Get a Thai massage in Thailand

“She walked me back to a wooden bench where I removed my sandals and placed my feet in a bucket of water. At this point I am wondering if “Thai Massage” meant foot massage? It was the first time since I arrived that I felt truly clueless. It didn’t take long for me to realize that she was merely washing my dirty, travel worn feet before proceeding with the main event. [...] She then walked me upstairs into a beautiful massage room complete with relaxing music and a nice breeze blowing in from the window. Ok, we’re finally ready to start the massage. I lay down and she hops on my back. [...] But this woman knew what she was doing. She was digging fists, elbows and shoulders into my knot-ridden back, as I tried to relax. Problem was, I still had so many thoughts running through my mind about the etiquette, that I was never able to fully enjoy what was happening to me. I must say though, by the time she was done contorting my body in every direction imaginable, my body had less tension than I ever thought possible!”

“Each time I go to Thailand I generally get a massage every 2 to 3 days! So as a consumer of massage I’m pretty well versed. Traditionally Thai massages last 2 hours but they have 1-hour sessions too, which is what I usually opt for. If you have never had a Thai massage, you will need to expect a ton of intense pressure. I love a deep tissue massage and lots of pressure, but the pressure of a Thai massage is even too much for me sometimes and I have to tell the therapist to ease up. Your Thai massage will begin by changing into a loose shirt and fisherman pants that tie with a string. Next, you will be lead to a mat on the floor where you will receive your massage. [...] For me, this is usually the most painful part! If you are expecting a gentle Swedish massage, then you will be sorely mistaken.”