Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sports & Activities
Seen all the big sights? Eaten enough pàt tai for a lifetime? When
you're done soaking it all in, consider some of Bangkok's more active pursuits.
Massage and spa visits are justifiably a huge draw, but the city is also home to
some great guided tours and courses, the latter in subjects ranging from Thai
cookery to meditation.
Spas & Massage
According to the teachings of traditional Thai healing, the use of herbs and massage should
be part of a regular health-and-beauty regimen, not just an excuse for pampering. You need
no excuse to get a massage and it's just as well, because Bangkok could mount a strong
claim to being the massage capital of the world. Exactly what type of massage you're after
is another question. Variations range from store-front traditional Thai massage to an indul-
gent 'spa experience' with service and style. And even within the enormous spa category
there are many options: there's plenty of pampering going around but some spas now focus
more on the medical than the sensory, while plush resort-style spas offer a menu of appeal-
ing treatments.
The most common variety is traditional Thai massage
(nôo·at păan boh·rahn).
Although
it sounds relaxing, at times it can seem more closely related to Thai boxing than to shiatsu.
Thai massage is based on yogic techniques for general health, which involve pulling,
stretching, bending and manipulating pressure points. If done well, a traditional massage
will leave you sore but revitalised.
Full-body massages usually include scented balms or herbal compresses. Note that 'oil
massage' is sometimes taken as code for 'sexy massage'. A foot massage is arguably (and
it's a strong argument) the best way to treat the leg-weariness of sightseeing.
Depending on the neighbourhood, prices for massages in small parlours are 200B to
350B for a foot massage and 300B to 500B for a full-body massage. Spa experiences start
at about 800B and climb like a Bangkok skyscraper.
Jogging & Cycling
Lumphini Park (
Click here
)
and Benjakiti Park (
Click here
)
host early-morning and late-
evening runners.
