I can't recall host bars being discussed here.Would this be because CFS types don't use them?I really wonder why anyone would,considering go-go bars and saunas allow you to see the body beforehand and discussion can be kept to a minimum.Yet these venues continue to survive, even advertising in English, though bi-lingual skills among farang and Thai would mean a small market.On my first Bkk visit I passed Inter-Mustache ,which still exists, and it seemed rather empty as far as customers went.

Any insights into these places ? Dreaded Ned lists a handful so business-wise they must do o.k.

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Tried to find Turning Point a few weeks ago - without success. 2 weeks later walked into a bar to ask if they knew where Turning Point is, and it turned out to be this one. No sign outside and I assume it has changed its name. At around 10:30 there were 3 disinterested boys. We walked out without ordering a drink.

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Turning point is now called "Morning Bar" now. It is not a very exciting place at the moment, with very little talent. Hardly worth a visit.

Studio 982 is still good.

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"I can't recall host bars being discussed here."

Well, kinda ... most if not all of the places in Saphan Khwai are host bars. I am not too fond of them but the mamasan I know at Future Boys swears by them. He says that the sex is better because they are less "professional". His technique is to get them as drunk as possible ..

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The sex is better because most of the punters are Thai -- and Thais don't put up with any shit. The patrons of these places are also usually regulars, not tourists -- so they are looking more towards repeat trade.

Only boys who perform will last at this kind of place, while dead fish can carry on in Soi Twilight for years and years and never lose their jobs.

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Last time I offed a boy from Turning Point (about 2 years ago) they charged me 1,200 baht off fee! When I expressed surprise they informed this already included tip for boy. I think I think gave him an extra 200 bht (for taxi) as he was quite a good lay! Went back last year and very dissappointing selection of boys, and still high fee expected. I declined.

"Charming" in Sapin Kwai can have some very handsome young college boys who who look very bored, but spring to life as soon as invited to join you for a drink and a chat. Recommended if you'd like to meet a boy who ins't from Isaan!

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1,200 baht for off + tip is expensive? What are you tipping your tricks?

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Ruby Hanoi "the places in Saphan Khwai are host bars".


I remember now Be High mentioned here favourably many times,particularly by Cupidmand.So there has been no return to go-go format there?It was reputed to be hot with one performer (Nui?) getting several mentions.

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Brief Encounter,

The "Nui" era ended years and years ago. They still have go-go (or stage shuffling), but the place is a mere shadow of its former glory.

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On that occasion I simply told the boy before we left the bar that the bar would be paying him as I had already paid 1,200. He had no problem and was pleased to get the small additional 200 bht tip.

Normally I pay 300 off, 1,000 for expected service and 1,500 for exceptional or overnite. I often do buy them noodles and /or breakfast, but make it clear I ain't no money machine. (although with regulars the odd mobile phone or watch have been forthcoming.)

Clearly there are some guys raising the bar. I offed a hot 21 year old from Star boys in Pattaya last month who happily stayed the night and performed for both his supper and his breakfast. I gave him 1,500 (plus 100 for a "taxi")and over breakfast he casually let slip that the previous week he had stayed wih an Aussie for 4 days who had tipped him "haa muun baht." This I thought not unreasonable, until I realised that "muun" is 10,000...meaning he'd earned 50,000 baht for 4 nights! Way out of my league, even though he was extremely handsome, sexy and willing.

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That's what I figured...so Turning Point doesn't turn out being any more expensive than anywhere else, does it?

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Turning Point is back to being called "Turning Point". Old sign is back up.

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In theory that's right.....but you need to be tough and not feel oblidged to double tip the boy directly. I wonder if their mainly Thai clientelle were tight fisted and they felt compelled to take a minimum tip on behalf of the boy in advance? Also, will the new "Turning Point" stick with this policy?

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The policy does not apply to regular customers -- ones they are confident know the score and will not stiff the boys on tips. You'd be surprised how many newbie farangs think the "off" fee is all they have to pay, or think that a 100 or 200 baht "tip" is being generous. Personally, it doesn't matter to me if the minimum tip is collected up front or not. As long as I know how much is going to the boy, they will get the standard 1,200 to 1,500 at the end of the day.

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Not being over keen of bringing boys back to my hotel, if I were to trek out to Saphan Kwai, would the boy of my dreams be likely to know of a local short time room? Do they exist in the area?
Cheers.

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