Bangkok Reports

"The Love Shack is a little old place where we can get together. Love Shack baby! Love Shack, that's where it's at! Funky little shack! Funky little shack!"

[QUOTE=Syzygies;1424793]Took the girls to eat at Love Scene about 11PM.[/QUOTE]Love Scene: I take my Baccara girls to Love Scene too. What a place! How do you describe the ambiance? I love it. Food is not bad either. The girls and I like the large clams and the som tum for starters. S, if we are ever in town at the same time, we will have to hook up there one night with our girls and have a little party.

On shagging different girls from the same bar: Don't try to hide anything or be dishonest. A Go Go has a thousand eyes and all the girls talk about the latest goings on. It is very important to start out the right way and be yourself so there will be no drama later. There are 4 girls I have been shagging at Baccara for a number of years. "M" is my #1 girl. I plain like her best. She knows it and so do the other girls. So there is no problem when I barfine "M" many times and only occasionally shag #2, #3, or #4. Everybody knows the score. I try to be a good guy. I like to be nice to all my dancing friends.

I dropped by Suzie Wong's a few times while I was in BKK. It is a much smaller bar (a lot less girls) and the vibe is very different here than at Baccara. I like the place. I have not barfined anybody yet, but I will. I am taking it slow and letting the girls get used to seeing me hang around. There are a couple of Suzie girls that caught my eye and they are starting to show some interest in me. I am looking forward to my next visit.

[QUOTE=Galinsoga;1425210]I like Thailand, the place and the culture and the people appeal. In the nicest possible senses. A holiday there rather than work would be nice. BUT. Where can I "go" for a holiday in Thailand that is safe to take the Mrs? She is not daft and 2 mins in Sukhumvit would ring a million alarm bells which could, in the worst case, mean I would be accompanied on any future business visits. Dreadful thought.[/QUOTE]I went backpacking in Northern Thailand with my wife. One of the best vacations we had. When we were back in BKK she asked me about the red-light district. I showed her Patpong, and she said "can't be, there must be more", and lo and behold! She found Nana and Sukhumvit by herself (Lonely Planet) , we had a very interesting walk around the place and the next day we went together to Annie's.

Never been to Phuket, but from what I get as feedback from my fellow countrymen who have been there, it looks like it's quite ok for a family-vacation. Maybe other forum members can elaborate or make other proposals.

[QUOTE=Galinsoga;1425210]I like Thailand, the place and the culture and the people appeal. In the nicest possible senses. A holiday there rather than work would be nice. BUT. Where can I "go" for a holiday in Thailand that is safe to take the Mrs? She is not daft and 2 mins in Sukhumvit would ring a million alarm bells which could, in the worst case, mean I would be accompanied on any future business visits. Dreadful thought.[/QUOTE]I always say that even when arriving in BKK airport a wife can sense what is going on this country. Do not even mention at departure level, check in counters, with young ladies (girls) welcoming or waving bye bye to guys of your age (whatever your age is, I assume you are not the age of the girls, LOL). Scaring too.

[QUOTE=Galinsoga;1425210]Nice beaches, snorkelling, some organised countryside tours. Boring stuff like that.Gali[/QUOTE]Lankawi in Malaysia?

[QUOTE=Galinsoga; 1425210]a VERY serious question.

I like Thailand, the place and the culture and the people appeal. In the nicest possible senses. A holiday there rather than work would be nice. BUT. Where can I "go" for a holiday in Thailand that is safe to take the Mrs? She is not daft and 2 mins in Sukhumvit would ring a million alarm bells which could, in the worst case, mean I would be accompanied on any future business visits. Dreadful thought.

I have never been elsewhere in Thailand but I suspect the major resorts of Pattaya, Phuket will have a lot of "in your face" bars and street attractions not a lot away from the styles of say Cowboy / Nana and the road between. SO, I look for some holiday destinations that are tame in the context of street / bar attractions or other offered services.

Nice beaches, snorkelling, some organised countryside tours. Boring stuff like that. Gali[/QUOTE]Galinsoga, I think everybody liked your 'old Man' reports. Good stuff. I understand your problem. You liked Thailand in many ways and so you want to share the positive experience (culture, cuisine, shopping, natural beauty) with your wife while at the same time, knowing that she is straight lady (G rated) , you don't want to tip her off about the dark R rated side and make her suspicious about what you might be doing on future trips when she is not with you. Fair enough and easily done.

