Phuket Thailand - Going back again and feeling like a Newbie

aussie mike · #1 26-04-2008, 09:50

Hey! This is my first post. Stumbled across this forum 6 weeks ago while booking my 6th holiday to Thailand. I must say I have become rather addicted to logging on and reading all the threads, so much so that I decided to register and participate myself.
A lot has changed for me since my first trip to Thailand in 1997. I'm 11 years older, I can't and don't drink as much as I used to and would like to, and I'm a bit wiser to the ways of the World of Thailand. However for all its faults and differences I find holidaying elsewhere boring in comparison, and a lot more expensive.
I've never been to a 'massage parlour' and nor have I ST TG's (doesn't suit my personality). I have on occasion though enjoyed the LT company of a beerbar girl, but I've found I don't really like waking up with them in the mornings. It can be complicated and there is always the danger of becoming emotionally involved (for me anyway-I speak from first trip experience).
However rather than abstaining altogether I thought maybe I should try a 'soapie' from an establishment such as Annies at Bangkok or Sabbie dee at Pattaya. I've got a pretty good idea what to expect from reading this forum. I do feel though rather awkward when it comes to tipping and I know its expected. Do i tip directly to the girl or when I pay the bill, when do I tip and how much etc.
Any suggestions, advice, or comments from all of the above is much appreciated.
Cheers in advance. I leave in 2 weeks on the 11th May for 4 days in Bangkok followed by 6 days in Pattaya and getting very excited.

easyrider_au · #2 26-04-2008, 10:19

Firstly Mike, welcome to the board.

So far as tipping massage girls goes...I usually do it after the service & tip them in the room before leaving.
Many people will tell you various tip amounts....as a rule of thumb in a soapie where I'm paying 1600-2000 for the full service, I usually tip em 200b.

Just remember...those girls ya see cleaning & working in ya hotel, work long hours, 6 days a week for 200b a day.(just a comparison)

Enjoy trip no.6.

MrDK · #3 26-04-2008, 11:12

Welcome to the board Mike.

Not falling for these girls can be hard, and the will help making it harder.
In the morning the only things that should be on your mind (if you are not looking for a GFE or relationship) are how intensely you should kiss her goodbye and your plans for the next evening will be.

As for tipping, never let others give the girl the tip you intend her to have, they might think it's for them. Just slip it under the purse in the room (this includes all compensation when concluding an LT).

Nicke · #4 26-04-2008, 12:24

I never gave tip to a girl at MP, but I usually give 20-40 baht at bars and restaurants. But MPs is not really for me either, I found normal BGs to be much more fun. Its however worth to try atleast once for the experience IMHO.

TanMan · #5 26-04-2008, 12:34

Three pieces of advice from me, although I am not an MP type person and have only been a few times, but I know several people in Bangkok that go weekly:

1. Go early. Late afternoon or early evening, when the girls are still "fresh".
2. You get 2 full hours in the room, so you don't have to leave after your first "happy ending". Order a beer, relax, and decide what you want to do next.. assuming you still have time on the clock
3. Tips are for a "superior" performance or experience. Whatever that means to you.

Nicke · #6 26-04-2008, 12:48

I think its 90 minutes Tanman but what I have heard is some girls is pushing it and leaving even well before that time is out. E.g. after 45-60 minutes.

TanMan · #7 26-04-2008, 12:48

Oh, I forgot:

4. Leave a little something (20-40 baht) on the massage table for the person that has to clean up the room afterwards...

TanMan · #8 26-04-2008, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

I think its 90 minutes Tanman but what I have heard is some girls is pushing it and leaving even well before that time is out. E.g. after 45-60 minutes.

Whoops, you're right. I misspoke in haste. Most are 90 minutes, at least most of the ones in Bangkok. You can by a greater block of time it should be noted as well...

Regarding, the girls trying to shorten the time... Yes, I have heard it can be a problem, but the guys I know have lived in Bangkok for years, and always confirm the total time limit up front when they pay for the room at the cashier. The girls probably try the shorter time trick on newbies...

My first time, I left after 60 minutes because I didn't know any better...

MrDK · #9 26-04-2008, 13:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by TanMan

Whoops, you're right. I misspoke in haste. Most are 90 minutes, at least most of the ones in Bangkok. You can by a greater block of time it should be noted as well....

There are several that are 2 hours in Bangkok. Utopia is 2 hours from the main bowl and 90 minutes from the upstairs model stage. IIRC Annie's is also 2 hours.

JayBee · #10 26-04-2008, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussie mike

I've never been to a 'massage parlour' and nor have I ST TG's (doesn't suit my personality). I have on occasion though enjoyed the LT company of a beerbar girl, but I've found I don't really like waking up with them in the mornings. It can be complicated and there is always the danger of becoming emotionally involved (for me anyway-I speak from first trip experience).

1. If you've never been to a real massage parlor, try it. Nothing better for you than a good traditionalThai massage, IMHO. Typical price is 300 or 400 Baht for 2 hours. You tip after getting the massage, before or after paying at the desk, as you like. I tip 40 Baht. Had one girl tell me I was cheap, but it only cost her and the other girls there my daily business, as there is no shortage of massage parlors, and that one was not a busy one, more often than not, it was empty. Too bad for her mates.

2. Don't care for ST myself, as a rule. But there are those odd nights when you're a bit horny, but would just as soon sleep alone, get a good night's sleep and not be bothered with morning awkwardness. At times like that, i head for the beach, when in Pattaya, because I would not want to be bothered with BF, bar bill, and paying 1000 for ST. Beach girls are 500 Baht ST, no bar bill, no BF, no meals to pay for. Short, sweet, and to the point!

3. LT with BG or gogo girl can be complicated with the danger of emotional involvement, but, hey, sex is much better when your emotions get involved. It is called passion. If you don't want emotion, then stick with ST. Perhaps, the soapie parlor will be your cup of tea. I like emotion. I like drama. It is living life to the fullest. Makes life so much more interesting!

Patrs · #11 27-04-2008, 01:07

Well for me those MP are a common fixture during my vacation. Every day after brunch I go and get my 2hrs oil massage. I've yet to try a soapie.
The rule for me is, a combination of LT and ST does the trick. ST late in the afternoon and LT after a night of partying.

jingjai1 · #12 27-04-2008, 12:21

Soapy, Soapy, Soapy... If you find the right girl, it the bomb.
Pick the wrong girl and it's just not the same.

You wanna make sure the place has those fitness matresses for the true soapy treatment.

I've never been to a soapy in Phuket, but there's a dozen good ones in Bangkok.

Jack23 · #13 27-04-2008, 12:45

Hey Mike

The experience in a Massage Palour depends on a number of factors, get em right and you'll be in heaven...With your new found knowledge (from this board) I'm sure you'll choose the right girl and tip the right amount.

Chok Dee krup

banditx · #14 27-04-2008, 17:04

In my limited experience of "soapies" you pay in advance before going to the room with the girl. So the best place to pay a tip to the girl in the room.

This then raises another dilemma, do you give the tip at the start in anticipation of an excellent time or do you give it at the end having received an excellent time?