Isan Info

[American Teacher]

I’m planning my first trip to Isan and will be staying in Udon Thani. Does anyone know if there is a gay scene there? If there isn’t anything official, I’d love any suggestions on things to do in the area, whether gay-related or not. Looking forward to exploring and would appreciate any tips or recommendations!

Thanks!
-AT
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[Gaybutton]

I’m planning my first trip to Isan and will be staying in Udon Thani. Does anyone know if there is a gay scene there?

Virtually nothing. The last time I was there only one gay bar existed. It wasn't worth the bother. It was in a shop house, had 3 customers, and no boys at all. If you want to find boys in Udon you'll either need to meet by chance or try the apps.

As far as things to do in Udon, in my opinion the only reason I would go back to Udon at all would be because it's a good jumping off point if you want to go to Vientiane or anywhere else in Lao.

You would really need to have a Thai friend who comes from Udon to take you to places worth seeing and doing. I did have two close Thai friends in Udon. To me none of the places they took me to were worth it. Of course, I didn't tell them that, but I had to pretend I was enjoying it. Visiting my friends was the only part of my time there that I enjoyed.

Others may have a different opinion, but that's mine.

I suggest checking this web site. If these things interest you, you'll enjoy it. If not, I'd find somewhere else to go:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions ... vince.html

[Dodger]

Ditto what GB said about there being no gay scene in UT.

My last trip to that area was 5 years ago when they started offering cheap flights from Utapao Airport to UT - so things may have changed since then.

Nothing of interest (to me anyway) in UIT, although I had a great time in Nong Khai which is one hour north of UT.

Nong Khai straddles the Mekong River and is a major crossing point to Lao (Freedom Bridge). Great scenery along the river...cheap boat rides along the Mekong...one of the largest night markets in all of northern Thailand...lots of eye-candy and SMILES as one would expect. Don't recall any gay bars in NK, but plenty of cute Indian boys running around out in the boonies eager to tote your backpack for you. I had a ball.

If by chance you visit NK you may want to checkout Mut Mee Guesthouse on the river if it's still there. I plan a return trip one day.

Have a great trip!

[Gaybutton]

Actually the best time to go to Nong Khai this year is Thursday, October 17. That is the end of Buddhist Lent and is also the date the Naga Fireballs phenomenon will occur. It is an incredible, not to be missed sight and so far nobody has figured out what causes it or why the date is so predictable.

If you want to experience it, the best time to make hotel reservations is now. If you wait very long all the hotels, even the hotels in Udon Thani, will be full - no vacancies. You would also need to arrive at your observation site by around noon. Any later and the traffic jam will be huge to a standstill. But it's a long wait - the fireballs don't start happening until after dark.

If it were me, traveling without my own transportation, I would use the apps and try to find a boy or guide in Nong Khai who could set up everything for you - hotel and transportation - and get you to and from a good observation site.

These videos give an idea of what it's like but neither of them really do justice for what you would see.

[Dodger]

Actually the best time to go to Nong Khai this year is Thursday, October 17. That is the end of Buddhist Lent and is also the date the Naga Fireballs phenomenon will occur. It is an incredible......

Great recommendation.

I'm tempted to go back myself now.

[Gaybutton]

I'm tempted to go back myself now.

I hope you do. It's a difficult day to get through, but once those fireballs start rising I think you'll agree it is well worth it. It is an experience I will never forget.

By the way, if you want to eat or drink, take your food and water with you. Where I was no vendors were there. Fortunately, a restroom was there . . .

[Jun]

I visited Udon Thani last year. There is one small gay bar, which is Bee Boy bar. They had about 3~4 boys.
On an earlier trip, I visited a small gay sauna which was near the railway line. I have no idea if it's still open.
I stayed at The Old Inn on both trips.

[Gaybutton]

I visited Udon Thani last year. There is one small gay bar, which is Bee Boy bar. They had about 3~4 boys.
On an earlier trip, I visited a small gay sauna which was near the railway line. I have no idea if it's still open.
I stayed at The Old Inn on both trips.

I just did a Google search for "gay sauna Udon Thani" Three are listed as open. Bee Boy Bar shows "permanently closed".

If the saunas are any good, they might be the places to try. Does anyone know if a decent number of boys go to those saunas and if they show any interest in meeting farang?

[Jun]

The sauna I visited some years ago had customers you could count on 1 hand. They also weren't what I look for and thankfully such thoughts were reciprocal.