Spa Hopping Bangkok Style

From its verdant pristine beaches and islands to its beautiful wats or Buddhist temples, Thailand has much to offer. And while diving, snorkelling and Muay Thai have their own space in the list of things to do in Thailand, nothing beats a traditional Thai massage. A word of caution here though, if you’re thinking slick oil, incense sticks and soothing strokes, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Thai massages, despite their genesis in Ayurveda, Indian philosophy, and Chinese medicine, believe in giving the body a serious jolt and for that reason alone are not for the faint hearted.

In case you’re headed to Bangkok for business or pleasure or even to attend the Asia-Pacific International Congress on Engineering & Natural Sciences (APICENS 2013) between April 16 and 18, getting a traditional Thai massage can be a great way to relax yourself after a long day at the conference or an adventurous sightseeing trip.

What to Expect

A Thai massage is the ultimate remedy for those sore and knotted muscles that are giving you so much trouble. But taking one means being prepared for some serious arm twisting, thwacking and pummelling. You will be expected to lie on a mat on the floor and the masseur will, in all likelihood, use his or her hands, elbows, feet and knees to massage you. Since it is almost a kind of passive yoga, the masseur may also ask you to inhale and exhale at certain points for the ultimate relaxing experience. The massage usually focuses on your pressure points, muscle compression and flexibility. Wearing loose comfortable clothes for the session is recommended.

Where to Get a Traditional Thai Massage?

There is no dearth of massage parlours in Bangkok, you’ll find one at every nook and corner. Most luxury hotels have their own spas and can provide you with a unique experience that combines not just a relaxing massage but a taste of Thailand’s famous hospitality as well. For a traditional experience, head to one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks – Wat Pho, which also runs a traditional Thai massage school. Those interested can enrol for a 30-hour (five-day) rigorous program where they teach you all the nuances of a traditional massage.

Spa Alternatives

In case you’ve realised that a typical Thai massage isn’t exactly your cup of tea, head to one of the amazing spas in Bangkok (such as those at Spa Intercontinental, So Thai Spa and Sofitel So Spa) where you can opt for any one of the other alternative medicinal and healing treatments that are becoming so popular here. These include aromatherapy sessions, yoga, pilates and meditation.

Slippery Affairs

While on your spa sojourn, be warned that even though there are enough and more authentic spas and massage parlours in the city, there is also no dearth of places that use massages as a cover up for other seedy deals. So use your instincts in case you do not have a verified list to fall back on and avoid places that are off the beaten track, sticking to the well-known and reputed spas and parlours.

While in Bangkok also consider quick getaways to Pattaya and Phuket nearby and don’t forget to book your tickets in advance for more savings.