Hi,
We'll be arriving in Bangkok from the US and want to get a massage right away to help get over jet lag? I see that Thai, Balinese and Swedish massages are offered. Which type is best for jet lag? I've never had a Thai or Balinese type before. BTW, I bruise extremely easily

A two hour Thai massage is just what the doctor ordered, but they can be rough. Just tell the masseuse to take it very easy on you. They will gladly follow your instructions.

If you bruise easily, I'd suggest you reconsider Thai massage.

There is no type of massage that is "best for jetlag" Some people like leg and foot massage after all the time on the plane, others want something relaxing like Swedish massage, others, like Gpanda, want Thai massage. Have the kind of massage you'd like. You'll likely feel better after your massage, but it won't "cure" the jetlag.

My flights arrive in Bangkok around midnight after starting in Boston. The best thing I can do for myself is to get my body clock on Thai time as soon as possible.

Even though I am at my hotel real late at night after the long flight I do not sleep in the following morning. I am up before 8 a.m. and immediately match my time to Thai time. When I go to sleep it is at a normal time for me only on Thai time.

Have fun in Thailand.

We're going to be staying at the Peninsula...and I hate their prices for massages, but I don't think we want to be venturing out far in search of a good massage just after we arrive. I'm not sure I'm up for Thai massage...sounds like I could get injured first day there! Good old hands on rub down sounds soothing to me.

>>>We're going to be staying at the Peninsula...and I hate their prices for massages, but I don't think we want to be venturing out far in search of a good massage just after we arrive. I'm not sure I'm up for Thai massage...sounds like I could get injured first day there! Good old hands on rub down sounds soothing to me.<<<


Well, now, kudos for your choice of hotel (a personal, all-time business/leisure favourite) and if you're not a BKK Peninsula 'regular', do know it's never been a problem for yours truly arranging for masseuses from various agencies to venture over for various 'jet lag busting' in-room massage treatments. (The fine, upstanding outcall service providers, 'Aviva' and 'Thonglor' - and their all-time cherished 'bookers' - vaguely come to mind, along with a few others best left unsaid.)

All the best for busting your jet lag, and as always, do kindly consider flying SQ - thank you.

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

A very effective way to get over the jet lag is to take a few cups of warm green tea an hour or so before the massage and again after the massage. The anti oxidants help tremendously.

I leave the type of massage to the experts...

It sounds like you want something that will awaken you more than relax you. In that case, I would suggest you consider a Thai massage. The purpose of the massage, when done correctly, is to improve circulation and energy flow throughout the body. If you're concerned about bruising (very unlikely) or it being painful, just ask the therapists at the Penninsula spa to use more gentle pressure. But do go to a higher end spa or someplace highly reputable, such as Wat Po Massage School. You'll see Thai massage shops on every other corner and many of them have no idea what they're doing.

You can call the Wat Pho School of massage and they will send a masseuse to your hotel. We've done thois a number of times. If you google them, you can find a phone number and call them and arrange the massage before you leave.

Great suggestions, everyone! JohnH, you're right, I read up more about Thai massage and I do want something to invigorate me.
The other thing I'm going to try to do is stay awake on the plane for the first 8 hrs (we leave LAX at midnight) and then take a sleeping pill at my US body time of 8am, which is closer to their night time....so when we arrive at 10:30am I'm ready to go.
Gpanda, I like the idea of calling the Wat Pho School of massage and having them come over.

On the other hand, for those of you Peninsula regulars....is the spa there incredible? I also thought of going over to the Chi Spa at the Shangri-La, which I've read more about.

I suggest a 2 hr Thai along with an herbal ball. I feel great after and sleep like a rock. Many reputable massage place offer that extra.

enjoy --