Rub a dub dub.
If you have not tried a Thai Massage, you have not lived.
Massage is an ancient tradition in Thailand and is enjoyed
by all and performed by many. Even that girl you met
yesterday at a Beer Bar will probably offer a little massage
to get you relaxed.
Here in Pattaya, the choices are truly limitless.
Traditional massage, which usually (but not always) means no
hanky panky, is practiced in shops the length and breadth of
Pattaya. Foot massage has enjoyed growing popularity and as
you walk the streets of Pattaya you will see many foreigners
lying on a bed in a shop window having their feet dealt to.
Be careful because this can be an addictive experience.
Traditional massage usually takes place with little privacy
on a narrow bed. Most operators can do 5 or 6 people at one
time, and will have a thin curtain strung up between the
beds. Usual price is around 500 baht for 90 minutes.
The other kind of Massage is the "sensual" kind. These
places are usually very up-market establishments with plush
furnishings. On entering, you will see an area behind glass,
with tiered seating and between 10 and 100 girls seated
here, waiting for you. The famous "fish bowl".
Traditionally the fishbowl had one way glass so the girls
could not see you, but generally these days the glass is two
ways and the girls will smile seductively and wave at you.
Most parlors have a lounge area by the fishbowl, where you
can have a drink and choose your masseuse at leisure. I
recommend you buy a drink and relax a bit.
Also known as Soapies due to a very sudsy experience on an
air bed which is included. The best known parlors in Pattaya
include, Sabai Dee, Sabai Land and Sabai Room all on Second
Road near Big C. Sabai by the way is the Thai word for
comfortable. Others of note include Susie Massage in Soi 4,
Diamond Massage in Soi Diamond, Walking Street and Heaven on
Sukhumvit Rd near Central Pattaya Rd.
