Bangkok Reports

Hawk, The short answer is it doesn't matter where you stay. Nana has more women of the type you're looking for. But Cowboy is more convenient to Ratchadapisek Road (see below), and has Baccara. While I'm not a fan of Baccara, it's as good a place as any to find what you say you're looking for in terms of appearance. There are many, many entertainment options (massage, beer bars, clubs, karaoke, etc.) on the sois (side roads) branching off of Sukhumvit all the way from the Nana area to and past Cowboy.

My only suggestion would be you might want to pick a hotel that's not too far down the soi from the main Sukhumvit Road. I say "might" because I've stayed at several places that involved major hikes to Sukhumvit, President Park probably being the farthest, and they all had their charms.

Your date is likely to either be wearing heals or be lazy and will prefer a taxi. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive, as long as you get one that uses the meter. Frequently taxis parked in front of hotels or places like Nana will try to jack the price up. If so, walk half a block and find another one.

You should take a taxi from the airport directly to your hotel and not jack with mass transit. The cost should be under 10 dollars.

Trip Advisor and Google Maps are your friends. Find some places on Trip Advisor or this site that sound good and check the locations, with respect to Sukhumvit and if important to you, BTS stations (the skytrain). If you want to make sure the hotel is girl friendly, google "girl friendly hotels Bangkok" and look at the links. Or do a search on the hotel name on this site.

Based on your comments about models, you'd probably enjoy the massage places on Ratchadapisek Road. These are accessible via taxi, or by the MRT. There's an MRT station right next to the Asoke BTS station, and both are very close to Soi Cowboy.

[QUOTE=FLHawk;1683806]Hi, all, new guy here.

I am hoping to get to Thailand in the latter half of April, spending time in BKK, Phuket and Pattaya. I have been reading the prolific postings. Information overload!

The question that I will start off with deals with what area to stay in BKK for the first leg of my trip. Obviously, I want to hang out near the Hana or Soi Cowboy areas on Sukhumvit, but should I stay closer to Hana or closer to Soi Cowboy, or somewhere in the middle?

I know there will be a difference of opinion on which mongering area is "best", so perhaps I should state the kind of experience I am looking for. I will then be 60, but am slender, look younger than I am, healthy, soft spoken, easily amused, don't smoke and don't really drink much. Beer is not my thing, nor getting drunk. I treat everyone with respect and don't wish to take advantage of anyone, even gogo girls. I prefer the spinner type Asian, young (over 18 certainly), tight body and firm stomach, no kids or droopy breasts, super pretty to beautiful, great legs, long hair, few tattoos or piercings, etc. I would probably want to spend time with some model types as well (more on that another time), and realize those areas are not on Sukhumvit. Don't care for chubby girls or ones with defective boob jobs.

The reason for thinking I should stay at one end of Sukhumvit or the other is a comment someone made about some girls getting upset if they have to walk very far. For example, would a bar girl from Hana get upset about walking to the Sofitel? A taxi would solve everything I suppose, but if ST is still 2 hours (questionable), a 10 or 15 minute walk with her might be fun. Now, walking from Hana to Terminal 21 might be a bit of a walk, so I can understand if she would insist on a taxi. While I will probably make that walk solo during the day to get in some street photography (I am an advanced amateur photographer), I think that would be too far to walk with a bar girl.

I would prefer to stay near a BTS station due to hauling luggage around. I would probably have one largish bag and a backpack. I have no idea how easy or hard it would be to haul stuff down Sukhumvit to a hotel. I can deal with taxis, but being a nube, I would rather avoid them to the extent possible, at least until I get comfortable with the area.

As for the type of hotel I want (and I have read lots thus far about them) I want a nice one, with in-room WiFi and a good A / see, but the best overall location is, for me, more important than price, but I really don't how what, for me, IS the best location. Hence, I am seeking advice.

Thanks[/QUOTE]For hotels close to the action I liked and have been to.

Dynasty Inn. Kind of budget $60/ night. Next to Nana. Get the upgraded rooms in the back. You have to book thru their website.

Amari Hotel on soi 7. Upscale but you can get bargain rates thru Amari website <$100/ night.

Aloft Hotel on soi 11. Nice newer and clean hotel. Around $100/ night.

All 3 hotels were in good locations for the action.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;1683531]Natty,

The guy is looking for playboy-model type girls. He won't find those in the places you mention.

