There is no escaping the massage in Thailand. And really, why would you want to? From Bangkok to Krabi, from Phi Phi to Chiang Rai, on the beach and in spas and even on the side of the road, this traveler has tried them all.
There are ample differnt types of massage avaliable in The Land of Smiles and over the last few months I have made it a personal mission to try them all. And because around the country there is a considerable variation from region to region and therefore no single routine, this experiment was all the more fun.
Thai Massage - A traditional massage technique used all over Thailand combining deep massage and stretching.
Ones first experience with a Thai Massage may not be what they think. Us Westerners have a concept of massage that does not exactly mesh with what one will experience in a Thai massage. However, after some twisting, pounding, slapping, stretching, light punching and pulling and a few yoga-like positions one will have been converted and the addiction will have begun. Most Thai Massages will cost between 150-400B and run between 1-2hrs.
Oil Massage - After a long hot day on the beach and maybe a few too many rays from the shining sun, a long soft Oil Massage is just the treat your body needs.
Similar to a Thai Massage there is the standard rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body; however the addition of sencent essential oils to the mix makes this massage pure heaven. Perfect for those who maybe more of a pinkish hue and not so much the golden brown they had hoped for. Oil massages will run between 200-400B for an hour.
Herbal Massage - Again a variation of the traditional Thai massage with a less aggressive approach and the use of heated herbal ball compresses this massage gives an all over sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. Herbal Massages cost between 200-500B per hour
Foot Massage - A classic. Who feet don't ache after walking for days in flip flops, carrying heavy packs into and out of buses, boats, trains, over rocks and beaches and maybe, even through jungles (it happens). The theory is simple but the practice is far more complex as a result of each part of the foot being linked to another, often distant, part of the body, including not just muscles but also to the vital organs. A good foot massage will erase that stomach ache, head ache, and even the dreaded hangover. Foot Massages will cost about 150-250B per hour. Usually they end with the short BONUS leg, shoulder and arm massage.
Head, Back and Shoulder Massage - Its just what it says. An hour of sheer relaxation focused on the upper body. Starting with a short foot and leg massage you will soon have all the tension relieved from your upper body and you can ask your masseuse to target trouble spots (those backpack straps & hard hostel pillows can cause wicked kinks sometimes). Then the party really gets going when you flip over and have the most amazing head massage you will ever know. Who would have thought that tugging on your hair and smacking your forehead would feel so fantastic. HBS Massages will cost about 150-300B per hour.
Face Massage - If I must suggest just one massage to try (but I do suggest you try them all!) this is it. A hour of hot cloths, herbs, cold cucumber strips and temple pressure takes any pain, stress, thought or worry floating away. With soft but firm fingers all tension is erased and your face will be aglow when all said and done. A Face Massages will cost between 200-500B for between 50 - 60 minutes.
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