Traditional Thai Massage

Visitors to Thailand should include traditional Thai massage, also called 'ancient massage' (Nuat Phaen Boran), on their things-to-do list. However, those having sensitive muscles may prefer to abstain.

The traditional Thai massage helps release blocked channels of energy and alleviates jet lag experienced by newly-arrived travelers. Be aware that not every place advertising Thai massage services offers a traditional Thai massage.

Massages in Bangkok come in many variations, ranging from traditional Thai 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, blink masseurs give the best traditional Thai massage. Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple, is most renowned for its traditional Thai massage. A massage here costs 90 THB per half hour or 150 THB per hour.

Visitors can also get similar services at the highly-praised 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 Center (located at Wat Pho) which offers a thirty-hour traditional Thai massage course.