Bangkok Reports

[IamJohnGalt]

I would go 20 liter on the pot. You need two plastic buckets, each about 6 gallons, with spickets, and one of them needs a tight fitting lid with a small hole for the airlock, and an airlock. You will need a length of tubing, a bottle filler, a bottle capper, and blank bottle caps.

The hard part is going to be getting good ingredients. Unless you go hardcore and make your own malt, you will need to get liquid malt (fermentable sugars) , yeast (to turn sugar to alcohol) , grains (for flavoring) and hops (for bittering and flavoring).

I would suggest getting a good book (

http://www.howtobrew.com/

Is the bible I use) and read through it before you buy any equipment. Once you've read this, figure out what you can buy or make in Thailand, and what you will have to import / smuggle.

All good advice, beer monger. Only thing I would add is that getting dry malt extract might be easier (or might not.) The practical advantage is if you can get it shipped in at a good price, you don't have to ship the weight of water that's in the liquid extract. Either dry or liquid can be used to make fantastic beer. If you have the space, the time, and the inclination then making your own extract from grain would be a solution if there is a supply problem on getting malt extract. But as beer monger indicated, using extract is a lot easier especially for someone just getting started. Using extract or a kit gives more immediate gratification and positive feedback on the brewing process. Brewing a simple beer will only take about 2 weeks. We often cooked the wort on Saturday and let it cool overnight. Then pitched the yeast the next morning. It would take a few days to ferment. (The yeast eats almost all the sugar in the wort and creates alcohol and CO2.) Then on the next weekend we would bottle the beer (after adding bottling sugar for the yeast to create carbonation.). Then it would take about a week for the beer to carbonate in the bottle. More complicated (and low temperature) brewing recipes take a longer elapsed time. Thats another reason to start with a simple one. Its more fun to brew beer when you already have some of your own brew to drink during the process

[Beer Monger]

Definitely get a stainless steel brew pot, not aluminum. I think I used about a 15 ltr pot for the relatively simple beers I did in NZ, but you will need a larger one if you want to make things like barleywine ale (which is an amazing brew for special occasions.)

I would go 20 liter on the pot. You need two plastic buckets, each about 6 gallons, with spickets, and one of them needs a tight fitting lid with a small hole for the airlock, and an airlock. You will need a length of tubing, a bottle filler, a bottle capper, and blank bottle caps.

The hard part is going to be getting good ingredients. Unless you go hardcore and make your own malt, you will need to get liquid malt (fermentable sugars) , yeast (to turn sugar to alcohol) , grains (for flavoring) and hops (for bittering and flavoring).

I would suggest getting a good book (http://www.howtobrew.com/ Is the bible I use) and read through it before you buy any equipment. Once you've read this, figure out what you can buy or make in Thailand, and what you will have to import / smuggle.

[IamJohnGalt]

There are a lot of kitchen supply companies on Rama IV near Phrakanong. One could probably get the other equipment there.

Definitely get a stainless steel brew pot, not aluminum. I think I used about a 15 ltr pot for the relatively simple beers I did in NZ, but you will need a larger one if you want to make things like barleywine ale (which is an amazing brew for special occasions.)

[Goatscrot]

Thanks for finding and posting the link.

Higher pricing of kits compared to US, NZ, Oz.

Example Coopers DIY kit is $90 in Oz vs $200 on that site.

That's for basic equipment and supplies to make about 65-70 bottles.

You would also need a large pot to boil the wort and some sanitizer to use on all equipment and bottles. You could probably use your own glass bottles from purchased beer if you buy a capper and caps. I had a local pub saving bottles for me so I could try a lot of different brews. You can get a lot of recipes at www.hopville.com And save your own in an account there if you wish.

Other kits on that site are about double the prices I paid in Auckland NZ.

(Perhaps due to legal issues and lower demand.)

So 2nd beer brewed would be about $60 for 65 bottles at those prices.

There are a lot of kitchen supply companies on Rama IV near Phrakanong. One could probably get the other equipment there.

[IamJohnGalt]

Http://www.brew-by-me.com/

Thanks for finding and posting the link.

Higher pricing of kits compared to US, NZ, Oz.

Example Coopers DIY kit is $90 in Oz vs $200 on that site.

That's for basic equipment and supplies to make about 65-70 bottles.

You would also need a large pot to boil the wort and some sanitizer to use on all equipment and bottles. You could probably use your own glass bottles from purchased beer if you buy a capper and caps. I had a local pub saving bottles for me so I could try a lot of different brews. You can get a lot of recipes at www.hopville.com and save your own in an account there if you wish.

Other kits on that site are about double the prices I paid in Auckland NZ.

