Where to buy reading glasses and get a massage in Bangkok?
Jan 12th, 2017, 05:48 AM
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Where to buy reading glasses and get a massage in Bangkok?
We arrived back in Bangkok today from Hainan Island and what a night it is riverside with a beautiful full moon. We had a light dinner on the terrace at the Peninsula at Thiptara while watching the moon rise across the river over the Mandarin Oriental.
Thanks to Guenmai's advice, we had a pleasant and reasonably priced ride in from the airport with AOT. The striking difference in this arrival, of course, is all the black and white billboards and banners paying tribute to the deceased King.
Two questions if anyone has any thoughts on these topics.
1. My husband and I would both like to get reading glasses while here because they are so expensive in the States compared to here. Any place to recommend? I used to just buy magnifiers here but need a prescription filled.
2. High-end hotel spa prices are high for us. Any local places to recommend? I know that some of you recco'd Face back in 2015 but I wonder about current recommendations.
It is clouding up a bit now, but for those of you who love Bangkok, it has been a magically pretty evening with gentle breezes and great views riverside. Our thoughts are with those suffering from extensive flooding in the south though.
Thanks to Guenmai's advice, we had a pleasant and reasonably priced ride in from the airport with AOT. The striking difference in this arrival, of course, is all the black and white billboards and banners paying tribute to the deceased King.
Two questions if anyone has any thoughts on these topics.
1. My husband and I would both like to get reading glasses while here because they are so expensive in the States compared to here. Any place to recommend? I used to just buy magnifiers here but need a prescription filled.
2. High-end hotel spa prices are high for us. Any local places to recommend? I know that some of you recco'd Face back in 2015 but I wonder about current recommendations.
It is clouding up a bit now, but for those of you who love Bangkok, it has been a magically pretty evening with gentle breezes and great views riverside. Our thoughts are with those suffering from extensive flooding in the south though.
Jan 12th, 2017, 06:34 AM
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I just dropped by Waltz, in Paragon Mall, yesterday to see if my eyeglasses were ready. I was to go in on the 14th, I think they told me. But, when I got there yesterday, the 11th, they said that they only needed about 2 hours and then the sunglasses would be ready as they were working on the tinting. So, I left and went to Exotic Thai and then dropped into Amici Italian to have a bite and then went back two hours later and everything was ready.
Last week, I took in 6 pairs of my own, new eyeglass frames to get prescription lenses. I had 4 pairs of clear, single-vision lenses and 2 pairs of sunglass single-vision lenses. It came to 6,200 baht for all of them. I had Hoya 1.55 lenses put in which is what I had put in last year. I've been fine with them. They are so lightweight until I forget that I'm even wearing glasses.
http://www.waltzvision.com
Last year, I went to every single eyeglass place on that floor and Waltz was the least expensive for what I needed. I buy my eyeglass frames mostly at home or in Paris or if in Italy, in Italy. At home, clear, single lenses cost me around $150. (tax included) and with insurance. Here they were 800 baht. So, 800 baht (clear) times 4 and 1,500 baht (sunglasses) times 2.
As far as the location of Waltz, if on the main, ground level of Paragon Mall, walk down the corridor to the far left of the mall where Harrods is. Then when you get to the middle set of escalators, near the small, Exotic Thai kiosks, take that set of escalators to get to the floor that Waltz is on. Or if you accidentally pass that set of escalators, then take the escalator where Jim Thompson is and go to the floor of Waltz. If you are at that end of the corridor, you will see Asia Books and walk past it and Waltz will be on the right side of the corridor.
Happy Travels!
Last week, I took in 6 pairs of my own, new eyeglass frames to get prescription lenses. I had 4 pairs of clear, single-vision lenses and 2 pairs of sunglass single-vision lenses. It came to 6,200 baht for all of them. I had Hoya 1.55 lenses put in which is what I had put in last year. I've been fine with them. They are so lightweight until I forget that I'm even wearing glasses.
http://www.waltzvision.com
Last year, I went to every single eyeglass place on that floor and Waltz was the least expensive for what I needed. I buy my eyeglass frames mostly at home or in Paris or if in Italy, in Italy. At home, clear, single lenses cost me around $150. (tax included) and with insurance. Here they were 800 baht. So, 800 baht (clear) times 4 and 1,500 baht (sunglasses) times 2.
