Paagai

That's about four years ago. It's always suffered management problems, and the same lady (?) has been the manager.

Yep, the same lady (definitely?????? ) is still there, boasting about how long she's been there and looking as old as the building itself.

Okay, a reference without a link, to today's Bangkok Post on page 1, is good enough for a scare tactic against the straight couples in Thailand. There are probably no reliable statistics anywhere in the world about sex, esp. in Thailand.

But 5% transmission of HIV by oral sex? Frankly, no more such scare tactics without some scientific evidence, okay? It's been about 5 years since an experienced, gay STD counselor told me there was virtually no chance of acquiring HIV through oral sex. There is always a chance that a 900 kilo shipment of rancid somtam will fall on you between Sukumvit and Suriwong, on an odd numbered holiday, but the chances are very slim.

During a recent, regular, HIV test (UK), I got a lecture from the counsellor on the dangers of HIV acquisition through oral sex. They were citing recent research stating there is real evidence more people are getting infected through Oral transmission than was originally thought.

A quick google for 'HIV "Oral Sex"' gives plenty of references. This (UK Gov) link (download the PDF)http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandsta...ance/DH_4005438

states the following:

Draw your own conclusions - its a risk I'd take very seriously! The counsellor went on to stress oral Hygine and particularly NOT brushing your teeth before oral sex (can leave abrasions in the mouth), NOT using a mouth wash BEFORE oral sex (can inflame the Gums - that's the first time I'd heard this about mouth wash!) and obviously, don't give oral sex if you have mouth ulcers or bleeding gums.

This link also gives a personal story from an HIV positive person with a rather scary transmission route:http://www.geocities.com/fdjk3/cfs.html

Interestingly, when I mentioned I lived in Thailand I was warned the strain of HIV here is different and more virulent/harder to treat than seen in the west and that most of the new HIV infections seen at clinics in the UK are actually acquired overseas!

I heard the Coffee Boy is open again after being closed for a while. A freind of mine coming to visit has stayed there a few years ago and liked it. Anyone know if the rooms are still nice? How about the bar? Is there a show going on? Any info is appreciated.

Treked over there a few nights back to check it out; Coffee Boy is still going! Whilst the place itself is nice with it's Lanna style decor etc, and the people are friendly enough, there were only four or five hosts there. Almost no customers, and they didn't have a show as such, but some of the guys took turns at dancing alone on the stage in underwear, some more provocatively than others...... I didn't investigate what else they would do

If you've got transport its somewhere to go for a change once in a while, but probably not worth it for what a Tuk Tuk would rip you off for.

Dunno about the accomodation.

I don't get out much, but I've been told that several late-nite venues around have been visited by a special police squad taking names and samples, especially Fri/Sat nites...

What's your source? The police conducted two urine tests a few months ago but I've heard of nothing more since then from contacts who live there.

actually, in CM a few months back, (perhaps 6 months) the BIB were doing the urine testing in a few places that my g/f and her friends frequent often, namely, Bubble, V-Club, and another that escapes memory for now. My g/f wasnt tested as she wasnt there on the said night but was told about the testing from other friends that were. They have no reason to lie.

The g/f knows some of the police that do the rounds and I have met one briefly that I wai and politely smile to.

Anyone no the TRUE story behind the Mandalay (i.e the large Thai disco on Moon Muang that hates Farang) piss testing debacle? I've heard various versions getting more colourful according to the level of intoxication of the story teller The jist of it was the BIB turned up for piss testing a few months ago and most people were failing! Further investigation revealed that management was burning something in the air con system to put the punters in a good mood and make everyone "happy" . Change of management and cover up ensued; guess Mandalay is a major contributor to the BIB pension fund.......

So even if you think you're totally in the clear you may have inhaled something without knowing it and one of Thailand's "suprises" may be waiting for you!

Thanks to Paagai, our well informed reviewer of the Chiang Mai scene. Femme Fatale was the venue I was thinking of but couldn't remember; is it closed now?