(Perhaps due to legal issues and lower demand.)

So 2nd beer brewed would be about $60 for 65 bottles at those prices.

[Goatscrot]

With my travel schedule I only have time to make 2 or 3 batches a year. Last year I made a Russian Imperial at 7. 2% ABV and a Strong Dark Belgian that came in at close to 9.

Belgium is incredible. Had a chance to spend a couple of days in Brussels last year. 20 beers over two days and managed not to gain wait by walking a KM between each one. It is definitely unique, as the history and variety of styles make it like no place on earth. I was about to say that it might be the best place per capita, but then remembered that I was in Bend, Oregon in September. 8 world class craft breweries in a town of 20, 000 people. My God I love Bend.

Awesome. Would love to start home brewing. Amazing thing is that there are craft breweries in almost every nook and cranny of the US!

[Goatscrot]

Is there any place in Bangkok where I can get these brewing kits? To brew beer at home?

Http://www.brew-by-me.com/

[AncntFornicatr]

AncientFornicatr,

To get to Soi 4 with a taxi should not be a problem (Petchaburi Road, Sukhumvit Soi 3). To get to Soi 12. Not sure right now, for that there must be a U-Turn somewhere close to Soi 19. But I expect that the Asoke road block on that side also allows a U-Turn. So you get there.

I might check it out today.

Giotto

Thanks Giotto and all who replied with info on traffic problems on getting from the airport to Suk. I will continue to monitor as the situation develops as info here in the States is slow and unpredictable. Eager to get back for another couple of months in the land of lovely ladies. LOLL.

It seems that the Land Of Smiles, LOS, may have gone the way of Thaksin. Looking forward to it's return and a beer at the Londener. I'm buying if anybody is thirsty, PM me.

AF

[Member #4698]

My morning ritual begins with making a pot of coffee, feeding the Macaw, reading the headlines in Drudge and WSJ, going through the overnight stack of emails and then settling down to read the ISG. I think I know my way around BKK as much as any tourist can, but occasionally I pick up new info here or there about a new massage parlor, a Go Go, a particular lady, a restaurant, current political events, and various other things, you name it. The new info doesn't come every day, but over a month or so there is usually something relevant and worth taking note of. In addition I enjoy reading the posts of a few knowledgeable and interesting board members. You guys know who you are. It kind of keeps me connected to the scene while I am at home. When I travel I hardly look at the ISG because I am living it and don't want or need to read about it anymore. Pretty soon I will be back in LOS. New places for me will be Crazy House, Bamboo, a few restaurants, and some nightclubs away from Sukhumvit. All of which I think first heard about here on the ISG. Yep, that's my morning ritual: the ISG and coffee.

[AssLover945]

Any chance there are beer making supplies in Bangkok? Is it legal to make your own?

Brewing beer (while drinking previously brewed beer, of course) is one of the best hobbies for a beer lover.

Beer lover, ever brew any of your own? If not, you should give it a go.

Have a look at the book "The Complete Joy of Home Brewing"

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...of_Homebrewing

Is there any place in Bangkok where I can get these brewing kits? To brew beer at home?

[Paul Kausch]

You are lucky. Some of us only get a useful tipbit only very occasionally. Thanks to Dan and one other for mentioning the return of Yok (Bo) to Cherry last year.

Very hard to think of anything else recently I didn't find for myself. Maybe I have used a Hotel hint on rare occasions and ages ago got a tip on best chemist to use. Go back many years and I was convinced to try an Oily and Tulip for first time, try Livingstones, and eventually to try Annies, Mango, Snow White. My interest in Bamboo has not yet occurred at all.

For guys that are here all the time, there is truly very little of use. Its mainly help for the newbies and occasional tourists.

Syzygies, you in particular are one of several very knowledgeable guys whose posts I've been reading closely for the past year. I can appreciate that the forum doesn't do much to expand your knowledge of Bangkok; and I suppose after a year of being a pretty avid reading I've reached the point that the entertainment value of the forum outweighs the amount of new information I get on a weekly basis. I still appreciate the fact that I can ask a question and get an answer, or several answers.

Before starting to read the forum I'd been to Bangkok a few dozen times over a couple of decades. Despite all those visits, I didn't have an organized understanding of the sex scene. I knew the drill in the gogo bars. I knew where Patpong, Soi Cowboy and NEP were located. Over time I'd learned to avoid Patpong. I knew Annie's and Tulips (but no other MPs by name) , that there were a bunch of oilies around the Emporium. I was aware of the good value Bangkok escorts provided compared to Western Europe and North America. I knew somewhere north of Sukhumvit at Asok there were a bunch of big fancy soapy MPs and how to get to them on the MRT. In other words, I had some sense of the forest's typography. Now I have an understanding of the various species of trees in the forest and each specie's characteristics.

