Traditional Thai massage, Bangkok

There is no doubt that I have been converted to a weekly massage if I can remember to get round to it, a quick one hour instead of lunch, or a two hour belter after work when it has been a bit of a heavy slog in the office. "Traditional Thai massage" is the mid range stuff. The regular leg pulling, back walking, head jerking fiascoes. By nice lasses in clean rooms. You should be looking at no more than 250 - 300 THB for two hours and the sign will say "Traditional" or "Thai" massage.

For a weekend blow out treat job, where you go with your missus and you get "pampered" rather than sorted, you are looking for a "Spa". These are now springing up all over the city. We visit this one on Soi Lang Suan. Wherever you go do make sure the reception and decor is more upmarket, and check the facilities first... i.e. is it really a spa decked out with more tubs, beds and relaxing rooms for intermediate mud splattering and nail polishings (??!). Some "traditional" / regular massage joints are renaming themselves "Spa" to ride the bandwagon - so ask to see the facilities! There, I said it twice for effect. A reputable Spa will agree to your polite upfront enquiry.

Spa prices seem to be proportional to the number of times they smear cream and grit on your thighs, and how much fresh fruit they rub on your face. So there is little point me estimating what you will pay. But... The Marriott Royal Riverside Resort has a fabbo full day spa "couples package" (You bring the couple... you don't get coupled there if you are thinking naughty thoughts.) It's pricey at 5,000 THB plus. Though a great birthday gift and well worth it. Half a day plus of pampering full on. What a ponce I am.

If your port of massage call has an "aquatic name", the name of a Greek or Roman god, or a large poster of a long haired lass out the front, be prepared to encounter a Turkish bath. (Without any Turkish men in it.)

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Wat pho is one of the best place where you can learn thai general body massage, Thai foot massage, Thai aroma therapy massage at very affordable cost and the course which can fit in your schedule.

Wat pho is having all types of batches like morning 9 to 4 (one hour break for lunch). its a five days course. Or else you can choose from 6 days (5hrs daily) or 10 days (3 hrs daily) course as per your convinience.Different amount of fees for different type of course.
FOR GENERAL THAI BODY MASSAGE - 7000 BHAT
THERAPEUTIC AND HEALING MASSGE - 7000 BHAT
THAI FOOT MASSAGE - 5500 BHAT
OIL AND AROMATHERAPY - 5500 BHAT
INFANT AND CHILD MASSAGE - 3500 BHAT

They are having good facility of food in lunch time , unlimited food for 30 bhat only.

Neareby hotel is at phra athith , hotel sa was di inn which is situated near khao san road and boat station nearby is no 13. tha phra athit. I think the best way to go is by walking . I think its a 15 min walk from the hotel and you can enjoy bangkok while walking. Rent for the hotel is 350 bhat for day having good people at reception (very helpful).

At the institute you have to fill up admission form in the morning only with your passport xerox and two photo graphs and ofcourse full fees. Than they will give you the course material and tell you to meet your teacher. There are couple of teachers and they will select which teacher is good for you.

Both of my teacher are best For thai body massage Mr. SOM BAT and for foot massage Rungthep ryangu. They are very much coperative and kind.

You will get opportuinity to meet people from different countries too.

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After a hard day & restless body,walking,sightseeing & strolling down at Bangkok street, Thai traditional Massage can boost your energy back to life!!.Ancient Massage or Thai Massage is an extraordinary method of aligning the energies of the body, and originates from the time of the Buddha.The 2hrs full body massage from toe to finger tips & head, cost at 400Baht.Recommeded this place if you really appreciated being pamperd. Lovely done. I get myself snoring in the middle of the process ZZzzzzzz...hahaha.

Days before we're off to Bangkok, Tita Lu promised to treat us for a Thai Massage at a health spa. We were expecting some relaxation after spending a whole day of rigid shopping & we were on for a surprise! Thai massage involves lifting & extreme bendings. It felt like we were practically being folded into two! My joints cracked, my muscles thoroughly kneaded and my peace of mind stirred. But it was an experience worth having. I prefer aromatheraphy still.

Behind the Wat Pho temple, by the river, there is a school run by Wat Pho where you can learn the following massage courses: Thai Body Massage (30 hours Baht 7,000) , Foot Massage (30 hours, Baht 5,500). Oil and Aromatherapy Massage (30 hours Baht 5,500) and Therapeutic and Healing Massage (30 hours Baht 7,700). On the day you wish to start, go very early around 8AM to register. Classes are normally from 9AM to 4PM daily. Bring photocopy of your passport and 3 photographs 2" each. You will be assigned a teacher and a massage buddy. You can be in a group of 4 or 5 students per teacher. The teacher speaks English.

Imagine after a hard day work...er..i mean shopping and walking. =) There's someone massaging and soothing your tired muscles.
Isn't it great? =)

There are a few types of massage, most common ones are the Thai Massage or Aromatic Massage. For the former, if you have a low threshold for pain ( like me!!), pls request the masseur to go gently on you, it involves a lot of stretching of your limbs for Thai Massage. You would be surprised at how strong these Thai ladies are!!!

For Aromatic Massage, it's more gentle...no 'kong fu' involved definitely.

Prices for one session ranges from about 250 Thai Baht to 500 Baht.

Enjoy!

I didn't realize that Thai massages are very "hard", and I asked for a very strong massage. My god. This place is open 9a-24:00. 1 hour massage is 140B. This place was cheap, decent, clean. Just a bit crowded.

(date visited - Feb. 11, 2004)

My Japanese friend Hiroto has a Thai friend who's working in this spa clinic and we were able to see the rooms.

Sikhara Spa - too expensive but it is really relaxing and the ambience is really magnificent!!!

Treatment Menu Massage:
1. Back Massage - 30 minutes
2. Thai Massage - 50/110 mins.
3. Indonesian Massage - 50/80 mins.
4. Hawaii Massage - 50/80 mins.
5. Sport Massage - 50/80 mins.
6. Aromatehrapy massage - 50/80 mins
7. Reflexology massage - 50 mins.
8. Thai Herbal massage - 80 mins.
9. Firming and Anticellulite massage - 50 mins.

Body Treatment:
1. Aroma Salt Scrub - 50 mins.
2. Fresh Coconut Body Scrub - 45 mins.
3. Tamarind Body Scrub - 45 mins.
4. Honey & Sesame Seeds Rub - 50 mins.
5. Mud Body Mask - 50 mins.
6. Cucumber Wrap - 45 mins.
7. Bath Tab - 30 mins.

Facial Treatment:
1. Pro-collagen Facial Treatment - 55 mins
2. Whitening Facial Treatment - 55 mins
3. Revitalizing Facial Treatment - 55 mins
4. Lifting and Anti-Wrinkle Facial -80 mins
5. Siam Honey Facial Treatment - 55 mins
6. Deep Cleansing Facial Treatment - 55mins.