I remember now (from Utopia-Asia):

The Crypt 204\5 Ratchapakinai Rd,084-986-2596, 081-765-4697. Western and Thai owned (former owners of La Femme Fatale). Gothic-themed gay-friendly guesthouse with luxurious rooms at a backpacker's price.

I'd heard Femme Fatale was closed (as implied by the above) but I've never cheked this in person. Address was:

412/16 Chang Klan Road., Chiang Mai Land 053 204738, (if anyone's really interested they can always call)

...Cupid Bar; I never noticed the lesbian owner...

Hard to miss; she's a big girl She was actually the sister of one of the original owners (her name escapes me) But she was running the place for a while and I thought she had a stake.........but people buy and sell stakes in that bar way too often to keep up!

Went to Golden Ball last night with a fellow poster, and it was crowded for a Sunday night, quite pleasant, staff friendly without clinging. Will be back.

Golden Ball www.bontong.com got a wacky review in Chiang Mai mail www.chiangmai-mail.com/240/dining.shtml Last couple of times I've been there the place has been packed with a really fun atmosphere. Largely Thai customers but with a few Farang too. I'm amazed at how this place has taken off, shows what you can do with good food, low prices, cute friendly staff and a bit of inspiration. Compare with the night bazzar: tourist pricing with a bunch of freelancers sitting around crying in their (Chang) beer about the lack of customers and discussing their HIV medications.......

Also heard that Kudos bar www.kudoschiangmai.com has shut down, shame as it was a nice place but maybe in the wrong location.

Munro's www.rubymunro.com is taking a two week rainy season break and re-opens on 13th october with a revamped show, new menu and on site Italian restaurant (downstairs).

Hard to say. If you find a short-haired lesbian tuktuk driver, ask her. It's primarily for men, but there's Golden Ball bar and restaurant, at corner of Santitham road (from the roundabout) and Twean Road (accessible from superhighway also, just before grandview hotel). I forget the other one.

Golden Ball definitely gets a few Lesbians in, and is fast becoming the happening place in Chiang Mai. See their website www.bontong.com for more details (reviewed in Chiang Mai mail last week www.chiangmai-mail.com/240/dining.shtml. They also have a gay guide with map which would help with other places: www.bontong.com/GayChiangmai.html

Other places: Cupid bar at the Peak, I believe one of the owners is a Lesbian and works there sometimes (but haven't been for a few weeks). Friendship bar (the Peak) gets the most diverse crowd of all the night bazzar bars, including some Lesbians - worth asking Nui (the owner) for suggestions. Soho bar also has Lesbian clientele, though every time I've been there recently the place is dead and the staff spend all their time playing on the internet - ignoring the few customers they do have.

Someone mentioned recently the former owner of "Femme Fatale" (Lesbian bar) had opened something but can't recall what, or who told me. Anyone know?

http://www.irrawaddy.org

CONTACT ADDRESS:

P.O.BOX 242

CHIANG MAI UNIVERSITY POST OFFICE

CHIANG MAI 50202

THAILAND

Another website with good information from inside Myanmar is www.shanland.org believe they are based out of Chiang Mai. As the name implies its primarily about Shan State issues but has comment on the current crisis.

HIS CLUB (2) within the ChiangMai land area has transformed into a night of fun entertainment.

The only thing that bothers me is that show-time starts only at 1.00 am. Too sleepy !

The coyote male dancers are sexy and they really tried their best to put up a good show.

Same goes to those ladyboys that makes the entertainment with much laughters too.

So, for those wanting a fun night there, maybe you should have a good evening nap before venturing there at 12.00 midnight.

Agree entirely; His Club is fabulous, Gay hang out with many local "faces" there. It's a real late night venue (open until 5 or 6 a.m.) so doesn't warm up until other places close - 2 or 3 a.m. onwards.

Cautionary note: Chiang Mai Land is dangerous late at night (I know two people who've been stabbed there recently..... and fights are common). Be careful, go with a group of Thai friends only.

