Does Anyone Have a Recent Update/Experience on Chiang Mai?

[adman5000]

For an upcoming visit I plan to visit Chiang Mai. I enjoyed my last visit there a few years ago, but I was with a bf who didn't want me to wander too much. This time I plan to visit alone. Last time I stayed near the Ping River and enjoyed it's beauty but the tuktuk expenses were a bit high. I was thinking of being closer to the Night Bazaar. Any recommendations for comfortable, reasonably priced, OK with joiners type place?
It seemed to me like the clubs and places were well scattered. I went to DreadedNeds and it appears outdated. Can anyone comment on what is open in October-December in terms of bars/go-gos to meet someone?
Given it is a university town, I am sure there are some good places to meet students as well. Any suggestions appreciated. If you don't want to post recommendations, feel free to PM me.
The weather and northern personalities seem to agree with me very well in Chiang Mai, so I look forward to visiting again.

[Bob]

I'm a little puzzled. You previously stayed near the Ping River but now you want to be closer to the night market area. Maybe you stayed near the old Sheraton now Holiday Inn on the River (which is about a mile south of the night market area)?

I've stayed at the Porn Ping many times and will stay there again in about a month. Decent hotel and very close to the night market (like about 300 yards due east). On the other hand, the Ping River is about another 300 yards east of the hotel (which is why I'm puzzled as to where you stayed before). I happen to love the location of the Porn Ping....easy walk to the river, the big market (Warrorot), the night market, and night market bars. Plus I like several restaurants within easy walking distance. I've never had any hassle bringing somebody back there although, admitedly, I've checked in there with my bf for the last 5 years or so. Not a gay hotel at all but I don't think you'll get any hassle (I've never felt any bad vibes there). May be about 1,400.00 baht a night now (if you stay in the Tower which is my preference).

I'm not sure about hook-up places with the university students. You're right about the tuk tuk prices escalating but, then again, it's sure cheaper than at home. The few gogo bars (up Chang Phuak ways --- which is north about 2 kilometers from the old city) are a long ways from anything so you really have no choice but to use the tuk tuks to get there and back.
I think there are three bars open up there and I've heard that Adam's Apple may reopen in November (but I'll believe that when I see it).

it's sure cheaper than at homeWhy do people insist on making this silly comparison. Yes, prices in Thailand are usually cheaper than at home. Prices in Thailand however are often more expensive than, say, Bangladesh. Why are price comparisons between countries of relevance to anyone in terms of making a decision? For internationally-traded goods (say international airline tickets) they are usually much of a muchness these days, certainly for Economy Class, no matter where you start. The flaming will now begin from posters who, because they can point to the exceptions that prove the rule ("I know this wonderful little bucket shop on Soi Ngam Duplis; I buy my ticket there every year and it's always ... oooh ... 10% cheaper than I can get if I buy in the US") think that they are somehow disproving my point. If we're going to go down that path, we could start talking about the opportunity cost of money (well, we could, except ignoramuses like Snowkat will feel completely left out, and one does have an obligation to the little people, and their little minds)

[Bob]

Why do people insist on making this silly comparison.

The topic is Chiangmai, Colonel, and it appears that you've added your priceless information as is usually the case. :drunken:

If we're going to go down that path, we could start talking about the opportunity cost of money (well, we could, except ignoramuses like Snowkat will feel completely left out, and one does have an obligation to the little people, and their little minds)
I readily admit that there are some things I don't know about and can on occasions get things wrong. That's far better than being a pompous, over-inflated, educated idiot like you !

[adman5000]

Yes. I stayed at the Sheraton, so I had to cross the river and go quite a ways to find anything. I think staying at that hotel also raised the tuktuk prices which always seemed to be a flat 200 baht. SO when I said they were high, I meant compared to most other prices in Thailand. thanks for the suggestions.

Can anyone else offer some updated insights about Chiang Mai funspots for guys?

[llz]

or this
www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=29240 (http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=29240)

[adman5000]

llz- great help. Many thanks.

Why do people insist on making this silly comparison.The topic is Chiangmai, Colonel, and it appears that you've added your priceless information as is usually the case.And now you've vented, Bob, and made yourself feel good - why did you make that useless comparison about prices in Chiang Mai vs. prices at home? Or are we going to get one of those endlessly silly exchanges where it becomes obvious to all that once again you have no reason at all for making the comment?

I readily admit that there are some things I don't know about and can on occasions get things wrong. That's far better than being an over-inflated, educated idiot like you !Apart from being like the proverbial pig, happy in the mud, why is ignorance better than education? Perhaps you are an American, or vote New Labour?

[Wesley]

[quote="are an American, or vote New Labour?

homintern, you are an arrogant asshole, get a life,or something similar. You seem to swoop on anyone who doesn't type or speak like you and one never knows when the attack will come. You must be one bored old cunt with nothing better to do with your time.

