Getting Hot and Steamy in Chiang Mai

This time we don’t mean rainy season! But for those who like it hot and steamy, we’re happy to report that in the last year Chiang Mai has seen a 100% increase in the number of gay saunas in and around town.  Quite encouraging after the old icon that was Sparoma closed down last year.

Firstly, Freeman sauna opened.  A new, if somewhat small, facility upstairs from the Free Guy go-go/host bar, off Chang Puek Road behind the Mecure hotel.  Freeman offers  Suana, Steam room and dark room as well as a massage service by the professional “Free Guys”.  Well, they ain’t free, but some are quite cute as the bar specialises in that Thai Twink look.  The sauna is open all night on Friday and Saturday nights for that after bar fun too.  For more information: www.freemansauna.freeguy-club.com

Another newbie on the block is Club One Seven.  Famous for its large Sauna complex in downtown Singapore and more recently it’s guest house in Phuket, Club one Seven has recently opened a new location in Chiang Mai.  Situated in an old Lanna style teak house on the banks of the Ping River south of the city centre Club One Seven offers a gay friendly guest house as well as Sauna and spa facility.  If you don’t find what you want here it’s right across from the One 2 Come massage venue so you should never leave disappointed.  Our friend Frank was at the opening patty and took some great pictures.  www.asiancoop.com For more details see the Club One Seven Website

Nagaraj is a well established Sauna, Gym and massage out to the east of the city near Big C superstore.  Nagaraj is more of a Thai venue but nonetheless very popular; probably one of Chiang Mai’s best kept gay secrets as most Farang are too lazy, or apprehensive to venture out that far.  The Gym is frequented by many of CM’s most beautiful guys seeking that body beautiful (including many of the cast from Circle Pub).  For more information see theNagaraj website We understand the Massage service is very professional too.

Last but not least is the venerable House of Male, located behind the Kad Suan Kaew shopping centre.  Still the most popular sauna for the Farang crowd with a good Thai attendance too, even if the poolside can look like a scene from the senior citizens rest home at times.  Like Club One Seven, House of Male is located in a lanna style teak house, with large pool, steam room, gym, bar and lots of cruisy nooks and crannies as well as the large darkroom upstairs.  Tuesday and Thursday nights is “Buddy Night” (two admissions for the price of one) very popular with both Thais and their Farang admirers.