Another interesting late night place is Barocco at Chang Phuek Soi 4 161/29. - down the small soi opposite Circle Pub, has nice waiters . Also heard e-male is open again (On Rattanakosin near traffic lights with Assadathorn Road - next to a car lot). Haven't been but apparently not many people. The Relex remains the best late night Karaoke

Further caution: All late night venues in CNX operate close to the edge with a risk of raids by the Boys in Brown (and more recently, the Army....), these places are popular with Tai Yai guys (ie. No I.D.) which can create problems (and they're involved in most of the fights).

50 meters from the cinema is Underground 39 sauna. It is full of young guys, students, etc. Tuesdays, Fris Sats and Suns are NAKED days. Nobody wears even a towel. Arrive later the better. 140b. The other days they give out small loin cloths. It's mad! I thought I had gone to heaven! 100 NAKED young chinese thais and regular thais. It can be a bit sticky, though.

I thoroughly concur, 39 Underground is kinda fun about the only Sauna worth going to in BKK in my opinion. Pity you mentioned it on here though - one of the things I like about it is almost no Farang......... Guess the secret's out now

Back on topic...

My mistake, I thought this thread was about Gas Stations in Chinag Mai

Chiang Mai Update – September 2007

There's a great new Gay place in town called Golden Ball (formerly Heuan Ai Bao – now under new management). Both bar and restaurant - food and drink at local prices in a garden setting, many cute boys working there. The new owner, Bon, will be familiar to many from the Chiang Mai scene and is often dressed in drag to add some fun to the atmosphere! Located on Santitham Road and popular with the many students in that area.

They also have a great website www.bontong.com which includes an up to date gay guide to Chiang Mai and map. (see also www.gaychiangmai.bontong.com )

Circle Pub is still popular, especially with Thais – the parking lot is full of pick up trucks most nights and it can be hard to get a seat.

Doi boy has had a makeover with a much better layout so you can actually see the stage. Everything else is the same though

Long time Chiang Mai institution Simon Cabaret has closed (rumoured it may re-open in High season); many lonley and broke lady boys wandering the streets right now......

Ruby Munro's (see earlier in this thread) is a fantastic new venue – great show and entertainment, close to Glass Onion too. Another new place is Club 9 (Nimanhemin Soi 9), popular with the former Soho crowd.

Dragon Pub (next to Royal Peninsula Hotel) is a new modern venue that has both an outdoor restaurant (covered) and late night disco/live music venue. Now very popular with the gay crowd (and not anti Farang like Mandalay, or sleazy like Spicy).

Adam's apple remains closed, and no sign this is going to change anytime soon.

Art of massage seems to have dissapeared but there is a new place called Chakka (very close to Golden Ball - see their gay guide for details)

The night bazzar bars (walk in soi next to Foxy lady) are sleazier than ever, the worst being the front left bar (Secrets). At least with Cream and Cruise the antics of pre-historic farang pawing Burmese youngsters was out of view, now its on a public street and starting to attract the wrong sort of attention (Think D2 Hotel, CCTV, Boys in Brown, Evidence – come on guys…wake up and smell the coffee).

One friend of mine reported bathroom sex in a stall somewhere in BKK. I've heard of a certain place in ChiangMai where one gets propositioned to have it elsewhere. These are free quickies, I understand. But I doubt it's common, since Thais can go to a bath house/sauna for 65 baht each. Also heard of a vacant lot in CMai where folks go at night, and similarly in a remote province. But you're right, that a Thai toilet is not a fun place to linger. And, gay sex is not taboo here like it is in the West.

I believe its very common in Chiang Mai among Thai's, apparently there are many places where gay Thai's go late at night for some Thai on Thai action (especially if they've failed to pull a Farang - always first choice for obvious reasons). Either cruising grounds, or the internet cafe to scour the many Thai gay chat rooms for a "friend". 65 baht for the HIV house is still too expensive for most of them.

