Thai massage provides therapeutic healing and the methods used today date back to Indian Ayurvedic practice developed by Buddhist monks 2000 years ago. A good massage takes two hours but many take just one hour or even half an hour which is too rushed.
Massage parlours exist all over Chiang Mai where you normally lie in a cubicle and are given baggy pyjamas to wear and advertise themselves with a large reflexology diagram outside. When selecting a massage shop, look out for the certificates on the wall indicating the masseuses have been properly trained. Alternatively massage is possible in your hotel room and most hotels have an arrangement with a local massage company.
Thai massage involves treating more than 100 areas of the body, using hand pressure and in particular the thumb and the masseuses own body to apply forces that work pressure points, and re-align energy lines in the body. You can tell the masseur whether you hard, medium or soft and it is a good idea to point to where you have pains that can be dealt with. It is not advised to go for a massage directly after eating.
Oil Massage is gentler than Thai massage and involves deep muscle tissue treatment using specially blended therapeutic oils. Foot massage works the internal organs of the body through manipulation of pressure points on the soles of your feet in much the same way as reflexology and can be effective in producing a mild detox effect on the body.
Ban Sabai Spa
17/7 Charern Prathet Rd Chiang Mai
Baan Nit MassageSoi 2, Chaiyaphum Rd Chiang Mai.
Chetwan Thai Traditional Massage School
7/1-2 Samood Lanna, Chiang Mai
(053 410 360)
Lek Chiaya Massage
Ratchadamnoen Rd, Chiang Mai.
Lets Relax
Chiang Mai Pavilion, Chang Klan Rd
Niman House
59/8 Nimmanhaemin Road, Chiangmai
(053 218 109)
Open Hand
Loi Kroh Rd
Suppatra's Traditional Massage
85 Rajphakhinai Rd
Thapae Smoonprai Thai massage
2/3 Chaiyapoom Rd
Tinas Salon 127/2 Prapokklao
Vieng Ping Massage Soi 2, Tapae Rd, Chiang Mai
