Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting a Massage
Where & How Much
Any tourist area in southern Thailand will have many massage options. Most places are in
salon-looking air-conditioned shops with big reclining chairs for foot massages and mani-
cures/pedicures and another area for a row or two of mattresses with curtained partitions
for full body massages. Some shops also offer body scrubs and other spa services. Along
busy beaches you'll find sheltered, elevated platforms with rows of mattresses where you
can be pummelled in your swimsuit with a view of the sea. There may only be a masseuse
or two in more remote areas, but these independent practitioners tend to be more skilled
than those working in the big shops.
In general massages are most expensive near more posh resorts, but this isn't always the
case. Sometimes just walking a minute or two off the main drag or further down the beach
will yield lower prices. Expect to pay 200B to 500B for a one-hour Thai massage or foot
massage. Prices go up for additions like oil, aloe for sunburn, aromatherapy or hot herbal
compresses.
A more upscale option is to get a deluxe massage at an independent or resort spa. Prac-
titioners here tend to have more credentials than the street shop or beach masseuses al-
though that doesn't always mean that they're better. The real advantage here is the more
luxurious surroundings that may include beautiful views, trickling water and teak fur-
niture, a relaxing soundtrack, lots of pleasant smells and more privacy. At a spa you'll also
have a bevy of other services on offer from body wraps to flower baths and foot scrubs.
Massage prices at spas tend to start at around 1000B.
A foot massage begins with a foot bath and moisturising treatment before the practitioner strongly works
pressure points.
Check-in
On busier, sleazier beaches there may be a tout outside the salon hustling tourists by
crooning 'meestaa, want massage?' and you'll be called mister even if you're female; in
classier parts of town services are announced by a spa menu outside the door or perhaps a
group of giggling masseuses hanging out on the front step. If the practitioners are dressed
professionally, usually in matching uniforms, the place will probably be a straightforward