I'd heard they've even launched the "Gay" Honda wave especially for Chiang Mai - the fuel gauge always shows empty on Maneenoparaat road ! But beware if it's a Honda click....at least 500 Baht to refill the tank, maybe 1000 if its a white one And why do people only excercise at Sanam Gila after dark? Is it too hot during the day?

I guess the boys in brown do visit these places from time to time, but will usually accept services in lieu of tea money.

Joking aside, outdoor activity (and toilets) is pretty normal among the Thais from what I'd heard (Not my bag I hasten to add). The sad thing is it seems unsafe sex happens too regularly in such circumstances; the rate of HIV infections among the more promiscuous younger Gays in Chiang Mai who visit such places seems to be reaching alarming levels. Be careful.

I've purchased White cotton KS sheets from Peenang Mattress before at reasonable prices. IIRC they had different qualities of cotton available in 400-900 Baht price range; much better than outrageous prices at Central, Homepro etc and quality is good.

They have several shops in CM, one on Chiang Moi Road and a larger one with more choice at intersection of Rattanakosin and Assadathon (on left before Rattanakosin traffic lights if coming from Kamthieng).

I love the ad for Adams Apple, what a laugh; that's pure fanatasy, even when the club was at its best..... boy scouts and all

Had heard similar gossip about the sale, and also that the Pattaya Farang had been trying to pull out. Guess he realised he'd being fleeced.

10 million Baht investment in that part of Chiang Mai , you've gotta be crazy! I doubt any of the competition spent more than a couple of hundred thou at most on refurbishment, and I doubt they make big profits to justify anything higher. The building is a has been wreck and a fire trap (where but Thailand could you have an entertainment venue on the third floor of a building with only a narrow spiral staircase for access?), and its not exactly the nicest part of Chiang Mai either. If you got 10 million Baht spare to invest in real estate you'd be better putting it towards building a small apartment block to rent to students rather than some super club.

And the place has been shut for ten months already now, as Shan says, the loss of good will makes it a very poor proposition, I can't see it happening. And unless this Pattaya Farang is exceedingly well connected with those who matter in Chiang Mai, I don't see how he'll overcome other obstacles related to the original closure, or where he'll find staff willing to work there (Pattaya boys won't come up here for the meagre pickings to be had in Chiang Mai!). I don't envy him one bit, perhaps his first investment should be some body guards and a bullet proof vest!

I tend to agree with the OP and people should take care, I'm sure his warning is not unfounded.

I can cite two personal experiences in the last year in Soi 4 where I've suddenly began feeling really drunk and disorientated; far in excess of what could be expected for a modest amount of alcohol that was consumed. On both occasions the same dodgy individual was hanging around.......

Luckily I've realised it was time to leave and staggered home, waking up with no problems other than a severe headache, much worse than would be expected from alchohol alone.

Whilst I have no definite proof my drink was tampered with, I can't offer any other explanation. These events together with warnings from Thai friends have made me less likely to visit these venues, and to be much more cirumspect when I do.

Has anybody gone for an HIV test around here ? I'm sure there are a few places. I usually ge tested every couple yrs or so. Usually back in the States. But this time I'd like to do it here. I prefer the cheek swab to the blood drawing methods. Anybody know who does the best, fastest testing, and for the right prices ? Please let me know. Thanks.

Believe the Red Cross offers anonymous HIV testing service. They are down on the river near Nakorn Ping Bridge between US consulate and Warowot Market. Anonymous clinic is upstairs, separate from the normal registration/reception.

You can get results in 24 hours for about 100 Baht, or within 30 mins for about 200 Baht. Not tried personally but have heard good reports.

Closed since around July 2006.

Rumours are it's already been sold to a Farang from Pattaya. Sign on the door says "opening soon" - last I heard April/May but I suspect that will never happen unless the issues relating to the original closure are resolved.............

Night Bazzar still lively but there are other places to go, I updated the pinned list at the top of Forum with current information if you wanna know more.

I do not know when was the last time you were out on the town but you are way out on all of the places you have cited.

In Bangkok only, Yes bar and restaurant went belly up 4 years ago and so did Tabou 2 years past. Roxy is an non event for at least a year. What about Hamilton's, @Richard's and G.O.D on Soi 2/1?

