IJ Case 10: Chakran, Bangkok

I deliberately wanted to avoid Babylon. Only because 'been there, been that.' =) so the next on the list of recommendations was chakran. i was scared at first that i wouldnt be able to find it, while riding a cab with a driver who didnt understand english. but when i got the road right, i immediately knew i was in the right place, with cute thai PLU's milling around another cab right outside.

it's smaller than babylon but had a warmer feel to it. i heard that mostly locals frequent the place. though i did see some foreigners (whites) around. though smaller, it was still spacious and multi-level. it was afternoon when i went there so people were few. on the average, some of the clients are actually quite attractive, some were buffed. it even had a gym where the clients were ACTUALLY working out. not like some of the saunas i know in manila. hehe

the layout of the place is nice. at the ground level, is the outdoor pool, flanked by structures on three sides (the main building, with the room-maze and gym, the cafe (actually more like a verandah by the pool, and the wet floors area (separate). the wet floor itself has a semi-outdoor layout, with a jacuzzi behind a divider and the maze-steam on the left and the dry sauna on the right. showers at the back complete the area.

i just found the steam room TOO dark. i couldn't go around because i couldnt see. most saunas are like these actually. which is why i welcome sanctuario in malate. the steam room gets natural light and the walls lining the maze are punctured with holes (glory???)

i went there on 'underwear or speedo day'. so my poor underwear was soaking wet. everybody was walking around in underwear. by 7pm, i noticed that the jacuzzi area was closed off, and it was filled with foam! there was a FOAM PARTY!!! but clients have to be stripped naked to enter the area. that was fun! first time for me to be immersed in a pool with foam and bubbles all around. it was a QAF scene!!!

i was spotted immediately by an attractive local. (he saw me first. hehe) and at the steam room, he made known his interest. he was my companion the entire time. and we had a good time chatting.... but it was very difficult trying to understand him. they really have a poor command of the english language.

"you should ohder dewiwery..."

"huh" de-what?"

"dewiwery... like piza (sic)"

"OOOH. DELIVERY!"

nevertheless he had some nice stories to tell. and it as hot. we got on twice that time. hehehe.

would i recomm this over babylon? hmmm. you need to visit both if you're in the area! and sharpen your listening skills as you talk to the locals.. it is quite a challenge.