twydeutschland

I am going to Bangkok for the first time and will be living around Siam.

Are there any recommendations for good massage places? I've had a few suggestions, like Lavana and Healthland, but not sure the actual experience.

Also, is tipping compulsory in Thailand?

Thanks!

CrazyInteg

Siam BTS?

I've been to Healthland. It was good, but very busy. Very professional.
My Thai friends have always told me to tip after a massage. I usually give around 100 baht no matter how much the massage cost.

twydeutschland

Yes, actually around National Stadium station.

Thanks!

seanthepilot

In MBK shopping mall, adjacent to the National Stadium, there are several Thai massage shop, albeit they are quite small.

Assuming you are staying in the area of lub-d, Holiday Inn Express, Siam Siam, or the new Ibis/Mercure, here's a few more.
If you walk towards the main intersection there (Rama I & Phaya Thai Rd), turn left (up Phaya Thai Rd), and walk over the bridge, there are at least 2 more fairly decent Thai Massage shops. If you get to the BTS Ratchetewi, you've gone too far.

The more upscale shops like the ones you mention and hundreds more, are along Sukhumvit Rd, which is the same road as Rama I, but 2-3 km down (the road changes names twice between Siam and Nana BTS stops, or in the Silom/Suriwongse district. Just be aware that as you get into the Sukhumvit or Silom area the likelihood that you will be offered/expected more than just a massage will rise exponentially. In the Siam area, or any of the upscale locations, the chances of it being a legitimate massage are quite good.

dtsm

Favorite place on Soi 33, quite pleasant and relaxing:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11543268-post16.html

twydeutschland

Thanks everyone! I've tried Lavana and it was good!
1320 Baht for a 2-hour aroma oil message!

I think I will be planning my next Bangkok trip very soon and get some new message experience~!

whackyjacky

I've had at least 100 massages at Cefele. They get busy after work, & all day Sat & Sun. Best to make a reservation at those times. It's 350 for 2 hrs now.

CrazyInteg

I've also tried the aroma oil massage. Is it supposed to actually be aromatic? I didn't really smell much the one time I tried it. I understand that every place is different, but I expected strong aromas.

dsquared37

With some free time on my hands yesterday I gave this place a try. Conclusions: It was an OK massage.

Understanding that this is masseuse specific I'll give them another try or two. The snoring individual near me was not the most pleasant thing.

whackyjacky

I've found it to be good usually. I tend to book ahead, go early, and ask for a couple specific little bears that give me a hard semi-painful massage (jeb !). Later in the day isn't as good since their hands get tired and the Japanese salarymen come in and snore away. To their credit the girls finish the massage.

twydeutschland

Where did you have you message?

At Lavana, they will let you choose one scent before your message. Also, you could customize your own herbal ball if you have chosen the "herbal ball" package.

dsquared37

Nice game plan. Never gave thought to going in early but I also prefer short and stocky women when it comes to massage: Their strength is unmatched.

I did notice the woman kept plugging away at the snoring guy and kept hoping she'd dig into a nerve and jolt him to reality.

CrazyInteg

Healthland, Ekkamai

Captain Schmidt

+1 for Healthland. Went there this morning at very short notice and had an excellent 90 min massage for THB1,200.

thegrailer

I am heading back to BKK and to the Hilton. If I remember correctly from a few years ago, there is a legit massage place nearby, maybe right across the river? I just don't remember - does this ring a bell for anyone?

Cheers