Massage - What City Has The Best?

[PaulUSA302]

When I first came to Thailand, I was a bit shy to try the massage. It is easy to tell that massage is a very popular business offering in the land of smiles. I did not get a massage when I was in Bangkok or Pattaya, but when I was in Chiang Mai, it was a different story. I had 2 hours to kill before I was to leave for the airport and had nothing to do. I was reading the Hotels reference information when I came across the massage service. It said all I need to do is call the front desk and they will take care of the rest.

I called the front desk and asked for a massage and 15 minutes later there was a knock at my door. I remember that being the best massage I had ever received. It was non-sexual and very professional. Since that massage I have tried getting a massage everywhere I travel to. So far I found Chiang Mai to be one of the best places to get a massage from and I found Phuket to be my least favorite.

I am wondering what some of your opinions are?

[britmaveric]

Pattaya, but more about the person giving the massage than the place.

[cdnvic]

No city is any better than another. Asking where to get the best massage in Thailand is like asking who makes the best burger in the US. Everyone will have their own opinion, but it all comes down to the individual.

If you don't mind spending a few extra dollars then hit one of the luxury spas up north in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai as they employ some excellent massueses. The touristy spots tend to get you a lot of run-of-the-mill types.

[Goshawk]

When I first came to Thailand, I was a bit shy to try the massage. It is easy to tell that massage is a very popular business offering in the land of smiles. I did not get a massage when I was in Bangkok or Pattaya, but when I was in Chiang Mai, it was a different story. I had 2 hours to kill before I was to leave for the airport and had nothing to do. I was reading the Hotels reference information when I came across the massage service. It said all I need to do is call the front desk and they will take care of the rest.

I called the front desk and asked for a massage and 15 minutes later there was a knock at my door. I remember that being the best massage I had ever received. It was non-sexual and very professional. Since that massage I have tried getting a massage everywhere I travel to. So far I found Chiang Mai to be one of the best places to get a massage from and I found Phuket to be my least favorite.

I am wondering what some of your opinions are?

What a ridiculous question to ask..!?!!?!?!!

Massage's don't differ that much from one town to another.... dear me.. some posters !

[jetjock]

No city is any better than another. Asking where to get the best massage in Thailand is like asking who makes the best burger in the US. Everyone will have their own opinion, but it all comes down to the individual.

If you don't mind spending a few extra dollars then hit one of the luxury spas up north in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai as they employ some excellent massueses. The touristy spots tend to get you a lot of run-of-the-mill types.

I agree totally with cdnvic. I get a massage everyday I am in Thailand and I have had good ones and bad ones in every city I have been in so it has nothing to do with the city and everything to do with the individual. I think that good massage at a reasonable price is one of the national treasures of Thailand.

[britmaveric]

Find a masseuse you like and stick with them.

[PaulUSA302]

You people don't think there is a difference in style or action in a massage related to the region? I am told some foods are better in certain regions where some are known for their soups or rice dishes...

For me I find Chiang Mai to have a certain something...... I have gotten a good massage in Bangkok and it turned out that they were from Chiang Mai.

Now my friend tells me that if you are in the USA you should get your hamburgers in Texas. Their burgers are 100% pure and uncut beef as ordered by law.

[cdnvic]

Now my friend tells me that if you are in the USA you should get your hamburgers in Texas. Their burgers are 100% pure and uncut beef as ordered by law.

Yes but Montana or Alberta beef has a higher fat content so it's generally more flavourful.

It's in the eye (or the back/feet/thighs) of the beholder. Your own preferences and luck of the draw will have more to do with it.

[sriracha john]

Now my friend tells me that if you are in the USA you should get your hamburgers in Texas. Their burgers are 100% pure and uncut beef as ordered by law.

Texas beef..... grass-fed.... :D

Midwest black angus beef..... corn-fed

see? this turned out to be a good thread, afterall....

Edited February 12, 2007 by sriracha john

[cdnvic]

Now my friend tells me that if you are in the USA you should get your hamburgers in Texas. Their burgers are 100% pure and uncut beef as ordered by law.

Texas beef..... grass-fed.... Midwest black angus beef..... corn-fed

New Zealand beef out-does them all though I hate to say. (I'm persona-non-grata in Alberta now I bet).

