Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [150]
HEALTH & FITNESS
SPAS & MASSAGE
YOGA & PILATES
GYMS
ACTIVITIES
GOLF
JOGGING & CYCLING
SPECTATOR SPORT
FOOTBALL
MOO·AY TAI (THAI BOXING)
ĐÀ·GRÔR
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top picks
Wat Pho Massage Pavilions
Moo·ay tai (Thai boxing) at Lumphini Stadium
Ruen-Nuad Massage & Yoga
Bicycle tours Click here
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What’s your recommendation? www.lonelyplanet.com/bangkok
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Although the climate is not conducive to exercise, Bangkokians like to work up a sweat doing more than just climbing the stairs to the Skytrain station. All the popular Thai sports are represented in the capital city, from the top-tier moo·ay tai (Thai boxing; also spelt muay thai) to a pick-up game of đà·grôr (Siamese football).
Thais also consider traditional massage an integral component of health, so you can always pay someone else to do all the work. In tandem with the massage tradition, Bangkok is emerging as one of the world’s spa capitals, with facilities to satisfy almost any whim or budget.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
Whether you’re looking to sweat out the toxins or have them pampered away, Bangkok should be able to satisfy.
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SPAS & MASSAGE
According to the teachings of traditional Thai healing, the use of herbs and massage should be part of a regular health-and-beauty regimen, not just an excuse for pampering. You need no excuse to get a massage and it’s just as well, because Bangkok could mount a strong claim to being the massage capital of the world. Exactly what type of massage you’re after is another question. Variations range from store-front traditional Thai massage to an indulgent spa ‘experience’ with service and style. And even within the enormous spa category there are choices; there is plenty of pampering going around but some spas now focus more on the medical than the sensory, while plush resort-style spas offer a laundry list of appealing treatments.
The most common variety is traditional Thai massage (nôo·at păan boh·rahn). Although it sounds relaxing, at times it can seem more closely related to moo·ay tai than to shiatsu. Thai massage is based on yogic techniques for general health involving pulling, stretching, bending and manipulating pressure points. If done well, a traditional massage will leave you sore but revitalised.
Full-body massages usually include camphor-scented balms or herbal compresses, or oil in cheaper establishments. Note that ‘oil massage’ is sometimes taken as code for ‘sexy massage’; see the boxed text, Click here, for the low-down. A foot massage is arguably (and it’s a strong argument) the best way to treat the legweariness of sightseeing.
Depending on the neighbourhood, prices for massages in small parlours are 200B to 350B for a foot massage and 300B to 500B for a full-body massage. Spa experiences start at about 800B and climb like a Bangkok skyscraper.
BANYAN TREE SPA
Map
0 2679 1052; www.banyantreespa.com; 21st fl, Banyan Tree Hotel & Spa, 100 Th Sathon Tai; massage/package from 3300/5800B; Lumphini exit 2
This hotel spa delivers modern elegance and world-class pampering. The womblike spa rooms look out over a silent and peaceful vision of Bangkok from on high. Thai, Swedish and Balinese massages, body scrubs using aromatic oils and herbs with medicinal properties, and beauty treatments comprise the spa’s offerings. ‘Spa vacation’ packages include accommodation.
BUATHIP THAI MASSAGE
Map
0 2251 2627; 4/13 Soi 5, Th Sukhumvit; 1hr massage 270B, foot 250B; 10am-midnight; Nana exit 1
On a small sub-soi (lane) behind the Amari Blvd Hotel, this tidy shopfront is in a decidedly sleazy part of town, but inside is a professional masseur whose focused concentration could melt metal.
CORAN BOUTIQUE SPA
Map
0 2651 1588; www.coranbangkok.com; 27/1-2 Soi 13, Th Sukhumvit; 1hr traditional massage 400B; 11am-10pm; Nana exit 3
The Thai massage here is top notch partly because it is performed by graduates of the adjacent Thai Traditional Medical Services Society. It’s remarkably well priced, though