to Oz?
Please not again! Haven't we been through this ad nausam on all forums?