BKK is a very cultural city. Just stay away from Sukhumvit. There is no need to even go here if you are not looking for girls. I recommend staying at the Oriental or Peninsula Hotel on the river. Show her the cultural sights and have a great couple of days. You won't see one working girl. Then head south and visit the islands.

The islands – There are so many good ones it is not funny. Phuket is the most popular and most accessible island. Just stay away from Bangla Street in Patong, that's all. Like Sukhumvit, there is no reason to go to Patong unless you want girls. There are much nicer beaches elsewhere on Phuket Island. Stay on Kamala Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Nai Harn Beach or the private Pansea Beach. These beaches are very beautiful and relaxing and you won't see a Go Go or a hooker ever.

I could go on. There are many beautiful, relaxing, Thai islands with pretty beaches, coral reefs. crystal turquoise clear water, and much less development like Ko Lipe, but we should take this subject to Other Areas thread.

[QUOTE=Galinsoga;1425210][/QUOTE]Geez, G, take her to the numerous temples and go on a boat ride.

[QUOTE=Galinsoga; 1425210]I like Thailand, the place and the culture and the people appeal. In the nicest possible senses. A holiday there rather than work would be nice. BUT. Where can I "go" for a holiday in Thailand that is safe to take the Mrs? She is not daft and 2 mins in Sukhumvit would ring a million alarm bells which could, in the worst case, mean I would be accompanied on any future business visits. Dreadful thought.

I have never been elsewhere in Thailand but I suspect the major resorts of Pattaya, Phuket will have a lot of "in your face" bars and street attractions not a lot away from the styles of say Cowboy / Nana and the road between. The Mrs is far from naive and I am sure already has reservations about what may sideline attractions I may find on the last and any future business visits to the country. SO, I look for some holiday destinations that are tame in the context of street / bar attractions or other offered services.

Nice beaches, snorkelling, some organised countryside tours. Boring stuff like that.[/QUOTE]Great question. So many websites online will tell you where to go, but they mostly don't focus on how to avoid P4P.

Places that have unavoidable P4P: Pattaya; Patong, Phuket; Karon, Phuket; Kata, Phuket; all of Phuket? ; Sukhumvit, Bangkok; Patong, Bangkok; Chaweng, Koh Samui; Lamai, Koh Samui.

You can stay near the river in Bangkok and be okay. Bring her to JJ market on the weekend. Also the floating market is nice as well as a canal tour. Don't forget the Grand Palace, what Arun, and what Po.

You can probably go to Ao Nang in Krabi without running into P4P if you do your research. Likewise, you can go to Phi Phi Island for sure without finding P4P. It's there, but actually quite hard to find. However, this island is being overrun by 20 somethings partying through the night, so maybe not your cup of tea.

I highly recommend the Similan Islands at least for a day trip, but they do have some overnight accommodations. It's rough out there, but the water and beaches are fantastic. Some of the best snorkeling and diving in Thailand and perhaps the world.

Your might be best to stay in an all inclusive resort some place.

Koh Lanta (also in Krabi) can be done without seeing any much P4P. Well, you might see the massage places and karaoke bars with the twinkly lights, but nothing like a beer bar or gogo. So they can easily be overlooked. However, I don't care for the beaches of Lanta.

Further south, you have Trang province. There are some nice islands down there that don't have any P4P and are wonderful if you are looking for secluded places to stay.

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north can both be done without seeing P4P. Just remember to do your research in advance and avoid the places where it is obvious.

The issue with anywhere you stay will be some guy taking a girl LLT (long-long-time) staying at the same place your are staying. As mentioned previously, seeing an old guy with a young girl will trigger thoughts of prostitution in the most naive. As mentioned as well, you might see this in the airports. I mostly see this not when the guys are leaving or going home in the international terminal, that place is a madhouse and the odd couples are easy to miss. However, when flying domestically is when you will see the odd couples.

During my next trip, I'm planning on doing a LLT with this girl I've grown fond of. I've asked her if she would mind wearing a wedding band. I was doing that to avoid the stares of strangers, but never thought that it might actually help out guys like you with their wives.

