Of the countless massage parlours within Pattaya, they all basically fall into two categories either traditional Thai massage or for a better word just plain sleaze. In fact it is really five different types, being Thai traditional all over body massage, foot and leg, face, sleaze or soapy massage.
Soapy massage as the name describes is the same as sleaze but involving you in a good scrub down at same time, the choice is yours. Which ever you might want to try, it will sure to be an unforgettable experience that is guaranteed. So for those that have never been to Pattaya before, or tried any form of massage let me explain how to differentiate what services are on offer.
Better to have some idea before how these establishments work, this will avoid misunderstandings, perhaps frustration, or acute embarrassment for yourself or masseuse. Thai’s take personal hygiene very seriously, so if you have had a hard day walking the streets of Pattaya in the soaring heat, you would be well advised to request a quick shower before a massage. In any case you will shower after anyway, with the exception of course if just face, or foot and leg type of massage.
Traditional Thai Massage
Traditional massage has been well practised for centuries in Thailand and the practitioners have become very accomplished in many cases years of training are involved. Generally traditional Thai massage is to be found in higher class hotels and in pleasant surroundings, jointly with a spa treatment as well if required.
On entering you will be expected to leave your shoes outside this is normal Thai tradition. The ladies will be well turned out and will be dressed in a similar manner. Perhaps even in Thai traditional dress this being for the sole benefit of tourists to create ambiance to the proceedings.
This also applies to establishments outside the hotel environment. As a general rule of thumb if the massage parlour appears up market in its look, and the girls dress formally then this establishment is traditional massage only. With traditional massage there should be no sexual contact and none will be expected or given. Any apparent signs of sexual excitement will be discreetly ignored.
The massage is purely therapeutic and has good benefits for back pain and circulation problems. But be prepared to be pulled around and joints manipulated with clicking of joint bones expect little sensual gentle massage. On entering after exchange of pleasantries you will be escorted and left to shower. After you have freshened up you will be provided with perhaps a dressing gown or towel, and taken to a massage couch. You lay face down a towel across your lower torso, depending what treatment you want cream or oil massage will commence.
Sessions are typical by the hour. Traditional massage is enjoyed by both male and female of all ages. Costs are generally higher within the hotel, if you become a regular of outside massage parlours, private hotel room visits can sometimes be arranged.
Foot massage
Foot massage is well practised in Pattaya, on entering as with all massage parlours leave your shoes outside. You will be seated in a comfy chair and a poufy to rest your feet on. Your feet are washed and bathed after careful and methodical washing cream will be applied.
The session will start leg, feet massage and manipulation of pressure points is very beneficial in circulation problems, good for kidneys and other parts of the body. It is thought different areas of the feet have effects on different parts of the body. Charges are modest and are in the region of 200 baht.
Nearer the completion of treatment your feet will be bound in hot towels you will be allowed to close your eyes and relax. Charges are modest and are in the region of 200 baht. It is easy to spot foot massage parlours as you can see other clients having treatment through the large shop window display.
Face massage
These can be found within Pattaya at the Festival Centre Shopping Mall, as well as a face massage which is good for skin tone other treatments such as deep cleaning of the skin are available. All within an ultra modern setting using best products and equipment.
Sleaze massage
To make the distinction on this type of massage I have called it sleaze. Although it is under the guise of traditional massage, this is just a front to what will happen in this type of massage parlour. Recognizable by the girls outside, they will dress in a provocative manner and will be more pushy and overly friendly. From the outset everyone knows the purpose of your visit and it is not just for massage. The idea is for you to make small chat and decide who you would like to carry out your personal massage.
Care must be taken that the lady you choose will be in fact the one that carries out the massage, as sometimes the prettiest girls are just there to lure you inside. This avoids disappointment later when the replacement is not of your liking. In such a parlour again shower, you will be taken to an air-conditioned cubicle consisting of a pull close curtain and a massage couch, in more down market places just a mattress on the floor.
You will be left for a few moments and expected on the mousses return to be laying face down and if you are modest a towel across your rear. These places are very quite and every word is carried out in whispers to avoid others in adjoining cubicles overhearing. Choices of oil or cream is the norm, oil being the most favourite the basic charge start at 200 baht for an hour. Lots of this type of massage parlour can be found in soi 11 Pattaya where many are situated.
Teams of girls work these massage parlours and the establishments are open all day until very late and in some cases into the early hours. The massage will be sensual with hands becoming more intimate around your body, occasional and of course accidentally touching intimate parts of the body.
Without going into too much graphic detail mid way through the massage you will be asked to turn over onto your back, at this point you will be fully naked. Assuming nature has taken its course, you will be asked if extras are required, after whispered, hurried negotiation a price is agreed from 500 to 1000 baht, depending what is required.
Soapy massage
This type of massage is not as easy to find but the very large ones offer this service, here you choose the lady or ladies you like that sit behind a large glass plated window. Perhaps enjoying a drink in the usually affluent surroundings. The lady or ladies leaves her position and awaits you in an allocated room. You are pampered and washed from head to toe, in a tub again with accidental contact with parts of your anatomy under water the rest is ” up to you “
Another article by Bangkok Missy at http://www.bangkok missy.com blogger and on the editorial team of many Thailand related websites
