Thailand - Best Spas in Bangkok?

Could anyone please recommend any fabulous day/hotel spas in BKK? I am considering the spas at either Banyan Tree, CHI Spa at Shangri-La or The Oriental, but haven't (and couldn't) made up my mind yet. I am planning on getting a 4 hr or so treatment package, which I'm sure would be delightful after an almost 24hr trip from NYC.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

It seems as if The Oriental Spa, at The Oriental, Bangkok according to CNTraveller is the most highly rated spa in Bangkok: http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/510000004.asp

Both the Shangri-La and the Oriental have excellent spa facilities. The SL has a brand new facility. The inside feels very much like a temple, with wood everywhere. It's a bit dark inside the SL spa.

Both places have great service. The SL has lower prices but both have excellent service. Have a great time!

Only been to the oriental Spa- and returned more than once- great service!

When will you be in town? I just been informed by the Hyatt people in BKK that they will open new spa called "I Sawan" accepting guest from July 15. Having visit newest "Plateau Spa" in HK and very impressed, I'm also looking forward to experiencing the same quality in BKK.

Check with them and pls share yr experience. :cool:

When will you be in town? I just been informed by the Hyatt people in BKK that they will open new spa called "I Sawan" accepting guest from July 15. Having visit newest "Plateau Spa" in HK and very impressed, I'm also looking forward to experiencing the same quality in BKK.

Check with them and pls share yr experience. :cool:


I wish I could try the new one at GH, but when I was there last week, they said the new spa won't be ready until late July/early August. The temporary ones are guestrooms converted into massage rooms. Not pretty.

I tried 3 spas in Bangkok and one in Hua Hin. They are CHI in Shangrila, Sheraton Grande and VAREENA in Westin and ANANTARA in Hua Hin.

The best one - in terms of treatment and facility, is by far, CHI at Shangrila. The treatment room is bigger than the size of most guestrooms. The tub filled with petals of flowers is wonderful - the private steam room with colored-light therapy is interesting. I had a 3 hr treatment and absolutely loved it. Each treatment room has a dressing room, a glass covered garden, a giant "over-flowing" tub, double sinks, a toilet, and a steam room. It's HUGE!

VAREENA spa is brand-new. It's not bad. They have a ridiculously large treatment suite, which is in the corner of the building. INMO total waste of space. Sheraton's spa looks very dated and old. It needs a face lift.

The ANANTARA spa in Hua-Hin is quite lovely. The single treatment room has an outdoor rain-shower - but the many windowed-room could be a little too bright for a massage, even with the drapes drawn. But then again, they do cover your eyes with a mask...

In terms of therapists, I found them all to be very good. Both VAREENA and Sheraton's spa have no male therapists, but CHI and ANANTARA do.

I am in Bali now and have so far tried 4 spas. I should post them under separate threads, I would imagine...

It's WOW!!!!!!!! All newTechnogym equipment with the display panel and TV in the same panel. It's the most beautiful fitness club in the country. The spa treatment room is also up the highest level gadget you expected: your personal IPOD with the special speaker. My wife enjoys the nail bar in the beautiful garden. It's a WOW...WOW!!!!!!

The spa treatment they have also at the par level of the ambience with the proper consultation session. I do impressed the whole experience: the ambience, the music, the smell, the treatment, therapist and the real fresh fruit juice.

I recently tried both the Oriental and the Mandara Spa at the Royal Orchid. Of course the entire experience of staying at the Oriental is incredible. And the spa itself is very nice. But I have to say that though the trappings of the Mandara aren't quite as nice as the Oriental, I had excellent service at a great price there. Starwood Platinum members get 15% off, so I ended up paying about $50US for an 50 minute facial which included as a suprise bonus an almost full Thai massage. I think I was actually in there for about 90 minutes. They have a nice rooftop garden you can walk through if you arrive early.

an almost full Thai massageYou mean everything except the happy ending? :D

One option is the Four Seasons Bangkok. A lovely spa and the hotel offers in-room massages until 2 am. A blessing when checking in at midnight, which is what I do after arriving on UA 837/881. The Cabana suites are very special. Enjoy your stay.

New residential spa cottage designed by Tony Shi at the GH. They are in the promotional period at US$399 for one night stay plus ABF and treatment in the bungalow. Look at the Hyatt gold passport website.

just came back from bkk and tried the spa at the metropolitan

although the service was good and professional, the atmosphere was only so so unless you enjoy minimalism a lot. the treatment room reminded me of a medical clinic. anyway it was still a nice treatment and relatively inexpensive. would definitely try to book the chi spa next time.