MikeKelimir,

Maybe the agogo bars of Pattaya are an option for you. You can find pretty girls in for example Baccara or Happy agogo. And they are cheaper than in Bangkok: about 2500 or 3000 for a real looker for a ST. Negotiate 2 hours in your hotel.

Avoid the Coyote agogo's as the bar fine is much higher.[/QUOTE]There are pretty girls in Pa. Baccarra. There are absolutely none in Happy-a-gogo-the bset you get there is ok looking.

[QUOTE=FLHawk;1683806] I have no idea how easy or hard it would be to haul stuff down Sukhumvit to a hotel. I can deal with taxis, but being a nube, I would rather avoid them to the extent possible, at least until I get comfortable with the area.[/QUOTE]I can picture it now, you sitting thru a 24 hour flight to reach Bangkok and then trying to find your way using the BTS system, then trying to lug your luggage down a little narrow walkway being used by a thousand pedestrians (ok 500), all in 95 degree weather. As to getting advice, read the board and do research, its all at your fingertips using google streetview.

Hey BKK cabbies are not all that bad. Ok they will try to rip you if you are not carefull. Cabbies all over the world are the same. Make it clear that you will pay by meter + the tolls before boarding the cab. The weather in BKK is not particularly nice for traveling by BTS and hauling your luggage to the hotel after a long flight.

As for your stay, if you are not on a budget I will recommend either Landmark or Sofitel. Both are 5* and within 5 minutes walking distance from the action. Otherwise you may also stay at Phachara suites or Dynasty Grand. Both are 4* and walkable distance from NEP on soi-6.

And check the link below for answers to all your possible queries.

http://www.bangkokredeye.com/

[QUOTE=FLHawk;1683806]Hi, all, new guy here.

I am hoping to get to Thailand in the latter half of April, spending time in BKK, Phuket and Pattaya. I have been reading the prolific postings. Information overload!

The question that I will start off with deals with what area to stay in BKK for the first leg of my trip. Obviously, I want to hang out near the Hana or Soi Cowboy areas on Sukhumvit, but should I stay closer to Hana or closer to Soi Cowboy, or somewhere in the middle?


Thanks[/QUOTE]

Hey I stayed at Radisson Blu Plaza two months ago and its right next to Soi Cowboy. Its close to everything and girl friendly. Sofitel also is an option.

[QUOTE=FLHawk;1683806]Hi, all, new guy here.

I am hoping to get to Thailand in the latter half of April, spending time in BKK, Phuket and Pattaya. I have been reading the prolific postings. Information overload!

The question that I will start off with deals with what area to stay in BKK for the first leg of my trip. Obviously, I want to hang out near the Hana or Soi Cowboy areas on Sukhumvit, but should I stay closer to Hana or closer to Soi Cowboy, or somewhere in the middle?

I know there will be a difference of opinion on which mongering area is "best", so perhaps I should state the kind of experience I am looking for. I will then be 60, but am slender, look younger than I am, healthy, soft spoken, easily amused, don't smoke and don't really drink much. Beer is not my thing, nor getting drunk. I treat everyone with respect and don't wish to take advantage of anyone, even gogo girls. I prefer the spinner type Asian, young (over 18 certainly), tight body and firm stomach, no kids or droopy breasts, super pretty to beautiful, great legs, long hair, few tattoos or piercings, etc. I would probably want to spend time with some model types as well (more on that another time), and realize those areas are not on Sukhumvit. Don't care for chubby girls or ones with defective boob jobs.

The reason for thinking I should stay at one end of Sukhumvit or the other is a comment someone made about some girls getting upset if they have to walk very far. For example, would a bar girl from Hana get upset about walking to the Sofitel? A taxi would solve everything I suppose, but if ST is still 2 hours (questionable), a 10 or 15 minute walk with her might be fun. Now, walking from Hana to Terminal 21 might be a bit of a walk, so I can understand if she would insist on a taxi. While I will probably make that walk solo during the day to get in some street photography (I am an advanced amateur photographer), I think that would be too far to walk with a bar girl.

I would prefer to stay near a BTS station due to hauling luggage around. I would probably have one largish bag and a backpack. I have no idea how easy or hard it would be to haul stuff down Sukhumvit to a hotel. I can deal with taxis, but being a nube, I would rather avoid them to the extent possible, at least until I get comfortable with the area.

