Category: Hotels/Lodges

Trip to Chiang Muan to visit Narin

Sawadee Khrap

Last weekend I took a 2 day trip to visit Narin in Chiang Muan – almost to Nan in the upper North above Lampang.  Beautiful country and sites.  Narin had made accommodations for me at the “Ma See Ma’l”  – extremely quiet, clean and nice.  500 Baht night.  reasonable too.IMG_2138IMG_2137

First thing we did was to go see the local waterfall at the Doi Phu Nang National Park

IMG_2197-EditIMG_2143That is Narin on the right and several of his friends who went with us.    The above panoramic was created using 30 full size shots to capture the whole scene – making this almost a 2Gb file – almost a  6ft x 3ft mural when printed at 300 dpi -look closely and you can see Narin and friends in the center on the far left side of the image.

After the waterfall and on the way back we stopped at a temple on a hill with a commanding view of the Chiang Maun valley – which I am told the locals are fighting to stop the Gov’t’s IMG_2256plans to dam the area and turn this into a water reservoir  running all the people out  – present population is about 18,000.  The Monk here has been working   -making statues to go around the outside of the temple grounds – he can pour one a day – so he’s half done now and thinks it will take another year to complete  –  he uses a concrete mold and pours each day – 

IMG_2255IMG_2266

Then to Chiang Muan’s  Grand Canyon for outside dinner in the evening – They bought a lot of food and set up at the table in the park – this huge cliff face is really high  – look closely you can see the monks on the top right side – close up shows them better – Several new friends joined us and we had a cozy dinner and drinks –  amazing – this is the first time I saw stars in the night sky – milky way – dark enough here to get a great view.  then off to bed.IMG_2334

IMG_2339IMG_2347

That’s Narin in the center right – If you would like to join Narin for a weekend visit to Chiang Muan you can reach him at 098-782-5939 – you can contact him as Narinrat Khamlue  In Facebook for more info’. 

The next morning we got up and the boys started to prepare for a Ladyboy dance they would preform for a small village festival, close by – Narin is the leader of the troupe.   I stayed with 4 of IMG_2452them as they prepared – Narin and another 3 were at a different beauty shop getting dressed so my photos are limited – but before the show could go on it was cancelled –

I had to leave to get back to Chiang Mai and wanted to make sure I did not have to drive in the evening – so I took my leave.    Maybe I’ll be able to catch all the excitement on the next visit.   It’s a nice relaxing 3.5 hr drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Muan. 

Check it out when you visit Chiang Mai.

Ciao

Fang Lagoon Homestay for Men — Update

Sawadee Khrap

Recently I have gotten a lot of requests and inquires as to the status of “Fang lagoon Homestay for Men” that I featured posted several years ago.  So I tried to contact them to find out.

I just got off the phone with “May” , owner of Fang lagoon Homestay, he told me that he has been completely remodeling the farm  – going to a fully organic farm ( plants, herbs, spices and so on) and will hopefully re-open with a brand new facility next year.   He is waiting until the new plants and trees have grown up a bit before he constructs a new lodge ( huts)  for visitors.  He said he will keep in contact with the blog and I will post any new information about the new-opening as soon as he releases it.   You can also do a search for “Fang” or “Homestay” on this blog for earlier posts.

If you would like to personally stay in contact with May – send me a comment on this post with your email address and I will forward it to him.

Update from May Dated 4/25/15 Thank you very much for interesting in Fang Lagoon Homestay and Organic Farm,
Hope we can re-open again before Christmas 2015..
All detail about us will inform you again..
or you can contact us via
email:chayouden@hotmai.com , or ID line raijamay
Regards,
Mr.May Fang lagoon

Ciao

Just back from USA

Sawadee Khrap

I just got back from my trip to the US to visit my MIMG_2411other – she’s doing the best and with the best care for the present circumstances – only time is in control now.  IMG_2410I stayed at the Holiday Inn in San Pablo, California – and rented a car from Budget Rent a Car at the San Francisco Airport – Here is a photo of the place and some shots travelling across the Bay Bridge to the Greater Bay Area – San Pablo. Got to see and have lunch with all my sisters and meet many of the other relatives as they visited my Mother at the nursing home.  Haven’t seen them for a long time and the kids are now grown up.   Also visited friends “Dan” and  “Tin” and his new husband – congratulations
IMG_2408IMG_2493IMG_2476


Got to visit the place where I sobered up and meet Pastor Steve at the Pacifica Baptist Church where I attended most of my AA meetings – beautiful costal area – – Pacifica, Calif.

IMG_2455IMG_2456IMG_2436IMG_2428IMG_2441IMG_2453


Then I did a quick run to visit the Castro Area in San Francisco – not much changed since I was living around there – 8 years but little changed – except the prices – Wow

IMG_2507IMG_2513The first thing I noticed was how clean the whole area was – cities, streets, freeways – everywhere you looked – and no smells – relativity clear air wherever I went -  San Pablo, Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, Pacifica – what a IMG_2550delight – traffic was not that bad but I did try to visit areas at low commute times.  The homeless are still there – 45F cold while I was there – and getting colder – here they are by the Holiday Inn setting up “home” in the bushes by the freeway.