[PaulUSA302]

So.... You guys have opinions about beef but have no opinion on regional massage styles?

Oh, I did get a massage in Pattaya at the Blind Massage School.... I think the massage'er was peeking! And it was not very memorable... Other than the watch the had that would announce the time out loud... "The time is.... Eleven, Oh, four... AM"

Now my friend tells me that if you are in the USA you should get your hamburgers in Texas. Their burgers are 100% pure and uncut beef as ordered by law.

Yes but Montana or Alberta beef has a higher fat content so it's generally more flavourful.

It's in the eye (or the back/feet/thighs) of the beholder. Your own preferences and luck of the draw will have more to do with it.

[cdnvic]

I think the beef analogy just shows that everyone has a different opinion so it's near impossible to pin down the best massages to any one area as everyone has different answers.

[westcoastnative]

When I first came to Thailand, I was a bit shy to try the massage. It is easy to tell that massage is a very popular business offering in the land of smiles. I did not get a massage when I was in Bangkok or Pattaya, but when I was in Chiang Mai, it was a different story. I had 2 hours to kill before I was to leave for the airport and had nothing to do. I was reading the Hotels reference information when I came across the massage service. It said all I need to do is call the front desk and they will take care of the rest.

I called the front desk and asked for a massage and 15 minutes later there was a knock at my door. I remember that being the best massage I had ever received. It was non-sexual and very professional. Since that massage I have tried getting a massage everywhere I travel to. So far I found Chiang Mai to be one of the best places to get a massage from and I found Phuket to be my least favorite.

I am wondering what some of your opinions are?

I was amazed that for 650 bht I could get 2 hours of the most invigorating massages I had ever had

in my life. Here in the States I would have to pay around US$120.00 or around 4200 bht for that same massage.

[britmaveric]

650bht - ouch you over paid.

[PaulUSA302]

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! PEFECT! That is what I wanted... Different opinions. I wanted others to share their thoughts because I know what my thoughts are hehehehe.. And although you guys can't form an opinion, I have and it may come in handy for you all at some point. I am of the opinion that Chiang Mai has a very appealing style in massage. I know that another person could get the same massage and not like it one bit...

For me, it is fun to read your posts.... And lets pretend that one person says they like to get a massage in Phuket but just when you think it is at its best the massage'er either puts their elbow or knee directly on the spine causing mega'discomfort. Then when I happen to be getting a massage in Phuket and begin to feel an elbow or knee on my spine I may remember the board and what was said... Maybe it would have been helpful.. Maybe not...

Forgive me guys... I just wanted to talk to you guys and kinda get to know you all..... (in the background, sad music is playing) ....... Kicks can while walking to another post.... Head held down low....

I think the beef analogy just shows that everyone has a different opinion so it's near impossible to pin down the best massages to any one area as everyone has different answers.

[PaulUSA302]

I promised myself that when I come back, I will try a 4 hands massage.... I only hope I don't chicken out! LOL

I was amazed that for 650 bht I could get 2 hours of the most invigorating massages I had ever had

in my life. Here in the States I would have to pay around US$120.00 or around 4200 bht for that same massage.

[cdnvic]

Just don't try the elephant massage. I don't care how safe they say it is, I can just see me being questioned by my insurance company;

"So on your disability claim, it states that you paid the elephant to step on you?"

"Um....yes sir...."

[PaulUSA302]

Not to mention the giggle the police will have when they find you in your room, nud_e and passed with a used condom near the bed and the motel manager tells them you came to your room late at night with the elephant and they think the elephant drugged you and stole your money and laptop.....

Just don't try the elephant massage. I don't care how safe they say it is, I can just see me being questioned by my insurance company;

"So on your disability claim, it states that you paid the elephant to step on you?"

"Um....yes sir...."

[westcoastnative]

650bht - ouch you over paid.

Overpaid! Really? For a two hour Thai and Oil massage in bangkok? Don't be such a Cheap Charlie. (LOL)

Edited February 12, 2007 by westcoastnative

[tutsiwarrior]

I tried to get a massage once inna hotel where I was staying in the provinces...the masseuse insisted upon having sex and I gave up and serviced her...the irony being that I had to pay her for the activity...

now, I only accept massages from family wimmen folk when fully clothed...

[dantilley]

Hua Hin has consistently the best massage I've found in Thailand.