The Bangkok protests are an example of another thing I like about the forum. I read the little badly researched reporting that appears in the USA about the protests. I read the Bangkok Post. I've learned more about what's behind the protests on this forum than anywhere else. I've had to sift through information and opinions (noise) and take what everyone says with a grain of salt, but it's strange, and a bit sad, that ISG is one of my prime sources for expanding my understanding of Thai politics.

Thanks again guys.

[Beer Monger]

Any chance there are beer making supplies in Bangkok? Is it legal to make your own?

Brewing beer (while drinking previously brewed beer, of course) is one of the best hobbies for a beer lover.

Beer lover, ever brew any of your own? If not, you should give it a go.

Have a look at the book "The Complete Joy of Home Brewing"

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...of_Homebrewing

With my travel schedule I only have time to make 2 or 3 batches a year. Last year I made a Russian Imperial at 7. 2% ABV and a Strong Dark Belgian that came in at close to 9.

Belgium is incredible. Had a chance to spend a couple of days in Brussels last year. 20 beers over two days and managed not to gain wait by walking a KM between each one. It is definitely unique, as the history and variety of styles make it like no place on earth. I was about to say that it might be the best place per capita, but then remembered that I was in Bend, Oregon in September. 8 world class craft breweries in a town of 20, 000 people. My God I love Bend.

[AussieDoug]

I intended to post this report a week ago, but got distracted. Hopefully this will get the Bangkok Report thread back on topic.

I'd consider staying at the Landmark again. My room wasn't perfect, but it was very quiet. The hotel's location is fantastic. My room looked down on Nana Plaza. Bamboo Massage is just around the corner. Close to Annie's'. And it's a couple minutes walk to the Nana BTS stop. During my stay I learned they have a membership program that entitles you to one-half off the rack rate. A Premium Club Floor Superior Room (newly renovated) will end up costing US$92 (before the ++). Though you do have to amortize the THB4900 membership cost across the length of stay. The membership is good for a year, during which I expect to spend at least 5 or 6 weeks in Bangkok, at my own expense for a change. A number of free perks come with the Club Floor accommodations, including one piece of dry cleaning each day, a very substantial buffet breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day and drinks and hors the'oeuvres in the early evening in the Club Lounge. Free internet. Ten percent off your bill in all the restaurants, not that I recommend them, except for the Chinese restaurant which had good dim sum daily. Plus you get fast check in and check out in the Club Lounge with late checkout (16:00).

I've had the Landmark Club membership for about 15 years or so, it is darn good value, the food discounts pay for it many times over if you stay for a few weeks a year. Go for the top level cost, it includes a free room for one night.

[Syzygies]

Finally, I want to close by thanking all you sick, twisted mongers who contribute to the Bangkok threads. I have a great time reading your reports. I learn a lot. And I even managed to use some of I what I learned to have a fantastic time in the City of Angels.

You are lucky. Some of us only get a useful tipbit only very occasionally. Thanks to Dan and one other for mentioning the return of Yok (Bo) to Cherry last year.

Very hard to think of anything else recently I didn't find for myself. Maybe I have used a Hotel hint on rare occasions and ages ago got a tip on best chemist to use. Go back many years and I was convinced to try an Oily and Tulip for first time, try Livingstones, and eventually to try Annies, Mango, Snow White. My interest in Bamboo has not yet occurred at all.

For guys that are here all the time, there is truly very little of use. Its mainly help for the newbies and occasional tourists.

[Dornyone]

I intended to post this report a week ago, but got distracted. Hopefully this will get the Bangkok Report thread back on topic.

I enjoyed writing my trip reports. Gave me an opportunity to relive some wonderful experiences. As I wrote in my first report. I love Bangkok. Truly a mongers' paradise, with so many other excellent reasons to visit. Bangkok is a city filled with sexy women, great food and a vibrant social scene.

Unfortunately, a brief illness at the time of my arrival messed up my schedule and catching up with work prevented me from get out during the day as much as I had planned. I wanted to sample some of the MPs that are seldom mentioned and pay a visit to at least one of the soapies on Ratchada. I'm determined to make a special effort to do both in June. I also spent very little time in the gogos. Crazy House in particular is a venue I wish I had visited. Again, next time.

One of the things I've been thinking about is which of the ladies I saw on this past trip I'd like to see on my next trip in June. I'd have to put the three ladies from Bangkok Gold on the list, with Pim at the top of my list. For me she's the complete package, pretty, classy, sexy, smart, great company and great sex. Mint's bisexuality makes me particularly keen on doing a duo with her and another lady of her choosing. Escorts in general and Goldie's ladies in particular are expensive, but for me they're worth it.