Wesley

DELETED

[Wesley]

Wes,

Note that it's 11:00 pm in Bangkok, and the poor old cunt is home teasing people on the computer instead of out having fun like everyone else.

Indeed, usually I am not one to say a lot, but he seems to be everywhere on every thread with some personal comment. If he were to stay on the subject matter it would be different but its usually a swipe at someones English or ethnicity and if you are American its double all that for some reason. Its the middle of the day on a Saturday for me and I have dinner plans tonight and have been busy all day. Its odd that no matter what thread I open, even the ones that look like they are boring, he seems to be there with something negative to say. His over educated arrogance is what is revolting about his postings. Obviously he needs a full time Bf to keep him busy.

Wesley

[Smiles]

Wes, you've been away far too long to be jumping on folks for being not as you wish them to be. Also, the topic has now been hi-jacked ... by him and you.
Put him ON IGNORE if you don't like his stuff. The IGNORE button is down in the bottom left corner of all his posts. (By the way . . . did you know you are agreeing with BG above? He's the only banned member of Sawatdee, back with the 75th new handle in 3 weeks).

Cheers ...

[Wesley]

Smiles, you may well be right, however,I have been back long enough to know whee the ignore button is located. I think I get tired of all the abuse about Americans in general. But you are right. I am not up on who everyone is and BG like he was was not stupid by any means. I tend to agree with him on some issues. I try to keep ones name out of it though.

But, back to the subject matter,... have fun!

Wesley

homintern, you are an arrogant asshole, get a life,or something similar. You seem to swoop on anyone who doesn't type or speak like you and one never knows when the attack will come. You must be one bored old cunt with nothing better to do with your time.And you've only just worked that out? My, my, you're an even slower learner than I had thought. However there is a solution for you - just put me on {Ignore} - many posters have and are living more tranquil (if Ignorant) lives for it

[Wesley]

No matter, I find you mildly amusing at times. I forgot you were the Col. I will try to do better from now on.

Wesley

[Wesley]

I found Chaing Mia to be an excellent source of College age kids, which are my favorite of all. 20 to 30 are really interesting people to me. I found Chaing Mai to be full of that type and much less of the underage guys you find in Pattaya. I think if I were to re-locate to Thailand it would be in Chang Mai.

I found Chaing Rai also to be a very interesting place, although not a boy bar is site the country was beautiful and elephants seem to rule the road almost everywhere I went.

Wesley

[adman5000]

Where did you find the college age guys? Any places in particular?

[Dboy]

Any recommendations for comfortable, reasonably priced, OK with joiners type place?


The thing with CM is there are several gay areas but they are spread out. So plan on getting transport to various places no matter where you stay. I've found tuk-tuks there to be very good price. Will probably rent a motorbike next time though. Here's my favorite place to stay:

http://www.souvenir-guesthouse.com/index.htm

I like the garden atmosphere of the place, and the people there really take care of you. The price is really good too. It's an easy walk from Souvenir to the night market area...maybe 5 minutes.

No problems bringing back a friend.



Dboy

[Wesley]

Where did you find the college age guys? Any places in particular?

Dboy is right it is really spread out and the boys are around the campus area, They are many and good looking guys. You will find them around like any other college group. Most will be at a bi or straight club but will go out with you if they know you might be paying for their education later. Be sure they know how it works. Rich Farange meets poor College boy. Falls in love and he gets a free education. I do it all the time have fun.

Wesley

[quote="are an American, or vote New Labour?

homintern, you are an arrogant asshole, get a life,or something similar. You seem to swoop on anyone who doesn't type or speak like you and one never knows when the attack will come. You must be one bored old cunt with nothing better to do with your time.

Wesley

Wes, you mustn't let these people get to you, you recently gave me the same advice.....LOL
Take it with a grain of salt because you're dead right, there are too many malicious, bored old cunts here than we need. KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOUR.......the old loose arsed slappers will die soon.

Chiang Mai is a very beautiful city full of history. The 'boy' bars are good and mostly centred around the night bazaar area. I was there in Feb & April this year and found the local guys most entertaining without the pressure and sleaze of Pattaya or Bangkok. I will be back in C.M. in February 08 and I'll stay at PJ's Place.
It is noteworthy that the tours around Chiang Mai are excellent and a visit to Wat Doi Suthep is a must for ANY visitor. The air is so clean and the history just oozes form this wat.
I have stayed at Royal Princess, forget about having a guest in your room. The hotel is reasonable for it's price across from Anusarn Markets.
The monkey school is highly amusing.
Mae Sa elephant farm is good.
All touristy but, hey...that's what most of us are.
If you're looking for overnight company, head to the bars behind the Night Bazaar building, ask anyone where " The Peak" is and your there....forget it before 8pm though.
I never actually worked out what the lads expect for long time as I think I might have been over generous (as usual) but they were certainly no drama, no hassle guys.

