Leaving tomorrow for Bangkok:
Would like to know if there are salons out in the shopping malls or plazas that offer facials for the wife. Yes- they are in the 5 star hotel spas- but at those prices she can get them at home. We are looking for a good place that won't break the bank.
Thanks

Bill, I'm sure you and your wife will love Thailand, have a wonderful time.

I'm sure there are salons where your wife could have a facial. I do use the spa at the Royal Orchid... the prices there (Mandara Spa) are substantially less that they are for me in Seattle and the service and atmosphere is wonderful! Indeed, I'd recommend doing one of their several hour packages (massage, facial, body scrub...). I also had the best pedicure I've ever had at the Mandara in November.

Kathie- what was the price you paid for your facial at the Madara spa?

check out MBK mall.. I know they have some cheep massage places which may offer facials.

I think it's like 100baht ($2.50) for a half an hour neck and scalp massage

may'be checking out a hotel that is not so upscale may better.

You will see small Beauty Salons everywhere, very cheap, they will also do manicure for about B 150, it is much more laid back and casual in such places than large 'Spa' places.
Hey....I don't care......I go myself once in a while, it's really great, if you have never had one Bill try it, no worries!! Also local Barbers charge B 50 ($1.25) and they do a brilliant job.

James- thanks- wife will use them if they are clean and they appear to be professional.

I don't seem to have the price list from the spa, but in checking the hotel bill, it looks like the half day spa package was under US$150, including tax and service.

one tip if you use one of the local places is too remember what you asked for.... I've gone for a head massage and the male massause (wish it were lady) started acting if he din't remember what was asked and started massaging my legs which would of been extra. but I stoped him..

if you use one in MBK they are fairly used too farang and the managers usually knows some english as opposed too some places on the streets and soi's

oh and the prices at some of the MBK places are posted on the doors so you wont get riped off.

BillT - if your wife is looking for a day at the spa and specifically a manicure/pedicure may I suggest she bring her own things - emory boards, orange sticks, buffers, polish, pumise stone, etc. Living in NYC they have very strict laws re the operation of nail salons especially, and even though everything has to be sanitized between users, most everyone brings their own supplies (the shops actually have a storage case where regulars leave their personal supplies).

In NYC, many years ago (20+) when nail salons opened on just about every street corner, ago numerous clients were contracting different fungi - so these laws were put into effect. These items do not take up much room in your luggage (carryon bag) or your wife/yourself can purchase new while in BKK for this purpose.

Sandi- she is looking for a place for a facial only. We don't want the high priced hotel salons- we can get that here- but are looking for some places in BKK where it can be done and not break the bank.