On my last day in Chiang Mai, I realized that I had had an embarrassing amount of foot massages, including one by a prison inmate, but had not indulged in a traditional Thai massage. There was no way I could possibly leave this country without being able to say “I got a Thai Massage in Thailand”. Though instant withdrawal symptoms may have ensued, the feet nurturing had to be put on hold for at least an hour.
A Thai massage is usually done on the floor using a deep massage and stretching technique that was developed in Thailand. Sounds soothing.
I had never had a Thai massage before. For that matter, prior to learning about the relaxing pleasure of the foot massage, I was not a massage fan at all. I just don’t like random people invading my private bubble. And it kind of freaks me out when the room is pin-drop quiet, except for the masseuse’s deep breathing. I have some issues.
I had been having bargain $4.00 foot massages my entire three weeks in Thailand and on my last day it was time to splurge. I headed over to the hoity toity Fah Lanna Spa and just the impeccable grounds outside told me this would be meorable.
Walking into the lobby brought me into a different world, one that was serene, with no views of the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai’s city streets. I ordered a one hour Thai massage for 400 baht ($12.00 usd). Expensive by Thai standards, yet a steal for this California lady.
There was a simple questionnaire to be filled out to indicate the appropriate amount of pressure and problem areas; medium pressure and left shoulder.
A medium pressured Thai massage can’t be that bad, right?
I was led across the planked bridge, over the brilliant green water and to a small cottage at the end. They supplied me with comfy clothes and sent me to a two person room, but I was the only person. I laid in the middle of the thin mat on the floor waiting for the masseuse to come.
This is going to be nice.
She entered, we exchanged pleasantries and she began to work. There was no smelly oils, soothing music or water fountains, just hardcore bodywork.
It wasn’t long, maybe 30 seconds, before I realized that medium pressure meant pain for me.
Ouch! I am pretty sure my leg is not meant to be twisted in the air like that.
For the next hour I was uncomfortably poked, pulled, twisted and rubbed, my body put into positions it hadn’t seen in years or ever. Even when she inquired about the pressure level, I muttered that it was fine through my clenched teeth. She let out a small chuckle and carried on.
After an hour my Zen was gone, but it was no fault to Fah Lanna, the blame was solely on my stubbornness. Every fifteen minutes the masseuse checked in with me and each time I gave at least a nod to say carry on. In my mind I thought the benefits would be better with a deeper pressured touch. But, that may just be something you need to work up to.
With all that said, I would have a Thai massage again because having someone else work on making me limber is much better than doing it myself.
Upon leaving I noticed their slogan: “easy to find, hard to forget. Ain’t that the truth.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
More About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Bucket List: 30 Things to Do in Thailand’s Best Northern City
Thailand’s Wat Rong Khun: The White Temple in Chiang Rai
Thailand Elephant Sanctuary: 5 of the Best Rescues in or Near Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang: A Thai Temple in Chiang Mai’s City Center
Traveling by Tuk Tuk in Chiang Mai & Other Transporation
Learn to Make Handicraft Umbrellas in Chiang Mai
Volunteer with Elephants at a Rescue in Thailand
The Long Neck Karen Hilltop Tribe: A Village in Thailand
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A good (Thai Massage) should not be uncomfortable or painful. If the therapist really feels the body he/she finds the right pressure and adjust the pressure according to the needs of the client.