Thailand is popular for its massages and spas. Head to any part of the country and you can see massage parlors at every nook and corner. A trip to Thailand is not complete without a Thai massage and wellness treatment.
I am a sucker for massages and it was evident after getting one every other day on our 14-day trip. The very first day saw me exhausted and tired after a long flight journey. All I did was sleep for a good 4-5 hours after checking in to our hotel in Phuket. We decided to stroll along the beachside at night but ended up in a night market at the Patong Beach area. It was called the Malin Plaza and there were hundreds of shops inside selling food, souvenirs, and clothes. And then we saw an array of large fish tanks. A couple had dipped their feet inside one of the fish tanks and then I realized that it was a fish spa! I have taken a fish spa in India long before, so I really wanted to experience one in Thailand as well.
Thailand Fish Spa:
My husband was more than happy, but no! He wasn’t ready to join me. I braved myself to do it because these were fairly big fishes. Yeek! I was screaming all throughout the fifteen minutes as the fishes did their job.
As they nibbled on the dead skin on my feet, I pondered over the health issues. But I was happy to see the organizer washing the feet and examining for injuries or scratches before allowing anyone to dip their feet in the tanks.
Why a Thai Massage?
After island hopping and relaxing on the beaches, it is natural that you get sun tanned or sun burnt. Undergoing a traditional Thai massage will help you soothe the pain. Thai massages are more than just indulgence or pampering. It has been part of their culture for centuries. It is said that the Buddhist missionary monks from India brought with them the massage and healing techniques to Thailand. These were absorbed by Thai folk healers and became popular here. The masseuse uses their thumbs, elbows, knees and feet and will also walk on your back, straddle your body and swing you around to mimic the stretching poses of yoga.
Massages can be painful but it helps in relaxing the muscles. They help in relieving pain and stress and also helps in better health and rejuvenation. The moment you get into a parlor you will understand their professionalism and dedication.
A traditional Thai massage doesn’t involve the use of oil. But, many modern spas have adapted it by using aromatherapy oils to increase the therapeutic benefits. Thus, Aloe vera and Aroma massages are quite popular in Thailand. You can also choose a Head and Shoulder massage or a Foot Massage if you do not prefer a full body massage. But be sure to get one. Believe me, after all the walking you would wish someone would pamper you. The massages are dead cheap and come for about 250 to 400 Baht for a one-hour session. Oh, the experience is worth so much more!
Tell me, are you a massage person? Wouldn’t you undergo a foot massage at least if you were in Thailand?
STAY TUNED AS I WILL BE TALKING IN DETAIL ABOUT SOME OF THE EXOTIC ISLANDS AND SHOPPING, AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS THE PLACE HAS TO OFFER.
I am writing all about Thailand this April for the A to Z Challenge 2017. Thanks for all the love you’ve showered on this space! You can also check out my food blog for A to Z Indian Dishes to Die For.
Bellybytes says
That was one fishy massage! Don’t think I’d be able to stop giggling with all the tickling
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Shailaja Vishwanath says
I’ve never visited Thailand but heard so much about the massages there! I’ve had a few Ayurvedic massages so I know how relaxing and healthy they are. Come to think of it,I should book myself one soon. I need a spa day 😉
OOH I lOVE the fish spa. Got it done in Wayanad last year. So cute and ticklish!
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Mocktail mommies says
Ooohhh!! I just loovvveee massages. In fact I go for one quite often even in India. Did not get much time in Thailand, so had to settle for a foot massage. But even that was OH-SO-GOOOOD!!!
Geets says
O we are the massage couple! Any place we go, massages are always mandatory for us! You think we’d leave the land of massages? After strolling on the streets all day, we would sit in a sit massage parlor near our hotel and get a nice foot massage done! O! It felt Heaven!
Cheers
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Modern Gypsy says
Im so not a massage person. Someone walking over me, using elbows and knees to massage sounds more like torture to me! Even at the end of a pedicure session, when the beauty therapist is giving me a foot massage, I’m constantly asking him to lighten the pressure!
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Suzy says
I’m not a massage person. Massages hurt too much. The fish foot massage looks both interesting and a little scary. How did it feel after you had it?
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Reema D'souza says
I think the massages are such wonderful experience after long flights or even if you are on a holiday it helps you relax even more, isn’t it? And yes, I think I will go at least for a foot massage 😛
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Mayuri Nidigallu says
You tried the Fish Spa! you brave girl you! I can never gather enough courage for it!:)
I love Thai Massages, the foot reflexology massage there is the best ever!
Love your pics, you look adorable!:)
Vinodini says
I am completely a massage person! I’ve had a massage in Thailand which was in open air at a great height where nobody except the masseur could see me. It was atop a mezzanine floor terrace in a hotel. I loved the experience. Surprisingly, not only do they do the massage without oil, they also ensure that the massage happens under the sheets, which was news to me. I’ve never tried fish pedicure. Creeps me. 🙂
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Deepa says
I was waiting for this one as I knew you will be writing for massages at Thailand. How can Thailand trip be complete without a massage? Thanks for all the info.
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Sanch @ Sanch Writes says
I’m definitely a massage person and I reckon I’d love the massages there because they are also quite cheap! Have never tried the fishy thing! 😛
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shubhangi srikanth says
oooohh…I hear the massages are quite exotic in Thailand. Some day for sure!
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Soumya says
Oh their massages are the best! We got one and it was so relaxing!
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Roma says
Agree sweetie massages are something to vouch for in Thailand. They surely are damn relaxing
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Sreesha says
I’ve seen the fish spa in so many places here, but would probably never do it, cos it’d be so ticklish and I’d also be screaming the whole time.
I think I am to some extent a massage person though. As long as they don’t hurt me too much 😀
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Neha says
I have been meaning to get a massage. After your post, that’s all there is on my mind 😛
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Smita Pal says
Not sure about the fish massage I may feel weird with them wiggling around ?But i have had body massages once or twice but not in Thailand and they are worth every penny. I am sure i will try the foot massage though
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Shalini says
I love massages but need a very light pressure as I am not one for heavy duty thumping n stretching. I prefer to be lulled to sleep while at it.
Never tried the fish spa tho heard a lot about it.
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Menaka Bharathi says
Yesss have also tried massage in Thailand but not the fishy one…You would have noticed loads of a bit aged ladies doing leg massage for half an hour…Yes have tried one of those really relaxing..Some places really know the correct pressures in the legs which give you a comfort and one feels refreshing
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Gail M Baugniet says
Full body massages are irritating for me but I do enjoy the short massage to the feet and legs that comes with a pedicure. If I were to visit Thailand, I might just give that fish spa a whirl.
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