New residential spa cottage designed by Tony Shi at the GH. They are in the promotional period at US$399 for one night stay plus ABF and treatment in the bungalow. Look at the Hyatt gold passport website.
I heard about the new spa, but have not seen any pictures on it. Have you seen? When I was last there, they were constructing, but if it is done along the same lines as the Residence meeting space, then I would not be worried.

The 'residence' was excellent, a totally new concept of multi-functional meeting facility. I totally love the loft kitchen where we had our breaks. They had parlors in every meeting room, ideal to have smaller meetings away form the main activity.

Ha! I'm ranting away...hoping that someone in my company will read this and organise another meeting there. (my next trip is on leisure, but then again there is the spa)

From the moment you walk in the door, you will be treated like absolute royalty.

The massage is the best I have ever had anywhere. Don't miss!

I am sooooo jealous that you get to go! :)

A Spa review, Chi at the Shangri-La (http://www.bangkokpost.com/en/Realtime/29Jul2005_real58.php), from today's Bangkok Post. I think they regularly review Spas (maybe on Fridays?) so I'll try to remember to post subsequent reviews...

A journey through the senses

This six-star spa employs a concept that embodies ancient healing traditions and mystic rituals of China and the Himalayas

KANOKPORN CHANASONGKRAM

I've never been to Tibet, never climbed the Himalayas and the closest I got to the roof of the world was when I watched Tomb Raider. Recently though, at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok I did find myself in a situation not unlike a Lara Croft adventure.

The dramatic light spilling through the lattice screen washing down a split-face stone wall, the Himalayan artifacts, the smell of scented incense and aromatic oils, the sound of singing bowls _ what was I doing in a Tibetan temple? It was a state of mind of course, and Chi The Spa at Shangri-La was about to take me on a rejuvenating journey.

The 1,000-square-metre spa is renowned for having the largest private spa suites in Bangkok. The nine suites include shower, sauna, steam, bathing, changing and lounging facilities. After stepping into the tastefully opulent suite, the relaxing ritual started with sipping herbal tea, followed by foot soaking and foot pounding which were a prelude to signature therapies prescribed for my metal profile.

Chi The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok opens daily from 10am-10pm. For more information, call 02-236-7777.

A Spa review, Chi at the Shangri-La (http://www.bangkokpost.com/en/Realtime/29Jul2005_real58.php), from today's Bangkok Post. I think they regularly review Spas (maybe on Fridays?) so I'll try to remember to post subsequent reviews...



Great! Esp if they are reviewing the Hyatt. I really want someone to review the spa at the Hyatt. The one at Shang sounds real heavenly, but I wanna try and earn my points at the Hyatt.

Great! Esp if they are reviewing the Hyatt. I really want someone to review the spa at the Hyatt. The one at Shang sounds real heavenly, but I wanna try and earn my points at the Hyatt.

Earlier this year, I had a head and shoulder massage at the Chi spa a the SL BKK. The service was excellent and the treatment was very good. The price was very reasonable. However, I find the facility to be a bit dark inside. Perhaps this is supposed to be a calming, soothing effect.

So if i want to get excellent thai massage, and don't wish to do one of the hotel spas, then what would you suggest? I've done Wat Po, but, while excellent, is really down and dirty (and practically on the floor), and I'd prefer something a little more upscale.

There are a lot of decent inexpensive spas for Thai massage in Bangkok. One I've used is King and I, just off Sukhumvit, on the soi that leads to Cabbage and Condoms. It is very close to the Sheraton and Westin hotels. I've used several; only one was recommended before use (and that by a couple women who work for different embassies). The quality has been decent even when randomly chosen.

As for "practically on the floor" I think that is universal with Thai massage. I'm accustomed to a pallet or matttress on the floor. After all, the masseuse uses her entire body to twist and turn mine, and a massage table wouldn't work for that.

Are the spa treatments still relatively affordable in comparison to American prices?

Are the spa treatments still relatively affordable in comparison to American prices?
I don't think "relatively" is the correct word, try "extremely" or "incredibly" instead! You can still get an hour's massage for 200 baht ($4) or less. Fancy-schmancy spa treatmeats can cost much more though, largely depending on the place; don't expect to get out of the Oriental's spa for under $100.

So if i want to get excellent thai massage, and don't wish to do one of the hotel spas, then what would you suggest?

may i follow jtkauai on this topic? any recent recommendations apart from "king an i"?
i have tried before a nice and clean place in soi ruamrudee, just behind the plaza athenée hotel, located in a small shopping yard just 10m off the soi.
full thai massage (without...) for 500bht.

I don't think "relatively" is the correct word, try "extremely" or "incredibly" instead! You can still get an hour's massage for 200 baht ($4) or less. Fancy-schmancy spa treatmeats can cost much more though, largely depending on the place; don't expect to get out of the Oriental's spa for under $100.