Having said that, I think the MP ladies, especially on outcall, are great, and great value. I'd love to see Cheer and Bo again; great sex, great fun and two real sweeties. The little good luck going away ceremony they arranged for me touched my heart. I'm really happy to see Ploy is now working at Bamboo. Wish she had been there while I was in town. Oh well, she's high on my list of ladies to see in June.

I think I'd like to see #20 (Lois) at Annie's again, but this time on outcall. In my opinion she was the prettiest of all the ladies I was with on my entire trip. I also like the fact that she is a mature lady in her mid-thirties (I'll be almost 63 in June). That plus her excellent English language skills I think will make for a very nice evening; and the overnight outcall allows plenty of time for another great massage, with plenty of time for even more great sex on the side. Surprisingly, I'm not in a big hurry to see #24, Aor, on my next trip. She's hot as hell and the sex on the first outcall was fantastic, no beyond fantastic, but one of the things I've experienced in my life is that an encounter with sex that wild is hard to duplicate. Maybe with the perfect girlfriend when the stars are properly aligned, but not with a sex worker. Perhaps I'll feel differently in six months. Perhaps the slightly disappointing second outcall is too fresh on my mind, not that I'm blaming her for that. Hell, maybe she's already booked up through September.

Then there's Fiona. I saw her because her age, appearance and relative inexperience appealed to one of my particular prurient interests. She wasn't the prettiest lady I saw; though she certainly was the tiniest. Her lack of sexual experience was amusing; and I mean that in a nice way. I'm not being cruel and mocking her. It's just that I haven't been with a woman with so little sexual experience in decades, which made her a lot of fun for me. I think it would be interesting to see her again in June to see what she's like after another six months in the business. I'm under the impression that at the time I saw her she had been with less than a dozen clients. I figure by June that number could be more than a hundred. Of course by then she could be a hardened pro, which would mess up my impression of her. My hunch is that won't be the case. I think her sweetness is too deeply embedded into every fiber of her being. I confess, another reason I'm interested in seeing her again is that a most deviant thought is running through my mind. Should I be lucky enough to run into a fellow as depraved as me in June, I'd be tempted to see if I could use the lure of a double payday to entice her into a threesome. Me bad! .

I think I'll stop by Dr. BJ's on my next trip. Not necessarily to see Consultant P again, though she was fine. Actually, it's because I really liked the VIP room. It was so big and with the A / C off and the fan on it was very comfortable. Frankly, I thought the lobby and it's social atmosphere was a bit cold, but I think I'll stop by to see if anyone appeals to me. Of course I plan to hit the old standards: Mango, Cherry, SW and Tulip. And as I mentioned, I'm determined to explore some of the lesser known establishments.

To change the topic. Prior to my trip I ordered a bunch of polyurethane condoms on Amazon. I bought the Okamoto. 02 EX large size. They are expensive. Two US dollars each when you buy them in a six pack. But they are absolutely the best condoms I have ever used. Good fit. Contrary to what some men claim, they are not that difficult to put on. They are strong. The biggest plus is they are excellent heat conductors. Fucking while wearing one of them is very close to the bareback experience. You really feel the heat from being inside a woman. The only thing you're missing is that wet feeling you get as your dick slides in and out of her pussy.

I'd consider staying at the Landmark again. My room wasn't perfect, but it was very quiet. The hotel's location is fantastic. My room looked down on Nana Plaza. Bamboo Massage is just around the corner. Close to Annie's'. And it's a couple minutes walk to the Nana BTS stop. During my stay I learned they have a membership program that entitles you to one-half off the rack rate. A Premium Club Floor Superior Room (newly renovated) will end up costing US$92 (before the ++). Though you do have to amortize the THB4900 membership cost across the length of stay. The membership is good for a year, during which I expect to spend at least 5 or 6 weeks in Bangkok, at my own expense for a change. A number of free perks come with the Club Floor accommodations, including one piece of dry cleaning each day, a very substantial buffet breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day and drinks and hors the'oeuvres in the early evening in the Club Lounge. Free internet. Ten percent off your bill in all the restaurants, not that I recommend them, except for the Chinese restaurant which had good dim sum daily. Plus you get fast check in and check out in the Club Lounge with late checkout (16:00).

Finally, I want to close by thanking all you sick, twisted mongers who contribute to the Bangkok threads. I have a great time reading your reports. I learn a lot. And I even managed to use some of I what I learned to have a fantastic time in the City of Angels.

Thanks Paul, you've just given me a road map for my upcoming first trip to BKK.