As far as the location of Waltz, if on the main, ground level of Paragon Mall, walk down the corridor to the far left of the mall where Harrods is. Then when you get to the middle set of escalators, near the small, Exotic Thai kiosks, take that set of escalators to get to the floor that Waltz is on. Or if you accidentally pass that set of escalators, then take the escalator where Jim Thompson is and go to the floor of Waltz. If you are at that end of the corridor, you will see Asia Books and walk past it and Waltz will be on the right side of the corridor.
Happy Travels!
Jan 12th, 2017, 07:23 AM
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We also go to Siam Paragon for glasses. There are at least half a dozen optical shops there, all in the same area, os you can shop and choose the shop you like best.
For massage, I have had the best luck in Bangkok FACE or at my hotel. Yes, it is more expensive, but the massages I've had elsewhere just aren't as good. I understand the small spa at FACE is gone, but do check.
For massage, I have had the best luck in Bangkok FACE or at my hotel. Yes, it is more expensive, but the massages I've had elsewhere just aren't as good. I understand the small spa at FACE is gone, but do check.
Jan 12th, 2017, 03:01 PM
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If it's a massage that you want, then I've heard that the massage place outside of The Grand condo building is really good. I haven't tried it, but have read comments on it. It's a small place and is on the same grounds as The Grand and Sala Rossa Italian restaurant and caddy-corner, across from the Hansar Hotel on soi Mahatelek Luang 2. I'm at the Hansar now. The Grand is about a 3-4-minute walk from Rajadamri Sky train station and The Grand is also one building behind the St. Regis Hotel. I forget the name of the massage place, but you can't miss it. And I doubt if you need an appointment.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Jan 12th, 2017, 03:41 PM
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I totally forgot that a long-time, Thai friend of a good 15 years, owns a massage place/spa. It's inside of the Amarin Plaza, a couple buildings from the Erawan Shrine. I haven't tried it as when I go to Amarin Plaza, I'm usually in a hurry home and drop in to say hi to her. She owns a fabric place called, Come Thai, where I've shopped for many years, and her spa is next door to it. Her husband runs the spa. I've been in and chatted with the husband who is really nice.
When, I've gone into the spa, it's been busy so must be quite popular. So, if you go into Amarin Plaza and go up to Come Thai fabric, ask for Nong. If she's not there just ask for the spa or walk next door, to the right, if facing Come Thai. There's a corridor between Come Thai and the spa. She's been in the spa business for many years as she also went to Singapore and opened there, years ago, and then in Bangkok. I'm sure her place doesn't cost a fortune. Plus, it’s a lot closer than going all the way to Face as I remember you’re staying at the Pen.
So, if you decided on Amarin Plaza, you can 1) take the sky train and get off at Rajadamri and when you get to the Erawan Shrine turn right and keep walking a short distance 2) take the sky train to Siam station and walk as Amarin Plaza is connected to the sky train walkway 3) Take the skytrain to Siam and then transfer to direction Bearing and get off at Chitlom and then walk to Amarin Plaza. I think the fastest would be to just walk from Rajadamri sky train station. Plus, Rajadamri sky train station is peaceful and I’ve never seen it busy. I take the sky train from and to there nearly daily as I stay 3-4 minutes away.
Below is a mention of Come Thai fabric in case you also need some fabric as she has some gorgeous stuff and also scarves and shawls. So massage and fabric. Smiles.
https://www.travelfish.org/sight_pro...k/bangkok/2134
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thai...ng-in-bangkok/
Happy Travels!
When, I've gone into the spa, it's been busy so must be quite popular. So, if you go into Amarin Plaza and go up to Come Thai fabric, ask for Nong. If she's not there just ask for the spa or walk next door, to the right, if facing Come Thai. There's a corridor between Come Thai and the spa. She's been in the spa business for many years as she also went to Singapore and opened there, years ago, and then in Bangkok. I'm sure her place doesn't cost a fortune. Plus, it’s a lot closer than going all the way to Face as I remember you’re staying at the Pen.
So, if you decided on Amarin Plaza, you can 1) take the sky train and get off at Rajadamri and when you get to the Erawan Shrine turn right and keep walking a short distance 2) take the sky train to Siam station and walk as Amarin Plaza is connected to the sky train walkway 3) Take the skytrain to Siam and then transfer to direction Bearing and get off at Chitlom and then walk to Amarin Plaza. I think the fastest would be to just walk from Rajadamri sky train station. Plus, Rajadamri sky train station is peaceful and I’ve never seen it busy. I take the sky train from and to there nearly daily as I stay 3-4 minutes away.