The list is too long for correcting all of this this posting.

Chiang Mai list is disapointingly out of date too. I thought its time someone corrected this so the following is a current update to the original Chiang Mai content (March 2007) if its of interest to anyone. Info based on comments from friends (mainly Thai) and some personal knowledge:

CHIANG MAI

GAY FRIENDLY BARS & RESTAURANTS & KARAOKE

2 Style Bar/Restaurant - In large and busy soi off Ratchawichit Road - entrance to the soi is the same side as The Irish Pub and about 100 yards further on walking west, i.e. away from the moat. Look for the rainbow flag hanging outside.

"Caution - June 12 - the place is now in new hands and/or may close shortly and open as something else."

"Different kind of place from the MB bars at the Night Market etc. More mixed and laid back - and no "offs" as such. Easy parking. Good food, friendly atmosphere and Thai prices for most of the drinks & all of the food. They could work on their music selection, though!"

> Closed down a long time ago, several of the old staff still work in other bars.

Garden Bar at the Lotus Hotel - opposite Adam's Apple.

Very friendly and comfortable place to meet other farang as well as Thai guys. The drinks are very reasonable and its very cruisy with the Adam crowd and the snooker hall next door. The Garden Bar parties are set to resume in August. They are held the first saturday night of each month at 7:30. Good place to meet people. One free drink, snacks and door prizes plus one speaker or performer and usually a band or musician. Most people go up to Adam for the show afterwards.

> Still good but much quieter since Adam shut, still popular with the pool hall boys - helps if you can speak Tai Yai!

Soho Bar - Huay Kaew

"It is more like a Balcony or Telephone. Nice plave to relax and meet people. No hosts and no offs. They have game nights where you can meet lots of the locals."

> "Changed hands a few weeks ago, heard a rumor that the buyer changed at the last minute and its now going Str8 as a guest house. Dunno how true this is. Last few months its being dying anyway"

RELAX - Karaoke

"Fun and open late..!"

> Great place if you're in the know - but not somewhere for new in town lone Farangs, best to go only with Thai friends. Also be careful - can get violent when the Thai's overdose on 100 Pipers".

Other places new to list:

Mai Paeng - late night local restaurant (Thai food only)

"Popular after bar restaurant, many off duty MBs go there, fun and cheap but you need to speak some Thai or go with Thai friends, haven't checked it out for a few months though"

Mandalay - Disco (AKA Mandagay by Thais)

"Extremely popular with young gay Thais - this is the place everyone goes; but the owner hates Farang and they are very unwelcome unless with "connected" Thais, its also a place for group drinking - single middle aged Farang wallflowers look very sad and conspicuous"

Kudos

"New Gay bar (Summer 2006) has both outdoor beer bar area and Smart A/C lounge"

Glass Onion

"Upmarket air conditioned wine bar - very smart and friendly"

HEUAN AI BAU

"A personal favourite - Gay friendly local outdoor bar/restaurant, junction of Santitham and Tewan, great food and friendly staff, very resonable prices"

GAY GO-GO BARS

Adam's Apple

"is reportedly open for shows again (almost as good as in BKK)"

"Still the best in my opinion. Well controlled and best show"

> "Shut since mid 2006, conflicting rumours about when/if it will ever reopen and much gossip about what went on - I'm a newbie so gonna keep my mouth shut as I don't like dodging bullets"

Doi Boy

"Run as fast as you can.."

> "real dive with very few customers - an advantage if u wanna be discreet; if you don't scare easy you might find some hidden treasure - trust me"

Fan Club

"(avoid, IMHO)"

"Be afraid, be very afraid!"

> " Long gone......"

New My Way

"Boys are too aggresive and will ask you for drinks and sit without being invited. The manager does not control the boys"

>"Nothing much has changed.......probably the best selection of boys in CNX...but still needs a good Mamasan, also too dark to see what that boy who just sat next to you even looks like! Has a long show, but too many "chicks with dicks in dirty frocks" doing lip sync"

Circle Pub

"Good but a bit too formal."