Had a little problem when I went to the Social security Office in Berkeley – don’t know if I was pickpocketed or just lost the keys to the rental car – but they had to send a tow truck to get it and took me to the Oakland airport to get another rental – Budget was a great company to work with – really helped me out and excellent service.20150219_162943   And Last be not least if you are planning a trip by air check out EVA Airlines – really excellent service and wonderful meals in the Elite Section of the plane – a Boeing 777 – they even offer wine, cocktails or Beer if you like during dinner.- included - 

Blood pressure seemed ok during the trip but I do have to admit that I did not check it – just how I felt – Anyway home now and will talk by Skype to my Mother every day while that’s possible.

Ciao

Chiang Mai trip

Sawadee Khrap

IMG_144620140710_091350-EditJust got back from a great visit to Chiang Mai – first I went to see  ‘Kay”.   Got to spend a couple of days with him in between his working and we got in a visit to Doi Suthep – I’ll post some photos later.  We’re hoping to be able to get together when I move back to Chiang Mai.  The day I left he made this beautiful flower arrangement for me.  He has been my inspiration and helper during my visits at the hospital – I’ll post the results on that ordeal in a future post – but everything checked out OK and no operation is needed at this time – what a relief.


20140708_183655I stayed at the B2Geen Hotel, just around the corner from the Soho Bar on Huay Kaew Rd.  They have the greatest TukTuk I have seen so far – 20140709_182832 Used it to go to dinner with Jim and Mike at Pern’s the night before I left Chiang Mai  20140709_182511Here’s a  shot of Jim’s newly re-furbished Honda Motorcycle – what a beauty.


I also got to visit David Cooper at McKean Retirement Home at Dok Kaew Gardens  – Jim and I took him to lunch at IMG_1379the Marrakech Restaurant at the Shiek Istana Hotel – what a beautiful place and great food.IMG_1391IMG_1394


Nice trip – great weather , flight and time.  Took bus up and AsiaAir  flight back.

Ciao.

Panoramic–from View talay 1

Sawadee Khrap

_MG_1820-Edit-2The above is a 9 image stitched high-res Panoramic taken (hand held) from the balcony in my condo.   Printed the image would be a 8 X 3 foot Mural  -  On the left is the new construction of the Grande Caribbean Resort and Tower – at the present time the Tower is 20 stories tall and will have an additional 10 stories added – Total 30 story.  On the bottom left is the Chateau Dale Boutique Residence .    On the right you can see the Ripley’s Believe it or Not “Sky Rider”  – largest tethered air balloon ride -  Quite a view and what a wonderful clear day.

Ciao

5-Star Centara Grand Mirage – Pattaya

Sawadee Khrap

A friend asked me to help him with some photos and treated me to Centara Grand Mirage Beach Pattaya-1dinner with his manager at the Hotel.  WOW, what a place – or palace I should say .  Absolutely beautiful.  Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Hotel – Pattaya.  They were having a new Disco Party and he’s auditioning to be the photographer there.  I took my camera so I could get some shots of the facilities to post here._MG_0160_MG_0396_MG_0235-Edit_MG_0382

 

_MG_0175-Edit

Here is a slideshow of the shots I brought back – haven’t seen

******* SLIDESHOW *******

any that he took – maybe this weekend, as we are planning a photo trip to Nong Nooch Garden – just to get some shooting time in next week – I am going to help him with some tips on using Photoshop.

And for a bit to eat – try out their Oasis Restaurant – MAGNIFICENT.

Ciao

Trip to Ban Phe, Rayong – Koh Samet ferry

Sawadee Khrap

_MG_0464-EditDon and I took what we thought to be a small excursion to Rayong and then to Ban Phe – but it turned into a full day/night adventure. First the photo of the Ban Phe ferry station to Koh Samet and the adjoining Aquarium._MG_0432-Edit   The beach areas around here are really beautiful – a real secret and great place to swim and relax.  Excellent accommodations are available, ranging from the huge VIP Cond to smaller and cheaper spots from 350+Baht/night_MG_0477_MG_0504.  There is a park across the street and a small bar where our adventure started when my starter on the car failed._MG_0510_MG_0494   We were very fortunate to have made it this far and not broken down on the way, having stopped several time along the way to take photos and check out the local sights, and being automatic we could not push it to start.  This was about 4:00 PM – _MG_0530luckily, we found help – they call a tow truck, but this turned to be a major operation as they had to remove the front fiberglass bumper before they could tow it.  Home by 10:30PM  Total bill = 3,000Baht towing = 4,000 Baht repair (rebuild starter + new CVC joint in front end – might as well get it all repaired since it was in the shop)  7,000 Baht – that’s about $210 US.  Tow and repair  100+ KM    reasonable.   Next time more images  haha.

