Getting a Thai Massage at Health Land

Before coming to Thailand, I had heard of the famous thai massages that were available everywhere for very cheap. I love getting massages, so I was super excited to find a spa that would meet all my expectations.

The Spa

Having gotten a recommendation for Health Land from several people, I decided to check it out. There was a location right down the street from my place in Bangkok, and so on a midweek morning, I walked over to see what their availability was.

Health Land has several locations throughout Bangkok and reminded me of a western style spa in many ways. When I walked in, I was greeted at the front desk and told them I wanted the two hour massage. Unlike at home, I was asked to pay for my massage before getting it. A two our Thai massage cost me 500 baht, around $15. Once I had paid, I sat in the lobby on one of the comfortable couches and drank a spa water while I waited for my name to be called.

Once my name was called, I followed my masseuse and exchanged my shoes for slippers. We then headed upstairs to a private massage room. In Thailand, there is no massage table, but instead a mat on the floor. My masseuse handed me loose pants and a top to change into and left me to get dressed and settled.

The Massage

The thai massage at Health Land starts at your feet and then works up each leg, focuses next on your arms, then your back, and finally your head. My masseuse didn't apply too much pressure so that it hurt, but just enough to get some of the kinks out. I have heard horror stories of people being in pain throughout their thai massage; thankfully this was not the case at all for me. It was interesting the way they use their entire body to massage you, sometimes leaning on you or using their body weight to apply a little pressure here and there. I did not feel uncomfortable at all and could almost have dozed off a few times. My favorite came at the end with the head massage.

After the massage, I was given time to change back into my clothes. Then, I went back downstairs, exchanged the slippers for my shoes and received a complimentary tea drink before heading on my way. I left relaxed, happy, and ready to enjoy the rest of my day.