Several years ago when staying at the Regent, I remember massages in the spa being around $40, but that may have changed:(

don't expect to get out of the Oriental's spa for under $100.

All 60 minute spa services offered by the Oriental can be had for well under US$100, even with the tax and service charge.

massages:
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/510000032.asp

wraps and scrubs:
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/510000031.asp

facials:
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/510000342.asp

Hi SKYTRAIN 777,
I am in Bangkok every 2/3 months and have found one of the best places for a massage [ and dinner as well !] is actually near where I stay nowadays.
It is above the Gallery Restaurant , on the corner of Captain Bush's Lane and Charoenkrung Road - very close to the Royal Orchid Sheraton, Rivercity and across the river from the Hilton and Oriental. They charge 350 bht per hour and one of the greatest aspects is that you can go anytime [ from 10am to 10pm] , I have never made an appointment yet. Quan is the best , and as a woman on her own doing business in Bangkok I feel quite comfortable going there anytime.
As for spas [ be it for facials, body scrubs, exfoliations etc] well I have tried it all. I have now decided that it is far easier[ and almost part of the "pleasure experience"] to go to the Spa inhouse whereever I am staying. Much easier to stroll to the elevator in my bathrobe down to the spa. Afterwards, I do not have to put up with the pollution, skytrain, taxis, walking etc back to the hotel by which time I am usually exhausted,dirty and all the beautiful work has been undone!!! I know I can go to places like Mulberry Spa [in Silom Rd] twice for the price the hotel charges by the time they add their Service/ Govt charges etc,etc but its worth it.
The best spa ? Well I have tried the Westin, Royal Orchid Sheraton, Amari Watergate, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Plaza Athenee and others as well.I have found each one is better at one aspect, but I cant seem to find one that is perfect but hey it sure is great fun trying them out!! Have a great trip. Regards 3131

Thanks! Which one has the best facilities? Is there a charge just to use them, if not having a spa treatment?

In December 2006, The Peninsula Bangkok will unveil a full-service resort spa built amid the lush gardens in a three-story traditional Thai colonial-style building overlooking the Chao Praya River. The spa will feature 18 treatment rooms, including:


two "personal spa" VIP suites with pool and river views, vitality baths and balconies

two double treatment suites with vitality baths

tea lounge with Thai silk lantern-lined reflecting pools

relaxation rooms with pool and river views

http://newscenter.peninsula.com/weblet/search?case=news&match3=201697&returntemplatename=display_hotel&datafilename=peninsula_news_center&match2=penGroup&match1=pen-press

Sky Team 777

I interpret your reply as to referring more to the Gym with lots of machines that people run and sweat on which don't interest me. However the gym and the spa are normally divided at all hotels ,whereas the gym is always free in my experience, the spa is where you get charged heaps. You walk into the spa centre, are accosted by lots of eager young Thai girls who ask you to sit down, have a cup of tea and "let's discuss what type of treatment you would like to have madam". You are shown a catalogue of treatment/spa packages , make an appointment or in most cases can have your chosen treatment straight away. From past experience I always check on what the final price will be once all the plus, plus costs have been added.
Best facilities? If you are talking gym then I am not sure. Spas? All hotel spas have similiar packages.
Sheraton Grande-Very experienced staff,excellent service and variety of choices.Here I can have a facial followed with a little Thai massage at the end included.Nice touch.
Westin- Similiar,no massage at the end
Royal Orchid- If you are a SPG member you immediately get a 20% discount.Ask [very politely] for the most experienced staff member in facials, exfoliation, etc,.I have had the best and the newest staff member and there is a big difference.Lovely private suites, etc.
The others are all so similar also that I really cannot pick the best.If its the equipment you are after I would go after for the biggest and newest hotel and just bluff my way in. Regards 3131

Skip the expensive hotel spas.

any more recommendations for a traditional thai massage place which is no ripp-off, clean, has nice athmosphere, air-con'ed, "without happy end"? while i enjoy just trying out places i happen to find, your advice is highly appreciated! thx!

any more recommendations for a traditional thai massage place which is no ripp-off, clean, has nice athmosphere, air-con'ed, "without happy end"? while i enjoy just trying out places i happen to find, your advice is highly appreciated! thx!
BODY Tune, Sukhumvit Soi 24 (10 mins walk from BTS Phrom Pong) and 56 Yada Bldg, Silom Rd (next to BTS Sala Daeng); http://www.bodytune.co.th/ . A well-respected small chain offering an excellent traditional Thai massage for 350B/hour. ^

I use Asia Herb Asscosiation (http://www.asiaherbassociation.com/en/index.html) almost exclusively (earned a VIP card already). It's a Japanese run company with multiple locations around upper Sukhumvit. Very clean and professional service. Rates similar to Body Tune, not touristy exorbitant, but high enough to provide quality service.