Ciao

Jay’s Dream ends – Lavender gone

Sawadee Khrap

IMG_0977Jay’s dream has ended. The Lavender sign is now smaller than the Sritokyo – back to the old owners.

Looking to book a room  – try the Lotus Hotel – Garden Bar or maybe the Chiang Mai Residence, both are gay or gay-friendly and excellent.  CM Residence just across the street from the Lavender so you are still close to Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Center and of course the Lotus across from Adam’s Apple Club.

Ciao

fang lagoon home stay – revisited

Sawadee Khrap

WOW EXCELLENT, (especially the food) – That sums up my stay at Fang Lagoon -  Khun May, Kla, Aew, and Emy  were wonderful. _MG_3057

_MG_3051   

 

 

 

 

 

I opted for the overnighter package – 3,500 Baht ($100) which included 2 massages, full time escort, four meals (check in lunch, evening dinner, breakfast, check out lunch) and private hut for sleeping.

These guys were great – I was pampered, pampered and PAMPERED.   After the each massage, I was given an outdoor Roman Style bath to remove the oil – lovely – I got a quick shot of them after they finished my shower – what a way to end a massage.

_MG_3116_MG_3069 _MG_3094

 

 

 

 

 

 

But then there is my favorite – FOOD – I have never tasted Thai food as good as what was served here – for example – dinner included:

_MG_3250_MG_3224 

 

 

 

 

 

 _MG_3242_MG_3243 

 

 

 

 

Tom Ka Kai soup – a blend of galangal, lemongrass, ginger, chicken, banana hearts and other spices in a coconut broth. – Amazing – every item was harvested that afternoon to make the dish – fresh, fresh, fresh – and so tasteful – All the herbs melted in your mouth and everything was editable – everything – even the galangal – which has always been like wood and un-editable – it has a wonderful taste.  Khun Emy is a excellent cook – Wow again – I will be back.

As I said almost all items are grown on the farm – coffee, fruits, herbs, and they also produce their own coconut oil for the massage.

_MG_3117

_MG_3220

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here the the oil is separating from the milk.

You have to make reservations and try at least a overnighter –

_MG_3120

And the country side is so relaxing – farming country – quite evenings – wake to the distant crow of a rooster. Only to be pampered again by your devoted escort. – Just imagine a 3 day stay – tour of the area and local National Park – check out the pricing – you’ll love it.

 

Ciao.

The Opening Show-one Seven Club

Sawadee Khrap

Pad and Bird sent me some shots of the Opening Show on the 17th – I thought you would like to see some of the boys – I think these are the dancers and Lanna fashion show – not sure if they will be there when you visit – but I am sure there will be some great looking young men when you do – I plan on visiting next week sometime and will let you know what I find – anyway here they are:

IMG_0360r-mod

IMG_0665r

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_0530r IMG_0538r

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_0606r IMG_0609r IMG_0613r IMG_0616r

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_0619r IMG_0621r IMG_0623r IMG_0625 IMG_0629r

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_0632r IMG_0636r IMG_0643r IMG_0645r IMG_0709r

 

 

 

 

Well that was just the show – imagine what will be there during normal business hours and I am told special student pricing – WOW

See you there: !!!

Ciao

club one seven

Sawadee Khrap

Just attended the Grand Opening of Club One Seven Chiang Mai and what a great setup.  Guesthouse and Spa-Gym.  wonderful for relaxing, meeting someone special, or just enjoying the special rooms and facilities.

ClubOneSevenCM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Located on the banks of the Ping River, 1km from the city center, is one of Chiang Mai’s hidden secrets. This 130 year old, Thai Teak Wood Guesthouse, newly refurbished, is off the usual tourist track, and is ideally positioned as a refuge and a base from which to discover the riches of Northern Thailand.

“Bird”  of Bird’s Asian Tours  is the manager – and guess who is working on the front desk – Tasanai.   Haven’t seen him since we split up in 2007  – it was really a surprise to see him there.

Check it out is you get a chance;

Ciao

Powerboys – Closed adam’s expands

Sawadee Khrap

Sad news – PowerBoys has closed and rumor is their looking for a new location to re-open as a smaller venue. – I’ll let you know as it happens

Lanna Lavender Hotel is going back to the original owners and not sure how this will play out – rumor has it that they intend to convert the old PowerBoys downstairs area and bar into a Disco – not sure what the Hotel will be called or cater.

The largest Gay Venue in Northern Thailand has closed, the fantasy has ended.

From what I can see  – Jay – fulfilled his fantasy and now it’s over.

 

Meanwhile, Adam’s Apple Club is expanding their offerings – Pizza and rumor later spaghetti.  But right now the Pizza has been excellent – fresh ingredients, thin crust and excellent taste. Served each evening and also local delivery  – nice

 Karaoke

—-  12:00 Am  – 6:00 AM  —–   after the featured boy show  the club is hosting a Karaoke evening.  With that sound system they have and the ability to add reverb and other sound effects to the microphone  – singers should finally sound pretty good – If you want to spend all night partying then this is the place to go.  Join the boys – of course it’s hosted.

Ciao