> "more for the muscle lover"

TGB

"Check your bill and your change carefully"

> "Dunno if this is still open"

Free Guys

"Not bad. Maybe a little inconsistent."

> "probably the raunchiest show in CNX, but they put the prices up to BKK levels in Nov 2006 and its nothing like a BKK bar or a BKK show. If you get bored can always play spot the gay boy - not easy....... the bar tender's cute though, and the Tai Yai guys are well endowed"

Coffee Boy

"Not even worth the tuk tuk ride to get there"

Just been sold - July 2005.. so may change. Later: rumored to be closed again.

> "recent report - Feb 2007 says its open and nicely refurbished, but few boys or customers"

>The following aren't Gogo bars but just regular beer bars, mostly outdoor, with freelancers always around (plus some available staff)

Night Bazzar Soi off Thape Soi 1 behind D2 Hotel>

Cream

"The best of the night bazaar"

> "umm, "The Best" only if VERY young Burmese are your thing - you have been warned!"

Jackpot

"Friendly bar"

> Also the two bars at the entrance to the Soi are now gay; Left side is called Secret place - don't care for the new owner though; right side is same owner as Jackpot I believe" There is also Cruise bar opposite Cream - similar story"

Around the Peak Climbing wall:

Chez Nous

"Best of the Peak bars"

> "Chez Nous is now the worst.......changed hands about six months ago; boys with attitude who like to abuse things of substance if you get my meaning"

Friendship Bar

"I don't care for the management.."Others have no problem; it changes.

> "Has changed hands since the original post; The owner, Pi Nui, is one of the most respected bar owners in Chiang Mai having previously worked in Chez Nous and very supportive of local Gay HIV charity. Popular place just to go and drink with no pressure"

New Peak Bars:

Paradise Bar

"Recently re-opened by Lek, a former owner of Chez Nous - most of the old Chez Nous customers now go there; very popular with cute bar staff"

Cupid Bar

"Not as good as it was but the staff are VERY friendly Don't forget the condoms"

MTV Bar

"owned by the same people as Classic House Massage - Popular with friendly staff"

SAUNAS & MASSAGE

SpaRoma

"The nicest and not that far out of the way as often reported"

"Beautiful place with big swimming pool and well equipped Gym - not so many people"

House of Male

It is near Central Kad Kaew on a back soi, outdoor pool, drinks and restaurant, a maze, weight room, lockers, and a very hot steam steam room. About 130 baht two years ago.

"Still 130 Baht for Farang AFAIK, still sleazy....... and popular with Farang"

Naga across from Big C

"owned by the owner of Circle Pub. No personal experience to tell of yet"

"Dunno if this is still open?"

HIS Male Massage

"The best in town. I hear they opened a bar of the same name but I haven't checked it out yet."

>"had a dull spot but have heard good things recently; also have a late night Karaoke bar on Cnhiang Mai Land"

Ken's Male Massage

>"Closed I Believe"

Bee Beez Male Massage

>"Mediocre reports"

Barai Male Massage

>"Dunno if this is still open?"

Climax Male Massage

"what a great name!"

>"Dunno if this is still open?"

Gemini Male Massage / Sauna

"Major rip off."

</FONT>> "Apparently still overpriced and mediocre facilities but some cute young masseuse"

Other Massage places:

Art of massage

"Small; Close to Adam Apple and Viangbua Mansion; mediocre"

Maple

"New place adjacent to New My Way - same boys!; cheap but mediocre"

Blue Club

"Chiang Mai Land; have no reports but know a couple of the staff who should make a visit worthwhile "

One 2 Come

"Also a great name! Last but not least this place has the best facilities in Chiang Mai, formerly a guest house, all the rooms are large and provided with en suite facilities and even a jacuzzi and outdoor beer garden to go and relax. Great selection of friendly attitude free boys. Across bridge from Sheraton Hotel. Thoroughly recommended"