Massage in Thailand is sometimes solely associated with sexual services, but this is only a partial truth. There are many varied ways of massage, and there are distinct categories. There is the traditional Thai massage, with its recent add-ons of oil massage, and reflexology (foot massage). There are the mostly upmarket and flashy massage parlours. An altogether different segment are the spa health retreats and resorts. Thai massage in general (though not the massage parlours) is now actively promoted, and certainly the spa resorts are proliferating and likely doing good business.
Thai Traditional Massage
Not that many years ago one had to travel through town to rearch a suitable place for a traditional massage. Some places were providing male blind masseurs, besides masseuses (with normal eyesight). Nowadays, you will find traditional massage venues at almost every street corner. Most places are small, with about 5-10 almost exclusively female staff. The venues are clean but not overly fashionable. Massages are given in a common room, with curtains in between customers. The recommended time for a massage is 2 hours. This is now mostly priced at 300 baht, but your should give a tip of 50-100 baht to the massage girl separately.
Hardly any Thai people themselves use these services, and you will only see Westerners and Asian people from outside Thailand. Strangely enough, though traditional massage has nothing to do with sex, very few females seem to be interested in getting the service. To open a massage venue, the masseuses need to be certified (at least some will be). Many girls will claim to have learned their profession at Wat Pho, although that is very doubtful. There is one easy way to figure out whether someone has been trained properly. At the beginning of the massage (which starts at the legs), the masseuse will pressure your femoral arteries both sides for about 15-30 seconds. If done properly, you will feel your arteries pumping vigorously against the girl's wrist. If this does not happen, it means they are not capable to find the proper location, and just pressure in the vicinity.
Thai traditional massage is quite different from massage you will mostly get in expensive massage places in the West. It is based on 'pressure points', and a lot of stretching. If you are not used to it, some treatments might be painful. They will ask you from time to time how it all feels, but if you feel pain, you should tell them. Once you have done it a few times, it will all be more comfortable, since you will be used to the stretching of your tendons and ligaments.
Unfortunately a lot of time is spent on the legs (probalby dating from the time most people did a lot of walking). Then the arms are massaged. The last and most pleasurable part of the massage will concentrate on your back and neck. Lightly built girls will walk all over you and massage you with their heels. When they make you sit up, they will probably want to crack your spine. If you are uncomfortable with this (I am), you should tell them. Body language will usually be understood, and some of the girls will ask you whether they can do it. Never heart about any problem with this, but I am apprehensive about it. After all, the masseuses are not exactly chiropractors.
Whether the girls are fully qualified and certified or not, overall it is a good experience, recommend to all visitors to Thailand.
Traditional Thai Massage outlets have proliferated throughout Bangkok. Close to where we live, in soi 23 of Sukhumvit Road, there are at least 10 different venues, all small in size. When you walk down the street, you will be invited to enter, since there are always some masseuses seated outside to woe potential customers. Soi 19 Sukhumvit Road has also a few venues at the beginning of the soi.
(traditional massage subdirectory)
Over the past few years, most massage places, will now also offer oil massage and reflexology. Reflexology could simple be called foot massage. For a full hour you will get attention concentrated solely on your feet and lower legs. So if you had a long day of sightseeing, it may look very appealing. Prices are at about 250 baht for an hour.
Oil massage is more highly priced than traditional Thai massage at about 300-400 baht per hour. It is a different kind of massage alltogether. You have to take off all of your clothes (for traditional massage, you are given a pijama outfit). There may be some tradional massage added to it, but oil massage mostly consists of gently rubbing the skin all over your body. As it turns out, as you are male and in the nude, the masseuse girl will at the end most likely ask you whether you need some 'special' massage. She might be be disappointed if you decline this offer.
Massage parlours are another thing altogether. Most of them cater actually to well-off Thai customers, though some places also cater to tourists and foreigners. Prices are high, usually 2,000 baht or upwards. Many times, the service has to be paid up front, and you are supposed to give a tip to the girl on top of the price mentioned.
Massage parlours, mostly, are just a cover up for high-end prostitution.
There are usually four stages involved in the massage. You get washed in a bathtub. After that you will many times be offered a body-to-body massage, then some general Thai massage on the massage bed, and further.
I forgot to mention : When you enter a massage parlour, a large group of girls will be seated behing an one-way glass window. So you can choose the girl of your liking. I understand the seating arrangement behind the glass is not random. Experienced and newer girls will be seated at different locations. You can certainly ask the person accompanying you on your sightseeing, about the particulars.
Spa resorts are all the rage at the moment. It seems like a new one is opening every week somewhere in Thailand. They mostly offer a variety of massage and spa treatments. You really will get pampered at these resorts, but off course, mostly the prices for treatment and accommodation will be high. See our 'spas' section for locations, and services rendered.
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