Bangkok or Manila

Hey guys, I’m having a bit of an internal debate about where my money would be better spent for my next trip.

I’ve been going to Bangkok about three times a year for the past four years and always have a great time. But between the go-gos, nuru massages, and girly bars, I usually end up spending around $1,000 AUD for just one week.

On the other hand, I went to Makati once for work. I was there for only three days and checked out Burgos, but honestly, I was pretty confused. The red-light scene there is nothing like Bangkok—it felt like everyone was trying to scam me, and I couldn’t even figure out how to spend my money best because I didn’t really understand how things worked in Manila.

So yeah, I’m just looking for some advice. I’m planning my next trip and feeling torn between going back to Bangkok or giving Manila another shot.

Part of me is also thinking of challenging myself and going to Manila purely for dating—meeting girls on apps and seeing if I can hook up on the first night. But I also don’t understand the whole gifting thing etc. I’m not bad-looking and think I could pull it off, I’ve just gotten lazy with the whole punting lifestyle.

Anyway, would appreciate any insight or experiences you can share. Cheers.


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Good news. I think the answer to your question is in your own writing.

More good news. I'm an old fart with a face like a cracked crab. I am able to land in Manila and score a dating site girl on the first night.

If you enjoy the gogo bar scene and you obviously have good experiences there then it can be hard to branch out.

Each country has its own unique experience, it's not bangkok OR manila, it's both! Enjoy each country for the experience they offer. It's like you want the best Thai food, would you go to Thailand or Manila? Same for girls, if you want the Thai bar experience, then that is in Thailand. If you want a sweet girl that will give herself to you unconditionally for 24 hours, then that is in Philippines.

Maybe for yoru airfare you buy an open jaw fare. Fly SDY - MNL and return BKK-SYD. You buy your MNL-BKK fare when it suits you on your holiday.

You are right about what Philippines can offer you.

The vast majority of girls on dating sites know how it works. Be honest on your profile (I'm here for two weeks etc) and the right girls will be in contact.

I can have fun in Manila, Cebu, Angeles or Tacloban. Each place offers a uniquely different experience. But none of them are sukhimvit :)

So, go to both for that they are.

Hey thanks for the advice! I’m actually kind of sick of the gogo bar scene, which is why I’m now leaning more towards dating sites and find girls that are just willing to have a good time, go to bars and drink with me and end it in my hotel room for the night. Seems to me MNL might be the best place for this.

I hope I can get some more specific advice from you so I’ll send you a pm if that’s ok.


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You are on the right track. I would put less pressure on yourself and the need to have a girl to enjoy yourself. I've never slept along in Philippines in 10+ years of travel there.

a) be yourself and do the things you enjoy
b) expect girls will find you, seriously
c) open an online dating account a few days before you arrive.
d) prepare to answer generic questions with generic answers