As for the type of hotel I want (and I have read lots thus far about them) I want a nice one, with in-room WiFi and a good A / see, but the best overall location is, for me, more important than price, but I really don't how what, for me, IS the best location. Hence, I am seeking advice.

Thanks[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=FLHawk;1683806]
The question that I will start off with deals with what area to stay in BKK for the first leg of my trip. Obviously, I want to hang out near the Hana or Soi Cowboy areas on Sukhumvit, but should I stay closer to Hana or closer to Soi Cowboy, or somewhere in the middle?
[/QUOTE]It doesn't matter so much where you stay. You don't mind walking and Nana and Soi Cowboy are only a 15 minute walk apart from one another. And if you don't want to walk you can always take the BTS from Nana to Asok or vice versa (although climbing up the stairs and waiting for the train can be just as tiring).

Most girls prefer to take a taxi to your hotel. Always hail a taxi that is driving by, don't take one that is standing still and certainly not near Nana or Soi Cowboy. In my experience 99% of the drivers turn on the meter. Bangkok cabbies are OK in general.

Hey FlHawk,

I live temporarily in an apartment on Soi 8. Next door is a decent Citadines with a free tuk tuk to Suk. Also, the Adelphi Suites on Soi 8 and much closer to Suk is pretty nice. I looked at the rooms and suites and they are really nice plus it has a decent ambience. Not sure of price but it is a one minute walk to Nana BTS station or [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord901][CodeWord901][/url]'s on Soi 6, if so inclined.

And I agree about taking the BTS from airport. It will be hot when you arrive and plenty of stairs to negotiate plus crowds all day long.

Codeword 901 is that naughty name from V. Nabokov novel of same title. Jeez!

[QUOTE=Tomasb;1684108]And I agree about taking the BTS from airport. It will be hot when you arrive and plenty of stairs to negotiate plus crowds all day long.[/QUOTE]On my last trip I saw an Indian family leaving my hotel with 6 large pieces of luggage for the 4 of them. Only the husband was large enough to carry any of them. They waited outside of the hotel and finally managed to find a taxi willing to drive them down the soi to the metro station. What transpired after they were dropped off was one man trying to get 6 pieces of luggage onto the escalator and keeping anybody else from using the stairs. There's a point where being thrifty (cheap) isn't worth the savings.

[QUOTE=FLHawk;1683806]I will then be 60, but am slender, look younger than I am, healthy, soft spoken, easily amused, don't smoke and don't really drink much. Beer is not my thing, nor getting drunk. I treat everyone with respect and don't wish to take advantage of anyone, even gogo girls.
[/QUOTE]Replace 60 with 50 and you've just described me.

[QUOTE]
The reason for thinking I should stay at one end of Sukhumvit or the other is a comment someone made about some girls getting upset if they have to walk very far. For example, would a bar girl from Hana get upset about walking to the Sofitel?
[/QUOTE]Yes. She wouldn't want to walk that far in heels. A taxi is the solution.

[QUOTE]
A taxi would solve everything I suppose, but if ST is still 2 hours (questionable), a 10 or 15 minute walk with her might be fun. Now, walking from Hana to Terminal 21 might be a bit of a walk, so I can understand if she would insist on a taxi. While I will probably make that walk solo during the day to get in some street photography (I am an advanced amateur photographer), I think that would be too far to walk with a bar girl.
[/QUOTE]Correct. That is way too far for a lady in heels.

[QUOTE]
I would prefer to stay near a BTS station due to hauling luggage around. I would probably have one largish bag and a backpack. I have no idea how easy or hard it would be to haul stuff down Sukhumvit to a hotel. I can deal with taxis, but being a nube, I would rather avoid them to the extent possible, at least until I get comfortable with the area.
[/QUOTE]I would also suggest staying near either NANA or ASOKE BTS stations. But not because of wanting to avoid taxis. There is no reason to fear taxi drivers in Bangkok. When you arrive at BKK airport for the first time, the sensible thing is to make sure you have about 500 Baht in 100 Baht notes, and then take a taxi to your hotel. I must have done this dozens of times, and I have never had any problems of any sort. Except when I tried to pay the driver with a 1000 baht note. Don't do that. On later trips to BKK you should try using the train to get downtown, but not the first time.

