Thanks to this forum, I found the massage place on the cinema floor of Chiang Mai Airport Plaza, and it was pretty much the same price as a shop outside the mall would be. In MBK I've only ever noticed a sign for the Princess Hotel which I guess also has an expensive spa. But MBK is quite large so maybe I just haven't noticed? Are there massage shops at close to regular street price (like 150-200 for Thai or foot massage)?

Other than MBK, do any of the malls have this? It would be nice to be able to take a massage break while shopping, without paying a big premium.

This is a very general sort of reply, as I am a former long-time resident of Bkk. who no longer lives there.

In general, you should be able to find such places in suburban malls where you will not find large numbers of farang walking around. This probably means going to places which are beyond the reach of the skytrain and subway.

Poke around on upper floors and back corners of such places, and I think you will find what you are looking for.

in MBK shopping mall (on my favorite floor---level 4--which is the packed mobile phone, electronics market zone) there are a few massage places..

my favorite is in the Tokyu department store end of MBK (level 4) and in the back, hidden amongst lots of phone counter shops...about B250 or 300 per hour for foot reflex or Thai massage...really really good after hunting around for gadgets for hours....

level 4 floorplan

http://www.mbk-center.co.th/th/floorplan/plan.php?floor=4

Thanks for the replies. The reason I was wondering is that I don't actually live in Bangkok (so I wouldn't be seeking out suburban malls away from the BTS) but sometimes have to kill several hours before going to the bus station, and MBK (or a mall in general) is often easiest while towing luggage. Would also like to know of good, inexpensive massage places on the streets near MBK or the BACC. As conveniently close as possible, because again, I'm usually there with luggage and don't want to wander around too much. Thanks!