Strange though it may seem to all of you massage fanatics, I have never had a massage before. I intend to rectify this in BKK. Apparently there are alot of venues to choose from such as Wat Po, various blind masseuses (SP?), day spas which seem to be similar to those here, or storefront locations.

My biggest questions is how to act at a massage. Do you undress? IF so, what do you put on for the massage? What about if you are getting a foot massage?

Please lend me your expertise. I'm not sure I want to spend my limited free time with a booked "spa day" scenario, the casual drop in would probably work bestfor me.

Thanks,

Lynnie

It depends on the place and the type of massage.

For Thai massage, the real Thai massage, no oil is used. It is a series of pressure points and body manipulations...some like it, some don't. There are definitely good and bad ones, bad ones being very bad indeed, painful and uncomfortable. If it's a street place or beach, you will just wear what you have on. If it's a good spa, you will change into loose fitting pajama type clothes.

Any kind of oil massage will require you to undress. Spas give you disposable underwear so your own doesn't get oily. You will be covered with towels or sheets or sarongs. A good spa will be good about draping and modesty.

Foot massage, take off shoes and socks only.

I've had all sorts of massages in all sorts of placees. The beach side places are cheap, but there is no privacy...you do get the benefit of teh sound of the sound of the sea though. My best experiences ever were at the Peninsula spa...excellent all around. It was so much better than any other place I've been I'm afraid I'm now spoiled for any other!

How do you act...just relax. They'll tell you what to do. Feel free to ask for the pressure to be harder or softer as well.

Kim is exactly right. My wife loves jammies they give you to wear at the nicer places. We have also had massages in our hotel room which is my favorite, I wear my own jammies at that time. My wifes favorite place is on the beach and there we just wear our swim suits. The foot massage at the mall is really cool also! Make sure you speak up and tell them what you are looking for!

If you've never had a massage before, I'd suggest that for your first time you do a foot massage or an oil. A real Thai massage might be too painful for as your initiation.

My wife and I love Thai massage. PegS makes a good suggestion about starting with a foot massage. Not everyone likes the energetic aspects of Thai massage. If you enjoy the foot massage, get a full Thai massage. I would skip the oil massage.

Don't worry about etiquette. The massage person will direct you. At many places, you will be given loose pants and top to change.

The massages are great. Have fun.