Bangkok Bars 2014
 

Any recents reports on the go-go bar scene in Bangkok? I ventured out about 2 weeks ago and was thoroughly bored and disgusted.

I went to X Size and Nature Boy, stuck my head in a couple of other bars (including Golden Cock and Super A) and was not remotely impressed with any of them. Drink prices at most of the bars on Soi Twilight were around 300-340 baht, which I think is beyond outragous, and the poor offerings at these bars certainly did not justify paying such high prices. Granted, drinks at Super A and Nature boy were much less, but they also had a lot less boys on offer --- at Nature Boy there were only 3 guys inside, and 2 were asleep!

Honestly, I'm about to give up on going out to these places. I used to love going to go-go bars in Bangkok back in the old days (1990s and the early part of the following decade) but I've noticed a real decline in the past decade, both in terms of quality and quantity. I can deal with higher prices if the selection of boys is good, but I've seen just the opposite. I realize a lot of guys are now online --- for better or worse --- but is there any hope the go-go bar scene will get better, or at least not further deteriorate?

Agree completely. Nostalgia ain't what it used to be :)

Screw Boys was the only bright spot when I was last in BKK in August.

BOYS BANGKOK - Anniversary
 

>.- Date: 24 June 2015.;
>.- Time: Start of special show at 2215.hrs.;
>.- Place: BOYS BANGKOK, Soi Twilight, off Suriwong rd.;
>.- Event: Anniversary/birthday party.

NO indications of price of admission given.
Source - Posters outside.
:)

Long dead and buried as far as many expats are concerned (including myself). Killed by the internet, cell phones, and Chinese tour groups. Have not set foot in any of those places in years, and doubt I ever will. Maybe good for a one-time visit by a tourist to see a show ("maybe") and that's it.

Long dead? I think not, at least not just yet. Sure, there are more options for hooking up in this digital age, but personally I still prefer the thrill of "shopping" when looking for a guy. I'd compare to going into a bookshop versus ordering something online or downloading it. When I'm in the actual store, I see things, and experience things, that I wouldn't online. What's that over there in the corner? Hmm ... I love going to go-go bars and seeing what's on offer. Granted, the pickings are slim nowadays, and of course that's mostly a result of the other options available, but if I have a choice I'd still rather go to a bar fun of hot bodies than surf the net or use some phone app. It's just a different experience. I could care less about seeing sex shows, but I do want to see a good lineup of sexy young guys showing some flesh.

Another factor in the decline of the bars is the greed of the Thai bar owners (absurdly high drink prices and off fees) and the fact that a Thai guy can get as much or more business by going online instead of reporting to work each night. But as long as there are still a few half-decent go-go bars in business, I'll still keep visiting.

Yes, it was fun back in the day.

I stopped going, though, because the boys these days seem to be the bottom of the barrel (maybe the last of the upcountry boys who don't know how to use the internet) -- greedy and not service-oriented -- the bars expensive and full of Chinese gawkers, and the mamasans aggressive and unpleasant.

I agree with Icon. Bkk bars have gone from exciting, fun, surprising with fresh young carefree guys to massively over-priced, predatory, aggressive and largely unpleasant rip offs.

But - despite it's poor reputation, I still continue to find fresh guys and relaxed venues in Pattaya. Sunny boys (old City Boy aka Jimmy in Sunnee) and Toyboys & Funny Boys in Boystown, still have relaxed atmospheres and good experiences. I took a 22 year old Laos boy last week - georgeous face and body, sweet personality, 100% gay btm, no English at all and an innocence that you will no longer find in BKK. (He wants to marry me!)

If you hanker for the good old days, come to Pattaya while it lasts. Sadly many have already closed, and low season will finish off others.

Slim --- and flabby -- pickings
 

Yeah, it's sad to see the decline of the go-go bars in Bangkok. I'm also turned off by the high drink prices and pushy/obnoxious mama-sans. But I still end up finding some good boys once in a while, ones that I have come back again and again. That said, the pickings ARE slim nowadays (actually, there are more guys on the flabby side than there used to be!), and I wonder how much longer these places will be able to stay open.

As far as the guys you find online, however, I've had very mixed success (or lack thereof) with those types. Half the time they don't look like their photo, or they just don't do much. As a percentage, I've had much better luck with guys that I've taken from go-go bars.

Pattaya? Honestly, I've just never gotten a good vibe from Pattaya. Something about the place never really clicked for me. But I haven't been there in --- gasp! --- 6 or 7 years, so maybe I should give it another chance. It can't be worse than what I've seen in Bangkok the past few years!

Go to Pattaya with no expectations - and hopefully find some nice surprise! Start in Boystown at Funny Boys and Toy Boys - I think you'll find your type in one of those. The mamasans are friendly and helpful and the boys happy and fun. :)

Man, I could use a nice surprise! As always, thanks for your tips and advice. I may force myself to take some time off work next month and maybe brave a visit to Pattaya again!

Khun Biggles,

In BoyzTown is 'VASA.' still OPEN?
Thanks in advance for your reply. Sextile. :)

Yes I was there a few nights ago. About 10 boys- same as usual :)

Khun Biggles,
Many thanks for your prompt reply - welcome!
Sextile. :)