"Do you want MASSAGE!?"

I just got finished with my fourth Thai massage in the last week, albeit this one lasted for only half an hour (for 100baht/$3 US.) My travelers tension was pushed, kneaded, stretched and lightly pummelled away. I'm in such a relaxed state, I'm going to try and encapsulate my limited massage experiences ;)

There are basically three authentic kinds offered here in Thailand, and one "special" type that I'm guessing you can find in the redlight district of Patpong. I've only endeavored to try the former three.

Traditional Thai massage (200 baht or $6/hr)
I've gotten this one twice, and interestingly both times were sort of different, but I guess generally same-same (<-- a popular phrase amongst Thais). It involves, kneading, pushing, pulling and using their entire body weight at times to drum the tension out of your body. It's done fully clothed, sans your shoes and socks. At different times you are asked to lie flat on your back, on your belly, sitting up, and parts where they literally do hard stretches for you, by leaning on you hard. They start from the bottom of your feet and methodically work their way up the rest of your body, eventually massaging your neck, face, temples and scalp ;) I have liked this one the best, so far.

Thai oil massage (250 baht or $7.25/hr)
I got one of these while lying on the beach of Ko Samet. This one seemed to be pretty similar to the traditional massage, except it's more a sliding motion more than kneading (utilizing the reduced friction of the oil.) They also use aromatherapy that is worked into the oil. I was told for mine, they used tiger balm. There also seemed to be some type of mentholy smell too. It did feel good, and the scents definitely helped with the relaxation. For mine, they rolled my pant legs up as high as possible and had me remove my shirt. But, to be honest, I felt kind of sticky for the rest of the day. Thus, feeling like I had to take a shower immediately afterwards. Perhaps they allow you to shower in the actual pro massage establishments?

Thai foot massage (200 - 250 baht/hr)
This has been a real saver after walking for an entire day with a backpack on. As the name suggests, they strictly focus on your legs and feet for this one. Since it's a much more limited area, they really go deep and intesive. Sometimes, to the point of painfully applying pressure to certain points. They hit every toe and in-between at least a couple of times, and they thoroughly utilize seeminly about a dozen different massage processes to make you almost fall asleep. I definitely had my eye out for this type of saving grace on the days I was walking around on my wickedly flat feet. I am sure I will be getting many more of these in the days to come.


So, which one are YOU wanting right now?

- D