[QUOTE]
As for the type of hotel I want (and I have read lots thus far about them) I want a nice one, with in-room WiFi and a good A / see, but the best overall location is, for me, more important than price, but I really don't how what, for me, IS the best location. Hence, I am seeking advice.
[/QUOTE]Many good hotels have been suggested. These are my favorites. They are all VERY girl friendly. And the girls like these hotels too:

Grande Millenium near Asoke BTS: Super convenient, luxurious hotel, very short walking distance to Soi Cowboy. Girls won't mind at all walking. It's a two minute walk, literally. A four minute walk to the BTS station.

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. It's hard to get closer to the Asoke BTS. Walking distance to Soi Cowboy. No problem.

Landmark. Many rooms have a direct view down onto Nana. Walking distance to Nana, and to Nana BTS.

And the hotel which has been my favourite, between Nana and Soi Cowboy: Four Points by Sheraton (FP in the US generally suck, this is a superb hotel). Girls may walk with you from Soi Cowboy, but you should use a taxi from Nana. The Sofitel is close to FP and I hear really good things about it - however the closest I have gotten to Sofitel is the pool at FP - Sofitel casts a shadow over the FP pool for quite a few hours every day....

For photography in BKK I have other suggestions, but that's another story. Can't wait to get back to BKK in 5 weeks.

[QUOTE=FLHawk;1683806]I prefer the spinner type Asian, young (over 18 certainly), tight body and firm stomach, no kids or droopy breasts, super pretty to beautiful, great legs, long hair, few tattoos or piercings, etc. I would probably want to spend time with some model types as well (more on that another time), and realize those areas are not on Sukhumvit. Don't care for chubby girls or ones with defective boob jobs.[/QUOTE]You've just described "model types. " I'm not sure how much "better" a model type might be, based upon your minimum standards.

To see a reasonable cross-section of what's available, go to the [URL]stickmanweekly.com[/URL] site and look at his "Girl of the week" pictures. Is this the sort you're looking for? Most are thin and have nice hair. No kids? Try Vietnam. No tats? Very difficult to find these days. Long hair is hit and miss. Not as popular as it once was. Personally, I don't find his go-go girls particularly attractive. The escorts, IMHO, seem to be better looking, overall. The point, however, is these girls are supposed to be the crme de la crme. The other 99%, well...

If you expect lower Sukhumvit to be chock full of the girls you describe, I think you're about 15 years too late. You may have far more luck in the higher-end massage establishments on Ratchada.

[QUOTE=Breadman;1684049]I can picture it now, you sitting thru a 24 hour flight to reach Bangkok and then trying to find your way using the BTS system, then trying to lug your luggage down a little narrow walkway being used by a thousand pedestrians (ok 500), all in 95 degree weather.[/QUOTE]Haha You make an excellent point about skipping the BTS and taking a taxi. I guess I keep thinking a taxi ride that far will cost an arm and a leg. I have done a lot of research, but that one escaped me. Right now, I am making notes and trying to get the important things planned out, and I will be checking taxi prices from the airport.

[QUOTE=FLHawk;1684241]Haha You make an excellent point about skipping the BTS and taking a taxi. I guess I keep thinking a taxi ride that far will cost an arm and a leg. I have done a lot of research, but that one escaped me. Right now, I am making notes and trying to get the important things planned out, and I will be checking taxi prices from the airport.[/QUOTE]The cab fare from the airport should be less than $20. Fare should run between 400 to 500 baht (including tolls) with a tip of 100 baht to Suk Soi 11. This is less than taking a shuttle in any major US city. The cab drivers are fast and efficient because they want to turn around quickly and make a good fare back to the airport.

Once you arrive at the airport, you will leave the customs area on the second level. Take the ramp or escalator down to the street level where you will see the cab lines. The folks there will assign you the next cab waiting after you tell them what your destination is. They will give you a receipt that has the cab company and number with your destination. You keep your copy, the driver gets a copy and the airport keeps one as protection against cabs that may want to gouge a tourist. The folks assigning the cabs are paid by the airport or the cab companies in an attempt to protect arriving tourists from gypsy or rouge cabs that may hurt the tourist trade.

[QUOTE=Tomasb;1684113]Codeword 901 is that naughty name from V. Nabokov novel of same title. Jeez![/QUOTE]List of prohibited words and reason.

[URL]http://isgprohibitedwords.info/index.php[/URL]