|
Thai Massage: Thai Massages are one of the best deals going in Thailand. You can book them from most hotels, but they are charging you a commission on what you can get them for down town. The downtown masseuses will come to your hotel room if you ask, but in general, they prefer to conduct the 2 hour massages in the shops as they have the floor mats there which make their work easier. The massage consists of gentle stretching which refreshes and limbers up the body. A 2 Hour Thai massage at You and Me Thai behind New Cafe will generally cost about 400 baht and tips are optional. A massage at the Hilton Spa offers a great variety of massages but a 1 hour Thai massage there will cost 1,090. You are paying for ambience and generally English speaking staff. Thai massages can become quite addictive after a while but if you plan on living here, you will want to check out the smaller shops to keep your cost reasonable. If you’re on holiday though, go ahead and treat yourself to some special pampering. Very few of the girls at the local shops will understand much English but then that is alright as they can then focus on giving you a great massage. Often the staff will attempt to convince you to get an oil massage instead of the Thai but actually, these really aren’t worth the money. Oil massages are more expensive - they take half the time and you feel like an oil slick afterwards. Besides the Thai massages are just far more beneficial. Contrary to what most westerners believe, in massage shops at least in Hua Hin, you will seldom get anything more than a massage, even if you offer to pay extra. Although it is not unheard of, there is very little prostitution in Hua Hin. It is the winter home of the King and as such great lengths are taken to hold the town to higher standards. Foot Reflexology: There are many shops that offer foot reflexology. The belief is that the foot holds many centers that correspond or connect through meridians to different body parts or organs. Through massaging the feet and legs, a good practioner can correct any blockages allowing the body to heal itself. Although this can be quite an effective treatment, it can also be quite painful especially for novice westerners. Don’t be shy about telling them to lighten up with the massage. Often the practioners believe in the no pain no gain theory and rely on the custom to tell them where their tolerance lies. Trying to be tough and take it will generally result is so much discomfort that your first visit will be your last. Typically a one hour foot massage will cost about 300Baht. Best advice for the novices is begin with a 30 minute version if possible and be sure to speak up. Spas: You will find no shortage of spas in Hua Hin, in fact many have called Hua Hin, the centre of Spa facilities in Thailand. Chivasom, Dusit, Anantara, Veranda, Hilton, Sofitel, Marriott and Evason Hotel are a few you might like to try, many with complete facilities. They offer treatments such as body scrubs, detoxification, facials, steam baths and salon services. Non-guests are often allowed to use the facilities and some offer discounts for more than 2 people. Bring your credit card and check prices first - pampering can be expensive.
Feel free to send me emails with your questions, comments and concerns and we will answer your emails as best we can. |