Below is a mention of Come Thai fabric in case you also need some fabric as she has some gorgeous stuff and also scarves and shawls. So massage and fabric. Smiles.
https://www.travelfish.org/sight_pro...k/bangkok/2134
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thai...ng-in-bangkok/
Happy Travels!
Jan 12th, 2017, 06:05 PM
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I just came back from breakfast and walked past the massage place across the street. It's called Cho 9 Massage. www.chao9massage.com.
The prices on the sign outside are as follows:
* Thai massage 270 baht per hour
* Foot massage 270 baht/ hour
* Back and shoulder massage 270 baht/ hour
* Body oil massage 540 baht/hour
* Aroma therapy massage 720 baht/hour
* Body scrub 720 baht/hour
* Thai herbal hot compress 720 baht/hour
This is the place outside of The Grand condo building and on the same property with the Sala Rossa Italian restaurant. The restaurant has a huge, green sign which can be seen as soon as you enter the soi.
The massage place is open from 10AM to midnight.
Happy Travels!
The prices on the sign outside are as follows:
* Thai massage 270 baht per hour
* Foot massage 270 baht/ hour
* Back and shoulder massage 270 baht/ hour
* Body oil massage 540 baht/hour
* Aroma therapy massage 720 baht/hour
* Body scrub 720 baht/hour
* Thai herbal hot compress 720 baht/hour
This is the place outside of The Grand condo building and on the same property with the Sala Rossa Italian restaurant. The restaurant has a huge, green sign which can be seen as soon as you enter the soi.
The massage place is open from 10AM to midnight.
Happy Travels!
Jan 13th, 2017, 07:02 AM
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we have been having massages at river city the last few years. similar prices to what guen quoted above... ask the penn concierge to call the river city boat for you from penn pier... comes in 5-10 minutes.
massage place is not glamourous but treatments are good.
it is on 2nd floor just opposite JS Thai silk, Karen's tailor---check them out too. mention us to penny the owner.
we have our glasses made by tong's husband, but his shop is near khao san rd and a bit of a pain to find.
massage place is not glamourous but treatments are good.
it is on 2nd floor just opposite JS Thai silk, Karen's tailor---check them out too. mention us to penny the owner.
we have our glasses made by tong's husband, but his shop is near khao san rd and a bit of a pain to find.
Jan 15th, 2017, 01:04 PM
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Thank you very much for this treasure trove of information. We are startlingly slow to act on our intentions to order eyeglasses and have a massage having succumbed to the charms of being quietly absorbed in being somewhere beautiful... and perhaps being more tired than we realized. We will definitely follow this guidance as soon as we get in gear to move.
We have a basic room at the Penn which appeals to me since I quite like the balcony. Sitting out here now since 4 AM is a delight. There were barges chugging along when I first came out, but not a single vessel has passed in the past half hour. Roosters have already started crowing and lots of lights twinkle across the river, but the Chao Phraya itself is entirely quiet -- something I have never seen before.
We start each day with a leisurely breakfast outside on the terrace. Custom made omelettes smothered in thai chili sauce with sides of dim sum and fresh fruit are my favorite breakfast here. While we usually avoid juice in favor of fruit, the guava-lemongrass juice here is irresistible.
We have whiled away alll three afternoons under pavilions at the pool, swimming, reading voraciously, chatting, and monitoring life on the river. The latter I find of consuming interest.
We drifted over to the Mandarin Oriental on our second evening for a simple dinner on the Verandah followed by some jazz in the Bamboo Bar. Our third evening, we drifted lazily down to the Antara to check out the new construction from a distance and have dinner riverside at the Longtail Bar. Lots of thai dishes and sensational service. Last evening, we again went to Thiptara on the Penn terrace for a meal we savored that included traditional papaya salad, yellow curry sea bass, pad thai, mango sticky rice, a smooth chilean cabernet sauvignon, and lemongrass tea as the moon rose high.
In past years, we have enthusiastically visited every attraction on the highlights list, but on this visit I am so enjoying just being in place and marveling at so many exquisite sights -- a profusion of orchids here, a well-tended herb garden there, the beautiful roof line of a sala, Being on the river always feels so invigorating and satisfying as well.
Perhaps we will do more after the sun rises, but for now just being here is deeply pleasing. Those of you who first introduced us to Bangkok through your guidance and advice know exactly whatI mean. Thank you for so much valuable guidance.
We have a basic room at the Penn which appeals to me since I quite like the balcony. Sitting out here now since 4 AM is a delight. There were barges chugging along when I first came out, but not a single vessel has passed in the past half hour. Roosters have already started crowing and lots of lights twinkle across the river, but the Chao Phraya itself is entirely quiet -- something I have never seen before.
