I was wondering if it is worthwhile to get a massage at Wat Pho. Last time I was in Bangkok I recieved a massage from a place I am convinced was a brothel. The massage was decent but the entire time I was there, something was off. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I don't think so. I figure at least nothing funny will happen at the Wat, right?! Or are there any places you would reccommend in bkk that are legit and not going to cost me western prices.

I was wondering if it is worthwhile to get a massage at Wat Pho. Last time I was in Bangkok I recieved a massage from a place I am convinced was a brothel. The massage was decent but the entire time I was there, something was off. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I don't think so. I figure at least nothing funny will happen at the Wat, right?! Or are there any places you would reccommend in bkk that are legit and not going to cost me western prices.

There are many places you can get a legitimate Thai massage. Wat Pho is a good place too but a bit out of the way.

Perhaps if you name an area convenient for you, someone can suggest the best places.

I'm not exactly positive where we are going to be staying, but I do think we are going to try and stay riverside for at least a few days. That's not too far from the wat is it? I know that the hotel spas probably offer some of the better services but in my experience there is no difference in the prices there compared to the prices back home. I'm willing to pay for good service but I would like to take advantage of the affordable prices while I am there. Thanks!

the half of massage shops are genuine, there are many good ones around khaosan road or several cheaper from 100 b/h, but not that good ones, off the sanam luang at the side of thammasat university, by the tha phra chan end. Wat pho massage therapists are, as I believe, straith after the school, so the quality not the best. Wherever you go, look for the old so experienced therapists, asking the receptionist for a recommendation is a good way as well.

I'm not exactly positive where we are going to be staying, but I do think we are going to try and stay riverside for at least a few days. That's not too far from the wat is it? I know that the hotel spas probably offer some of the better services but in my experience there is no difference in the prices there compared to the prices back home. I'm willing to pay for good service but I would like to take advantage of the affordable prices while I am there. Thanks!

If you're going to be near the riverside then Wat Po is definitely a good option, and as londonthai says ask for the more experienced staff, especially if you need someone with strong hands to do a deep tissue massage.

Hotel spas are not a good choice, they are expensive and typically give more European-type massages.