xiandarkthorne

"HAVE to go with my friends..." And not immature?

Hi,I'm a 50-yr-old Penang beach bum who occasionally moonlights as a writer and frequently travels to Hatyai on family affairs. I also do Bangkok and Phuket every few years.

To get to GL Sauna and a few more of the new (I think) gay venues, I understand from my Thai friends that if you are facing the Diana shopping centre, walk to the small traffic light on your right and turn left at the junction, into the road there - I think it's Sriphuvanart Road (pronounced See-poo-fun-nut) - the sauna is off one of the small sois just a little bit further down. Also along that road are a number of men's massage places and gay bars, my friend said.

I didn't have time to check out anything for myself as I was working and meeting up with relatives but I was also informed that the Florida Hotel is a good starting point since it is nearer to Diana shopping centre and there are also a few PLU places near it.

If you are staying at the more upscale places, it is a long way down the road from the Asian Hotel and Diamond Plaza, but you can just take a tuk-tuk from in front of the Asian Hotel and head straight to Diana from there. Same road but long, long way away - if you are staying at Diamond Plaza, cross the road to Asian Hotel because it's one-way traffic and you could lose your bearings if the tuk-tuk had to make a U-turn.

After dinner with my relatives, I had a quick look at the infamous railway station that was THE cruising spot years ago, but it looked completely deserted from the outside so I didn't bother hanging around. Next time I go back, I'll check the little entrance to the tracks inside (where most of the action was) more thoroughly.

I hope this helps.

Xian

PS

Buddy's has moved. I don't know where but I was told its new premises was near Florida Hotel, too.