[QUOTE=Natty Bumpo;1425294]good ones it is not funny. Phuket is the most popular and most accessible island. Just stay away from Bangla Street in Patong, that's all. Like Sukhumvit, there is no reason to go to Patong unless you want girls. There are much nicer beaches elsewhere on Phuket Island. Stay on Kamala Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Nai Harn Beach or the private Pansea Beach. These beaches are very beautiful and relaxing and you won't see a Go Go or a hooker ever.[/QUOTE]I disagree with this. I think in Kata Noi, you will likely go through Kata (Yai?) and see the entertainment complex as well as beer bars along the road. Even my wife commented about the girls in the bars in Kamala as well. But yes, much less subdued.

[QUOTE=Galinsoga; 1425210]I like Thailand, the place and the culture and the people appeal. In the nicest possible senses. A holiday there rather than work would be nice. BUT. Where can I "go" for a holiday in Thailand that is safe to take the Mrs? She is not daft and 2 mins in Sukhumvit would ring a million alarm bells which could, in the worst case, mean I would be accompanied on any future business visits. Dreadful thought.

I have never been elsewhere in Thailand but I suspect the major resorts of Pattaya, Phuket will have a lot of "in your face" bars and street attractions not a lot away from the styles of say Cowboy / Nana and the road between. The Mrs is far from naive and I am sure already has reservations about what may sideline attractions I may find on the last and any future business visits to the country. SO, I look for some holiday destinations that are tame in the context of street / bar attractions or other offered services.

Nice beaches, snorkelling, some organised countryside tours. Boring stuff like that.

Ideas please guys because if we want Christmas / New Year away (as we do this year) then I have to get bookings organised. The alternative is likely to be say a Latin American holiday eg Cartagena / Barranquilla (which is sort of home ground) but I think I would like Thailand.

Gali[/QUOTE]There is so much more to Thailand than girlie bars. It's a big country and it would take a couple of lifetimes to learn about all the little regional oddities and sample all the regional foods.

First order of business would be to stay away from lower Suk and the Silom areas. If you must stay in BKK, stay near the river or in the Sathorn areas. Better still, book a boutique hotel completely off the beaten track. They'll welcome the business and you probably won't encounter any farang, let alone a sex tourist.

Even better, avoid BKK altogether. If you want beach, Kata Noi in Phuket is very pretty. Book a hotel there and avoid soi Bangla in Patong. Just watch the taxi mafia and don't rent a jet ski. Krabi is nice, too. Koh Tao is quiet and pretty. Many other islands. On the gulf, try Koh Chang.

If you prefer outdoors and mountains, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are good bets. Stay away from the Loi Kroh area, which is pretty easy to do. You'll find a lot of farang in CM. Flight of the Gibbon is well worth the money.

Prefer something closer to BKK? Check out the boat hotels in Kanchanaburi. The bridge / museum / cemetery is worth a visit. Sukhothai is nice. Book a "local" hotel and eat where the locals eat.

Really off the beaten path? Try Nakhon Phanom. Nice riverside walks, very quiet at night.

I could go on, but you get the picture. Stay out of the farang areas and you'll minimize your encounters with "undesirables." Don't even consider Pattaya :D

[QUOTE=RBDave; 1425316.

The issue with anywhere you stay will be some guy taking a girl LLT (long-long-time) staying at the same place your are staying. As mentioned previously, seeing an old guy with a young girl will trigger thoughts of prostitution in the most naive. As mentioned as well, you might see this in the airports. I mostly see this not when the guys are leaving or going home in the international terminal,

[/QUOTE]You bring back a funny memory. Wife and I were going through tough times (it all fell apart a few weeks later and I've been happily single ever since) so we took a Krabi trip to see if there was any spirit left in us.

Arrived and went to lounge for a cocktail. Theres a 60 years guy, with the most gorgeous 20 years old girl I've seen in years. Slim lithe, pretty, great bod. He was clearly enjoying himself with her. Wife thought that that was what my future would be if I left her and incessantly berated me asking if I had no shame etc. Whereever I went in that hotel, this guy and his gf would appear. On the beach she wore a fabulous gold bikini, in the restaurants, always well made up but looking smoking hot. She was from Pnomh Penh I later found out.

