Traditional Thai Massage
Visitors to Thailand should include traditional Thai massage, also call "ancient massage" (Nuat Phaen Boran in Thai), on their things-to-do list. However, those having sensitive muscles may prefer to abstain. The massage helps release blocked channels of energy and alleviates jet lag experienced by newly-arrived travelers. Be aware that not every place advertising massage services offers a traditional Thai massage.
Massage in Bangkok come in many variations, ranging from traditional massage to the "modern" or "physical" massages with lots of soap-suds and seductive body contact. They also range from joint-breaking pulls and pushes to gentle muscle kneading. According to Thai massage aficionados, blind massages give the best traditional massage.
Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple, is most renowned for its traditional massage. A massage here costs 90 baht per half an hour or 150 baht per hour. Visitors can also get similar services at the highly-praissed Oriental Hotel but at a much higher price tag. Many hotels in Bangkok also offer legitimate massage services. If time permits, visitors may also want to learn about traditional Thai massage at the Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Centre (at Wat Pho) which offers a thirty-hour Thai massage course.