Chiang Mai is a very beautiful city full of history. The 'boy' bars are good and mostly centred around the night bazaar area. I was there in Feb & April this year and found the local guys most entertaining without the pressure and sleaze of Pattaya or Bangkok. I will be back in C.M. in February 08 and I'll stay at PJ's Place.
It is noteworthy that the tours around Chiang Mai are excellent and a visit to Wat Doi Suthep is a must for ANY visitor. The air is so clean and the history just oozes form this wat.
I have stayed at Royal Princess, forget about having a guest in your room. The hotel is reasonable for it's price across from Anusarn Markets.
The monkey school is highly amusing.
Mae Sa elephant farm is good.
All touristy but, hey...that's what most of us are.
If you're looking for overnight company, head to the bars behind the Night Bazaar building, ask anyone where " The Peak" is and your there....forget it before 8pm though.
I never actually worked out what the lads expect for long time as I think I might have been over generous (as usual) but they were certainly no drama, no hassle guys.

The peak is a popular local landmark. Next to it the Peak is Chez Nous bar, 28 Soi Rajchamanka Soi 2, a best between 20 and 22 hrs for early pick ups (students, professionals and there like), and after 23.30 until closing time (late hang out i.e. for restaurant, shop, hotel staff).

Chez Nouz is a small open bar where you can arrange your own food from nearby stalls and buy moderately priced drinks. The staff and local guests knows all and everything about Chiang Mai (and probably most of New York, San Franciso, Amsterdam, London, Berlin, Cap town and Sydney ... )

[Bob]

For those who haven't been there, the "Peak" is the climbing wall (its about 80 feet tall, lit up, and you can't miss it). The regular night market is on Chang Klan, the main "downtown" drag about 500 meters west of the Ping River and about 2 kilometers east of the east moat around the "old" city. The Peak/Climbing Wall is about 50 meters just west of Chang Klan, towards the north end of the night market booths.
The "night market bars", as noted, are all near each other. One grouping (4 or so) are just next and north of the climbing wall. The other grouping (another 4 - Secret Bar, Jakpot (now called Dragon King), Cruise and another one I can't think of the name of at the moment are on the other (west) side of the soi/alley right behind the peak and maybe 50 meters south.
The so-called gogo bars are north of the old city off of Chang Phuak (you'll need directions to get to them as they aren't that easy to find).
I don't have a clue if Coffee Boy is still open but it's quite a ways out northeast of the Narawat Bridge (Coffee Boy is in the middle of a residential section of town about half way toward the bus station).
The two main saunas - Sparoma and House of Male are at opposite ends of the old city. House of Male is near the northwest corner of the old city, about 400 meters due south of the Centran (Kad Suan Kaew) mall (you get there by actually going south on the first main street west of Centran). Sparoma is southeast of the old city but I can't tell you how to get there as I've never visited.
There are a couple of massage places (One2Come and the former HIS which is called something else now) which are both
just off of Chang Klan, about 2-3 kilometers south of the night market area. One2Come is on the soi east of Chang Klan, just past the Park Hotel. I can't remember how to tell you how to get to HIS but it's on a soi just after a field (might be vacant field or an old soccer field). Most of the hotels have a couple of those promotional brochures on their desks and you can find the addresses there.
I'm sure I've missed a couple of places.

Somebody made a comment about the air being so clean up in Chiangmai. I've only noticed the opposite, especially early in 2007. But, probably better than Bangkok.

Somebody made a comment about the air being so clean up in Chiangmai. I've only noticed the opposite, especially early in 2007Apart from breathing the clean air, what is there to do if you're there for an extended period? It's no wonder alcoholism is so prevalent among ex-pats outside Bangkok

[Dboy]

It is noteworthy that the tours around Chiang Mai are excellent and a visit to Wat Doi Suthep is a must for ANY visitor.


Yes, if you have not visited Doi Suthep you have not been to Chiang Mai.


Dboy

[adman5000]

Yes, I have visited Doi Suthep previously. It was great and I got some great pics of my friend with the city in the background as well. I also visited some other areas outside Chiang Mai including an area that the driver should not have taken us to in the hills. There was obviously something illegal going on there as we were followed after leaving and carefully watched for a bit. My friend did not notice it, but I did and acted normally and then had the driver take us out of there quickly. so watch where you go if you go up into the hills.

Thanks to all of you who have shared useful information as it is sincerely appreciated. You are what make the board worth reading. :cheers:

[Dboy]

I also visited some other areas outside Chiang Mai including an area that the driver should not have taken us to in the hills. There was obviously something illegal going on there as we were followed after leaving and carefully watched for a bit. My friend did not notice it, but I did and acted normally and then had the driver take us out of there quickly. so watch where you go if you go up into the hills.


Interesting! Maybe you found the poppy fields. Oops probably a bad topic for discussion.. um I mean Orchid farms! Yeah you found the orchid farms! Try not to mention poppies. I mentioned it once but I think I got away with it. (anyone here know Fawlty Towers?) So how was the weather?


Dboy