Massage Options Thailand Cambodia

Therapeutic Massage can be a unique experience in South East Asia

Apr 13, 2009

Thailand and Cambodia both offer unique therapeutic massage options, businesses are conducted as charities and assist the underprivileged providing training and earnings.

South East Asia offers therapeutic massage everywhere; streets are lined with shops decked out with reclining chairs and towels neatly folded. Thailand and Cambodia have unique massage options for the traveller and definitely both make a good conversational piece at dinner. The option of a relaxing massage to revive the senses and muscles after sightseeing while travelling is almost mandatory. Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand and Siem Reap in Cambodia have massage establishments which assist the underprivileged, offering training and payment for services. Similar charity organisations are available in Pakse,Laos.

Massage in Chiang Mai Women’s Prison

Spa and Prison are not two words usually used together but at Chiang Mai Women’s Prison you will find just that. A small spa at the Women’s prison offers traditional Thai full body massage, foot massage, herbal massage and sauna. This industrious adventure is a rehabilitation training program which assists the prisoners to learn a skill which can be used once released and the money earned from these treatments goes directly to the prisoners to save when they are released. The atmosphere here is nice although a little grey and lacking usual massage ambience but the massages are great and the women well trained in their art, don’t worry you will not be massaged by a hardened criminal as those working in the spa are due for release within six months. Guards are the ever present shadows but rest assured you will experience a peaceful and relaxing massage as conversation between the client and prisoner is forbidden. The spa is located in the ‘Prison Shop Building’ directly opposite the main prison. Please be aware that photographs are not allowed under any circumstances – even of the outside building.

Note also that the calico herbal pads used can be purchased in the prison shop, all goods sold are made by the prisoners and all proceeds support this worthwhile charity.

Seeing Hands Massage in Siem Reap

Seeing Hands Massage is set in a quiet alley in Siem Reap, Cambodia, a short distance from the famous temples and hustle and bustle of the local markets and restaurants. The facilities are basic but comfortable; the blind masseurs are skilled in the art of traditional Khmer massage and it appears to ring true when supposedly a person without sight develops a more sensitive touch. Cambodia is a country that does not have a social security network and the benefits to the masseurs is not only in money earned but the social acceptance of employment restoration of dignity.

The copyright of the article Massage Options Thailand Cambodia in E Asia Travel is owned by Lynn Allen. Permission to republish Massage Options Thailand Cambodia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.