We start each day with a leisurely breakfast outside on the terrace. Custom made omelettes smothered in thai chili sauce with sides of dim sum and fresh fruit are my favorite breakfast here. While we usually avoid juice in favor of fruit, the guava-lemongrass juice here is irresistible.
We have whiled away alll three afternoons under pavilions at the pool, swimming, reading voraciously, chatting, and monitoring life on the river. The latter I find of consuming interest.
We drifted over to the Mandarin Oriental on our second evening for a simple dinner on the Verandah followed by some jazz in the Bamboo Bar. Our third evening, we drifted lazily down to the Antara to check out the new construction from a distance and have dinner riverside at the Longtail Bar. Lots of thai dishes and sensational service. Last evening, we again went to Thiptara on the Penn terrace for a meal we savored that included traditional papaya salad, yellow curry sea bass, pad thai, mango sticky rice, a smooth chilean cabernet sauvignon, and lemongrass tea as the moon rose high.
In past years, we have enthusiastically visited every attraction on the highlights list, but on this visit I am so enjoying just being in place and marveling at so many exquisite sights -- a profusion of orchids here, a well-tended herb garden there, the beautiful roof line of a sala, Being on the river always feels so invigorating and satisfying as well.
Perhaps we will do more after the sun rises, but for now just being here is deeply pleasing. Those of you who first introduced us to Bangkok through your guidance and advice know exactly whatI mean. Thank you for so much valuable guidance.
Jan 15th, 2017, 05:06 PM
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Glad you're relaxing and doing things at a pace that best suits you. I'm doing the same now that it's Week 3 here and I've finished running all of my errands, except two, which I need to do today out in Sukhumvit. Continue to have a great and relaxing trip.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Feb 5th, 2017, 10:32 PM
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Interesting thought, as we will be staying In Bangkok twice, with a 10 day gap in between. My lenses badly need replacement and I carry a current prescription.
Does one bargain for price at the optician?
Or for that matter, at any or all of the shops in, say, Paragon?
Does one bargain for price at the optician?
Or for that matter, at any or all of the shops in, say, Paragon?
Feb 8th, 2017, 02:35 AM
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"Does one bargain for price at the optician?"
I did and my final price came down. But, then again, I can bargain for about anything even if I don't always get my bargain, but I have no problem trying. On this recent trip, I went into my same optical place and was quoted an unreasonable higher price than I had paid the previous year, but I set my price, an eyebrow was raised by the person waiting on me, and then I took out my journal, showed how much I had paid the previous year, and made it clear that I wouldn't pay any price higher. I ended up with the price that I asked for. I did the same at my optical place in Paris last summer when a friend and I went in for me to buy the same eyeglass frames that I had bought the previous year and they tried to charge me about $75. more. Well, it wasn't working and when I left, I had paid the same price as the year prior. It's in the art of bargaining. I also bargained the price down on my 3 pairs of eyeglass frames that I got here at home and took to Bangkok to have lenses put in. So, bargaining works a lot of the time, but a lot of westerners just aren't used to doing it and think that it can't be done about anywhere, but in a lot of those places it can be done if one attempts it.
Happy Travels!
I did and my final price came down. But, then again, I can bargain for about anything even if I don't always get my bargain, but I have no problem trying. On this recent trip, I went into my same optical place and was quoted an unreasonable higher price than I had paid the previous year, but I set my price, an eyebrow was raised by the person waiting on me, and then I took out my journal, showed how much I had paid the previous year, and made it clear that I wouldn't pay any price higher. I ended up with the price that I asked for. I did the same at my optical place in Paris last summer when a friend and I went in for me to buy the same eyeglass frames that I had bought the previous year and they tried to charge me about $75. more. Well, it wasn't working and when I left, I had paid the same price as the year prior. It's in the art of bargaining. I also bargained the price down on my 3 pairs of eyeglass frames that I got here at home and took to Bangkok to have lenses put in. So, bargaining works a lot of the time, but a lot of westerners just aren't used to doing it and think that it can't be done about anywhere, but in a lot of those places it can be done if one attempts it.
Happy Travels!
Feb 8th, 2017, 02:57 AM
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Top Charoen Optical is a company with several shops all over Thailand. Found in malls and various locations in parts of Bangkok popular with tourists.
Google search will give you more specifics for this eyeglasses company. Other eye glasses stores found in malls.
Good luck.
Google search will give you more specifics for this eyeglasses company. Other eye glasses stores found in malls.
Good luck.