Anyways if your wife sees girls younger and slimmer than she is, for sure jealousy will rear its ugly head, especially if the wife is past her prime.

[QUOTE=Galinsoga; 1425210]Nice beaches, snorkelling, some organised countryside tours. Boring stuff like that.

Ideas please guys because if we want Christmas / New Year away (as we do this year) then I have to get bookings organised. The alternative is likely to be say a Latin American holiday eg Cartagena / Barranquilla (which is sort of home ground) but I think I would like Thailand.

Gali[/QUOTE]If you really want to see unspoiled Thailand come down to Ranong. Nok air and Happy Air fly there. There is just enough tourism to keep you comfortable and not a whiff of P4P. Search bookings for Koh Payam. There are also various hot spring parks in the area. Fresh seafood for such low prices. Most farang passing through Ranong are just doing visa runs and missing out on local charm.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1425336]You bring back a funny memory. Wife and I were going through tough times (it all fell apart a few weeks later and I've been happily single ever since) so we took a Krabi trip to see if there was any spirit left in us.

Arrived and went to lounge for a cocktail. Theres a 60 years guy, with the most gorgeous 20 years old girl I've seen in years. Slim lithe, pretty, great bod. He was clearly enjoying himself with her. Wife thought that that was what my future would be if I left her and incessantly berated me asking if I hd no shame etc. Whereever I went in that hotel, this guy and his gf would appear. On the beach she wore a fabulous gold bikini, in the restaurants, always well made up but looking smoking hot. She was from Pnomh Penh I later found out.

Anyways if your wife sees girls younger and slimmer than she is, for sure jealousy will rear its ugly head, especially if the wife is past her prime.[/QUOTE]Brings back memories of my neurotically jealous ex-wife. Sad thing is, her jealousy was a major reason our marriage ended. Eventually her insecurity caused me to lose respect for her. Stupid me, this trait was apparent in her while we were dating. A few years into the marriage it was also apparent my mother-in-law had the same trait. Like mother, like daughter. I was young and knew next to nothing. I failed to consider what it would be like to spend the rest of my life with an insecure, jealous woman. Like you, I've enjoyed the last twenty years of my life as a single man.

[QUOTE=Phordphan; 1425321]There is so much more to Thailand than girlie bars. It's a big country and it would take a couple of lifetimes to learn about all the little regional oddities and sample all the regional foods.

First order of business would be to stay away from lower Suk and the Silom areas. If you must stay in BKK, stay near the river or in the Sathorn areas. Better still, book a boutique hotel completely off the beaten track. They'll welcome the business and you probably won't encounter any farang, let alone a sex tourist.

Even better, avoid BKK altogether. If you want beach, Kata Noi in Phuket is very pretty. Book a hotel there and avoid soi Bangla in Patong. Just watch the taxi mafia and don't rent a jet ski. Krabi is nice, too. Koh Tao is quiet and pretty. Many other islands. On the gulf, try Koh Chang.

If you prefer outdoors and mountains, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are good bets. Stay away from the Loi Kroh area, which is pretty easy to do. You'll find a lot of farang in CM. Flight of the Gibbon is well worth the money.

Prefer something closer to BKK? Check out the boat hotels in Kanchanaburi. The bridge / museum / cemetery is worth a visit. Sukhothai is nice. Book a "local" hotel and eat where the locals eat.

Really off the beaten path? Try Nakhon Phanom. Nice riverside walks, very quiet at night.

I could go on, but you get the picture. Stay out of the farang areas and you'll minimize your encounters with "undesirables." Don't even consider Pattaya.[/QUOTE]Short comment: I haven't been in Thailand for more years than I can count, but do go to China and Korea on business. In Korea the daughter of my suppliers company is my host and she goes everywhere with me (kind of kills the mongering). To give you an idea, she is very cute and looks about 17 or 18 (in her 30's) , and I am in my 70's. She holds my hand puts her arms around me, etc, and it is not looked upon as anything that I have noticed. In China I have a young lady, slim, beautiful, that takes care of me there, she also works for one of the companies I do business with. Same deal-she is my agent for the business, or the company representative. You could pass off the odd occasional couple as business man and agent? Possible?